Philip

  ***

  It happened without warning. I am Philip Coleman, one of the Kingdom’s tax collectors. Although I’m called that, I’m more of a pre inspection accountant or an auditor rather than a proper collector. It’s my job to make sure that the vilgers know how much they need to pay and discover if there are any problems with their pay. Given the fact that the vilge's taxes are to be paid in crops, my job is mostly to inspect the fields for signs of bad harvest or anything that may bring issues when it comes time for the proper collectors to collect them.

  It was a normal day without anything of note happening. I had recently arrived in one of the many vilges in the county and found everything was alright. No issues with the weather, the fields were as productive as they were expected to be and no wild animals harassed the farmers or ate the crops. Everything was as expected. However, when the time for me to leave, disaster struck. Those who were out in the field hurriedly ran into the walled off vilge and shut the door behind them. It was Demons.

  From the expnations I heard, horned rabbits appeared near one of the fields and attacked the farm workers. Luckily they all survived, but it was an arming wake up. Demons. I’ve been living in an age of retive peace. Ever since Magical Girl Melody appeared, demons everywhere had been in decline. It’s been three years since I first started working, and I’ve never seen a demon when on the job. My younger cousins have been fortunate enough to have never seen a demon at all.

  Aside from the occasional wild animal, the roads have been safe. So much so that many times I head out to vilges by myself. Although now that seems foolish. Not long after the attack, those demons were seen walking across the road as if searching for something. Because of their actions, we were unable to send a messenger out to call for aid. However, we knew that help would arrive eventually. Because of my position, people would be sent out to search for me and they would be able to deal with the demons. However, how long would that take? As we are now, the vilgers are leaving their crops to the mercy of the demons, and the upcoming winter…

  Near the end of my second week here, a hunter had arrived. She looked young, maybe 17 or 18, and by herself. Still, a hunter was a hunter, regardless of how dirty or smelly she was. After telling her the situation she quickly agreed to help us. Odd, most hunters would drive a hard bargain, to get the most out of the situation, but I suppose not all are like that. Not only did she agree to help out, but in a single day she managed to defeat them! I think that’s impressive. Truthfully I’ve never seen hunters work, but given her speed, she must be a fairly high rank. Not only that, but I’ve seen gnces of her weapons. Her sword and dagger, they aren’t normal. Although I haven't seen them drawn, I could tell that they were of a far higher quality than most I have seen. Higher than that of even nobles…

  Astel

  ***

  “Goodbye and safe travels.” The old man said.

  At the gate of the vilge with the sun still rising, me and Philip stood, ready to head to the nearby town. Due to the horned rabbits giving them a te start to their harvests, there was only the old man and a few of the youngest kids waving us goodbye.

  “Thank you for your hospitality.” Philip said.

  “Of course.” The old man nodded before turning to me. “And thank you for your work with the demons.”

  “It was my job.” I said.

  I did get paid for it after all.

  “Well, we shouldn’t bother you for too much longer.” Philip said. “We should get going.”

  “Yes.” He said. “Take care.”

  With a nod, me and Philip headed off, with Raven scouting ahead. Everything looked clear, so I didn't need to be on edge, but I still kept an eye out. For the first few minutes, we walked in silence, though Philip did seem to be nervously gncing at the tree line. He must be worried about demons. Still, there were none, so we continued on our way in silence.

  “Lady hunter.” Philip said, trying his best to keep his breath steady. “Perhaps we should take a break?”

  “We have only started our journey.” I said. “I wish to make it to town before nightfall.”

  “Please.” He put a hand on my shoulder, stopping me. “It’s a three day walk.”

  “All the more reason to keep going.” I said.

  “I’m no hunter.” He said. “We’ve been walking for hours with no break. It’s already past noon.”

  “He’s right. You should take a break.” Raven said, nding in a nearby tree. “You’ve been pushing yourself. Didn’t your Goddess tell you to take it easy?”

  “I would hardly call walking as pushing myself, but I’ll do so as to not worry her.” I replied.

  “Very well.” I agreed.

  “Thank you!” He said, seemingly on the verge of tears.

  With overly dramatic, shaking steps, Philip took a seat on a rock on the side of the road. Watching as he tried to get the st few drops of water from his canteen, I handed him my own. Greedily he downed several gulps, I felt a bit remorseful.

  “Thank you.” He said, wiping his lips and handing it back to me.

  “I take it this pace isn’t a normal one?” I asked, taking a sip of my own.

  “For hunters or normal people?” He said.

  “For either I suppose.” I said.

  “You…” He looked at me with curious eyes. “You aren’t from around here, are you?”

  “I can’t say that I am.” I admitted. “I’m on a journey if you’re curious.”

  “Hunters typically are.” He nodded. “Say, what is your rank anyways?”

  “I’m not affiliated with the guild if that’s what you’re wondering.” I said. “Where I’m from, there is no guild for hunting.”

  “No guild?” He asked surprised. “I thought you said that you were a hunter.”

  “I am a hunter.” I said. “I hunt beasts.”

  “Though you have no bow or spear?” He asked.

  “I had those but they were broken in my travels.” I said. “I hope to at least repce one of them.”

  “Ah, I see.” He nodded seemingly coming to a conclusion. “You’ve been traveling through the woods for most of your journey, haven't you?”

