My Last Hunt

Level Three (part 28)

The chaser was not ready to stop and then be killed by the angry monster chasing after him, so he kept running. Qiao on the other hand could not understand why the chaser was neglecting his instruction. 

The chaser never would have stopped but the fate came to help as his legs felt void beneath them and then he fell in a pit. He could not see the uneven ground and thus fell in it. It was not much deep to break his bones nor plain enough to let the monster jump inside. 

Qiao heaved a deep breath as finally the chaser met a stop. He leapt at the surprised monster at that moment and left a deep injury in first attack. Then without wasting time, he immediately continued with the second. Only two attacks were enough as it wasn't a high-level monster with tough defense. 

The chaser saw this with wide opened eyes at the monster now dead. So this young man was not actually tricking him. He came out with the help of his weapon from the shallow pit, just to see that the young man was not giving him attention instead looking for spoils. 

He was spared again by this chaser but had no heart to express his gratitude because he simply did not believe in whatever he could do. Qiao continued to collect the spoils and cleaned his bloody weapon. He was able to hunt a second one already so he was going back to meet the old owner of the bookstore. 

He completely ignored the presence of the chaser, in his eyes this chaser was a coward and he cannot waste his time in mulling his brain on some useless talk with him. 

The chaser kept silent at this and walked as he was also going toward Middletown hub. When he reached neared the entrance, everything seemed silent to him. This was unusual because the hustle and bustle never died in the Middletown. It was not that crowd was no more but all those who were walking around seemed to be scared of something. 

The chaser was also curious so he stopped someone and asked, 

"Why does everyone seem so frightened here?" The man looked around first and then whispered, "One of the famous traders of Middletown has received an envelope of red-blooded soil and those who work for the trader are also worried about dying perhaps along with him. This has created a heavy atmosphere hence" The man left in hurry after telling what he heard from others. 

The chaser also got frightened when he heard this. He was looking for spoils earlier to pay the fee of the Guild for his stay but could not hunt alone. Now he had to spend his time here until he gets enough spoils to pay the fee. But this news meant that his stay here would also be full of nightmares. 

....

Meanwhile,

Qiao reached the front of the old book store and both the Guards stopped him as usual, "I want to buy a booklet, I have the money." he waved the spoil's pouch. After that they let him enter in the bookstore. 

The old owner was sitting across the table and reading something. "Greetings senior" He bowed and properly greeted first. 

"What are you here for young man?" The old owner did not look up but instead asked him. 

"Senior Gege, I was looking for a booklet which could narrate about all the places near and far with as much possible information and details." he politely spoke about his request. The old man looked up and recognized the man. 

"Where are both your men?" he scrutinized and asked. Qiao got a little puzzled with this question but he answered, "They wanted to spend the winter's back at their homes so after collecting some spoils they went back." 

"I see. Sit here and I will search the booklet of your interest." He gestured at him and walked to shuffle through the rustic shelves. 

"It was placed somewhere in the twelfth row? Or fifth?" the old man scratched his bald head and walked between the shelves as he murmured. 

"I think it will be in seventh row." He decided as he walked towards the seventh row and after counting found the one written a long time ago. It had accumulated s little dust because no one came to ask for it for a long time. "Here it is" he placed the booklet on the table. 

"Seven spoils of level two or fifteen spoils of level one, if you have two spoils of level four then you can buy it too." He mentioned the price just like before. 

Qiao had only five level one spoils. He never thought that he would be poor again so fast that he could not afford to pay for something he urgently needs. 

"Senior Gege, I don't have that much but I want to buy this booklet." He spoke in a hesitating tone. 

He knew if the old man got angry, he would call the guards and kick him out immediately. 

The old man heard and creased his brows, "Then how you will pay?" he asked in a dry tone. He thought that perhaps he showed lenient attitude previously that's why this young man came to scam. 

"Here is the first payment, I won't take the booklet until I pay the full price." Qiao placed the pouch on the table and bowed. There was sincerity in his tone just like before and the old man was not expecting this young man to completely surprise him. No one ever asked this way to pay. Was it because this young man trusted him? If it was someone else, he would not leave his spoils with him with the premise to pay in instalments. What if he denies about this payment when he returns later? 

Simply no one blindly trusted anyone here. Qiao saw the old man silent and asked, 

"Please Senior Gege, I won't back down on my words but don't sell this booklet to someone else." Qiao requested which the old man agreed on. It was necessary to get this booklet and find out how many wonders were scattered in this world and how the wicked hunter became this much strong.