Hunter leans back on his chair, looking between the two men sitting across from him. Both are identifiable as members of the colony by their pale skin.

  “I don't appreciate you insisting on separating us, but I'm willing to hear you out,” Hunter says, carefully observing them, with the tips of his fingers resting on the side of his bow.

  The one on the left, a frail-looking young man, replies, “Thank you for understanding. Don't worry, we won't do anything to you, but caution is a necessity these days, especially considering your company.”

  The bowman glares at him, causing the much larger man to his right to interject.

  “Do not threaten the young master or you will be removed from this place.”

  Hunter grips his weapon.

  The other one raises his hands and says, “Hey. Let's all calm down.”

  He glances between the two people larger than himself and continues, “We are here to establish a deal. I want you four to slay the monster which has been terrorising us for so long, but what do you want in return? Nothing is free in this world.”

  Hunter crosses his arms and says, “All we ask is for you to spread the word that it was the four of us who did it.”

  Several moments of silence pass until the young man’s face slowly morphs into a smile.

  “That's all? Awesome!”

  He quickly extends his hand across the table, which Hunter shakes and all three of them stand up.

  “I'll point you to the beast's location. Follow me, and bring your companions, including the…”

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  He receives another glare and his voice trails off, clearing his throat after he stops. They exit the building to see the other three talking. ?elare is sitting on the ground with Astraea next to him and Vis is leaning on the wall.

  Hunter waves to get their attention.

  “The colony leader's son and his bodyguard are taking us there now, come on!”

  They cease their idle chatter and make their way over. The young man nods and says with a grin, “Negotiations went well for once- your friend here is very reasonable! Let's talk while we walk, it's not too far.”

  All six of them begin travelling through the colony village. It is almost identical to Sabulo in construction, and the only easily discernible difference is the populace being pale-skinned in contrast to the tribe’s tanned colour. Vis receives many odd, concerned or even angry looks as he passes people by, but he pays these no mind.

  The leader’s son says, “How have you enjoyed my village so far in comparison to the brutish tribe you came here from?”

  Vis grits his teeth and remains silent as ?elare responds, with a slightly shaking voice, “I think you should probably reconsider some things. We've only spent a day in each place, but so far,” he says, pausing and taking on a guilty expression, “I prefer the leadership of Sabulo.”

  Astraea raises an eyebrow, Vis snorts and Hunter cracks a smile.

  “You-” the young man begins to respond, before he takes a deep breath and says, “Fine. If it's going to be like that, then we'll walk in silence.”

  Vis pats ?elare on the shoulder and gives him an amused expression as he nods.

  Fifteen minutes later, they stop. The young man turns around with a sour look on his face.

  “Just keep heading in this direction. Good luck with the fight,” he mutters before motioning to his bodyguard. They walk off without another word.

  Hunter and Vis both begin laughing heartily, while ?elare looks nervous.

  The bowman says, through heavy breaths, “Did you see the look on his face?”

  “‘Then we'll walk in silence.’ What a child!” the warrior replies.

  The blond looks between the two as they seem to be enjoying themselves excessively.

  “Sorry, guys. I'm sure we could have gotten more information had I not spoken.”

  Vis waves a hand in his direction and says, “Nah, it's fine, that was incredible. I didn't know you'd have it in you!”

  ?elare gives a brief, narrow smile in response.

  After a few minutes, Hunter has ceased his laughter. He clears his throat and addresses everyone.

  “Alright, I see no reason for us not to go for it now. Everyone, prepare to battle.”

  The four of them begin walking toward the Scorpion’s nest.