30 Zealots (1/2)

”What were you thinking???”

Margaret was truly furious with her son.

Even now she could only speak between the sounds of grinded teeth and the bulging veins on her neck.

”But I just wanted to see the forest...”

However, the boy's intervention only added to his mother's wrath.

”By yourself? Are you insane???”

Margaret turned towards her husband.

”Please, talk some sense into our son. I can't do this by myself...”

She let go a deep sigh that showed her tiredness with this whole situation. Just how long would Gillian continue to ignore her warnings? If this were to go on, the sheer recklessness might get him killed.

But her husband had an apprehensive look on his face.

”Darling...”

Just this single word was enough and she could feel they were not on the same boat. He probably felt she was going too far in her scolding.

”... I know he was careless by going alone but this is just a child's curiosity. Don't worry he will learn.”

Saying so, the father took off his shirt, exposing a large scar on the right side of his chest.

”This was given to me by a pack of wolves soon after a became a proper hunter.”

Then his tone turned somber.

”Never forget, son. The forest is a harsh mistress. Treat her poorly and you will have your throat cut open in the middle of the night.”

Gillian looked apprehensive as if the sheer size of the scar had left a deep impression.

Marcos was pleased and patted his son's head.

”Don't worry, soon we will both be hunting together. You are twelve now. Almost a man.”

Margaret gave a sight feeling that her son would get the wrong impression and be encouraged to do other stupid things in the future.

”Now, if you're going to be a hunter like your old man, first you have to learn about the fey. They are very treacherous and savage. Never...”

But just as Marcos had begun his explanation, a thunderous noise of a horn went off, lasting fora whole seven seconds.

This had only one meaning. The village was under attack.

The hunter took his bow and before leaving, gave his wife a meaningful look.

”Do you know what to do?”

And only after she confirmed, Marcos left to fight.

...

Above the church, there was an extremely tall tower.

This hamlet was too small and had been established just too recently to have a complete set of wooden fences with watchtowers.

So instead they built a single observation post above their highest building in order to have at least a good alarm system.

Eagle Eyes Johnny was the one currently standing guard.

Although his abilities as a warrior were subpar, it was due to his great observation skills that he was stationed on this important post as a lookout.

But unfortunately.

”Swoosh.”

An arrow came from very far away. Even further than Eagle Eyes' field of vision...

Piercing him, precisely on the throat.

”Success!”

The sniper was elated with this development.

However...