The hunted Hunters: Offering, Late Supper

Willow's Creep, Southern part

Border between Inner and Outer area

"Hmmm what should i do first?"

[Yuki thinks of a solution to his current situation. Right now He's sitting at the top of Calden's back.]

It's surprising when this Lone Calden charged to us at full-speed. But somehow

i managed to hurt its leg a bit.

Now it moves forward to the eastern part, with this pace and direction...

What is this bull trying to do? It wants to tackle and destroy the city wall? Despite its bleeding leg?

It's really abnormal compared to Mrs. Rinne story. And it seems this bull won't stop at...any seconds...??..eh?

[Suddenly the Calden slows its move, gradually lose the speed.]

Hmm? Is it exhausted?

Ofcourse with sudden charge like that and the bleeding leg.

Hmm it seems searching for something.

Resting place?

[The Calden's power is reflected clearly in the surrounding monsters behaviour. Every place the Lone Calden wanders, any other monsters seem avoiding it while shivering.]

Hoo...so there's a lake here, quite useful information.

Right now It seems the Calden is really resting its body. It's better to survey the surrounding first, perhaps i'll find more unknown information.

BOOOMM!!

GUUOOO!!

[Suddenly a Minotaur is bashed out from the forest.]

What's that sound?

A party fight around here too?!

[The bashed Minotaur looks at Yuki's direction and considers him as an enemy.]

What's the deal with this Mino?

[Yuki slashes it in a blink before the Minotaur falls to the ground, headless.]

Fuuuhh..Now i should go out from here. One Calden is enough to simulate my power. More than this is only such a waste of my time and energy.

"Boooy! Are you okaay?!!"

Dammit! Don't shout!!

MOO?

[The resting calden take notice to Yuki and Vanheir.]

Aahh...it looks this way.

------------------------------------------

Duran side

"Uhm sir..can i ask something?" (Ludor)

"What is it? If you wanna have a business, hold on a bit, we'll arrive at Harvest area in any minutes."

The girls snicker, on the other side Kairen smirks, when they hear Duran's half joke.

"That's not it, sir!!"

"So?"

"I'm just curious what you saw back then.

Is Yuki really alright?" (Ludor)

"Haha sorry for my shameless act, but he's amazingly alright." (Duran)

"What do you mean, sir?" (Cleo)

"It seems the one who hurts the Calden's leg is him."

"What?! H-how?!!" (Ludor)

"Dunno either."

"Whaa!!"

The A-rankers are flinched as they hear the immediate answer.

"But..i sense a trace of Yuki's arcana on its leg. Perhaps he hits the Calden when we're busy retreating."

"Why though? I think we're already far enough from the Calden that time." (Cleo)

"To deflect its direction." (Kairen)

"Hmm??" (Cleo)

"Yeah, I'm sure with that speed, we'll still be chased by that bull if Yuki-boy didn't interfere it." (Duran)

"Uugh.." (Ludor)

"Hee? How do you know it's a male, sir?"

(Cleo)

"Yeah, there's never in history a male Calden." (Kairen)

"Ah...i didn't mean to...you know, you better asking Yuki later." (Duran)

"Haaaa???"

The A-rankers once again are stuck with uncertain answer.

--------------------------------

Back to Yuki side

"What's this monster goal? It dashes straight to where the city gate stands!"

"I don't know either, oldman. One thing i know, someone wake him up rashly."

"Guuh..i'm sorry, please don't mention it anymore. But..how dyou know it's 'him', boy?"

Vanheir curiously wonders,

"When the first time i hang onto its tail."

"Ah..i'm sorry again, boy."

But now he regrets his action.

"That doesn't matter now, more important its leg is recovered already."

"What?! How?"

"Dunno, my guess is the lake water. It consumes only that anyway."

When they still chase after the Calden, a deafening blast is heard from some meters away.

"Dammit!! Seems it already reach the gate."

Both of them hasten their moves and finally arrive at the Eastern gate when a terrifying scene in front of them.

"Waah help mee!!"

"Come on guys! Take those people inside! Fast!!"

"Group 3 follow me! We'll assist group 1!!"

"Hold on, buddies!! Reinforcement has come!!"

"Guuhh!!! What the hell with this skin?!"

"Where this Calden comes from?!!"

Some adventurers are lying down when the guards try to reach and save them.

The other guards repel the herd of Minotaurs and the Lone Calden. It looks as one-sided attack as the Monsters gradually push the guards to the city gate.

"Dammit!! It already-"

"Kyaaa!!"

A newbie adventurer is screaming at the moment a Minotaur's going to crush him with a giant Greataxe.

The guards are more focused on the Calden, a few who block some Minotaurs can only watch that event at slow motion in their mind.

*SLASH!*

A metal sound slashing the Minotaur is heard by the newbie before he slowly opens his eyes.

"That's sure disgusting cry for a male."

The newbie can see only the back of his savior, a firm standing which indicates as if there's no movement made by the savior.

The surrounding guards wonder the same thing, when this boy slash the head of Minotaur.

"Everyone!! Retreaaat!!"

The roar of Vanheir snaps all of the guards consiousness then move their limbs.

