The air around the End Forest had always carried a stale quality—moldy, if I had to describe it. I thought it was the result of the ashen trees and the corrupt vegetation, and while that was partially correct, the prime reason could be attributed to the monsters that lived within. Tonight had proven my conjecture correct.
Due to the tent being situated in the middle of the camp, I could make out the fireworks that lit up the otherwise dark sky. Men who wore armor made use of their dis...
2025-02-08 14:30:01 +0000 UTC
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I heard the discordant buzz of noises, the crashes, and the screams. I felt the ground heave and buckle, as if a lightweight blanket buffeted by the intense winds. And I saw Ed, his face grimy and sweaty—enough that I could make out the pockmarks of dust and dirt.
By situating my body in a manner that blocked his sight of the interior, I managed to hide the swaying bodies of my former teammates. And background noise worked to conceal the muffled noises that escaped through their blind...
2025-02-06 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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I never forgot that moment of helplessness when death had been rushing to meet me. Its cold and harsh grasps caressing my cheeks and ruffling my hair. I had never found anything more calming or accepting than death—even cold and emotionless, it beckoned me with a warmth I could only vaguely recall from my mother.
Despite its welcoming embrace, the seeds of resentment had rooted themselves in my heart. I couldn't leave this world without fulfilling my dreams. I couldn't leave my father...
2025-02-05 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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I looked up at the moon, the sparse canopy barely hindering my view of the glowing celestial body. I blinked.
The night air was colder than yesterday—a sign that winter drew closer still. Sounds of the insects chirping in the underbrush echoed across the solitary stillness of the forest. The only source of warmth remained the hand entwined with mine.
Athea paused near a particularly thick tree, hands tracing along the bark. I watched on with a curious expression as she ran her f...
2025-02-04 14:30:01 +0000 UTC
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Athea poured the scalding hot tea into a clay cup, the steam wafting off to hit her in the nose. She took a deep breath to savor the earthen flavor, the floral bitterness leaving her refreshed. It was a luxury to taste a brew of this quality, especially when existing in the middle of a battlefield.
She settled the pot back upon the table, picked up the cups, and proffered them to her guests.
"Thank you," the man accepted with a smile and a nod. The silver-haired beauty, on the oth...
2025-02-02 14:56:52 +0000 UTC
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The air felt heavy, the mana chaotic. The ground quaked as the monsters led a thunderous charge against the line of soldiers. The men looked weary, and though they retaliated with a frenetic assault, their movements were sloppy. Crude.
Against the heavy tide of monsters, these men, though overcome by fatigue, still held their ground. For they protected more than their pride and honor; they defended their homes.
Weak though as I was, my senses were adept at picking out the critical...
2025-02-01 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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Elves were regarded as a menace by the higher society of the Kingdom. Naturally, the effects of prejudice extended to the lower class as well. Although their objective remained undisclosed to the masses, it did nothing to abate the growing hostility between the two species.
Despite that, no wide movement had been launched against the pointy-eared creatures. After all, they too sought the destruction of monster kind above all else.
And dragons were monsters.
Although myths in...
2025-01-31 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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I woke up, feeling weaker than I had in a long time. My head pounded with an intense headache, and every muscle in my body cried in pain.
I groaned and pushed myself into sitting posture. My surroundings were dim, but even under the haze, I could make out the texture of the fabric. I gulped, the wetness offsetting the dryness in my throat.
"A tent..."
It was a squat piece of fabric slung over rough tree branches. A makeshift tent would've been more apt. I also realized the l...
2025-01-30 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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The territory division between the lands of the Kingdom wasn't marked by physical borders; they sort of bled into each other. Erdwatch ended near the Prune Town, and from there the Barony held rein.
Since the Guild existed right in the middle, even running at a brisk pace, it took us over an hour to glimpse the beginnings of the forest. And unlike the End Forest, the trees here were lush green, with rough barks and brimming with vitality.
Despite donning armor, though admittedly o...
2025-01-29 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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Flames of annihilation surged high into the sky, promising death and destruction. Chaos reigned everywhere, the very mana in the air thrumming every time a blast rang out. And blood. Lots of blood.
