Chapter 15

Finn held his chest, trying to stop the fast pounding of his heart. But it was futile. He could hear it throb faster and faster as time went by. Who wouldn't? He was facing their instructor right now.

Seeing Ronim's missing leg, Finn tried to convince himself that he could somehow put up a good fight despite being a newbie. But this was their instructor. He was no instructor without a reason. After years and years of teaching night hunters, he must have seen a lot already. Finn believed that experience was second to hard work, not talent.

Whether he admitted it or not, there was a possibility as well that Ronim was a good fighter not just because of experience. Someone was telling Finn that there was something about Ronim that was why he became an instructor of night hunters. He just couldn't put his finger to it yet.

Finn stared at the gun he was holding. He decided to pick this since this was his best choice right now. He wouldn't have to attack Ronim head on with this. He couldn't draw an arrow properly yet, and he hadn't memorized any spells yet. And there was no way he would use a sword to fight Ronim's sword.

The only thing Finn was holding on to right now was Ronim's words. He said that he's going to take it easy on him. Somehow, Finn could calm down a little.

But Ronim didn't.

He attacked Finn aggressively like how Euben did a while ago. Despite missing a leg, he ran towards him with the intent to k-ll. And Finn could barely defend his attack. He didn't even know if he was defending himself properly. All he could think about is how to avoid that dea.dly sharp object which was trying to k.ll him.

When Finn stumbled on the ground, Ronim pointed the tip of the sword in his throat. Finn stiffened, his face paled, and his hands were trembling.

Ronim sighed before taking back his sword. He went back to his seat without glancing back to see if Finn was okay.

"That concludes the duel for today. You may now take your bath, and be ready for dinner at seven." He disappeared right after announcing. Euben, Rina and Justine followed and disappeared in the forest.

Finn was still sitting at the stage, catching his breath, when Day approached him and helped him stand. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine. I'm fine now. I just don't think I can stand yet."

Kiel and Honey were right behind Day.

Kiel said, "I didn't expect the instructor to fight you, though. It's been a while since I saw him fight."

Honey giggled. "But you were great back there, Finn. You managed to defend yourself for a minute before the instructor defeated you."

"Wait, what?" Finn asked incredulously. "It only took a minute?"

"A minute and a half," Kiel answered, smirking.

"This is so embarrassing," Finn mumbled, hiding his face behind his hands.

"No need to be," Kiel said. "If the newbie me was to face him, I wouldn't even last a minute. I was surprised. You're quite good, you know."

Finn forced a smile. "I know you're just trying to make me feel better, but thank you."

"Can you stand now?" Day asked. "We still need to take a bath and eat dinner."

Finn stood and walked with wobbling knees. He realized how weak he was right now. He needed to keep up with everyone if he wanted to become a katona. He couldn't even defend himself longer from the instructor's attack. He couldn't believe the duel only took a minute and a half.

After dinner, Finn went back to his room and slumped on the bed. He was too exhausted to move, too tired to even lift a finger. But someone chose to disturb him, and knock on the door aggressively.

"What is it?" he asked weakly before opening the door. "Is there a problem? I'm so tired right now, and we still need to wake at four tomorrow."

"We're night hunters. Why would we sleep at night?" Day asked.

His eyebrows creased. "Then, when do we sleep?"

"On our days off, of course." Day pulled her abruptly. "We're off on your first mission tonight. Honey, Kiel, and I are coming with you."

"Mission? What mission?"

"We need to make a living too, you know. And we catch cri.minals during the night. Why do you think they call us night hunters? We're not supposed to catch them in the morning because our identity must be kept a secret from ordinary mortals."

Honey and Kiel were already waiting for them outside. Kiel smirked as soon as he saw them. "You looked tired. Are you going to be okay?"

"I'm starting to think I might collapse anytime soon," Finn answered. He noticed that the others weren't there. "How about the rest?"

"They already left," Day answered. "Don't mind them. They all have their own schedule."

And I don't? Finn wanted to ask, but chose to swallow the words.

*

"Aysgarth is in chaos right now," Day said. "Four prisoners escaped last night, and they've already k-lled ten mortals each."

"Just last night?" Finn exclaimed. "That's a lot!"

"Yeah. It looks like they're having a competition on who can k-ll as many mortals as they can at a specific time."

"And the motive?"

"They're stealing passes. I think they're selling it to mortals and immortals so they can roam around Flexure leisurely."

Finn pierced his lips into a thin line. He thought of the pass he stole from a mortal before coming here, and now he was going to capture the one doing the same. How ironic things turned.

"Wait," Finn said. "Immortals also need a pass to enter here?"

"What? Of course. Everyone needs a pass to enter every town, and each pass differs. Ours are red in color, Banhar's green, and Parastin's blue. Immortals can only enter a specific town if the royal family permits them. But most of the time, they aren't allowed to come and go as they please here."

The first thing that came into Finn's mind was Efrelyn. He was pretty sure that the murklin managed to enter the town using a chaise. Not to mention the guy she was with. Finn was certain he wasn't a mortal, too.

So, did she have a pass or was she an illegal trespasser?