My Last Hunt

Treasures and Snatchers: Level Three (part 19)

Qiao wrapped a cloth to hide his face and moved cautiously without making much noise. He was only going to see how far the hunters were hunting or what direction they were dragging the monster to. To get noticed and earn their anger was not his intent, so he it was better to hide and see whether he should bring away his team members or was it better to remain hidden there. 

He hid the red stone in one layer of his cloth and then covered the front part to avoid unwanted attention of monsters as well as those voices. He only meant to see the path. The broken part of the forest was uneven and filled with crevices, making it difficult to navigate during night time. 

He heard some voices when he had left a little distance from the cave. 

"We are not only after the spoils, but we are also going to use this monster against you. This way you would not be able to reach the peak of level five. How could you think of leaving Middletown without begging us to not waste your level." 

Qiao clearly heard the sharp condescension in the voice. From this tone he was able to understand why this team was having trouble. 

"What?? I thought that we are a team. I never knew that you were jealous of my achievements. Did I ever take your chances or shares in the hunt or mistreat you?" The team leader asked. He could not believe that his team members bore malicious intents toward him in the middle of the hunt. It was dangerous for him. 

He was strong but because of the sole attacks earlier it had exhausted him somewhat. Moreover, facing four level four chasers along with the monster was a little too much. The monster being a level five with bear-like strength and huge body which was not easy to hunt down. 

All of them were wearing a red stone for night hunt while the monster could easily see its surrounding just like day. Qiao was no more in dark about the situation and carefully analysed it. If this tense situation remained for a while, the team leader might choose to run away for saving his life first and those vicious people would definitely chase after him. This would become a huge mess and would involve all the surrounding regions because the monster would also follow them. It was night time and monsters never feared to attack or chase during the night. 

"So you have all decided this beforehand I believe?" The team leader asked at last. If he chose to fight now, then he would be considered a fool as reaching level five peak can wait. He had to save his present level first. 

Qiao reached the man silently as he observed. He had a soft corner in his heart for those who were betrayed from those they trusted. In his eyes, those who solely destroy their trust for their greed should not be given a free hand and here the matter was more tense. This was a situation he himself never want to face again. 

"If you are really thinking to run away then you should rather label yourself as a looser for the rest of life." Qiao whispered in his ears. 

There were two paths right now for this hunter. If they were about to start a tom and jerry chase then they would be running toward the cave where his two members were staying right now. Or the opposite side of the broken part of forest were a big cliff was present. While the north and south had rocky hills without protection of forest and a difficult terrain that could not be used for escaping. So, the choice was already set. 

The team leader heard this unknown voice at that moment and got baffled. In the middle of the night someone was lecturing him about his choice and from the supple silence, he could tell that whoever spoke just now was not at a level higher or a senior. But from the tone he could feel sincerity of the person. Still he cannot follow it.

The higher level seniors mostly surveyed around the forest to spot if there was some strong hidden monster living under their nose in these lower regions. 

"I am not supposed to fight back in this situation. There is no other way out for me." The team leader answered in the lowest tone possible. 

"Let them come to attack. It isn't as complicated as you feel it to be." Qiao whispered again. There was something about the way he spoke, a manner which forced the team leader to believe this unknown person. He did not why but he started thinking there might be a better way. Of course, as a proud level five hunter he did not want to let these betrayers simply leave and if he had a chance to get back then he would retaliate.

"Since you are confident, then I would love to test it." 

The team leader nodded. This was one of the biggest risks in his life. He was going to trust someone he never knew before. According to the situation, the choices were already limited. If he chose to run, it would not be successful as he would be forced to fight those rascals who were vicious to the point of hell. It was night time and a chase in the forest was unknown to might cause a greater danger to appear before him.

He was ready to give away his share as the mission was given by the Guild and in the middle of the hunt, he came to know that his team wanted to hunt him instead of monster. This was worst he had ever faced. He had been glad that after this last hunt he would start to prepare for the necessary procedure of the Guild before leaving for Middletown. 

It was better to start traveling before the beginning of winter but with his present situation, his current level was on the stake and under threat. No matter if he was able to defeat these four chasers, he would still have to face a backlash in his level because the defeat would not be easy or early. 

Seeing that the team leader was not moving at all, the others took it as a chance to surround him. He saw them coming and heaved a deep breath.