"Y-yeah!! Move move!"

"Oldman, hold on!"

"Someone, one more man lying there!"

"Fast! There're more incoming!"

"Scout, Cover us!"

The scout at the top of city wall unleash the arrows to slow down the Minotaurs, before they can reach the guards.

At the same time, Vanheir kills a number of Minotaurs but exhaust himself since he needs some moves to kill each of them. Yuki does it without a sweat since only one slash for each target.

While the Minotaurs are indeed stopped,

the Calden notice the refugees and chase after them.

Then in a-long-one second, it slams its full-body to the city gate, causing the gate collapse in no time.

It's only a close call that Yuki succeed to hold the Calden's direct tackle. Though the city gate is broken down, Yuki prevents it from stray too far into the residence.

"Boy! Are you okay?!"

Vanheir follows Yuki later,

"I'm alright, sir. But please, may i ask you to evacuate them?"

Yuki means the civilians and the refugees behind him through his eyes to Vanheir. In Yuki's calm voice, Vanheir feels a faint of worry.

"Damn! Just focus on that thing, boy!"

"Ofcourse, sir."

"Uncles, aunties, are you alright?"

"Oh, it's sir Vanheir."

"Aah..what's happening, Vanheir boy?"

"It's alright, just get outta here fast, please."

"O-okay..."

"Sir, can i help with something?"

The offer from one of the grandpas snaps Vanheir back to his sense.

Shit! I lose my cool, huh.

"Can you help others, uncle? And call the guards, please!"

"Alright, sir! I'll be right back! Come on, dear."

"Ughh..slow down a bit."

[The old couples left the battlefield.

On the other hand, Vanheir has many thoughts while observing the surrounding.]

Damn, as S-ranker i lose my confidence.

Ofcourse who's not nervous against

that crazy Calden?! A furious calden enter the city wall! It's never happened in history!!

For now i'll help clearing the perimeter at least.

"Kid, just kick that damn cattle outta here. I'll surely secure the surrounding!"

"Thank you, oldman."

Yuki exhales his breath for a second then he strengthen his grip on Calden's claw.

In the next second, his foothold burst with sudden enormous energy.

Then at last, in one breath, he pushes rigorously the Calden back to the forest miles away.

"Mwooooo!!!"

The Calden cries out like a thunder as it's sent flying. Its cry causes a gust of wind in the residence around Yuki.

Though it doesn't affect Yuki at all. He dashes forward to the floating Calden and kick it down literally at the center of its chest bone, cracked into the whole chest bones.

BOOOOMMM!!!

The whole area, where the Calden's falling, is crushed and its explosive sound is heard in all other areas of the forest.

"W-w-whaat?!!...you actually really kick that thing, boy?!"

While Vanheir going blank for a second,

a figure comes near him and ask a question.

"Is that boy...Yuki?"

"Wha?! Please evacuate from here ma...!!"

Vanheir's mouth drops when looking at the person.

"Over here!!"

The grandpa from before bring the guards along with him now.

"Quick! We'll assist sir Vanheir!"

"Sir are you alright?"

"Ma'am, please get out...h-huuhh?!"

"Rinne?! What're you doin..?!!" (Vanheir)

"M-m-madam Flamerose, are you here to help?" (Guard1)

"Ofcourse shopping, geezer. Are you going senile more than oldman Herald now?"

Rinne ignores the guards and answer to Vanheir only.

"S-shut up, you little missy!!"

The guards who just come to the scene can't enter the talk between these two legends.

"Just answer my question, Mr. Adventurer. Is that Yuki?"

"Ye-yeah, Herald entrusted me with his evaluation. But i don't think...wait how do you...?!"

Rinne already walks away before Vanheir finishes his statement.

"Heeeeyy don't just walk away when i'm talking!!"

"Shoo shoo, go help the civilians won't you? You still an adventurer right, oldman?"

"Damn you, Rinne! You and your always speaking-truth mouth! Just go straight to your home, Rinne!"

"Hmph! You're not my pa, oldman."

The two leave the area separately while the guards follow Vanheir quietly.

"Better i prepare his meals before he clears the festival." Rinne goes on her way with a cheerful mood.

----------------------------------------

[Meanwhile, Yuki's side]

"Haahh!!"

[It's Yuki's roar while he strikes the Calden exactly at the middle of its chest.]

MUUOOOO!!

[The Male Calden cries out before finally succumb to the pain.]

BAAMM!!

[The Male Calden faint then collapse to the ground, causing quite a crater due to its heavy weight.]

Hmm i guess my strength not enough.

It needs two kicks on the same spot to make a dent. Though i'm sure my first kick broke its chest bone, the cracking sound is sure loud.

If i conclude it myself, the dense meat of it burdens the bone itself. It needs only a full-force strike on the right spot. Unfortunately the needed force is quite huge, considering my stats is in the mid rank.

#Note: Yuki average strength is 600, Max stat is 1000. So Yuki's strength is around

A-rank.

"Ooooiii, boooy!! How is it going?!!"

(Vanheir)

"Oh you're quite fast, sir."

