The fact that the dungeon was closed did not mean that everything was over for Kael. He had cleared the dungeon, but it had only brought him a brief relief. Now, as he made his way towards the town, all he could think about was the dark presence and the possibilities of his family's death.
The entity had mysteriously appeared in the depths of the dungeon, but something remained in Kael's mind. Why had it appeared after the dungeon had closed? Kael could not kill it, nor could he understand the power that had caused the dungeon to close. "Could this be connected to the death of my parents?" he thought. Was this being just an obstacle, or was it part of a bigger plan?
There was something about that being that remained deep in the dungeon. As much as Kael wanted to understand it, the answers to his questions had disappeared with the closing of the dungeon. In a sense, the closing of the dungeon was like the completion of something. But what about the other side, that dark being, the forces inside this dungeon... What will happen? With this uneasiness in his heart, Kael accelerated his steps towards the town.
"Maybe the closing of this dungeon is the beginning of something bigger," he thought. Somehow he felt a connection to his family's death, but it would take strength, knowledge and time to discover it.
As Kael approached the town, his thoughts were scattered. When his family died, the town was empty except for a few surviving hunters.The powerful had retreated to urban centers that promised money and luxury, but for Kael it was not about money or luxury. He wanted to protect his town, his villagers. Cleaning the dungeon was just one way to achieve this goal. But what about that entity? What about that dark power? Was it so easily abandoned?
As Kael walked towards the town, he thought about the passing of the years and everything he had done in those years. 11 years... What had he accomplished in that long time? These questions were constantly on his mind as he cleaned the dungeon and returned to town. "Was it enough?" he thought. "All that I did, all those years of self-improvement, was that it?"
After he left the town, at first he did only simple training. But over time, his quest for more strength pushed him to train harder. He pushed himself every morning, training for hours, sometimes for days. Against monsters emerging from various dungeons, he honed his strategic thinking and fighting techniques. The raids in the dungeon, the constant struggle for survival and the life under constant threat fueled Kael's inner strength. On the other hand, his meditations, his efforts to calm his mind and find ways to stay strong, this inner journey made him a cooler person.
But he still felt a void. The struggle with that dark presence at the end of the dungeon didn't seem to satisfy him after all these years. "All this work, all this sacrifice... But is something missing? Is that it?" he thought.
Hundreds, maybe thousands of meditation sessions. Hours spent in those moments of silence, strengthening his mind and body. Each one was a kind of test for him. The first day he left the town, his goal was not just to be strong. It was to ease the pain of everything he had lost, to protect his town and his loved ones so that one day he could come back and help them. But now, at the end of it all, he was left with only one question: "Was it enough?"
Had all those years of effort suddenly been in vain, perhaps as he emerged from the depths of the dungeon and returned to the town? The being had not understood him, but perhaps it had helped Kael to realize what was really wrong with him. "Have I improved myself enough?"
Kael paused for a moment as he was about to reach the town. Those questions were beginning to turn into a vicious circle in his mind. But there was one thing - perhaps the search for an answer to this question was his real journey. He knew he still had a lot to learn to find true power.
As Kael made his way to the entrance of the town, his eyes caught a familiar silhouette in the distance. He saw Ronan. The leader's face, always stoic and determined, was now quite different. He was confused, worried, but also full of curiosity. He was waiting for Kael with a look in his eyes, eager to ask something.
As Kael quickened his pace and approached Ronan, it was the first time he had ever looked at the usually calm and serious Ronan with such a hesitant and uneasy expression.
- "I got it," Kael was about to say, but Ronan stopped him by taking another step.
- "How did you do it?" Ronan asked, looking intently into Kael's eyes. The question reflected all the curiosity and anxiety that had been building up inside the leader.
Kael paused for a moment, took a deep breath and then asked:
- "You didn't ask any questions when I left town. Why are you asking now?"
Ronan shook his head slightly, impatient for Kael's answer:
- "That thing you did... it shook the whole town. What exactly did you do outside of town?"
