Hunt Race

Three days passed.

By the fourth morning, Kael could finally walk without the healer glaring at him every few steps.

His ribs still ached whenever he moved too quickly, but the worst had passed.

Before leaving the infirmary, the elderly healer pointed a finger at him.

"Don't mistake feeling better for being fully healed."

Kael smiled awkwardly.

"I won't."

"You will."

The old man sighed.

"That's why I'm saying it."

Kael chuckled, thanked him, and stepped into the corridor.

The Guild was as lively as ever.

Hunters hurried past carrying packs and weapons, attendants moved between offices with stacks of documents, and new commissions were already being pinned to the board.

Life hadn't stopped simply because he had been injured.

Remembering what the attendant had told him, Kael made his way back to the infirmary's recovery wing.

He stopped outside a familiar room and knocked.

"Come in."

Kael pushed the door open.

The injured hunter was sitting upright by the window, though one arm remained wrapped in bandages.

He looked over and smiled.

"So, you're finally awake."

Kael laughed.

"I heard you woke up before me."

"I did."

The hunter gestured toward the chair beside the bed.

"Sit."

Kael pulled it over.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then the hunter extended his hand.

"I never introduced myself."

"My name is Rowan."

Kael shook it.

"Kael."

"It's good to finally know the name of the man who dragged me out of that forest."

Kael smiled faintly.

"I couldn't leave you behind."

Rowan studied him for a moment before shaking his head.

"Most beginners would've run."

"Honestly..."

"I wouldn't have blamed them."

Kael didn't know how to answer.

Rowan broke the silence.

"I heard you killed the beast."

Kael looked down at his hands.

"...Barely."

"A victory is still a victory."

Rowan leaned back carefully against the pillow.

"I've hunted for eight years."

"I've seen experienced hunters freeze when things went wrong."

He met Kael's eyes.

"You kept moving."

"That's what saved both of us."

Kael remained silent.

The memory of the fight still felt unreal.

Rowan smiled.

"Don't look so serious."

"I owe you a drink."

Kael couldn't help but laugh.

"I'll remember that."

"Good."

"I don't intend to forget."

The two shared a quiet laugh.

Outside the window, the sounds of the bustling Guild drifted into the room.

For the first time since arriving at the Guild...

Kael felt like he wasn't just a newcomer anymore.

He had taken his first step into the life of a hunter.

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