"So how's the cald-!!"

Vanheir see the obvious result, but still doubt his eyes.

"It's over already. You took time too long for strolling, old man."

Yuki puts on his smug face.

"Think before you speak, damn brat!! It's fast or long, huh?!"

"Hmm, anyway it's already over, old man."

"H-how did you do it? I'm sure i ran every second rushing this way."

"I hit it twice at the mid of chest bone, around here."

Yuki point out the middle of his chest.

"Hmm...quite effective i see, noone ever dares to try that reckless method though."

"Why?"

"It's you, how did you do it?

That's the right question."

"When the first time i toss it from the city, the Calden turned upside down. So its chest is revealed up to the sky, then i just kick it down at that spot."

"Oh, kicking at that time. So how's the second?"

"We're cuddling fiercely till one moment there's an opening, it opens widely its chest. Then i kick it full-force from below."

"Heeehh..you explain it as if it's just a simple trick."

It's simple kick, though...oh!

[Thought Yuki when he remembers something urgent.]

"Ah i forgot something, sir."

"Hm what is it, boy?"

Yuki rushes his way to the fainted calden,

Whaaamm!!

then chopping its neck cleanly.

"Haa?? Why you need to do that?"

"Before it suffers more, i should end its misery."

"Sigh...you're really weird for an adventurer, though i'll vouch for your capability."

"So is there anything else we need, oldman?"

"Nah, i guess we should head back now."

"Alright, sir."

Whoooossshh!!

Yuki store the second calden into his spatial storage.

"It's still amazing looking at your spatial magic, boy."

"It's nothing great to see, oldman."

"Hmmphh.."

Vanheir is a bit of disagree with Yuki's modesty.

"Alright, let's get going sir."

"Sure! Not too fast, boy."

The moment Vanheir finishes the sentence, Yuki already leaves him behind.

"Daaammn braaatt!!"

-------------------------------------

Harvest area, the Southern gate

East of Assembly area

Boomm!!

One of the low-rank party put down their hunt to get valuation.

"Alright, one Minotaur. It's 50 silver sir."

"Huuhh?? Isn't that too cheap, buddy?"

"No, sir. Since only the leg intact with perfect condition."

"Guuuh...fine, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Harvest area is a place to sell the hunt to the guild as a temporary valuation spot for Cowfering.

In this crowded place, the Alpha party look for a vacant spot to be reserved for their party.

"Woah...other parties already finish their hunt." (Cleo)

The A-rankers of Alpha party look around as if it's a sightseeing tour for children, including Kairen, secretly.

"Ofcourse, since we prioritize the safety, it's certainly crowded even in an early time."

(Duran)

"Look, that's the Snow fang, and there the Shadow serpent." (Cleo)

"Look even the Snow fang only able to get Minotaurs." (Ludor)

"Indeed, but the quantity is alot. And look at the condition, they are quite neat."

(Fanya)

"Correct, the Snow fang is famous for their well-coordinated team work and their safety planning. Therefore many talented beginners are interested to join them. They surely aim the Minotaurs foremost."

(Duran)

"How about the Shadow serpent? They acquire one Calden and three Minotaurs. That's certainly one group of Calden. But..."

(Fanya)

"Their conditions are...gross.." (Cleo)

"Shadow serpent is famous of their extreme brutal ideal. They prefer going all out and most cruel method on any targets. So yeah instead of their achievement, most of them are unsellable."

(Duran)

"So besides the success rate, we should consider the quality too, sir?" (Ludor)

"Correct! And you all succeed to hunt with quite effective method. As i checked on your result, there're only few deformities.

I guarantee they will fetch at high price."

"Hehe guess we should be proud a bit of our hunt." (Cleo)

"Hmph, Ofcourse." (Kairen)

The members of Alpha party celebrate their success early with a small talk of their hunt.

At last they reach the Harvest center, and ask if the guild have a vacant spot for their party later.

As experienced by Duran, Usually there are a lot of lining. Since in many cases, the party and the guild negotiate for the price and the hunt being processed on the spot. Therefore usually some of parties come in the next day.

But, it's not the case for Alpha party.

"Ah! Alpha party right?"

"Yes, Mister."

"I thought i misheard things, by the way how you doin Mr. Duran? I didn't expect you'll join Cowfering this year."

The guild staff pass on some messages to the back staff while make a small talk to Duran.

"Haha, it's an old friend's request.

I didn't expect it either."

"I see...Well, anyway i'm glad you're alright and still active. I have a bit of debt to you, how about i buy you some good meal and drink next time in Flamerose Inn, Mister?

I saved up quite a sum."

"Well ofcourse! I never refuse any hospitality. So about the Alpha party.."

"Please be patient a bit longer, Mr. Duran.

I already sent the priority call to the higher-up, she should come in any minutes."

"What do you mean? Who will come?"

"Madam Emily.

eh? You don't know, Mister?"

"Not a bit, why is it?"

"It's written here, Alpha party get prioritized which assign Madam Emily herself as your assistant. Since it takes a bit of time for her to come, i beg for your patient and relax,

Mr. Duran."

"A-alright. I'll wait there and inform others."

