Hunter’s Blade

C17 – Welcome

“Hey.” Eventually, the farmers couldn’t figure out Shire’s identity, leaving him feeling like a mysterious figure in their eyes.

“I need some clothes and food,” Shire changed the subject, putting an end to their endless speculations.

“Our village is just ahead.”

They reached a place called Duren Village. The terrain was flat and open, with sparse trees and grayish-yellow grass, creating a tranquil autumn atmosphere. The orchard’s trees had been pruned, and the farmland appeared desolate.

As Shire walked into the village, the scent of chicken and cow dung filled the air. Tall brick and wood houses lined both sides of the main road. The villagers constructed the houses using wooden pillars as the framework, embedding bricks to form the distinct Roman architectural style, with visible horizontal and vertical wooden structures reinforcing the stone walls.

At the village center, there was a well where a woman, donning a large blue apron and a white scarf, was fetching water. Upon seeing the group, especially Shire, whose clothing was untidy, she let out a scream, dropping her bucket and scurrying away with her skirt held up.

“Who is it? Who is it?” Several villagers rushed out, brandishing wooden sticks, upon hearing the scream.

“Someone is causing trouble!”

“Everyone, let’s fight him with all our might!”

The villager standing behind Shire quickly clarified, “It’s Durer! Mark, it’s one of us!”

“Who is this person?” They appeared quite wary, as every stranger represented a potential threat to the village. Outsiders often brought disaster and trouble.

“He’s the one who saved our village! The hero who defeated the River Giant Devil!”

The word spread like wildfire through the village, and soon, half of the villagers gathered to witness the scene. The sound of footsteps echoed as people left their homes and congregated at the village’s central muddy ground. They stared at Shire, pointing at him, which left him feeling rather puzzled.

“You truly vanquished the River Giant Devil?” An old man with white hair, dressed in a linen robe, hurried over.

“Yes, these people can vouch for it.” Shire gestured towards the few villagers who stood behind him.

“God has sent us our savior.” The old man raised his hands in a sincere gesture towards the sky. Other villagers followed suit, expressing their gratitude to God.

The Lawman People honored their ancestors and historical heroes, with the greatest among them being the God Edward, the first king in Roman history who passed divine testing. Originally, he walked the mortal world, but after his death, he ascended to godhood.

“I’m a traveler, happy to offer my help,” Shire straightforwardly expressed his attitude. “In exchange, all I need is some clothes and a meal, and my time won’t be wasted.”

“Of course. May I have the honor of knowing your name?” The old man said humbly, “I am Margernon of Duolun.”

“Just call me Shire,” he replied with a nod.

The Lawman People typically indicated their origin in their self-proclamation. Shire hailed from a small place called Belor Village, so he should technically call himself “Belor’s Shire.” However, Etienne had advised him not to reveal personal information as a Devil Hunter, to avoid being exploited. Hence, Shire followed his instructions.

Magnon led him to a house with a courtyard. Inside, there was a square table with stools around it. Two large dogs began barking at Shire, but soon, they cowered and stopped making noise.

Did they sense the presence of a devil in my body? Animals were often sensitive to supernatural beings like devils.

“Look, so many mortals around, so many mortals…” Gradiu sensed the villagers nearby. “I have a request…”

“What?”

“Help me kill a few mortals and let me taste their souls.”

“Don’t even think about it” Shire refused in his heart.

“Eating humans can restore my strength, and my strength can help you.”

“You promised never to go against mortals.”

“Did I say that?”

Unaware of the lurking Evil Demon causing trouble, the villagers chatted with excitement, discussing the demise of the River Giant Devil. The dark cloud that had plagued Duren Village was finally lifted, putting everyone in a cheerful mood. Before Shire intervened, the village had been in a dire state, and now, the villagers were genuinely grateful.

“Please come in, Master,” Magnon welcomed Shire into the house. The interior was simple, reflecting the humble farmer’s style and emanating warmth.

On the left and right sides were two spacious rooms. The one on the right was for sleeping, with four or five woolen square carpets laid out on the floor and a small brazier in the center. There was no charcoal inside, indicating the villagers’ frugality in using firewood, as the River Giant Devil had blocked their access to the forest.

The left room served as the kitchen, housing a square stone fire kiln with a large stew pot on top. Due to limited resources, the villagers cooked river water, vegetables, and potatoes in the pot daily. As someone from the countryside, Shire was well-acquainted with these surroundings.

The Margaryen family lived somewhat better than the other villagers, evident from the presence of a locker and a closet in the corridor. A wooden staircase led to the second floor, typically reserved for receiving guests.

