I snuck into the pitch-black kitchen, having to pause to let my eyes adjust to the darkness.
I could have summoned a small flame to light my way, but that would run the risk of blowing my cover the instant someone would walk in, and I wanted to remain hidden for as long as possible.
Luckily, the moonlight seeped in through the small windows under the ceiling, allowing me to see my surroundings somewhat.
Thus, I carefully weaved my way through the crates full of ve...
2024-01-28 14:13:23 +0000 UTC
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Finished with our transaction, we were then quickly ushered out of the mansion.
As we were walking out under the butler's austere look, I made a conscious effort to remember the mansion's layout as well as the faces of each servant we met in case I would need to return here later for some in-depth reconnaissance.
However, all my attempts to stall for time so that I could look around were promptly thwarted by the vigilant butler, who seemed to regard us with the utmost s...
2024-01-26 16:31:11 +0000 UTC
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As the last of the abominable wolves fell, all but confirming my glorious victory, every bit of the previous tension left my battered body, and I collapsed to the ground, laughing crazily. "Hahaha! I won... I freaking won!"
By defeating those beasts, my silly childhood dream had finally come true... I was now a real Hunter.
However, as I began to slowly turn around, my victorious smirk instantly froze on my lips. Why didn't it go away?
The ominous-looking rif...
2024-01-24 13:55:25 +0000 UTC
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"Ah! We've made so much money yesterday!" Vixen exclaimed during breakfast, grinning happily.
Seeing her make such an excited face, I returned her smile, but I couldn't help but think, 'What does she even do with all that money anyway?'
For example, every time we got paid, Ram headed straight for the nearest inn, ordering a huge pile of meat to celebrate, and the rest of his coins usually went into upgrading his gear.
On the other hand, Vixen ate quite frugally, a...
2024-01-22 19:59:50 +0000 UTC
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The early morning mist clung to the city like a shroud as we briskly made our way out of Weisberg's main gate and onto the flat plains below.
Since today's job was all about herb picking, we had to wake up extra early to head out before the sun had even begun peeking over the horizon.
Arriving at the agreed-upon spot, we finally met with our new employer, who appeared to be already waiting for us there - a middle-aged herbalist with a greying beard named Master Finn.
2024-01-19 19:51:27 +0000 UTC
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Determined to come to the bottom of this and to finally find out the hidden base of Dominc's gang, I eagerly delved into the narrow, winding alleyways that formed the Weisberg's Craftsman district.
The air was thick with smoke, and everything was covered in a thin layer of soot from the many furnaces that burned brightly, processing all the various metals from the nearby mines.
Thus, before I went in, I first manipulated the air around me to create a small bubble of fre...
2024-01-17 17:36:45 +0000 UTC
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Having activated [Synthesis] in a hurry, I watched in awe as the small sphere of molten stone shifted and molded right before my eyes. Soon, it took on a seemingly humanoid form, and as the glow began to subside, I was left staring at a peculiar creature no taller than a child.
Its tiny body was made entirely out of jagged rocks stacked upon one another like a haphazard tower and supported by two short, stubby legs. Sparks of blue energy crackled between its...
2024-01-16 17:38:11 +0000 UTC
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"Wow!" Ram exclaimed, staring in awe at the towering mountain before us. Yet, despite my reservations, I, too, had to admit that this was a sight like nothing I had seen so far.
The royal city of Weisberg stretched out majestically before us, its countless white buildings reflecting in the afternoon sun.
Built upon the steep slopes of the Silver Mountains, the houses, which were constructed out of the distinctive white limestone that gave the city its unique aesthetic, ...
2024-01-15 19:47:22 +0000 UTC
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"Ugh, what would I give right now to have some convenient inventory system..." I grumbled, lugging a heavy backpack filled to the brim with weeks' worth of food and other necessities since it would be some time before I could refill my stock after we hit the road.
Sighing, I raised my head, looking at the clear, dark sky, and smiled. 'At least it will be a nice weather today.'
It was shortly before dawn the day after I bought my new sword, which was now gently swaying o...
2024-01-12 20:37:52 +0000 UTC
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Shortly after the Guild swept the northern forest and found nothing, life slowly returned to normal.
In two days, those who successfully completed their task were therefore promoted to Fledglings and received their badges, signifying their new status as official members of the Beast Hunter Guild.
"Wow, you really managed to pull it off?" Ram looked at me with stars in his eyes.
