Chapter 6: Arrival
The caravan soon entered the city and was received by a less busy street. Only a handful of residents were in sight, either rushing home or tending to the streetlamps and torches, bringing light to the gradually dimming street.
The guards patrolling the street seriously cautioned them to be careful, especially during the night, since there was an unspeakable event happening these days that remains unsolved.
Driven by curiosity, Orion and the gang inquired and learned that in the past few days, several people were found dead, their throats slit and expressions inscribed with fear.
From beggars, harlots, and weak elderly, they were all found dead without any trace of clues as to who the killer was...
The matter was complicated, the group thought.
However, they already accepted the fact that death has always followed everyone, especially in cities where at least a hundred thousand citizens, known and unknown, interchanged.
The thread of life can either spin or be cut off... Dead.
This time, Orion's excitement of safely arriving in Crimson City plummeted to zero. He quickly sober up and became wary of his surroundings. Just now, he almost let his guard down, forgetting the reason for his journey.
Sheesh!!!
Sometimes excitement and positivity can also blind a person's thoughts, especially if that said person was experiencing everything for the first time and was driven by curiosity.
On the street, Captain Angus frowned at the sight of a few hunters lounging casually.
He shook his head and said, "We're just away for a few days, and a new killer pops up... What a welcoming."
"Captain, we're not even certain if this killer is a human, just like before," Wardy retorted.
"Well, that guy is mentally unstable; only death is salvation. What a joke," one of the caravan guards named Rick chimes in, shaking his head remembering something.
"Maybe it's a Shalthera," Orion suggested as the hunter passed by.
This time the orb didn't react.
"Shalthera?" Angus mumbled before denying it with a shake of his head.
That said, monster had a special hobby and would not easily leave its victim so cleanly
In cities, sometimes even villages and towns, the Shalthera monster was known for its cunningness and weirdness, sneaking into human settlements to fulfill their hobbies of feeding from fear, observing their prey, and loving the skins.
For Shalthera human skin was a work of art they envied.
They were human-skinned monsters who loved to use the skin of humans as if wearing a dress and accessories, skinning their victims alive to get the best fear as food.
Once they wore the skin of their victims, they could easily imitate their voice, mannerisms, and even scent, making them masters of deception that is hard to discern.
Thinking of this, Angus shrugged off the Shaltheras as the killers since there was a big difference, and the only similarity was the fear inscribed on the victim.
Ten minutes swiftly passed.
Dave, who was silent inside the carriage, didn't join the conversation of the group. He knew himself well, and despite his courage as a businessman, he was a little bit afraid of monsters, especially the Shalthera's Orion mentioned.
He still remembers his distant yet embarrassing past.
Thud!
Arriving at their destination, Orion looked at the two-story inn and could even hear the commotion inside, as it spelled liveliness and positivity, a big contrast from the dim, gloomy street.
His joy in arriving in the big city was fleeting, particularly because of the dangers within—not even the leisure to enjoy the surroundings in such a creeping night.
Shhh!
"Orion, remember to come to my store tomorrow. It would be great if you came early so that I can help you register in the 'Hunter Guild'," David said, remembering that Orion still needs to buy his first blood animal, the most important material to concoct the potion of hunters. "Right, if you see a middle-aged man inside standing at the counter, you can mention my name. With it, you can pay 10% less for the inn's room."
David didn't come out of the carriage but rather just lifted the curtain as he communicated with Orion from his voice. There was no mockery or other negative attitude, as he respected the young man's guts for walking the path of hunter.
He's also hoping for Orion...
In the whole kingdom of Lunaria and even others, hunters were a noble profession with high risk and high rewards.
A job that is almost akin to nobility or even higher if hunters ascend its rank.
"Kid, just remember what I've said." Angus pats Orion's shoulder. Now that they helped Orion settle for the night, it was time to complete the job of going to Dave's store.
"Thank you... everyone." Orion slightly bowed, showing his deep gratitude as he bid goodbye to the good people of the caravan team.
Watching them leave, Orion took a deep breath and also walked towards the inn's door, opening it.
.
.
Ring!
"A late guest?" A man spoke with a suave voice as he turned around and gave a warm greeting. "Welcome to the GrayRat Inn, dear guests."
With a smile, Orion took a step and looked at the middle-aged man at the counter. "Ahh yes... I'm a traveler, and I came because of Mr. Dave's suggestion."
"Mr. Dave? You mean the little fat merchant, fatso?" the man spoke. "So he once again miraculously survived trekking such dangerous roads, escaping the cold embrace of the abyss. What luck!"
"Now that he's back, Javier will be overjoyed."
Victor narrowed his eyes as he fixed his monocle while also secretly scrutinizing Orion for a second. He knew his friend very well and understood that though Fatso was a good man and a scaredy-cat, the guy was also a merchant at heart who could smell benefits.
Allowing a young man to casually use his name was not something he would tolerate.
"Very well."
With a change in the atmosphere, Orion could notice the innkeeper's attitude change. This time, he learned the innkeeper's name—Victor Ray, the owner of the establishment.
The two discuss for a minute as Orion learns the two kinds of rooms. The inn offered a private single/couple room and a public room that had varied qualities, offering the best accommodation for the customer.
After listening, Orion finally settled into an ordinary single room that cost thirty coppers a day, a meal comprising meat, vegetables, and bread; a comfy bed, and a washroom (public).
As he was led to his room, Orion noticed that even a standard single room was quite spacious enough, with a bed, a table, a lamplight, and a window offering a view of the outside.
Thirty copper luna is worth the price.
Touching the comfy bed, a wave of exhaustion began to overtake him. His body craved for rest, especially after hours of travel with all his senses on guard.
Even resting in the forest still made him tired.
Victor made a gentlemanly bow and said. "Please wait a minute for your dinner before resting, dear guest."
"Thank you."
Watching him leave, Orion touched his coin pouch. Though he was physically and mentally exhausted, he knew he needed to find a house or earn more money to sustain himself.
Staying in an expensive inn wasn't a long-term option.
After resting for a few minutes and finishing his dinner, Orion forced himself to freshen up before finally slumping into the bed as the comfy pillow and blanket embraced his whole body.