"As you wish, oh yeah please tell me when you have free time Mr. Duran. I really mean my invitation before."

"Sure, please excuse me."

Duran still tries to wrap up the fact. He never face such special treatment. He thinks about it seriously when suddenly

the other members startle him.

"How is it, mister?" (Cleo)

"H-huh? Yeah?"

"Are you okay, mister?"

"I-i am okay. It's just a bit dizzy."

"What's happened there? Should we come tomorrow?"

"No, actually it's the opposite."

"What? What do you mean, mister?"

"We get prioritized with Madam Emily as the assistant."

"WHAAT?!!"

The A-rankers scream out at the top of their lung. The other adventurers consequently look at the Alpha party, then Cleo, Fanya and Ludor bow their head to apologize.

"Ma-madam Emily?! That one of the active legends?!" (Cleo)

"Yes, it is." (Duran)

"I-i-i can't face her directly..." (Fanya)

"T-true, i propose we wait for Yuki or Sir Vanheir at least." (Ludor)

"I agree."

Said Kairen while holding his nervous.

At that moment, other members stay silent when looking at approval from Kairen.

Kairen just stay silent with his embarrassed face.

"Alright we wait for them as a form of unison."

"Ooouu!!"

The Alpha party ignore the recent awkward and shout in unison.

-------------------------------

17 minutes later, Cleo spots Yuki from

the East of Harvest area.

"Ah there he is!"

"Yuukiii!!"

The crowd give quite an attention when they hear the name Yuki.

"How is it, Yuki? Are you alright?" (Fanya)

"I'm just fine, you should pay more attention to oldman Vanheir."

"Yeah, i'm just gonna ask you, where is Sir Vanheir, Yuki?" (Cleo)

"He's way back there. He said i should go ahead, seems like a bit exhausted."

"Really? Not like usual is he." (Duran)

"So where i should drop my hunt, mister?"

"Oh yeah, we wait for you actually.

Let's go there." (Duran)

"Oouu!!" (A-rankers)

Alpha party finally goes to the guild staff for valuation process.

"Why wait for us though? I thought you all already finish your business."

"We wait for unison, you know. We should go together, right?" (Cleo)

"Hehe good words, kid." (Duran)

"W-well actually we're a bit nervous." (Fanya)

"Wha?! Fanya? I already give good excuse though."

"Haaahh, Miss Fanya is right, Miss Cleo. Sooner or later he would know anyway."

(Ludor)

"Yeaah, it's okay kid. Just look for yourself, Yuki. Someone's waiting for us." (Duran)

When arrive at the scene, Yuki sees Emily in usual manner and just talk normally about his hunt. Seems like he forgets about the others reason for being nervous while the other members startle seeing Yuki non-challantly report to Emily.

Looking at the Alpha party which has Emily as the assistant from the guild, The crowd unconciously make a circle around them to watch their result. They hope to mock their failure, instead of surprise.

BAAAM!!!

Yuki extorts his preys out from his spatial storage. It's clearly seen Two Caldens and One Minotaur.

A terrifying feat, even for S-ranker.

"W-whaaatt??!!!"

"You joking..."

"Fufu...as expected as always, Mr. Yuki.

You always exceed my expectation."

(Emily)

While it already becomes normal scene for Emily, it's suprising for A-rankers and

S-rankers around her. So there are some of them who still deny the fact in front of them and make a ruckus.

"Hey, hey you must be cheating right?!"

A member from One of the famous high-rank party complains about the result.

"Jerol..?"

"I mean there's no way you, who's only B-rank beginner can hunt them by yourself, right Capt. Fermus?"

"Uumm actually Mr. Yuki's going to rank up to A-rank this little bit more."

Emily intervenes while showing a sign with her fingers.

"It doesn't matter, Madam! The fact still states that he's not S-rank yet!"

Emily can't argue with that fact then just stay silent with smiling.

"So what do you want, Jerol? You know you can't accuse someone randomly. Furthermore there are scouts at every corner of the city wall. No one can claim absurdly like this."

"I know, Big guy! Do you think i'm an idiot for A-ranker, Boramir?!"

"So how will you prove your accuse, huh?"

"Because i don't know that i try to pluck it out of him! Somehow you manage to claim the catch despite helped by others right newbie?!"

A-ranker Jerol still insists his made-up theory to Yuki.

It's unfortunate of Jerol that he picks no other newbie beside Yuki.

Unlike as common newbie, Yuki doesn't try to hide anything. Thus he tells what's happened to him.

"Practically I am indeed accompanied by

an S-ranker."

"See, Boramir! I told you!" (Jerol)

"So where's this S-ranker?" (Boramir)

"Why d'ya need it for, Big guy?" (Jerol)

"We still have to confirm if he's truly

S-ranker, right Capt?" (Boramir)

"Then what?!" (Jerol)

"Then all of his testimony can't be denied by you anymore. Do you really think this thoroughly, Jerol?" (Fermus)

Capt. Fermus finally opens his mouth to shut Jerol's mouth. Jerol doesn't dare to guess the result of his ruckus.