Thanks to my grand feat of slaying a Warrhog, I received the best possible score despit...
2024-01-10 21:16:10 +0000 UTC
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I quietly watched the massive pigs joyfully wallowing in the mud from my hideout behind a protruding rock.
At first glance, they didn't look like monsters at all - if you overlook their unnatural size, that is.
But looking closely, I could clearly see their at least half-a-meter-long tusks, sharp as a razor blade reflecting in the sun.
If you paired it together with the vicious-looking fangs protruding from their maws, it was clear as day that they would be able t...
2024-01-08 21:01:04 +0000 UTC
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The days leading up to the beast hunter exam were a whirlwind of relentless training and exercise.
Well, it was to be expected as I was trying to cram two months' worth of preparations into a single week. But with my mind made up and not wanting to waste any more time, I diligently soldiered on.
Wolf seemed to share my sentiment as he pushed me harder than ever before, teaching me every combat technique he knew of, determined to ensure that I was truly ready for any pos...
2024-01-05 20:53:33 +0000 UTC
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After confirming my Class choice, I could feel a sudden surge of energy coursing through my bruised, tired body, as if it were undergoing some profound changes.
The radiant crystal on the pedestal pulsed with a gentle glow as if acknowledging my selection, but I paid it no attention, my eyes firmly glued to the single line of text that appeared before me.
[Class: Scavenger (lvl.1)]
I still couldn't quite believe it... Me, possessing a true Class.
<...
2024-01-04 09:52:44 +0000 UTC
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Clenching my teeth, I lit yet another match. Armed with nothing but bitter determination, I slowly moved forward, delving into the empty, dark corridor.
I tried to walk carefully but also quickly as I had only a couple of matches left in my pocket. After that… Let’s not think about it for now.
Focusing on the task at hand, I continued through the newly uncovered tunnel that stretched on and on without an end in sight.
At least I won't get lost......
2024-01-04 09:50:38 +0000 UTC
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"Move, you worthless rat!" Carson’s angry voice sounded from somewhere behind me.
I shut my eyes tightly, already knowing what would follow. And in the next moment came the whip, mercilessly connecting with my poor skin. I twitched, feeling the inevitable round of searing pain.
Ah, how I hate that bastard... With a heavy sigh, I slowly opened my eyes and reluctantly resumed the slow march forward.
The tunnel’s jaws loomed before me, and the only thin...
2024-01-04 09:46:57 +0000 UTC
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Hello everyone!
I'm happy to announce that I'm working on a new book I'll be releasing alongside Arcane Innovator in the coming months.
I will first post it here for my loyal patrons, and later on, when I have enough stockpiled chapters, it will also go live on RoyalRoad.
For now, there won't be any set release schedule, and I'll be posting the chapters as I'm done writing them.
I guess you're right now wondering what this new book will be about... Well, let m...
2024-01-04 09:33:42 +0000 UTC
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I narrowed my eyes, calmly watching the Mayor's residence faintly illuminated by the ongoing blaze looming menacingly before me; its mighty stone walls and iron gates stood tall and unyielding.
But for a mage like myself, such an obstacle wasn't anything insurmountable. I quietly jumped over the main gate before propelling myself onto the roof.
Grabbing the protruding edge of the roof with one hand, I pulled myself upward, carefully balancing on the ledge.
There, ...
2024-01-03 18:31:36 +0000 UTC
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Happy New Year, everyone!
I'm back to writing after the Christmas break. A new chapter will come out on Wednesday, and from there, the regular release schedule of 3 chapters/week will resume.
Best regards!
CosmicQuill
2024-01-01 19:55:04 +0000 UTC
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Running across the dim-lit street, I silently approached the unassuming warehouse while keeping to the shadows. The night air was cool against my skin, and my heart raced with anticipation as I inched closer.
I proceeded cautiously, avoiding any squeaky floorboards or loose stones that might give away my presence. At the same time, my eyes were firmly glued to the inconspicuous side entrance marked by a single flickering torch.
Yet before I could attempt to enter the wa...
2023-12-28 17:12:52 +0000 UTC
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A/N: Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you all!
I hope you all have a wonderful time in this winter season, and once again, thank you all for your continued support.
I want to inform you that in the following two weeks, I will be spending time with family and won't have much time to write, so I will be releasing only about 1-2 chapters per week.
The regular release schedule will resume at the begin...