Kael could see in Ronan's gaze that concern and curiosity were intertwined. The whole town must have been talking about what had happened. Something so powerful had happened that even the normally quiet and calm nature of the town had been shaken to its core.
Kael decided to answer Ronan coolly.
- "You know, sword training and dungeon raids... I didn't do anything too crazy," he said, but Ronan's eyes were still searching for an answer.
Ronan thought about Kael's words. Then, considering Kael's presence, powerful but different in another way, something became clearer in his mind.
- "You have a divine kind of power, yes... But I didn't expect you to be this strong," Ronan said, bowing his head slightly. "There's also something strange about your sword. Why do you use such a thin sword?"
Kael paused for a moment under Ronan's puzzled gaze, then smiled slightly.
- "Since when do you ask so many questions?"
Ronan was affected by Kael's gaze, but he answered:
- "Normally I would say that whatever you do, there is a reason for it, but now my curiosity gets the better of me."
Ronan's words were strange for Kael, because he had somehow trusted Ronan, who usually wanted to know the answers to everything. But this time, he had to follow up on his questions. Kael decided to think a little deeper and find out more about how strong he had become in such a changing town and world.
After answering Ronan's questions, Kael took another step forward, looking him in the eye and adding:
- "Don't worry, no matter how strong I am, I will not leave this town. This is the land that my parents gave their lives to defend. I will not betray it."
Ronan was silent for a short while when he heard Kael's words. Kael's determination once again showed his usual confidence and patience. Ronan tried to understand the deep emotions behind Kael's transformation into such a strong and trustworthy character.
Ronan thought. "Kael was right." The town was not just a place for Kael, it was his family's heritage. Kael had always been attached to the town. He used to train and meditate here. He only participated in dungeon raids, cooperating with other guilds. But he never tried to betray his town.
- "Yes, you're right. You never left town, you've always been here. I respect your decision, Kael."
As Ronan and Kael walked towards the guild building, Ronan asked Kael a question, a little cautiously:
- "Did you see that being?"
Kael replied, slightly quickening his pace:
- "No, I only felt the presence and heard its voice, and then the dungeon was closed."
Ronan paused with a puzzled expression when he heard these words:
- "The dungeon closed?"
Kael's words sent a wave of relief through Ronan. The fact that the dungeons were at the bottom of the town meant that there could be a new threat at any moment. Now, the fact that the dungeon was closed meant that there was security for the town. However, in surprise, he asked Kael one more question:
- "How did the dungeon close?"
Kael noticed the confusion in Ronan's eyes and shook his head a little more seriously:
- "I don't know, I can only say that it happened after that being."
Ronan had heard about it from other guilds before, but he never thought he would experience it himself. The closing of the dungeon seemed to be the result of the influence of such a powerful and divine being. Ronan still couldn't believe what had happened, but at the same time he saw a glimmer of hope.
- "I've heard about this from other guilds, but I never thought it would happen so directly..." he said in confusion as he quickened his pace.
When they arrived at the guild hall, Kael was immediately surrounded by a crowd. Different voices were coming out of different mouths, people found it hard to believe what Kael was saying. Ronan shouted at the crowd, silencing them with his voice:
- "Enough!"
Kael calmly stepped forward and got everyone's attention.
- "The dungeon is closed, there is no immediate threat to the town."
Everyone paused for a moment, their eyes darted to each other, and then there was a sudden outburst:
- "What do you mean?"
Once Kael had everyone's attention, he calmly began to explain what had happened. He explained the situation behind the closing of the dungeon, how powerful that being was and how Kael felt.
Just as everyone was beginning to feel a sense of joy in amazement, suddenly a voice rose from the crowd:
- "What does it matter?"
Ronan immediately turned around in anger and shouted:
- "What do you mean?"
Some of the guild members raised their voices, looking at Kael and Ronan.
