Hunting trials

Staring at the man who stood before them as though he was in his backyard, with nary a care in the world, the group was visibly stunned. They had expected a lot of things, but never in their wildest dreams would they expect the hunt to be over that fast. 

Cate was overwhelmed with shock. She had personally fought the griffins, and she knew just how poweful and terrifying they were. She also knew that the alpha had a secret attacking method. The damned thing had used that attack method several times.

Any person that received the attack had died soon afterwards, so she did not know how that attack method worked. Unlike what Haiser had assumed, she did not withold this information, she just never got hit by the attack. 

The griffins had been on them for several days. Her team had been top notch, hand chosen by the higher ups. Their performance had been stellar, at least, in her eyes. If a lesser team had been in their place, it was doubtful that they would have survived even one full day.

It was even painful to think that the monsters that had given them such a hard time were dead. It had only taken a measly ten seconds for them to be killed. How was that anything but a bad joke? 

Was this the strength of our organization? Cate wondered. Even now, she believed that Haiser and his team were backups that the higher ups had sent her. She never expected them to be this powerful. 

Haiser noticed the look he was getting from Cate. He also noticed the admiration, bordering on worship, coming from Cate's teammates. However, looking at Carlos, he was shocked to see disappointment registered all over his face. From the look, Haiser was sure the man wanted a piece of the action. 

"All headshots," Joel commented, "I guess you've won this round." While the others were shocked by the feat of shooting down the fiends in ten seconds, Joel was examining the body. From the wounds, he realized that almost every shot fired had been fatal. He could not do this. 

"So what, even I can do that," Carlos boasted. Deep down, he knew he couldn't, but he didn't have to admit that. Not bothering to argue, he turned to Cate and asked, "Now that you've seen our performance, what's the reward." 

Cate was momentarily caught off-guard. With the death of the griffins, the hunting trials was over. Those watching could no longer see the progress. There was no longer a need to continue with the charade. Could it be that they were who they said they were? If that's the case, then the feat they had accomplished was even more astonishing.

"You asked for one, we have given you three," Felix said, finally finding a voice. 

"Let me ask, are you guys part of Iresal consolidated company?" She finally voiced her concern. 

"Iresal? I wish," Carlos said ruefully. "If we were, would we be wasting time galavanting in the boonies like we are? You company people are super rich, so you must have some good rewards. Don't worry, we won't be greedy, give us a fair price and we will accept it."

Cate eyed Haiser once more. Despite his soldier-like appearance, she picked up on a few things she had not seen before. The man before her exuded an aristocratic aura. From the way he held himself, Cate could tell that he was not simple. The only other people that gave her such feelings were the members of the Iresal family.

How had such a person come to exist in such a place?

"You do know that you are currently in the East Continent's hunting ground, don't you?" she asked. It seemed these people did not even know what was happening. 

"Of course," Carlos answered. However, he could tell, there was something more. 

"Are you aware that you have walked into the five families' hunting trials?" Cate continued. judging from their answers and their reactions, they did not seem to know this simple thing. Yet, almost everyone in the world had heard of this even. 

Any and every form of media had been broadcasting this piece of news. For the next three months, the East Continent's hunting grounds was a forbidden ground. Everyone was warned off, since they would be releasing dangerous animals into the forest.

"We are in a hunting trial?" Felix exclaimed. 

Who had not heard of a hunting trial before? The rich would organize such games for their own amusement and training, and sometimes competition. Hunting trials were especially dangerous since the danger did not just come from the prey, but from fellow competitors.

Unlike the rest, Haiser's frown was much more meaningful. He knew that hunting trials were monitored, right up to the time when the hunt was complete. Haiser realized that he had caught the attention of the kind of people he needed to avoid. What's worse, he had put up a very dazzling and amazing performance. 

"Wait, we are in a hunting trial? Since we did everything for you, then the reward is bound to be very bountiful, don't you think?" Carlos was the first to recover. He couldn't help thinking of how thick his wallet would grow. Even the substantial loss he had endured from betting against Haiser would be compensated.

"I can't make that decision," Cate said solemnly, "However, if you guys come with me, I can lead you to my supervisors. After seeing your performance, I am sure they will not be mean. How about it?" 

Cate was already thinking of how she could persuade the group before her to join her hunting party. If they were official members, with their skills, her party's performance would eclipse all her competitors. 

"What, don't tell me you guys are unwilling," she said, looking at Haiser. She knew he was the leader, and he was the one she wanted on her side the most. However, she could see reluctance in his eyes. 

"I don't think anyone is going back with you, even your return is uncertain," A sudden, arrogant voice came out of the forest. The speaker soon emerged. A cocky smile on his face.