2023-12-20 18:23:22 +0000 UTC
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"That's one hella nasty gash ya got there, boy!" The Guild's Barber spat out in a raspy voice as his rough, calloused hands examined my wound.
'No shit... Thanks for stating the obvious, you old fart...' I cursed inwardly as I tried to endure the throbbing pain in my arm.
I raised my head to look at the old Barber, who appeared kind of menacing as he stood between the flickering shadows that danced upon the walls of the dimly lit closet we found ourselves in.
His ...
2023-12-15 20:50:19 +0000 UTC
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Seeing the monstrous form emerge from the fog, we all jumped back, hurriedly raising our swords in a defensive stance.
All except Weasel, who quickly drew a small composite bow while positioning herself at the back of our haphazard formation.
A putrid stench emanated from the creature's every pore, assaulting our senses and making me gag. I couldn't quite see what it was, but it definitely looked big and dangerous.
However, before I could react, Ram sprang into ac...
2023-12-13 20:55:56 +0000 UTC
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"Hey! How long are you going to laze about over there?" A sharp voice sounded from somewhere behind us, and we both promptly turned our heads.
'Huh? It's a girl?' I widened my eyes in clear surprise as there stood a young woman with folded arms and a determined expression on her face.
Although rare, it was not unheard of for women to become beast hunters. Yet so far, I met only one back in Ereneth, which was no other than Brunhilde.
That's why I turned back toward...
2023-12-11 22:01:55 +0000 UTC
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Sneaking out of the Guild's building, I eagerly delved into the Ostengard's main street, which was bustling with activity despite the late hour.
I pushed through the evening crowds as there were many people who were returning from work or decided to have some fun in one of the many taverns lining the main street.
Everywhere I went, I could hear the sounds of laughter and music as people of all ages and walks of life were enjoying themselves despite having to put up with...
2023-12-08 19:09:15 +0000 UTC
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"Ugh," I couldn't help but groan as I opened my eyes the following day. It was shortly before dawn, and one of the Guild's clerks had just barged into the resting area to wake us Recruits up.
I groggily rose to my feet, and my joints cracked with displeasure as I tried to stretch my hurting body.
This made me scowl at the hard plank that they were, for some strange reason, calling a "bed" in here, which made my back throb with severe pain.
Not to mention, I barely...
2023-12-06 16:18:21 +0000 UTC
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I was sweating nervously as I stood in one of the fenced-out sections of the training grounds, tightly grasping a wooden sword with both my trembling hands.
When I went to pick out a weapon a moment ago from the nearby stall, I pondered for a while what I should choose from the wide selection of battle instruments presented to me - some of which I saw for the first time in my life.
But then I looked around and decided to settle upon a simple sword as it seemed to be hig...
2023-12-04 17:43:06 +0000 UTC
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I stood in the middle of Ostengard's muddy main square listening to the town's crier preposterous speech with a deadpan face.
'Good thing I decided to take on a new identity... With such an announcement, I'll now have all the bounty hunters in the whole region on my ass.'
I tried my best not to let any emotion show on my face as I slowly moved to the side and promptly left the area.
I only stopped when I entered a dark, empty alleyway some distance away from the m...
2023-12-01 20:31:07 +0000 UTC
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After deciding to assume a new identity for the time being, I now need to figure out what to do next.
I knew that pretending to be an orphan came with its own difficulties - for example, I wouldn't be able to get any reasonable job.
And I certainly needed some sort of a day job as my pouch was now all but empty, and I was down to my last few coins since I gave most of my silver to Father back in the Forest.
'I should have left some silver marks in my stash...' I t...
2023-11-29 16:44:14 +0000 UTC
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Even though I could barely move my exhausted body after such a tiring fight, I forced myself to walk some distance away from the gruesome battlefield before I settled in a nearby tree's crown for the night.
I had no doubts that the whole area would soon be swarmed with countless monsters, fighting over the remains of the small host they sent after me, and I needed to quickly leave the area as I had no more energy left to fight.
But then, unable to sleep despite my inten...
2023-11-27 18:45:18 +0000 UTC
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After saying farewells to my family, I delved into the dangerous depths of the Forest, walking back in the direction of the frontier villages.
I had decided to follow the only clue Sam gave me before I killed him: to go west into the next large city along the main highway.
That also meant going back toward Ereneth, where, by now, every single guard must have been searching for me.
Getting inside unnoticed would be next to impossible, so my only option was to circu...
2023-11-24 18:06:12 +0000 UTC
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