Even so far away, Amara could smell blood. She could taste the terror and the resentment of those who died, expressing great injustice and seeking vengeance. Despite the calm exterior of her companions, she could infer the happening had shaken them deeply.
She looked up at the blowing...
2025-01-28 14:30:01 +0000 UTC
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Hunting as a profession is heavily sought after, especially in a world where strength brings wealth and prestige. Many would be more than willing to trade an arm and a leg for a shot at rare Origin. But how many would awaken as hunters?
I used to lie awake at night after an intense day of work in the mines. I would dream of the life that being a hunter promised, sometimes anxious and other times afraid. Despite that I wasn't delusional enough to disregard the cold hard reality I ha...
2025-01-27 14:30:07 +0000 UTC
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Hello~
Drifting Embers here,
I had a few things to say to my dear supporters—well, three things actually.
One) I am currently working on a discord server, though it's likely to take some time before it becomes serviceable. That said, if you have any suggestion for roles or specialized channels please voice them here.
Two) A third summon is likely to be made soon enough. Please dro...
2025-01-27 14:29:01 +0000 UTC
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2025-01-26 16:03:01 +0000 UTC
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2025-01-26 16:01:03 +0000 UTC
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2025-01-26 16:00:11 +0000 UTC
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Registration for the guild as a hunter involved a three-step process. The first and easiest one was where the hunter would be asked to input their details—name, race, level, origin, and whatnot—on a ready-made document. Amara was quick to start filling the form.
Tania and I took to the sides as we watched Amara go through the motions. The woman from before—who identified herself as Zyra—stood beside us, her gaze locked intently on the vampire's back.
"Ahem." I cleared my t...
2025-01-26 15:24:01 +0000 UTC
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"Why are you always so skittish around Amara?" Finding a brief moment of solitude, I turned to Tania and asked.
I had noticed the dwarf's apprehension toward the vampire, and it made me glower in irritation. I wanted my summons to share just as much fondness between them as they directed at me. Tania's behavior was like a rusted cog in our team that it was bound to escalate into something bigger in the future. That is, if I couldn't help it.
The shy dwarf distracted herself by for...
2025-01-26 15:23:00 +0000 UTC
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With a pep to my step and clicking of the coins, I marched down the street in search of my two companions. Though the rush of the crowd would've served to hamper my search, the incongruity of my summons from the general masses meant the duo were given a wide berth wherever necessary. And thus I found the vampire and the dwarf standing before a clothing stall, trying out different hats.
"Fancy anything?" Tania gave a startled yelp at my whisper and turned to regard me with a bashful expr...
2025-01-26 15:22:01 +0000 UTC
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Though we alighted the carriage near the Guild itself, I took the complete opposite of the direction that led to the entrance. The marketplace near the center, usually rife with activity, was dead silent as we walked forward.
Under the light spell of rain, we walked the cobblestone-laden streets, desolate and empty save for the litter of papers haphazardly strewn across the barren shops.
"Hmm." I frowned as I took another turn only to find the lane bare just as its predecessors. "...
2025-01-26 15:21:07 +0000 UTC
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Amara's words were clear, though the reasoning behind her actions eluded me. I knew she was angry, but I couldn't exactly draw a clear logic, though something told me it was more than just racism that had irked her.
During the course of our meal, I had been beside myself, stealing glances at the entrance that an enforcer might burst through at any moment. I wasn't afraid of the law and enforcement, though I did feel apprehensive at possible litigation.
As I was ruminating over the...
2025-01-26 15:20:00 +0000 UTC
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Despite having weathered a number of disasters over the years, Erdwatch had proven time and again its unyielding nature and the resilience of its inhabitants.
It was said that humanity as a whole was highly adaptive, but the residents of the city had proven this proverb through their hard work and determination. No matter the calamity that threatened to shake them, they had remained steadfast and emerged stronger.
While a mote of concern burned within me, I tried not to think too ...
2025-01-26 15:19:01 +0000 UTC
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Polygamy as a concept was not foreign to the lands of the Continent. Nobility aside, even the less-known influential figures like knights and merchants of the Kingdom took part as a show of status. Personally, I wasn’t entirely opposed to the concept.
