My Last Hunt

Treasures and Snatchers: Level Three (part 13) 

This was going to be tough. Their team was again kicked without letting them have a chance to explain the situation. All those teams who were frustrated at their defeat due to this new team  celebrated over this. Now they were really happy. When Qiao was standing outside of the Guild, they surrounded him and started making fun of him. 

"The way you stole our places, you deserve this humiliation. From now on you wait and if I ever see you in the forest, I will cut you into pieces and throw you in front of the monster which you want to hunt." someone voiced among the crowd and made some insulting gestures toward him. 

"Who do you think you are talking to? We have our weapons to let you learn some lessons of decency and manners." Linwin could not hold this insult. He was fuming with hatred. Qiao stopped him and patted his shoulders. 

"Oh, look at his dog who knows very well how to bark at others." Mostly leaders of various teams were surrounding them, they knew that if they tried to attack in front of the Guild, the stupid rules would hinder them but they can shout whatever way they want to insult this team. 

"There are only three main Guilds in the Middletown who could provide shelter and missions. Since you are kicked from this Guild, I pity that you might not be able to get into another one though." The first team's leader spoke. 

Those Guilds were the one from where Qiao was kicked the first time. Then this second Guild which did not give him a single chance to explain and finally the third Guild was not open for everyone. Other than these Guilds, the other small Guilds were not suitable for someone aspiring for levelling up. 

There only option was to remain as a rogue team and hunt separately for levelling up. Bear all the expenses and face the harshness of the forest without a proper guidance. Still that won't be an easy and graceful choice for their team. 

They broke forcefully through the circles of the bullies and walked toward the Middletown. They were again in similar situation but this time, there was no way back neither a way forward. Only a strong resolve and nothing else. 

One thing that they cannot let anyone bully them and force their seniority over them. "Brother Qiao, today I learned something." Linwin spoke in broken spirits. Qiao was brought back in his senses with his words. "What is it Linwin?" 

"Brother, I learned that if I wanted to move forward or become strong, I cannot rely on the circumstances or opportunity. I have to snatch a chance, stand strong against bullies and no matter who I am, I should not fear anything in the least." his voice slowly increased and his spirits returned back to normal. 

Qiao heard him and nodded. He was thinking about the present circumstances and blaming himself for bringing trouble for those two who trusted him. He was not feeling good. He was not worried for himself; he could drag his life with his strong grit and drive but these two were supposed to accumulate their spoils for their families. 

But these words were enough to make him feel better. Both were learning from their experiences and in future no one can stop them from becoming strong. 

"We will rent a small cottage of the lowest costs and as for the matter of saving spoils, we will make a visit to that old owner of the bookstore. I have a feeling that we could gain something there." Qiao suggested. Previously he had observed his behaviour and could conclude that he can be trusted for such matter. 

"Oh, that old man. He was indeed interesting and I would also like to meet him again." Quipu heard this suggestion and agreed. He did not speak anything about the incident just now and how they were going to stay in a cottage. About how they were going to hunt and face all those who were free now to capture them and make trouble for them. 

When they're in the Guild, those teams cannot harm them openly but now that they were Guild-less which was equal to spending nights in the open forest or thrown in front of the monster of higher level anyone could do anything to them. 

"The Starglow Guild will be open after half a month for chasers to register through a small test." Quipu remembered a piece of information which he heard when sitting idly in the Guild hall. 

"They open this registration for those who want to keep hunting during winters and only accept those who are level four or above are accepted." He shook his head because reaching level four might be possible but he was not available for winter hunting.

Qiao heard and spoke, "So it is decided now then. Our focus will be to hunt and accumulate as much spoils as we cannot bother about anything else." He ensured them that he had not forgotten the first priority. 

Though they were worried about the bullies but they had experience spending a night in the forest so they could tackle it too. They had already faced one of the worst fears of a hunter. 

There was nothing which could stop them anymore. 

….

After asking around for information they finally reached the part where a number of cottages were built in line for the rogue hunters. 

The wooden planks were not in good condition but it was enough for spending night in peace. And a place to shelter in the open. They could spend these few days this was and then find a replacement if needed or they felt something off about the living. The threat of thieves cannot be neglected. 

They had already heard that prices were high so they did not complain about it. Before evening they were able to rent a cottage though the owner was not friendly at all.