  “What gave it away, the dirt or the smell?” I asked.

  Yeah, I wasn’t exactly the cleanest I’ve ever been. That damn clean enchant gave up after day three. I should have been more careful when applying it, but the more important enchantments remained so that's good.

  “Both.” He admitted. “I take it that you are also cking any identification?”

  “Unfortunately so.” I said. “Is that going to be a problem?”

  “Normally yes, but I can get you temporary papers.” He said. “Normally that sort of thing is expensive but you have done me and the kingdom a great service in dealing with those demons.”

  “In that case, I should thank you.” I said.

  “No need, although you seem like you’re in a hurry, so I hope you don’t mind if these papers are through the Guild.” He said.

  “That depends, what is this guild you speak of?” I asked.

  “The Hunter’s guild.” He started his expnation. “To put it pinly, it is a way to put people who would become bandits or mercenaries to work in ways that’ll help kingdoms in certain areas where we ck manpower. You must have come from far away because the guild is present from coast to coast.”

  “They weren’t in the Empire, were they?” Raven asked.

  “No, not in the surrounding kingdoms either.” I answered.

  “That’s news to me.” I said. “I’ve never heard of this guild.”

  “Well.” He threw up his hands. “They say that they’re from coast to coast, but in reality they only have a presence from the Fog Lands to the Silver Curtains.”

  “That’s a sizable amount of nd. I can see why they say that.” I said.

  That's like what, five major-ish kingdoms and tens of minor kingdoms?

  “It is, although it’s far from what they cim.” He nodded. “Still, calling yourself a hunter without knowing the meaning of it here is rather foolish.”

  “And here I thought hunting was an action and not a specific guild reted job.” I said. “In that case, what would I be?”

  “Hmn…?” He took a moment to look at me. “No, you’re too well armed to be an explorer… A bandit? Well, they are certainly cleaner than you.”

  “You certainly know how to charm a woman.” I rolled my eyes.

  “How about a Ranger?” He suggested, ignoring my compints. “Here it’s a person who spends their time in the woods, hunting demons.”

  “And how is that different from a Hunter?” I asked.

  “Hunters usually work in groups. Rangers are mostly by themselves or with animals they have tamed.” He said.

  “I suppose that fits.” I nodded.

  “You hear that, I tamed you.” I said.

  “Do you want to get pecked?” Raven asked.

  “Here girl.” I said, holding out my arm.

  “You are buying me a steak dinner when we get to town.” She sighed.

  Flying from the tree, Raven flew down and nded on my arm. Seeing this, Philip’s eyes widened in amazement.

  “So it does!” He said. “You, my good dy, are a Ranger!”

  “Good to know.” I said.

  “A very, very, smelly ranger!” He said.

  “Alright, break time is over.” I said moving to walk down the path. “Tell me more about this guild.”

  “Ah!” He hurriedly got up. “Please keep a reasonable pace at least!”

  “How does the guild work?” I asked, accommodating him.

  “Well!” He said, gd I slowed down. “Firstly, Hunters are mercenaries who complete jobs put up by individuals, towns, vilges, local governments, or even nobles. Complete enough jobs and you and your party gain a rank. The higher the rank, the more difficult and high paying jobs you can take. Once you get to a certain rank, and if you have a good reputation, you can get knighted, or in rare cases, adopted into a noble family.”

  “Sounds too good to be true.” I said. “What’s the catch?”

  “Depending on your rank, you are required to participate in certain events. Well, rather they are emergency jobs such as helping in disasters or dealing with demons that get too close to towns.” He admitted. “Although that is rare nowadays.”

  “Because of Melody?” I asked.

  “Because of Melody.” He nodded.

  “It seems like being a Hunter has its perks.” I said.

  “It certainly does. Not only that but with the appearance of a new Saint, many Hunters have been doing their best to rank up in hopes of joining her on her journey.” He said.

  “It’s not an opportunity that comes very often I imagine.”

  “I could count on one hand how many times it has. Still, to be able to put your name in the history books must be appealing to them.”

  “It must. So, are there any other perks to being a hunter?”

  “If you have the skills for it, which you certainly do, it’s easy money. You get better deals when selling demon parts to the guild, the guilds are all connected so they can act as your bank, and having a guild card is essentially a free pass in and out of towns, though you still need to wait in lines.”

  “In that case I really should be thanking you for offering to get me a card.”

  “Yes, and I don’t mean to brag, but I can get you one without needing to worry about the tests.” He nodded. “Although at most I can get you a ‘D’ rank.”

  “And what pce is that?” I asked.

  “Ah, it’s ‘A’ to ‘F’ so second from the bottom.” He said. “I could get you higher but those ranks come with the participation requirements that I don’t think you’ll enjoy.”

  “I really wouldn’t.” I agreed. “Is ranking up something I can opt out of?”

  “It’s never really been done, but it’s not unheard of.” He said.

  “Good to hear.” I nodded.

  “Well, for a traveler, I’m not surprised you don’t want to get pulled into anything.” He said. “Still, it sounds odd to hear it.”

  “Well, that’s just how things are.” I shrugged.

  We continued our walk at this slower pace, up until the sun set. Although I couldn’t help but notice that whenever the wind blew from me to Philip, he had an unfttering look on his face. I’ve got to find something. Anything to get this odor off of me…

  Grayburne