Spending a night lying atop the rooftop had infused a cold chill within my bones. Though it did allow me the time that I needed to sort my thoughts out and even assess Titania's talents.
Unlike Amara, who seemed more suitable on a ...
2025-01-26 15:18:01 +0000 UTC
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"You didn't answer my question," I said, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. "Why will they all be girls?"
Amara had her eyes closed, a look of contentment on her face. Hearing my question, she cracked open an eyelid and asked, "Why indeed?"
Looking at her expression, I could tell she was waiting for me to beg for an answer; I wasn't keen on giving her the benefit of doubt. I lightly tapped my forehead against hers. "This is serious, Amara. If you know something, out with i...
2025-01-26 15:17:01 +0000 UTC
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When the time came for us to tuck ourselves in, I, being the gentleman, offered to sleep on the floor. There was only one bed and three of us. It seemed the only sensible choice.
Amara pointedly ignored my words, though, and took to lounging atop the windowsill. Although Immortal negated her need for sleep or food, providing your mental faculties some rest would only prove beneficial in the long run. That said, there wasn't much I could do or say to dissuade her.
Instead I turned ...
2025-01-26 15:16:01 +0000 UTC
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Summoner was a rare Origin in the continent. I didn't have what one may consider extensive knowledge regarding the Hunters and their varied Origins. Though the concept of top 200 hunter rankings was broadly known across the Kingdom, the information made public barely covered anything beyond their names and affiliation.
Thanks to Amara, though amnesic as she was, I was markedly superior to common rabble with regard to awareness of general knowledge. Though many would differ with...
2025-01-26 15:15:01 +0000 UTC
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"You kissed me?" Amara asked, accusingly.
"In my defense, I was just cashing in on that promise a little earlier." I held up my hands in defense. "That said, if you have something to say, I'm all ears."
Amara looked at me, with eyes narrowed and a turbulent storm coursing behind. Being as tall as she was, I was intimidated to say the least. "That was not a promise."
"Probability? I get it."
I was only now coming to a realization that I might've gotten swept into the he...
2025-01-26 14:30:01 +0000 UTC
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Erdwatch as the city was a result of centuries of effort toward optimization and efficiency. Everything built was catered to satisfy the needs of hunters. From potion shops to armory outlets, everything a hunter would need to outset their journey was made available.
The forest was dimly lit as the night had fallen. I briefly observed Amara's expression, noting her delight at the surge in her attributes that Moon's Blessing promised.
Early pangs of hunger had started ...
2025-01-25 23:37:56 +0000 UTC
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Dark smoke curled above the canopy, the eastward wind carrying ash and soot along, leaving a hazy trail of grayness that matched the rainy clouds in the sky. I picked the faint smell of smog amidst the overpowering stench of offal.
The dead carcass of the corrupted Direwolf lay a few feet ahead of me while I tried catching my breath. All the while my talent worked to push my bones back into alignment and mend the torn bits of flesh. The healing was horrendously slow.
I heard the w...
2025-01-24 14:53:49 +0000 UTC
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Talents were innate to the hunter and Origin both. They came in all shapes and sizes and usually reflected an aspect to be altered or an attribute to be improved.
Some talents focused on enhancing one's strength, either providing a flat bonus or some obscure application like bypassing your opponent's defense. Others focused on augmenting durability and enhancing vitality. However, each talent in some way drew from the Intelligence attribute.
Intelligence wasn't just a measure of m...
2025-01-23 14:30:02 +0000 UTC
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The earthen wetness squelched beneath our boots, while the stale and humid air was prevalent throughout the atmosphere. Jacob and his team of acolytes marched ahead of us, while Amara and I positioned ourselves at the rear.
Each of the acolytes was carrying a backpack, filled to the brim with destructive potions that usually cost exorbitant amounts of money. They were to be used against the monsters to bring peace and harmony to the lands. Yet, Amara's words had struck a chord in me, an...
2025-01-22 14:30:01 +0000 UTC
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