"Round over! Okay, Erik, that's it for the day. We'll meet outside," Yosul called.
"So, it's over, huh…"
"Erik! Looks like you had fun down there," a familiar voice rang out.
Evalyn.
Didn't expect her here, Erik thought, glancing toward the sound.
"Come on out. We'll talk outside," she said.
The gate creaked open. Outside stood Yosul, a stranger Erik didn't recognize, and Evalyn, wearing her usual bright smile.
"So, how are our rookies?" Evalyn asked.
"Weak," Erik replied flatly.
"Yeah, I figured," she sighed.
"But some of them show promise," he added.
Evalyn perked up. "I know that too. We've set up a room for you here so you can stay overnight. Oh, and tomorrow—"
"If it's just more rookies, I'll handle it."
"Well, some of them are bronze-ranked this time."
"Doesn't matter. Send them in," Erik said, brushing her off.
"Cocky bastard," Evalyn muttered with a smirk. "Fine. But keep sharp tomorrow. Some very interesting people will be watching."
She turned and strode away.
"I'll take you to your room," Yosul said.
Erik followed him down the corridor.
"This is your room," Yosul said, stopping at a door. "Same time as today tomorrow. Canteen's straight down the hall. Eat whatever you want. See you tomorrow Master Erik" Yosul said with a warm smile.
With that, he left.
The room was too big for one person, but Erik wasn't about to complain. He dropped his cloak, armor, and boots, then changed into something more comfortable.
His stomach growled.
Man… it's been a while since I ate.
He headed for the canteen. The closer he got, the louder the buzz of voices became. Inside, the place was packed—hunters from every guild imaginable, from rookies to gold-rankers. Many bore the air of noble families.
That meant none of them recognized him.
Good.
Then—
"Erik!"
He froze.
A voice he knew too well.
Of course.
He turned, frowning. There she was.
Eri.
And the sight of her armor made his eye twitch.
"No way," Erik muttered.
Eri stood grinning, clad in White Cavalry colors.
"Hehe. Surprised?" she teased.
"Well, an idiot like you ending up in a guild like that is surprising," Erik said dryly.
"I see you're still as charming as ever." She rolled her eyes. "And since you're all alone, how about we catch up?"
"No thanks. I'm going back to my room."
He turned to leave, but she caught his shoulder.
"Come on. Can't you tell we need to talk?"
He glanced around. A few hunters—probably her peers—were watching her. Or more accurately, circling her.
Erik sighed. "…I see."
"Alright, fine. Let's talk. It's been a while anyway."
They grabbed plates from the counter. Erik piled his with only meat. Eri took vegetables and bread. They sat at an empty table.
"So?" Erik asked.
"I got in through Aron's recommendation," she said, lowering her voice. "They placed me straight into bronze rank—no training. Some people didn't take that well. I've been in trouble since day one."
"You said anything to Aron?"
"No. Don't want to bother him. I'm going on the mission anyway, so… I'll deal with it."
That made Erik pause.
"…Didn't think you were the patient type."
"Who do you think I am, huh?" she huffed.
"Right, right. Let's eat."
Erik tore into the meat. Before he could say more, Eri muttered:
"Not even close to Bob's steak."
He glanced at her and gave a small nod. "Yeah."
They ate quietly for a while.
"Not as bad as I expected," Eri admitted, setting her fork down.
"It's alright," Erik replied.
"Anyway… why are you here?" she asked.
"Took you long enough to ask."
He set his fork down, leaning back. "Yosul asked me to fight the rookies in the Hall. Test them. Break them if they're weak. Push them if they've got potential."
Eri blinked. "So you're basically a wall they have to climb?"
"Something like that." Erik shrugged. "Most can't. But some try."
The faintest ghost of a smile touched his lips, gone as quickly as it came.
Eri caught it. "…Wait. Don't tell me you actually like this."
"It's work," Erik said simply, spearing another cut of meat. "And for once, it's work that makes sense."
Eri smirked. "Those poor rookies."
"Why are you talking like you saw me fight?" Erik asked.
"Well, I met Elsa. At that noble party—the one where they announced the mission."
"You? At a noble party?" Erik raised a brow.
"Yeah. Aron took me as his date."
"…Ah. That explains the bullying. Still the same idiot—never thinking ahead."
"Anyway, I talked to Elsa. She told me what happened. I felt bad for her, but… honestly, she didn't look like someone who lost her husband. It was like she'd become someone else."
"Oh?" Erik said, unreadable.
"Yeah. She's in the Royal Guard now—leading a case. Climbed the ranks fast."
"There's no point guessing. Nobles play by different rules."
"Yeah," Eri said quietly.
"…So, Aron. He's joining the raid?"
"Yeah. He will."
"Right."
Silence stretched between them.
"So… how do you know him?" she asked.
"That's not something I like to remember."
Eri studied him a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I won't press. It's late anyway."
She stood. "I'll head out."
"Hey… you gonna be alright?" Erik asked.
"Oooh? Are you worried about me?" she teased.
"Ugh. Regret asking already."
"Don't worry, Erik. I'm not gonna break just because some kids said mean things. I'll see you around."
She waved and left.
Erik stayed a while longer, watching the ebb and flow of hunters in the canteen.
Eventually, he rose and returned to his room.
Time to rest.