- "The dungeon is closed, but there are more dungeons. If that being came out of this dungeon, who's to say that it won't come out of others, or that there won't be another monster like it?"
Kael and Ronan recognized the fear in the members' eyes. Every dungeon around the town was now seen as a threat. Everyone's anxiety grew. Kael calmly tried to take control of the situation:
- "Don't worry, that being has other plans."
Everyone looked at each other at Kael's words, searching for more meaning.
- "How do you know?" voices were raised.
Kael took a step forward and continued:
- "Because if it was just about killing, none of you would be alive right now."
He went on:
- "If I am not mistaken, only those who attacked that being are now dead."
All the guild members were shocked for a moment. Everyone, including Ronan, realized that what Kael had said was true. The dungeon was closed, but the purpose of that being was different.
Kael sighed deeply. He could understand the fear of everyone in the guild, but there was nothing he could do now. Realizing he was wasting too much time, he spoke calmly:
- "My training is disrupted, I have to go."
Everyone looked at him in surprise. The town's biggest threat was gone and he wanted to go back to training? No one could say anything. Kael quietly headed for the door and left the building.
Ethan turned to Ronan, his eyes still wide with surprise.
- "Master, was Brother Kael always this strong?"
Ronan paused for a moment to think. Kael had always been strong, but this was on a whole different level now. Finally, he answered with a slight nod of his head:
- "I think so."
Ethan continued, a little uneasy:
- "If he's that powerful, won't he attract the attention of the capital?"
Ronan smiled slightly at this question, filled with both pride and confidence.
- "Don't worry, not even the royalty can take it."
Then he looked around and called out to the guild members:
- "Yes, back to work! Just because the dungeon is closed doesn't mean we won't raid it again!"
The guild members were awakened by Ronan's voice and slowly went back to their work. Everyone still had questions, but there was nothing else to do.
Towards the evening...
Kael had finished his training and was heading towards the town. He was used to the town's skyline, but today something was different.
A flag appeared in the distance.
He squinted and looked carefully at the windblown fabric. He noticed the coat of arms on it.
The royal coat of arms.
Kael quickened his pace. What were the royal soldiers doing here? Had another dungeon been opened in his absence, or had his power attracted too much attention? All these questions swirled in his mind.
When he reached the entrance to the town, he saw horses with the royal crest standing in front of the guild building. They were accompanied by several capital hunters. Kael frowned and moved towards the entrance.
The hunters on guard raised their hands to their swords. One of them began to speak in a harsh voice:
- "You! Peasant, stay where you are, get in here-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Kael released his aura.
An instant fear gripped the hunters. The man who had just stood before them no longer looked like a man - like a pure predator. They could neither retreat nor draw their weapons. They dared not even look up at Kael, let alone attack.
Kael entered the guild hall with a nonchalant stride.
The atmosphere inside fell silent for a moment. Ronan, a noble in royal robes, and members of the guild all headed for the door. They all sensed the aura that Kael gave off.
The nobleman was slightly startled as he looked into Kael's eyes. But he quickly recovered his expression and straightened his posture confidently.
Kael glanced around with a stern look.
- "What's going on here?"
The guild hall was silent. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the door as Kael entered. The intense aura still rippled through the room. As Ronan, Arthur Lancer and the guild members looked at Kael in surprise, Arthur took a step forward. The gaudy coat he was wearing, the emblem around his neck and his upright posture made it clear that he was a nobleman. But his eyes... His eyes had the look of someone who was just trying to reach a goal.
Arthur Lancer spoke confidently:
"Judging by your aura... you are the one."
Kael did not answer. Without taking his gaze off Arthur, he looked around.
"What's going on here?"
Arthur bowed his head with a brief smile, then his voice echoed in a clear, elegant tone:
"Arthur Lancer. I am the capital's foreign mission officer and representative of the Royal Council of the Hunt. And what is your name, peasant?"
Kael paused for a moment. Without taking his eyes off Arthur:
"You don't need to know that."
