My Last Hunt

Treasures and Snatchers: Level Three (part 24)

Qiao was thinking, as he planned for his future. With another hunt he will be able to reach level four and then he would join the Starglow Guild for further improvement. After collecting enough knowledge, he would then set off on his solo journey. 

Both his men were not staying here in the winter, so he cannot urge them otherwise just for his own sake. 

They entered the cottage they had rented and sat with ease, though they wouldn't be truly at ease up until they were able to secure the wealth with them. The auction of grade four pearls gave them more wealth than they had expected. 

"Brother Qiao, is there something important? Quipu asked first. 

"Since we have enough spoils with us, I was thinking whether it would be enough for both of your families for two months of winters? Qiao spoke. He could just let them have all the spoils and let them return in advance if the present spoils were enough for a living. He had no idea how the life in downtown worked so he needed to ask them first though. 

"The present wealth is more than enough for both of us." They both showed a grateful expression as they answered.

"Then I was thinking to divide this wealth among you both so you can return back to your downtown earlier if you want." Qiao proposed. 

"But brother you have yet to break through the present level, we will accompany you for the last hunt at least." Linwin spoke out of concern. Brother Quipu had told that Starglow Guild only take level four chasers for winter months. 

"No need I have something else in my mind." Qiao waved his hand. He was thinking to hunt lower level monster and collect spoils for his future need. Even if no big leap was gained from hunting low level monsters, he could train himself and with slow accumulation he could reach level four. He also wanted to buy few booklets or find a way so that he could collect information. If Quipu and Linwin stayed here, then he would remain worried for them. 

"If brother wants us to leave early then please keep half of the wealth for buying the better weapon." Quipu spoke, he has seen Qiao worried to replace his weapon as soon as possible. 

"There is no worry I can deal with it. You both should travel along to avoid the bandits." He reminded and they nodded. And so, they have already decided this way. This made Qiao feel better. 

"Brother when we return to the Middletown, we both will try our best to join the Starglow Guild to meet you." Quipu spoke with determination. 

Qiao had not revealed his plans and had to keep it a secret till the winter begins. He would be traveling by then to reach High town. 

"Sure, I will guard this cottage and you can rest before starting your journey now." He proposed and they agreed. He came out and sat to observe his surroundings. The purpose for guarding it now like this was to know how safe this cottage was. If he decided to live here alone for rest of the days until he reached his goals and joins the Guild, he had to know this.

There were few groups in the Middletown who liked to snatch from others in the daylight. They kept eyes at various teams and their dealings, their backgrounds and how much they could snatch from a group. These were actually bandits of Middletown who feared to venture into the forest. 

They snatched in the daylight but not while facing others head-on. They were those who stole from the rented cottages as many chasers hid their spoils by digging the soil in the cottages or hiding it within wooden bed or clothes. The bandits would then dig out the spoils and disappear from there like they never existed. They had very clear understanding of how to enter the cottage without triggering others. 

Qiao was standing outside while Linwin and Quipu were tired and deep in sleep knowing that their brother was guarding. 

At that moment, a bandit group seems to have entered silently in the cottage from behind and looked around. Qiao immediately felt a few gazes at him. As he was alarmed, he entered the cottage. The bandits who were about to pick one of the pouches filled with spoils and ready to leave. Qiao shouted and threw his weapon in a swift action, aiming for the head and the pouch fell from his hand. 

Quipu and Linwin woke up with this shout and they saw Qiao fighting. Those who were waiting outside for their partner ran away when they heard of the fight. As for the one who was captured, he spoke nothing despite Qiao beating him black and blue. Getting to know that he won't speak no matter what, he threw him out. 

Now he was sure that he cannot live in this cottage. What if these bandits attacked him when he was sleeping? Then he would not be able to do anything to save himself and even lose his hard earned spoils. 

He will be hunting alone in next few days with the help of what he was able to learn from the senior hunter. This way he would be able to accumulate much spoils for a booklet and perhaps if he was fortunate a better weapon too. 

He would later talk to the old man about the price of such a booklet and then pay in instalments if it was possible. This way the spoils would not accumulate with him and he could spend his night in this cottage. 

The other two got ready before the evening as they planned to leave at this time so that they could reach the first mark till evening, rent a safe inn for a night then start a fast journey to avoid dangers in the way early. They bade their farewell and then parted. 

Qiao had only the fourth grade pearl from before which he attached with his hidden token and another red stone which was helpful for a night journey.