Going for the Next Hunt

"Do you really have to go? We have enough money to last us for months. Stay home and relax for a bit," his mother pleaded softly. It had only been a day since Klaus got his tattoo, but he was already preparing to head back into the wild. This time, he aimed to hunt higher-tier monsters and raise his level, so he could tackle even stronger ones in the future.

But his mother wasn't ready to let him go so soon. She held onto his arm, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, clearly unhappy with the idea of Klaus venturing out again so soon. It had only been a few days since his last hunt, and the worry was still fresh in her mind.

"Mom, you don't have to worry about me," Klaus said gently, trying to soothe her fears. "I promise I won't do anything reckless. I'll be away for just a few days, tops. And when I get back, I won't go out for a few more weeks. We can spend some time together, just the two of us."

His mother didn't reply right away, still clutching his arm as if letting go would mean losing him all over again. Klaus knew she was scared, and he couldn't blame her. The wild was dangerous, and every time he left, there was always a risk he might not return.

Earlier that morning, Klaus had checked the contents of the space ring Uncle Ziggy and the other uncles had given him. Inside, he found a pile of gold coins—more than 20 million by his estimate. They had told him not to look until the next day, and when he did, he realized he had become rich overnight. It was their way of helping him without solving all his problems for him, showing they cared but still letting him earn his way.

Along with the gold, there was a gold badge he recognized as a recommendation badge. It was a sign of how much they cared, yet also a reminder that they didn't want to take away his challenges. With 20 million and one recommendation, Klaus knew he only needed 40 million more to gain another recommendation and make the move to the City smoother.

Klaus was determined to bridge that gap. If he could secure more funds, the move to the City would be easier than he had originally thought. He wanted to give his mother the life she deserved, one where they didn't have to worry about the next meal or a leaky roof.

But right now, none of that mattered as much as comforting his mother. He gently pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her. "Mom, I'll be fine. I've been training hard, and I know what I'm doing. I'll come back in one piece, I promise."

His mother sniffled against his chest, holding him tightly. "I just... I just don't want to lose you, Klaus. You're all I have left."

"And you're all I have, too," he whispered back. "That's why I'm doing this. I want us to have a better life. But I won't take any unnecessary risks. I'll be careful."

She finally pulled back a little, looking up at him with worried eyes. "Just a few days, then?"

"Just a few days," Klaus reassured her with a smile. "I'll be back before you know it. And then, we'll have all the time in the world to spend together."

His mother sighed, wiping away a tear. "Alright... But promise me you'll stay safe."

"I promise, Mom. I'll stay safe," Klaus said, giving her a final hug before she reluctantly let go.

She nodded, finally giving in. "Okay... But I'm holding you to that promise."

Klaus smiled, feeling a sense of relief that she was willing to let him go. "I won't let you down. I'll be back soon."

With one last look at his mother, Klaus grabbed his gear and headed for the door. As he stepped out, he glanced back to see her watching him, her eyes full of love and concern. He gave her a reassuring wave before turning to face the journey ahead.

The wild was waiting for him, but so was his promise to return. And this time, Klaus was more determined than ever to come back home safe and sound bringing with him some more goods.

-

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In a serene garden somewhere in the City, a young lady stood in front of a man who appeared to be in his late 40s. He was undeniably handsome, a trait that seemed to come naturally as one's cultivation base rose—unless, of course, genetics didn't favor you.

The man was Davin Ross, the Leader of the Ross Family and the most powerful figure in Ross City. His influence in the city was unmatched.

"Anna, you've recovered," Davin said, addressing the young lady before him. She was Anna Ross, his youngest child and the renowned Fairy of Ross City.

"Yes, Father. The Nine Life Yin Flower is truly magical. It's a shame there wasn't much Mountain Dew to fully enhance its effect," Anna replied confidently. It was clear she had used the Nine Life Yin Flower that Matin had tried to steal from her.

The effects were already visible. A chilly aura surrounded her, carrying a mix of moisture and ice-cold energy. Even her demeanor suggested that she had advanced in her elemental affinity.

"Good. You've done well bringing that flower home," Davin said, clearly pleased, his smile a testament to his satisfaction. "By the way, do you still not remember the young man who saved you? Thanking him would be the right thing to do, don't you think?"

Anna shook her head slightly. "I'm sorry, Dad. I tried to remember, but nothing comes to mind. The last thing I recall is Matin stabbing his spear toward me, then his head falling before everything went black. When I woke up, I was somewhere in the outer region." Her tone was filled with regret.

"It's okay," Davin reassured her, his voice gentle. "The fact that you're safe is all that matters to me. But are you sure you want to go to the Everlasting Zombie Forest? That place isn't just home to zombies—it also harbors some of the most vicious monsters. Unlike Sunlight Forest, there are no sections there. Any rank of monster could show up at any time."

Anna nodded determination in her eyes. "I know, Father. But I need to grow stronger. Staying in my comfort zone won't help me. I'll be careful, I promise."

Davin sighed, a mixture of pride and concern on his face. "Just remember, your safety is the most important thing. Don't take unnecessary risks."

"I won't," Anna assured him. "But I need to do this. For myself"

Davin looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Anna. Just come back safe."

"I promise, Father," Anna replied with a soft smile and then left, disappearing from the Garden.

"You do know she was lying to you," a voice chimed in just as Anna left the garden. From that direction came a young lady with the looks of an angel. Her silver hair flowed down to her waist, and her curvy form, paired with her refined cheekbones and silver eyes, made her look like a messenger sent by the immortals.

"Lucy, you don't have to tell me that," Davin Ross replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "I know she's lying, but we have to respect her privacy. The fact that she doesn't want to reveal this hidden benefactor shows she's maturing. All we can do is let her grow."

"It's just annoying," Lucy said, pouting slightly. "Seeing my own sister keep secrets from me... We used to tell each other everything."

Davin chuckled softly. "I know, but sometimes, growing up means keeping a few things to yourself. She'll share when she's ready."

Lucy sighed, crossing her arms. "I suppose you're right. It's just hard, you know? I want to be there for her like we used to be."

"You still can," Davin said gently. "She's just finding her way. Give her time."

Lucy nodded, her pout softening into a small smile. "Alright, I'll try. But if she doesn't spill soon, I'm going to have to pry it out of her."

Davin laughed. "Just don't push too hard. She'll come around."

When Anna came back from the Sunlight Forest and reported what had happened, they tried to find out who the young man was who had helped her. But she lied, saying she blacked out before she could get a good look at him. She had seen Klaus's character and knew he wasn't someone who liked attachments, so she made sure to keep him a secret, tucking away that part of her story.

Anna was too pure to be a good liar, but the fact that they didn't scold or force her to say anything showed how much they cared for her. They trusted her, even when she wasn't entirely truthful.

"So, when will you be going back to the mountain?" Davin asked after a moment of silence.

"My master told me to stay for a while, to calm my heart, and really think about what I want and need," Lucy replied. "Only then should I come back to use the Colorless Bone Marrow essence to advance to the Saint Stage."

She paused, then added, "So, I guess I'll be around for a bit. Maybe until after the Inter-City Celestial Mountain Academy selection exams in three months." As she spoke, she took a seat beside her father and bit into an apple, the crisp sound filling the quiet garden.

Davin nodded, taking in her words. "That sounds wise. It's good to take time and reflect. Just remember, we're here for you, no matter what."

Lucy smiled, appreciating her father's support. "I know, Dad. That's why I'm not in a hurry. I want to make sure I'm ready, in every way."

With that, the garden is filled with laughter between daughter and father spending their morning in a peaceful atmosphere.