The bounty Hunter

Chapter 1: The Cursed Hunter

Arc 1: The Hunter’s Awakening

Vaeloria's streets were silent—too silent. The constant hum of travelers and merchants had since long dissipated, and was now covered over by a thick, oppressive hush that fell over the city like a mortician's veil. The metallic smell of blood hung heavy on the air, combined with the pungent smell of singed flesh. It was always a warning that something other lay close at hand.

Dain Ashbourne tightened the grip on his Hellforged Blade, its obsidian-black blade radiating a soft crimson glow. He could sense it breathing, alive, and drawing energy from the aura of the cursed bounty he was pursuing. A thin dark metal chain wrapped around his wrist, tightening ever so slightly as his contract felt its prey.

The bounty was near.

He strode quickly through the destroyed alleyway, boots only making a soft thud on the cobblestones. The parchment in his pocket seared against his leg, a reminder of the cursed agreement that committed him to this miserable life. Hunt demons or become one. That was the bargain.

A low growl sounded through the darkness.

Dain tensed, frozen in place. Shadows moved beyond them, contorting in strange ways as something emerged from them. Two shining, purple eyes pierced the night.

“Finally I found you”

The demon charged.

Dain acted instinctively, dodging the attack and swinging his blade in one smooth motion. A shriek ripped through the alley as the creature recoiled, its flesh charred where the blade had struck. It was quick—too quick for a low-level fiend.

Dain's eyes narrowed. This wasn't another bounty.

The creature growled, dark veins pumping through its gruesome body. Clawed hands tensed as it readied for another attack. But something didn't feel right. The movement, the distortions in its aura—this was no wild animal. This was intelligent.

"You have the stench of corruption about you, hunter," the demon growled, its voice deep and strangely human.

Dain didn't answer. Words were thrown away on the damned. He charged forward, feinting left then striking hard into the side of the creature. The demon shrieked, black ichor flowing onto the stone.

One more blow.

He was about to deliver the death strike when the creature shifted. Quick. Too quick. Dain hardly had time to move before an iron grip wrapped around his throat.

The demon lifted him into the air, slamming him back against the alley wall. A pain shot through his back, but he ground his teeth and kept his strength hidden.

"You stalk us as prey, and you bear the same curse that enslaves us," the demon snarled, closing its grip. "Speak, hunter—how many days until the chains pull you into the pit?

Dain's vision blurred around the edges, but he pressed on. The chains. The accursed metal wrapped around his wrist vibrated, feeling the threat. He could sense the power beneath the surface, aching.

His last resort.

He released himself. Let the curse claim him.

Heat surged through his veins in a wave of blinding flame. Chains on his wrist throbbed insanely, spreading along his arm in red and black runes that glowed with malevolent power. The demon faltered—a death sentence.

With fresh strength, Dain plunged his sword up, cutting through the creature's neck in one savage curve.

Silence, for an instant.

Then the demon fell, its body jerking before dissolving into ash. The bounty contract in his pocket glowed, the sigil on his kill weakening ever so slightly. Not enough. Never enough.

Dain took a step back, gasping harshly as the tainted energy receded. He shrugged his shoulders, attempting to rid himself of the aftereffect. The power was costly. It always was.

A slow clap rang down from above.

Dain glanced up, senses already heightened. A figure sat atop the roof, twin daggers shining in the blood-red moonlight.

Veyne.

"Well done, Reaper," Veyne shouted, grinning. "Though I must say, you're getting sloppy."

Dain spat out blood. "What do you want, Veyne?"

The rogue bounty hunter sprang down, landing with ease. He tossed a parchment at Dain, who caught it in mid-air.

Bounty: 50,000 gold

.Target: Vorthos the Devourer.

Threat Level: High.

Dain could feel his curse revving up, the chains straining darkly. Vorthos wasn't a demon. He was a Devourer.

Veyne smiled. "You in?"

Dain punched his fist. There was no other option.

"Where do we begin?"

End of Chapter 1.