Arthur's brow furrowed slightly, but he kept his smile.
"You have a tough temperament... but that aura, that power... can't just belong to a random townsman. That's what interests me."
"The Crown wishes to see you. I demand you come to the capital."
Kael's eyes narrowed. He remained silent, uneasy inside. Arthur continued:
"This is not an offer. This is an invitation that will determine your future. The Crown will not ignore such a great power... and, you guessed it, it will follow like a shadow."
Kael grimaced at Arthur's words. He took a few steps forward and came to Ronan's side. His eyes were still fixed on Arthur.
Kael spoke in a cold, clear voice:
"I don't want to."
Arthur cocked his head to the side, as if he had already expected this answer... but he wasn't about to give up.
"Don't take this as an order. I'm offering you a chance to gain favor with the Crown, to achieve true power-"
Kael intervened.
"Real power? You came to take me from that building as if I were no one else? You have dozens of hunters in the capital, hundreds of warriors stronger than me. Why are you so insistent on wanting me?"
Arthur was silent for a while at Kael's words. He spoke without taking his eyes off Kael:
"You are right. We have stronger hunters than you in the capital. But you are... different from them."
Kael frowned, his voice sharpening:
"Different from what? I didn't close the dungeon, I was just inside... It's not the first time... and it won't be the last."
Arthur bowed his head and let out a short sigh.
"I know, dungeons have closed in three different regions in the last month.And with hunters inside. But only one... only one survived. And that's you."
With these words, the room fell silent once more.
"These beings are triggering something inside the dungeons. The Crown hasn't figured it out yet, but... you're the only one they've made contact with."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly. The word contact echoed in her mind.
Arthur lowered his voice, but spoke with more emphasis:
"You are called not only because you are powerful... but because you are recognized. If you want to know what really happened... you can only find out in the capital. You can stay here and defend your village, yes. But if one day that thing returns... defense alone will not be enough."
Kael was silent for a while. She tilted her head slightly to the side. His eyes were still on Arthur's, his voice calm but firm:
"You people in the capital, you want to control everything. But sometimes... things happen that you can't control."
Kael was heading for the door, but he didn't move. He just stood there. Ronan, Arthur, the guild members - all looking at him in silence.
Arthur didn't speak, he waited. Patiently, confidently.
Kael slowly lowered his head. His face was invisible, but his eyes were immersed in darkness. It was as if what was going through his mind had turned into mental noise:
"In other areas the dungeons were closed... Only I survived... That being did not 'speak' to me, but it made me feel. It was conscious. And now the royalty is after it. What if this is really something bigger than I thought? What if my town isn't as safe as I thought?"
Kael's facial muscles tensed slightly. He turned his eyes to Arthur before clenching his fists.
"There is logic in what you say," he said calmly. "If the closing of the dungeons... is not just about me, then there is something bigger going on."
Arthur thought he had found a spark of hope in that statement, but Kael continued:
"But don't expect me to trust the capital. In a place where those with power dispense justice... trust is as much for sale as money."
Ronan recognized the tone in Kael's voice. It was not anger... it was indecision. An uncertainty sharpened by resentment.
Arthur smiled slightly.
"You don't have to trust the capital. But if you want to know the truth... you may have to come to us one day."
Kael sighed, but this time he did not turn toward the door. He just stared at a rusty weapon hanging on the wall that looked like Gale's sword. Then he turned to Arthur.
"My town is everything to me. If that entity ever returns, you know where to find me."
Arthur nodded. "Of course."
Silence filled the room again. The wind blew outside and the shadow of decisions echoed inside.
Kael stared at Arthur. The determination was now in his voice:
"I will come to the capital."
A faint smile appeared on Arthur's face, but Kael quickly continued:
"But not with you. I will come alone, and I will talk about this face to face, openly."