"So where's he, kid?" (Boramir)

In a moment Yuki points out someone behind him, a voice is heard through the crowd.

"Haahh..here, here..i am here. You lot are sure noisy, you know! It's even heard way back there then i start to run...haaahh, haahh..just wait..a bit."

"Heee who is this old man, boy?!"

Jerol still keeps his highty mighty attitude.

*Plaaak!!*

Jerol's slapped by Boramir at the back of his head.

"Guuh, what're ya do-!!"

Before Jerol finishes his sentence, he looks at frightened face of Boramir. It's more like threatened looks. It even makes Jerol feeling the chilling vibe too, without knowing the reason.

"Boramir...what is it?"

Jerol asks him anxiously.

"For this one moment, please just shut up your trash talk, Jerol. If you wanna come out of here alive."

"Guuhh...!!"

Jerol doesn't understand one bit at all of this situation. But after looking at the other audiences, he realizes something.

Everyone, at least every veteran of every ranks, is frozen when looking at the direction of the S-ranker.

Including his own captain, who has terrified face with so much sweat.

"Huuuhh...finally i can catch up my breath, you lot have to understand my situation too, you know. I have a crazy unbelievable day right now."

"It's actually normal, oldman. It's only you getting older, you know."

Yuki reacts to the S-ranker's statement.

He's the only one who can casually say like that while other audiences halt their breath hearing Yuki's sentence.

"Gaahh!! Shut up, youngman!! You say that's normal??!! What shit your standard anyway, huhh?!! And You're too blunt! I know it already, don't spill something that obvious!!"

*Long Sigh* (Yuki)

"Guuh...ahem! Back to the topic. So what you lot wanna ask of me, huh?!"

The S-ranker starts the conversation with intimidating eyes.

"Sir Vanheir, please pardon our rudeness. I'm Fermus, S-ranker of Torch Hammer party."

Even another S-ranker like Fermus bow respectfully to him. Such attitude makes his party's members anxious and later they follow the captain's polite gesture.

"Oh you're the recent promoted S-rank kid, right? What is it, kid? You want to treat me or something?"

"Nnnghh..." (Fermus)

"Be serious, oldman. I wanna go home quickly." (Yuki)

"Hmph! You're more rude as the time flows, you know. Alright, let's wrap it up."

"Get to the point, Fermus kid. As you heard, we wanna go home right away."

"Thank you, sir Vanheir. Just one question, is it the truth that newbie who hunt them all?"

"Yeah. I only managed to scratch one of the Caldens. But the other Calden was entirely butchered by him. Even along the way, he manages to kill the minotaurs with one hit before finally catch up with the second Calden."

"The witness, sir?" (Fermus)

"Southern district, You can ask-." (Vanheir)

Suddenly a familiar voice cuts Vanheir words.

"Yuukiii are you alriiight??"

"Oh, Mr. Felix and Mr. Briant."

'Huh? Sir Felix and Sir Briant know this brat?' (Fermus)

"You doin' another crazy thing don't you?"

(Briant)

"Now you believe him, right dude?" (Felix)

"Yes, yes. Even i still can't believe my own eyes." (Briant)

"Hoo now you kids dare to interrupt my talk, huh?!" (Vanheir)

"Aah..Sir Vanheir?!" (Briant)

"F-forgive us, sir. We didn't realize you're here.." (Felix)

"We will reflect to our manner." (Briant)

The two guards bow while tremble hard.

"Um, excuse me. Can you tell me the details, sirs?"

"Oh, Mr. Fermus. You're here, too." (Felix)

"What dyou want to know, Fermus?" (Briant)

"What dyou mean by crazy thing?" (Fermus)

"Ah, we're actually at the scene when this kid kick the Calden ass, literally." (Briant)

"Hah??" (Fermus)

"Let me tell you a back story before. We got the Eastern gate post, then a bunch of Minotaurs going crazy and ambush us at the gate without any Calden in sight. Suddenly a Lone Calden join the scene, not long after that Yuki and Sir Vanheir join us too. They succeed to kill some Minotaurs, but the Calden broke the gate then Yuki hold out the Calden's charge. At that moment i see Sir Vanheir helped to secure the perimeter while Yuki just kick the Calden back to the Forest."

Felix tells a flashback story with excitement in his words.

"...i see." (Fermus)

Though Fermus still half believe his story.

"Such a feat.." (Boramir)

"Even You, Boramir, can't lift that Calden alone, right?" (Jerol)

"...yeah.." (Boramir)

"I know that unbelievable for your ears.

But i swear for his story as well, i was there too." (Briant)

"Huh, you think my story's exaggrated?!"

"Usually."

"How dare you! We're buddies, remem-"

"Don't lump me-"

" Alright, Thank you for your testimony, sir. We won't preach this matter any further."

Fermus thinks it'll be only a waste of his time if he just takes his pride, after all a S-ranker and two A-rank Guards already give their testimony. He lets this event handled by the guild in the end.

