The grand hall fell into a tense silence as the old man stepped into its center. His voice echoed with authority.
"Today's first topic is of utmost importance: the matter of Crimson—the Celestis-ranked hunter who betrayed humanity."
Gasps filled the room. All the kings stood in alarm, and the gathered hunters exchanged shocked looks. Even Jaxon and Finn, known for their composure, looked uneasy. Zaren observed them quietly.
> "So… even they fear him? This Crimson must be something else," Zaren thought.
The King of Emberfall took a step forward. "What are you suggesting? Are you saying that Crimson?"
The old man nodded gravely. "Yes, Your Majesty. We received a report from Emberfall. A priest and a young girl were brutally murdered… eaten—by a human. The scene was horrifying. Remains were left behind. The teeth marks confirmed it wasn't a monster."
A hush fell over the hall.
"One witness survived," the old man continued. "A man who had been hiding behind a door. He saw the killer… but was attacked and had his arm severed. Fortunately, he possessed a rare teleportation magic—used it instinctively and found himself here, on Raro Island."
"He survived… but barely. He reported what he saw. As the killer attacked him, he said something chilling—'I follow my lord's orders. I will set you free, my lord Crimson.'"
The room fell into stunned silence.
Then, a regal voice cut through the tension. The King of Aerion, Bartos, known for his sharp intellect, stood.
"If Crimson is unsealed… we are all doomed. That thing isn't just strong. He is immortal. He was the strongest of the five Celestis-ranked hunters. He killed the other four himself. And he smiled while doing it."
The tension in the hall intensified. Then, the old man spoke again.
"We are doing everything in our power to locate this madman. But he is powerful, elusive. For now, we've sent 30 A-rank hunters to Emberfall to investigate."
"But know this—the seal on Crimson is weakening."
Zaren narrowed his eyes.
> "They all hate him… but no one explains why he turned. There must be a reason."
The old man's voice changed tone. "Now, for today's final announcement—a new SSS+ rank hunter has appeared. His name is Zaren. A self-made hunter from Elyria."
Gasps echoed again. All eyes turned to Zaren. Whispers broke out.
> "He defeated Jaxon?"
"He was offered by Finn himself?"
"Impossible. How did he grow so fast?"
"Hunter Zaren,Hunter Jaxon and Hunter Finn" the old man called.
All three hunters stood and walked forward. The aura around them was overwhelming. The old man continued, "These three will be sent to Emberfall to aid in the search for the killer. They will receive full resources and accommodations."
Jaxon muttered under his breath, "Great. They're sending us to the damn kingdom where Crimson's sealed. I don't want to get eaten by a Celestis Rank Hunter."
Finn whispered, "I second that."
But Zaren's eyes remained locked on the old man. Calmly, he said, "Actually… I want to see the place where Crimson is sealed."
Jaxon and Finn turned sharply toward him.
> "Are you crazy? That guy is immortal!"
"He could kill the three of us alone!"
Zaren looked at Jaxon. "Do you know why he betrayed humanity?"
Jaxon hesitated. "No one does. But some old books said he once had a wife and a son. No one knows what happened to them."
Zaren turned away.
> "So something happened to him… something dark enough to turn the strongest protector into a destroyer."
From the hunter section, Maria stared at Zaren, unable to look away. Varric spotted her.
"Hey Maria! Don't tell me you're here to watch me duel an SS-rank hunter?" he grinned.
Noric replied with a bored face, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
Varric shouted playfully, "Oi! What kind of reaction is that?!"
Maria blinked, flustered. "Y-yes, I'll watch…"
Back in the hall, the old man spoke one final time.
"If any kingdom wishes to recruit hunters, now is the time."
Suddenly, the King of Ravaria stood. "I want that hunter—Zaren."
All heads turned. His next words boomed:
"I offer 3,000 gold biscuits to Elyria for Zaren."
Silence. Shock. It was an enormous offer.
All eyes turned to King Alaric of Elyria. Zaren narrowed his gaze.
> "Let's see where your loyalty lies, old man…"
Alaric was silent. Then, he clenched his teeth and said firmly:
"I decline. My loyalty is to my hunters."
Gasps. Murmurs. Some kings scoffed.
> "Is he insane?"
"That hunter's not worth that much…"
But Finn and Jaxon exchanged a glance and smiled.
> "Zaren… your king's got guts."
Finally, the old man raised his hand.
"One last matter—do the kings of Elyria, Doryos, and Dwarvanhold approve of sending your hunters to Emberfall?"
They took ten minutes to decide.
Then, all three kings stood. "We agree."
Jaxon sighed. "Shit…"
Finn smirked. "Here we go."
The old man nodded.
"This meeting is dismissed. You may enjoy the island or watch the duels. Departure will be tonight."
The kings and hunters began to leave, but all anyone could think about was the looming shadow of Crimson.
(Chapter 34 Fin)