Kael took a few steps closer to Arthur, and his voice grew sterner:
"But I won't be your soldier, I won't be your hunter.When I arrive in the capital, you will put a contract in front of me. I will not accept anything that is not written in that contract."
Arthur was listening to him intently.
"And if, before or after that contract, someone utters the words 'become a royal hunter'..." Kael bowed his head slightly, his eyes squinting slightly, "...I will put that person against the wall. Noble or commander."
There was a short silence in the guild hall. Everyone was focused on the determination in Kael's voice.
Arthur took a deep breath, then nodded slowly.
"Your words are... unorthodox. But understandable. And clear."
Then he took a step back, a slight hint of respect in his eyes.
"I accept your terms, Kael. Come to the capital alone. And when you do, there will be someone to listen to you."
Kael said no more. Arthur turned silently and headed for the door. Even as his hunters followed, everyone in the room was still reeling from Kael's last words.
After Arthur and his hunters walked away, the silence in the guild hall slowly began to dissolve. Kael looked at Ronan out of the corner of his eye. Ronan nodded to the outside.
The two quietly left the guild building. A light wind blew their hair as the sun painted the town orange. They walked a few steps. Ronan finally broke the silence:
"Are you really leaving?"
Kael raised his eyes to the horizon. He was thinking in the direction of the capital.
"Yes. But on my own terms."
Ronan gave a short laugh, then continued with a serious expression:
"Arthur had the look of a merchant who wanted to buy you. But you... you always chose your own path."
Kael sighed.
"We don't often have a choice in our work. This will be the first time I've made my own decision."
Ronan was silent for a moment. Then the lines at the corners of his lips became more pronounced:
"I knew years ago when I first watched you practicing with a sword that if anyone from this town was ever going to get out, it would be you. But you know, don't you, the capital... it's a different world. Everyone is alone there."
Kael bowed his head.
"I've already made my peace with loneliness, Ronan. Whatever I face there, I'll do it for the sake of this land, for the sake of my family."
Ronan stared at Kael. There was both pride and worry in them.
"Whatever happens, remember... there will always be a door open for you in this town."
Kael nodded slightly. Then he shrugged his shoulders and murmured with a smile:
"Leave the door open, but don't forget the lock. Just in case."
Ronan smiled. He looked up at the sky. Silence had become the language of friendship.
After enjoying the silence for a while longer, Kael turned his eyes to Ronan. His voice was soft but firm:
"Don't worry. I'll be back, I just... I have some business to take care of. After that... I'll go back home."
Ronan bowed his head. He felt the weight of those words. Because whenever Kael said 'home', he meant his family, his roots, this town.
"I will wait for you," Ronan said quietly. "The town will wait."
Kael nodded, then turned around and walked quietly back to his own house.
The streets of the town were quiet. The pale light of the sunset echoed off the walls of the houses, and Kael's shadow stretched long. When he reached the door of his house, he stopped for a few seconds. He put his hand on the door. He took a deep breath and went inside.
The house was dusty but spotlessly clean. Even if no one lived there, Kael always came home, cleaned it, kept things in order. It was a silent agreement with himself that one day he would indeed return.
He stepped slowly inside. For a moment his eyes wandered into the fog of the past. An old hunting portrait on the wall... A cracked ceramic cup on the table... Each one was full of memories.
The moment when his father shot an arrow at him when he was little... The lullabies his mother sang while combing his hair... The meals they ate together by the stove on a cold winter day...
He closed his eyes for a moment.
"Mom... dad... I'm going," she said in a whisper. "But this time not to escape. To protect..."
He walked to the window. He opened the curtains and looked outside. It was as if the wind that blended into the night was bringing the sounds of his childhood.
Then he slowly sat on his bed. He reached his hand under the pillow. He took out an old but well-polished small locket that his mother had given to his father as a wedding present. Inside were pictures of his family when they were young. He had carried it with him for years but only took it out when he was alone.
He pressed the locket to his chest. His lips murmured one word:
"I will see you soon."