"Y-yeah..sure." (Briant)

"It's all cleared, then Miss Emily can i ask the Caldens for myself?" (Yuki)

"Please wait a moment Mr. Yuki, we'll calculate first how much you must contribute to the Guild." (Emily)

"Wait, wait, you two!..C-capt? You ser-"

Fermus only looks at Jerol disgustingly then walks away.

"Stop, Jerol. Don't bother captain anymore." It's fortunate Boramir stops him any farther.

"Guuh..!!" Jerol can only bite his tongue.

"Madam, forgive us for the intruption. We'll leave this matter solely to the guild."

"Yep, thank you for your civilized negotiation."

"Please excuse us, Madam, Sir Vanheir."

When Torch hammer party leaves the Harvest area, They hear various comments from beginners to veterans on Yuki's feat.

"Huh? that's Felix and Briant?"

"Seems like it."

"So, even the famous duo stuck to that brat, huh?"

"Who is he anyway?"

"You don't know him?"

"That's the newbie, right?"

"Manna's brother?"

"Look! Those are..."

"Damn, why he always does crazy thing?!"

"Guuh...it makes me wonder, am i qualified as adventurer?"

"It rather makes me going crazy about the normal standard now."

"Uuh..yeah.."

"Haha that kid really something, capt!"

"Hmph! Guess he's not a spoiled kid."

"It's the time we meet him, right boss?"

"Yeah, before the Guild master make a move."

"Capt, isn't he?"

"Yes, as expected of my master's kid.

I'm proud as a fellow disciple."

"Kahaha we must not lose to him, capt!"

"Ofcourse we have alot more spirit than him, right capt?"

"Yes, indeed." *Smirk*

'Hmm? Many low-rankers know him? Even some of high rankers. Manna? That's a familiar name. And what about the guild master? Frangust's master? So not only sir Vanheir, huh? Who is he exactly?'

[So many questions in the head of Fermus who's usually cool in any situation.]

[He ignores his curiosity for now. And chase after the more pressing matter for his party.]

----------------------------

[After a while at Harvest area]

The crowds become quieter, the familiar guards went to their post and finally Miss Emily concludes the report for my party.

"Alright Mr. Yuki and Alpha party. The valuation process is settled. As the freshness of the harvest, the Guild appraise the value of Minotaurs around 20 gold for each body."

"And the two Caldens..."

Emily halts her report with nervousness in her face.

"W-what is it, Madam?" (Cleo)

"Hmm how should i say it? For the female one, the usual Calden, we can give 70 gold for the whole parts."

"W-wha-whaa?!! That m-m-muuucchh??!!"

(Cleo)

"Woow..we can buy a whole new armor set, and still have some for dinner."

(Fanya)

"Isn't that way too much than the other Calden's value, madam?" (Ludor)

"As i said before, Ludor boy. This Calden is cut very clean and neat in one piece. Indeed a master piece i've ever seen in Cowfering."

(Duran)

"Correct! As Mr. Duran said, so far this Calden is the best harvest we have in this year's Cowfering. In fact, the best in record of Cowfering's history. So the guild decides to compensate much more than the other Caldens, despite same species."

"So how about the other one, madam?"

(Kairen)

"Besides the fact it's a rare kind of rare, a male kind to be precise, the quality of its material is way better than the usual female Calden. And it has same fine cut just as the female one. So..."

"W-what is it, madam? Why are you trying to be mysterious, madam??!" (Cleo)

"Y-yeah! What exactly is it?" (Ludor)

"Hah! I bet it just means that the guild won't buy that Calden, pfft!" (Kairen)

"No, actually it's the opposite. The guild is really eager to buy this rare species, but we can't decide the right price for now. That's why i hesitate to declare the price."

"Heee...is it that amazing, madam?"

(Fanya)

"Yes, ofcourse! Beside becoming the ration and equipment materials, it will certainly become an experimental object for scholar. Since it can reveal any secrets of Calden, right?"

"S-so...how much is it?" (Cleo)

"Hmm i don't dare to guess the price if it involves the scholars." (Duran)

"F-for now we can compensate for 130 gold. Actually the appraisers debate each others then finalize their valuation as much as 540 gold. But since our finance is at the rock bottom, we can only afford 120 gold plus 10 gold from the guild master himself."

"W-Whaaatt??!!!"

Everyone in Alpha party is shocked badly as if there's something hit their head, except for Yuki.

"F-five..five hundred golds, i can certainly buy a house and all of the needs to give myself a peaceful retirement!" (Cleo)

"That much money, i can buy many rare equipments and promote my growth to become an S-ranker with certain!" (Ludor)

"Damn!! With that money, i can explore wherever i want." (Kairen)

"W-w-whaa?? H-hey everyone!! that money is not ours, r-right?" (Fanya)

"..Ah....."

Cleo, Ludor, and Kairen slapped out of their fantasy.

