My Last Hunt

Level Three (part 32)

"Right now, it does not matter if I am a rogue hunter or you belong to another Guild. What does matter is who will survive till the end. So do you dare?" Qiao gripped his weapon tight, as if his weapon was ready and wanted to taste the human blood badly. What made Qiao different from many other chasers was his attitude in severe situations. He would be decisive when it was required.

His attitude, which sometimes seemed reckless, would bring a wave of fear to whoever wanted to bully him no matter with numbers of team or the level. Limmu heard the words of this chaser and gulped, his choice to act mature and strong was going to be tested right at this spot, right now. 

The team leader saw Limmu standing behind Qiao and seemed to nod. This was a chaser who was a renown loser in the Guild.  The Team leader was a little suspicious as to where the two trusted men of this young man were hiding, so he did not act immediately. But even after observing, he only saw this loser tagging along. Perhaps they might be coming at their back. 

He wanted to make sure of his chances before initiating an attack. If he happened to attack in ignorance then he would be suffering the outcome. 

Qiao could seem to understand his intentions and hesitation, so he spoke, "My hidden cards are very diligent." He said this because he could see the sweat line forming on the head of Limmu. The team leader didn't know about his current condition but he understood the meaning behind those words. 

Though both sides were ready to pounce at each other but thinking in their heads they thought to let it go for now. 

"I will come back at you once again later." he waved his sword and started retreating. Qiao shook his shoulders and spoke, "I will wait then." He also stepped back, hopefully he would be able to hunt two monsters with this addition to his team today. If he happened to decide otherwise and fight with this team then he would have been exhausted and be able to hunt only one. 

Limmu wiped his sweat after listening to their dialog. They then continued with their earlier mission and soon reached the place and searched around. 

"This way." Qiao gestured towards Limmu in a quite whispered. A level two monster was wandering at the place he pointed. "We both are level three but I will lead since you have no experience with it." Qiao then pointed him to do the work of distraction because there were only two of them in this team. "Alright." Limmu spoke and directly walked to reach the monster. 

It was the first time ever that he will be facing a monster right from front and the monster was not an injured one. He was scared but if he did not show guts, he will be more pitiful than a luggage dog. The payment of the Guild was due and he has nothing to rent a cottage and he has no heart to go back home empty handed either. 

They were both at level three and to see how confidant Qiao was while lecturing him rather than pampering, he felt that he could do this. Even carbon turns into diamond under high pressure. Right now, he was in that state of carbon and only facing a monster would make him evolve.

Limmu had seen his team hunting hundred times and today he was practically going to hunt for first time. He held his sword and advanced towards the monster while shouting like a Zero. 

The monster heard the shout and immediately ran to attack the lone chaser. Both were running toward each other. 

Qiao saw this and twitched his brows. He also then rushed to attack but from behind. Usually the stronger attack was put by the stronger chaser with a better weapon so that the first attack proved to be deciding and this attack would solely ensure whether they will be able to hunt and prevent the hunt from running away.  Limmu was excited to use his sword for real and forcefully, although he knew it was impossible and that he was only distracting. 

The frontal attack was considered impossible to pull off and very rare and certain situations might buy this opportunity for a hunter to perform it. As the distance was shortening, Qiao appeared swiftly and attacked. His weapon was strong and his level was at the third peak so it was normal for a level two monster to give in easily after such an attack. 

Though it was not killed but it couldn't move around too. After the attack, Qiao stood away and gestured Limmu to proceed and meet the groans and angry struggle of the monster. Whichever way the monster tried to stop the chaser Limmu straightaway attacked and hacked. It seemed he was alone for now because Qiao was no more around. 

He had actually managed to spot another monster a little distance away. He thought to take a closer look at the monster and at the same time also test this new chaser. What would he do with spoils when he was left alone with it? Whether he would take them and runaway? He had a choice to take the spoils and runaway toward the Guild and pay his fees then join a good team and forget about Qiao, because had not told which Guild he belonged before. 

"Buddy we got three spoils." Limmu picked the spoils and spoke with excitement. He looked around and did not get any response. Now he was sure that he was alone. He looked at the glistening stones in front of him. These three stones would be enough for the Guild fee. But then he remembered the attitude and actions of the brave chaser. 

He knew even if he ran away the young man would definitely search him and then kill him. He had developed some fear against Qiao and his ways and he did not want to earn his anger. Even if he was not around but his threat and every word resonated in his head. He was truly frightened to go against such man so he picked the spoils and walked around as he shouted his name to search for him.