01.04 - Speak of The Devil

“What do you mean?” asked Luc. ”Power isn't straightforward? What about Core Tiers?”

“Your Core Tier might give you an indication of your opponent's Aura potential,” Aurelius said. “But a larger Aura pool can only do so much. The kind of spells you have at your disposal can make all the difference. The same is true for your strategy and tactics.”

“But couldn't you've been famous, like Mom? Couldn’t you've been a legendary hunter too?” Luc asked. “Why didn't you choose that for yourself?”

The path beneath their feet changed from forest floor to gravel as they approached the residential area. Crickets chirped in the underbrush. The night air grew cooler, carrying the scent of blooming hydrangea from the gardens ahead.

“Fame?” Aurelius's expression softened. “I had enough fame to last several lifetimes, even if it wasn't under my own name.” He placed a hand on Luc's shoulder. “As for fortune...” he gestured toward the lights of their home in the distance, “...my fortune is right here. Family and friends, a peaceful place to call home.”

They slowly made their way back to the familiar, well-lit path leading to the housing area. Gone was the utilitarian feel of the training grounds. Grand, two-story buildings with balconies lined the path. It wasn't difficult to imagine the place as the sprawling spa resort it once was.

Luc had been told that, officially, the ownership transfer was a reward to Aurelius and his comrades. Earned through decades of service and sacrifice as a body double of a fleet admiral of the Arcane Empire and other figures of high standing.

As they were about to reach the central plaza, Luc recognized the silhouette of his mother, Mary, walking towards them. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated her long black hair and cat ears. Her tail swung gracefully as she moved with a confident stride.

She was a Felis through and through. The same was true for Luc’s sister. Luc himself had only inherited his father’s Terran traits.

“Speak of the devil,” Mary said. “I thought you had left to greet our uninvited guests, but I didn’t expect you two back so soon.”

“Neither did we,” said Aurelius.

Mary’s gaze lingered on her husband and son, scanning their slightly untidy appearances. “We were just discussing if we should send you some reinforcements,” she said, motioning to a group of Aurelius’ comrades who stood a short distance away. They seemed more engrossed in casual conversation than preparing for battle, their postures relaxed under the warm glow of the plaza lights.

“We already met some of the garrison troops in the mountains,” Aurelius said. “They were kind enough to mop up the trash, so we got back early.”

Mary’s eyebrow arched. “Oh? So, how was your first attempt at a makeshift hunt, Luc?”

Luc straightened, puffing out his chest with pride. “You should have seen it! I one-shot the first Fire Elemental!”

“And the second one?”

Luc hesitated. “I might have missed my first shot…”

“You might?”

“Okay, I did miss the first shot… but the second got the job done!”

“And?”

“And… what?”

“Were there only two targets?”

“Oh… yeah…” He glanced at his father. “Dad might have taken care of the boss…”

“I might, huh?” Aurelius asked with barely concealed amusement.

“Do you now get why we hunt in groups, and why you still have to improve your aim?”

“I… maybe… yes. But only a bit!” Luc insisted.

“Well, you are out of denial,” Mary said. ”That’s the first step for improvement. Maybe I’ll take you with us for the next hunt.”

Luc’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Yes, but only if you work on your aim and promise to be on your best behavior.”

He nodded vigorously.

“Depending on your performance during the next hunt, there might be a special birthday present waiting for you.”

“A special present?” asked Luc. “Like a new Core or equipment?”

“I won’t spoil it. But it’s something you’ve wanted for quite a while now.”

“Something else? I wanted to join you on your hunts, but if it’s a reward for a good performance, that can’t be it either. How about another hint?”

“No more spoilers,” Mary said. “But I am sure you’ll like it.” Her tone shifted slightly. “So, what about your recent battle?”

“What about it?” Luc asked.

“Did you return empty-handed?”

“What, you think I’d leave the Cores in the forest?” Aurelius protested as he presented two of their spoils. “I left the big catch with Luc.”

Luc fumbled in his pocket and retrieved the Greater Fire Elemental’s Core, holding it out with both hands as if it were a treasure.

Mary’s eyebrows rose as she inspected the Core. “Not too shabby. Might even be compatible with your affinities. We’ll try to program it tomorrow. The first thing you need now is a bath and a change of clothes.”

“Fine.” Luc dusted off his robes, trying to maintain his dignity. “Since you are here… how is Lily?”

Mary’s expression softened further. “She’s doing okay. Right now, she’s curled up in her basket, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. She’ll likely give birth soon.” She reached out to pat his head gently. “I’ll let you know when little Ann is born.”

“Do we really have to name her Ann? That’s like deciding that she’ll become Hannah’s companion right from the get-go!”

“Not this again. Who she’ll pick as a companion will be up to Ann. And for the record, I think ‘Ann’ is a cute name. That’s how you called Hannah when you uttered your first words.”

Their disagreement remained unresolved as Luc walked past her back to his family’s house to change his clothes. He breathed a sigh of relief as he peeled off his sweaty training robes and donned his swimming clothes.

Following a winding path up a slope, illuminated by small lights, Luc made his way toward the familiar steam rising from one of the mountainside hot springs. Most of the hot springs were on the other side of a small hill, hidden from the city's lights, allowing a clear view of the starry sky.

He slipped into the water with satisfaction, the warmth seeping into his aching muscles.

For a moment, he relaxed in the serene stillness.

But not for long.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the tranquil silence.