"So Yuki, please accept our offer! We know for sure you'll get a lot more money if you register this Calden to the auction. But! If you prefer our guild, we'll certainly pay it off in different way. We'll surely give many incentives in the future!" (Emily)

"S-so what's your choice, Y-yuki?" (Fanya)

"Hmm though it's a tempting sum, favors from the guild doesn't bad either." (Ludor)

"Y-yeah, you're right. An assurance from the guild can give you a long-term benefit too beside that much money." (Cleo)

"Hmm now that you mention it. If you plan to take adventurer as job for the rest of your life, it's surely benefitting more than a mere sum of money. At least you have the guild to back you up." (Kairen)

"Hmm..it's indeed a tough decision. What d'ya think, sir?" (Duran)

"Hmph. I think it's not the case for that brat at all." (Vanheir)

"Eh? What do you mean, sir?"

"Just wait and see for yourself."

"Nope, as i said before i'll take them both. How much should i pay, Miss?"

".....Eh?!" (A-rankers)

"W-wait, Yuki! You can think it thorough first and decide it later, you know." (Cleo)

"Y-yeah! Please think it carefully, Yuki."

(Fanya)

"They're yours, you know. We will, ofcourse, accept whatever your decision. But-" (Ludor)

"I have a plan from the start, so it's my final answer."

"Huuuhh...so Yuki chooses the auction too, huh?" (Emily)

"Hmph. Such a rash choi-" (Kairen)

"Nope, not at all."

"Huh?" (Everyone including Emily)

"It's for a celebration as the original purpose."

"W-wha...?" (Emily)

"You're invited, Miss Emily."

"E-e-eh?? I'm glad you invite me Yuki, b-but What are you talking ab-" (Emily)

"It'll be held tonight in the plaza near Flamerose Inn, Miss. Please don't be late. Oh! And please relay my invitation to Oldman Herald, too."

While all of them is still processing the meaning behind Yuki's words,

"You four and Mr. Duran, all of you are invited, too. Just come."

"W-wait a min-" (Cleo)

"Wa-wa-wa...what do you mean Yuki?" (Fanya)

"Could it be..." (Kairen)

"God.." (Ludor)

"Sir, is it what you meant?!"

"Yep, he's one hella strange boy."

"Oldman, don't forget."

"Hm? Yeah, yeah ofcourse. I'm not that old."

"Alright, please excuse me everyone."

"W-where are you going, Yuki?"

"Take the Caldens and i should pay the fee over there, right?"

"Ah, y-yeah. Be careful on your way home, Yuki! Guild master and i will come for sure~"

Emily's waving her hand in direction to Yuki, despite still in confusion.

"Is it real, sir?"

"We'll know for sure tonight, dude."

"Uuh..too many occurances today, my head's gonna split.." (Cleo)

"I guess so..but what will we do about the minotaurs?" (Fanya)

"Uggh..i don't have any urge after hearing that much money, Fanya~"

"Same here." (Kairen)

"Guess we just sell and split?" (Ludor)

That noon the Alpha party is dissolved without motivation as their last impression, except for Yuki.

------------------------------------

The night at Residence

near Flamerose Inn

"Cheeerrss!!"

[Everyone shout altogether as a sign to start the feast that served near Flamerose Inn.]

[There are some clanking sound from the glass, cheerful voices from the playing children, carefree laughing from the adults, and other joyful gestures from everyone.]

[Merchants, Adventurers, Guards, Guild staffs, Labors, Farmers, Unemployed, High-class, Low-class, Everyone forget their social status and become united under the starry night.]

[There's same look in their eyes, gratitude for this grand supper.]

[Herald Magram, Vanheir, Rinne Flamerose, and Emily, The legend circle, are gathered around together welcome their sudden reunion and talk about the past. Some adults distant themselves thinking that they're out of the league from this certain circle. Some others, including the children, watch over them with admiration in their eyes. And only a few, besides their relatives, are brave enough to join their reunion.]

[Dawgian's party is spotted at one of tables with gratitude of their hunt from Cowfering, at least they all are safe and able to enjoy the grand celebration.]

[Silver honor party seems to try enjoying themselves while maintaining their manners, their leader (Fermus) still able to monitor them despite joining the legend circle.]

[Other adventurers, which is mostly consist of beginners, heard about the legend circle then come to this party. They're blended with the residents and just watch over them from afar.]

[The residence, including the people who came to the Flamerose Inn, try their hardest to serve the feast. They try to build friendly atmosphere to everyone who attends this celebration. Though it's different from previous years' Cowfering, It's already like a yearly festival.]

[The borderless vibe, it's like a dream.

Vivid dream.]

It's kind of dreamy sight, huh. Though i'm indeed in another world right now.

"Attention pleeeaassee~"

Suddenly the Auntie, who came to Flamerose Inn previously, speak to announce something.

"Thank you for joining us tonight. It is thanks to certain party's support that we're able to hold this celebration. They're the one who donate to us these Caldens as the main feast. But, before we hear their words, let's welcome our patron of Southern district for all these years, Mrs. Flamerose!"

"Kyaaak!!"

"Wooohoo!!"

"That's Mrs. Flameroosseee~!!"

From various faction at each side of plaza shout their admiration to Mrs. Rinne.

"Haha, way to go, Rinne!" (Herald)

"Go little missy!" (Vanheir)

"Shutup, geezer!!" (Rinne)

"...uh, Master..." (Frangust)

After a while the Legend circle make a ruckus, Mrs. Rinne come to the stage.

