Hunt Race

The journey back to the city was quiet.

The battle was over.

The tension that had followed them through the forest had finally faded.

Neither of them spoke much.

There wasn't much left to say.

Every now and then, Kael glanced at the woman walking beside him.

He still found it hard to believe.

Together...

They had defeated a Silver Rank.

A feat neither of them should have been capable of.

Yet...

Here they were.

Alive.

...

By the time the city gates came into view, the sun had begun to sink below the horizon.

The guards gave the two hunters curious looks.

Their torn clothes.

The dried blood.

The countless cuts covering their bodies.

It was obvious they had been through a brutal battle.

But no one asked questions.

Hunters often returned looking worse than this.

Once inside the city, the familiar noise of merchants and pedestrians filled the streets.

Life continued as though nothing had happened.

The two walked together until they reached a crossroads.

She stopped.

"I'll be heading this way."

Kael nodded.

"So this is where we part."

She gave a small nod.

For a brief moment...

Neither of them moved.

Then Kael scratched the back of his head.

"You know..."

"We've fought together."

"We nearly died together."

"And I just realized..."

"I never asked your name."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"I was wondering when you'd ask."

She met his eyes.

"Cherry."

"My name is Cherry."

Kael repeated it quietly.

"Cherry..."

"It's a nice name."

"Thank you."

She folded her arms.

"And yours?"

"Kael."

A soft chuckle escaped her.

"I know."

He blinked.

"You do?"

She nodded.

"I knew the moment I got close enough to put a dagger to your throat."

Kael stared at her for a second.

Then he laughed.

"I guess there wasn't much I could hide at that distance."

"There wasn't."

The two shared a quiet laugh.

After everything that had happened...

It felt strangely normal.

Cherry turned to leave.

"Take care of yourself, Kael."

"You too."

She raised a hand in farewell.

Then disappeared into the evening crowd.

Kael watched until she was no longer in sight.

Only then did he turn and walk toward home.

The mission was over.

But somehow...

He had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.

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