“If you don’t mind, you can wear my son’s clothes,” Magnon opened the closet and took out a coarse long-sleeved shirt, linen pants, a sheepskin coat, and a pair of leather boots. Shire estimated the value of these clothes to be around seven or eight silver coins, a genuine expression of gratitude from the villagers.

A complete set of clothes! Since Shire’s resurrection, it was the first time he had proper attire.

“Your son? Where is he now?” Shire inquired while picking up the clothes.

Magnon shrugged.

“Since he was young, he had a passion for reading. I envisioned him becoming a poet, a historian, or even someone responsible for reading letters to the Lord. So I sent him to West Coast, and he became even more brilliant. My son truly had a promising future… However, the more he read, the less he wanted to speak with me. Eventually, he didn’t return home and hasn’t been back for 20 years. I receive no news from him, so all I can do is pray every day. I hope he’s living well and in good health. Lord, he left when he was about your age.”

“I’m sorry.”

Magnon shrugged, adopting the nonchalant demeanor typical of country folk. He greeted Shire and departed.

Shire put on his pants, dressed himself in layers, and securely fastened the sheep horn button. He adjusted his gold and stone necklace and then tied the black hunter’s cloak behind him to conceal his cloth bag. He still needed a belt to carry a knife since the previous one was ruined, leaving him with no option but to keep the knife with him.

Once he was dressed, he felt much better. Looking at his attire, he felt warm and presentable. He no longer resembled the bare savage from before. Especially now that he had a pair of shoes, he no longer had to walk barefoot, providing protection for his previously injured feet.

In a sense, he felt like he had returned to civilized society, which gave him a sense of ease.

Returning to the courtyard, he noticed the villagers catching chickens and slaughtering pigs outside. Magnon produced a large iron pot from somewhere and placed it on an outdoor stone stove. Several women willingly gathered around to light the fire and add water. Others were busy peeling and washing vegetables, and a handcart loaded with potatoes was being pushed over.

“What’s going on here?” Shire inquired.

“Master, you’ve slain the River Giant Devil. That’s a great achievement! We must treat you well,” Magnon said joyfully.

“That’s right, that’s right!”

“Ah, our Durun Village is renowned for its warmth and hospitality!” The other villagers chimed in enthusiastically.

Upon receiving the affirmative response, Shire felt a surge of happiness. Assisting others and gaining respect in return—wasn’t this precisely what a Devil Hunter should do?

“He’s behaving like a child, easily swayed by a little flattery,” Gradiu disdainfully commented in his mind, but Shire was in such high spirits that he paid it no mind.

A group of young girls stood outside the Margaryen family’s wall, leaning against it. They widened their eyes in awe as they gazed at the traveling adventurers whose stories were passed down through word of mouth. When they spotted Shire, they became visibly excited. Shire also noticed them—two of the girls were particularly eye-catching. One was young and radiant with a rosy complexion, while the other had a larger face adorned with freckles. Embarrassed by Shire’s attention, they blushed and hurriedly fled, leaving him feeling awkward.

Women remained an enigma to Shire. They possessed an allure and unique qualities that set them apart from men. Their thought processes and actions were vastly different. Yet, despite the contrasts, men were naturally drawn to women.

“Perhaps I can approach them? Engaging in conversation and getting to know them better, eventually breaking through the final barrier,” Shire’s imagination ran wild. “What would it feel like to touch a woman’s face, so tender and delicate, or caress their soft legs?”

“Why didn’t I realize you’re fit to be a lecherous demon in hell?” Gradiu grumbled. “Perhaps your former sense of morality masked your vulgar human nature? Damn it, you shouldn’t have held any expectations toward mortals.”

“They’re not bad.”

” ‘Very well,’ ” Gradiu roared, and continued, “You fool! If someone approaches you first, you’ll leap at them like a wild dog, appreciating their initiative. Yet, if they don’t approach you first, you become as rigid as stone, waiting naively for them to make the move. Why? Why don’t you take the initiative and make a move yourself? Why did you rush out of the yard just now? Find them! Reveal your desires!”

“I still have important matters to attend to,” Shire tried to excuse himself.

“See, this is why I can always predict the future. I’ve already understood the pathetic minds of you mortals. Your hesitations and inner turmoil will ultimately turn women into your nightmares.”

“Kiss them, hug them, connect with them…”

“I will make a move,” Shire stubbornly thought, “but not right now. If I encounter a beautiful, intelligent, courageous, slim girl with a noble background, I will pursue her instantly. Such a girl would be worth it.”

“You are led by your lower instincts like a stallion. If any mortal female catches your eye, I might as well return to hell and await death in front of the Chaos Kings.”

Alright, Shire pondered. Now, he knew a way to defeat Gradiu.

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