Alright, so this is my first time, isn't it? The first time I've ever seriously stepped outside of Stone City's borders.
Well, whatever. I came prepared. But first, let me tell you how I got this katana, and why I had to leave Stone City.
One hour earlier...
"Damn it... three mid-level Soul Eithers. How the hell am I supposed to pull that off?" I muttered to myself as I walked out of the Hunter Guild. I felt like I was carrying a mountain on my shoulders, each step heavier than the last.
"Okay... first, I need to get my sword from Vex." At least I needed a decent weapon in hand.
I rushed back to Rusty City as fast as I could. Along the way, I used almost all the money I had to buy a new, more durable-looking pistol, along with several extra magazines of ammo. At least it gave me some peace of mind.
And so, I arrived safely at Vex's shop. But this time, the atmosphere was different. I could hear the sound of hammering—Clang! Clang!—from a distance, even before I stepped inside. The sound was louder than usual, heavy and rhythmic.
When I entered the shop, I found Vex completely engrossed in forging a sword. Sweat poured down his body like a river, but every time his hammer struck the red-hot steel, it was with immense power and precision.
"Uh... Uncle Vex...?"
"I... I'm here for my sword."
"..."
Silence. Complete silence. Vex didn't respond at all. He was completely focused on that sword, as if the world around him didn't exist.
I tried not to disturb him, but I couldn't help but tiptoe closer for a look.
It was a katana... Its form was long, slender, and beautifully curved. The blade reflected the fire from the forge with a brilliant gleam. And the most incredible part was the ancient characters meticulously engraved on the spine of the blade. It read...
"Purification."
I wasn't sure why it was that word, but the sword radiated an aura that was both pure and overwhelmingly powerful. Just standing near it, I could feel the hidden energy within.
CLANG!!
The final strike echoed throughout the shop before Vex set his hammer down. He was breathing heavily, his shoulders trembling, as if he had spent all his life's energy forging this sword for the past five days and nights.
"Rift!"
Vex called my name loudly. I flinched.
"Thanks a lot... for saving my good-for-nothing son so many times." His eyes had a softness I'd never seen before.
"And this... is the only way I can repay you."
Vex lifted the newly forged katana. Hot steam still rose from the blade as he held it out to me.
"Huh...?"
"For me?" I asked, not believing my ears.
He handed me the sword, along with a dark wooden scabbard. "Take it."
"This is the sword 'Purification'."
"Or, by another name... 'Divine Moon'."
"Divine Moon...?" I repeated the name softly. Just the name sounded epic. What... could I really wield a sword of this level?
"Are you sure about this, Uncle Vex? Giving something like this to me."
"I've made up my mind! Just take the damn thing and stop talking!" He was back to his usual gruff tone.
"Y-Yes, sir!" I quickly took the sword, a bit awkwardly. I didn't want to cross him and get knocked flat again. But deep down, I was thrilled. A new weapon!
"This one... you can use it with the same techniques you used for the short sword," Vex said, as if reading my mind.
"Really!"
Great! All that short sword training won't go to waste!
Alright... now I'm ready... completely ready. But... a mid-level Soul Either... where am I supposed to find one?
And then, my eyes happened to catch Vex picking up my job slip to read it.
"Three mid-level Soul Eithers, huh..." Vex muttered to himself before looking up at me.
"Try going outside Stone City."
"Out there... you'll hardly find any of the low-level ones."
"If you want to find them fast, that's your best bet. But it's damn risky. I'm telling you now."
Vex's advice was delivered in a flat tone, but his eyes were serious. And yes... I decided to trust his advice and finally walked out of Stone City.
Stone City was too safe. The Soul Eithers found there were mostly low-level. Finding a mid-level target inside the city was nearly impossible.
...Back to the present...
Outside Stone City was a vast, wide-open plain, interspersed with dense forests and low hills. Small villages were scattered far apart. It looked much more fertile than I'd imagined. It gave a feeling of both freedom and danger at the same time.
I knew there were many other large cities in this world beyond Stone City's walls, but I never thought I'd get to see it with my own eyes this soon.
I drew "Divine Moon" from its scabbard. The afternoon sun hit the blade, creating a cold, silver gleam. I could feel the power circulating within the sword; it connected with me as if it were a part of my own body. I pointed the tip of the katana forward, took a deep breath, and roared at the vast land before me.
"Bring it on, you damn Soul Eithers!! Today... the real hunt begins!!"