11 Muscular Memory (1/2)
Night fell as the gates opened, the weary hunters were grave faced and grieved silently, a few recruits came to clean the battlefield and carry the two bodies. Those that fell in battle deserve nothing less than a hero's burial.
Hehehe!
While Garett could relate to the sentiments illustrated by his companions, a strong feeling of elation flooded throughout his body nonetheless, and the scenes he saw during that split-second reflection were enough to rekindle the hopes he had in the abilities bestowed by the old book.
Thank you, Vellen... Focusing his will, he stealthily operated the tiny serpent abilities. For a duration that didn't even amount to a full second, he could feel his body becoming like an impenetrable fortress! Even if the feeling lasted very shortly, it could help him in a critical moment.
It's still very taxing, though. The veteran hunters can keep using their powers for a very long time; I wonder how... Doing his utmost to keep his face from portraying a joyful expression, to avoid being misunderstood by his companions.
I may be a jerk! But I'm a jerk with principles!... He thought to himself, feeling prideful about his sense of social awareness.
”There's no need to be so tense, boy. People like us constantly face death and despair, and it's not so easy to shake them.” Lurmon's large hand suddenly clapped his left shoulder from behind, pointing Dante's figure amidst the hunters. Even if during the battle he was the most affected, his countenance seemed peaceful at the moment.
”Everything is foreordained by 'Her', and we are not to question her decisions.” Seemingly having heard their conversation, Dante answered in an unnatural tone, as if trying to convince himself with words.
Silence ensued after that, and only the subsequent sound of the gates closing again sounded. The night was here, so the gates opened only for a short moment before being closed again.
”I think it's better if we all get a good night's sleep, the passing ceremony will be held tomorrow at dawn at the watchtower, and I hope to see you all there.” That was the last of Dante's words that night, and before anyone could muster a reply, he left. His back looked especially onerous that evening.
It was a traditional custom to hold a hunter's passing ceremony at the watchtower; the mists are especially thick at dawn, and cremating their bodies signified the revolution of one's soul to the mists. There were some extraordinary incidents when a mythical hunter passed, and the mists would revolve and dance, glorifying the conjunction of the departed with the Goddess.
Should I go? I mean, I've only met these people today! I'm not familiar with any of them... Garett felt conflicted! He didn't want to look inconsiderate!
”I'll be there.” Lurmon's heavy voice boomed like lightning, eliciting a brief stop from the departing captain before he continued.
The executor turned and stared at Hilren's conflicted expression before shaking his head in bafflement.
”Let's go, kid. Even if it was an unofficial mission, you still helped them hold long enough for me to arrive. I'm sure the church will give you some reward.” Putting his arms over the boy's slim shoulders, he led them to leave, and soon the only ones remaining were Garett and the red-haired woman.
”It's not always like this, you know. We usually fight less... difficult opponents.” She rustled, as if afraid of him developing a dread of the battlefield. ”Do you want to eat? I know a very good restaurant around, and dinner's on me this time.”
She sounded like a senior trying to appease her juniors, doing her utmost to keep him from having second thoughts.
”N-no... There's no need... I'm not-” His stomach grumbled at this time, and his face reddened as a result, as shame burned hot in his interior. ”-Actually...”
The sudden change in attitude evoked a lovely laugh from the beauty, her dimples delicate as the finest porcelain.
”Let's go then, and we should have a few drinks too.”
As such, both of them went to have a lovely night, trying to forget the events that day events.
...
F**k, a few drinks? That woman drunk at least a whole keg or even more than that!... Garett complained as he left the lady's company, his vision blurred at the slightest movement, and he could feel the veins on his head throbbing continuously!
”I'll never drink again after today! I'm a new ma-” His drowsy shout was interrupted with a sudden belch. ”I should go home.”
He limped through the streets on his way home. Not a lot of people stood outside at this hour, and those who were still outside were mostly homeless or drunkards.
Suddenly, his perception ability triggered, and he noticed a least four people following him! His nerves tightened; why did these thugs pick today of all days to mess with him!?
Heh, I'll teach those guys a lesson... He wasn't a normal person! He was a Ritual Marked, and normal people couldn't hold a candle to him!
What Garett forgot was the fact that he hadn't had any kind of battle training, he was fundamentally a normal person with exceptional abilities!
”Why are you following me?” He stopped, his voice radiating confidence in himself as he turned to eye the four men.
Not anticipating to be so easily discovered, the thugs stepped out of the shadows in a confused manner. Their clothes filthy with mud and grease, three of them were handling rusty kitchen knives!