*Tak tak tak*

Each sound of Mrs. Rinne's shoes on the stage silence the uproar.

The audience expect some speech from her to open officially this grand supper.

"Ahem. Eemmm..i'm sorry, i can't give much of a speech. I just hope all of you enjoy this year's cowfering. Truthfully i didn't contribute anything, all of the Caldens is the bounty from Yuki. Some of you may heard of him already. So let's just give our appreciation and let him open this grand celebration."

[Rinne immediately give Yuki applause, asking him to come to the stage.]

[The other members of Legend circle spontaneously follow Rinne's lead by giving their applause. Consequently, other audience make their applause one by one. This event cause quite shaking to the surrounding, almost reach to the Nothern district.]

"Come on, boy! Don't make us wait!"

(Herald)

"Get on, brat! I'm already hungry!"

(Vanheir)

Dammit, why Mrs. Rinne doing that?

And those geezers.

Tch, It's too bothersome.

I hunt the Calden to shut the trap of those uncles...and taste the meat.

[While Yuki makes such annoyed face, Rinne puts a gesture that hurry Yuki to the stage.]

"B-brother? Can you come to the stage now? Mom ask me to bring you to there."

I don't know that you're this sly, Mrs. Rinne.

To think you'd use your own daughter against me.

[There appears complicated feelings in Yuki's mind while he still maintains his expressionless face.]

Guess i can't avoid this.

"Sure, lead the way, Manna."

"A-alright."

[From the corner of plaza, one spot get all of attention from the audience. Not only because he's pointed by Rinne, but also he's being escorted by Manna, an idol of every customers and residents around Flamerose Inn.]

*Chatter*

"Isn't that Manna?"

"That angelic little lady?"

"Who the heck that boy?"

"Where this Yuki comes from? To think he takes the ladies of Flamerose."

"Indeed, such a greedy brat."

Who the heck are you lot?

Any one of you perverts lay a finger on Manna, i'll immediately blow off your entire body.....Whoops.

Since when i become this possesive figure?

"Alright boy, you got this."

Said Rinne while tap Yuki's back then go back to her circle.

*Sigh* (Yuki)

Damn, it can't be helped.

[Wind howl!]

"Thank you for coming to this humble celebration."

"What's the magic he use, oldman?"

(Vanheir)

"I don't know either, dude. Haha what i know that he always surprises me in every little details."

(Herald)

"Actually i don't think to be this grand. I only hunt to help my family and my curiosity."

Chuckles heard within the crowd.

"Before we start this celebration, I want to clear only one thing."

One sentence enough to tense the vibe.

"Don't expect someone's help, for whatever reasons. For instance, i don't plan to continue providing you some meats, neither the Flamerose family."

From the light atmosphere turn into

a gloom. A murmuring whisper can be heard all over the audience, expressing their dissatisfaction to Yuki's arrogance,

in audience's opinion.

Vanheir can only slap his own forehead, Rinne and Emily sigh their stress, Frangust stay silent while have a hardened face, and Herald can only laugh it off.

"You can ask yourselves:

do you still want to take a pity from others? Do you not feel ashamed?

Are your condition changed by receiving others mercy?

Do you prefer to live a loser's life rather than as a champ?"

For some times, it's quiet as a ruin. Suddenly someone shout his protest.

Followed by other lazy bums.

"Two things for sure. Your life is your own, don't compare with others. And your misery can be solved only by yourselves."

"Don't just spout non sense!

Just get to the point!"

"Yeah! What do you know about us, huh?!"

"What are you talking about?! Do you think you have the solution?!!"

"Yeah, you don't know how we struggle!"

"Take responsibility, brat! Give us solution!"

"Yeah, real solution!!"

"Solution!"

"Solution!"

Most of audience which is the residents around Flamerose Inn finally demand a solution to Yuki in one voice.

"That so i propose to you, let's take the glory at our own pace, every little step in our life."

"You can start with little things other people won't realize. Be proud for every change you've done. Don't pity yourselves by looking at other's achievement. You have your own battle, Noone has the right to underestimate your effort. Hold onto morals and your principle, remember your family will live your legacy."

"Finally you can rely on the guild if there's something you need a help. I'm sure there're still some adventurers who want to help and make pocket money on the side."

"Pffft.."

"Hehe ofcourse."

"Yeah you can count on us!!"

Heard that statement, some adventurers crack a laugh and shout their mind.

The other audience, including the residents, slowly begin to smile.

"Don't worry, if noone takes your quest, i'll try to clear it for you in my free time. Just don't expect too high of me."

"Damn you brat! You underestimate us, huh?!"

"Yeah! Do you think all of us are lazy bums like this oldman?!"

"Who do you think you are, old hag?!"

At the end, the residents and other guests laugh hard at the adventurers' unexpected response.

"Then let us make our own story and together we help each other! Tonight Stuff your stomach to your heart's content and mark this day as our new beginning!!!"

WOOOOOO!!!

[The roar is heard all over the southern part, reach even the Northern part.]

[That night become the start to

the Dawn of New Era.]

Special event

- The hunted Hunters: Offering, cleared! -