01.42 - Life, the Universe, and Everything

Arcana Maiora’s hunter exam ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.

The field test concluded prematurely after the guild officially declared a state of volatility in the great plains and called its ruler and additional regular hunters in for support.

The new hunter candidates’ points gained during the field test were added as is, with bonuses thrown in for those successfully aiding during distress calls.

Twenty-three people ended up passing in total.

Luc’s final position in the ranking was third, almost tying with Sascha, but too far removed to take first place from Hannah by any stretch.

He won the war, but lost the battle.

This was what he had trained for, years before he thought he would even get a chance to attempt it, but losing to Hannah, again, took all the wind out of his sails.

And having passed the exam was just the very first step.

It was the prerequisite for all that could… for all that should follow.

The chasm between a rookie hunter and his mother’s position was still vast and deep.

It was a beginning, nothing more.

At least people would now seriously consider him, or rather Oudeis, as long as he wore his mask.

Was this really what he wanted?

There would be no real fame to his true name… at least for now.

Luc’s train of thought strayed further and further from a feeling of success and elation, wallowing in self-doubt, envy, and pity, as he followed his mother through dimly lit corridor after corridor, still in disguise, with all eight fellow specters in tow.

As they turned what would be the last corner, the twilight gave way to sunshine falling through the windows of another, brighter corridor, ending at a great metal door, like a sturdy gate leading to their final destination.

Mary knocked three times.

The door slowly opened.

The personal room of the guildmaster came into view, filled with banners, hunting trophies, and signed pictures of famous hunters of old.

Already waiting inside were Aqua, Terra, and Aer.

Facing them, in the back of the room, behind an imposing personal study desk, sat a man of trained physique but short stature, with black hair mixed with gray strands.

Grant. Guildmaster of the Hunters’ Guild.

Sometimes, life could truly have quite the sense of humor.

“Looks like everyone’s here,” Grant said.

“What about Ignis?” Mary asked, looking around as she and her entourage of specters entered the room.

“What about him?” asked Grant. “I requested a summon, but he refused to show.”

“Business as usual,” said Aqua, shrugging.

Grant closed the big door behind them with a press of a button. “You take off the masks now; everyone here is in the know.”

Luc looked at his fellow specters, then at Mary, who just nodded. He cut off the Aura supply. The void miasma around him faded as he shrunk back to his regular size. He then removed the mask itself.

“I greenlit that little project of yours,” said Grant while scanning the group. “But seeing them all in the flesh is different.”

“Oh please,” said Mary, “after the stunt you pulled selecting their team match examiners, don’t tell me you’d still underestimate their potential.”

“True.” Grant chuckled slightly. “Just don’t let the general public know. Next year’s exam is scheduled in Ignis territory. The last thing we need is some noble houses pressuring us into allowing unqualified children to join. There are enough unfortunate accidents with adult participants as is; we don’t need precocious kids.”

Luc and the other eight exchanged looks.

“Present company excepted,” Grant added.

“So?” asked Hannah. “We were not called here to exchange insults, nor pleasantries, right?”

“Right,” said Grant, “I did want to personally welcome you to the guild. And get your report on the lures.”

“What lures?” asked Hannah.

Grant looked surprised. “The black spheres you encountered during the exam and during your hunt in Terra’s territory.”

The nine exchanged confused looks.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t tell them?” asked Grant.

Mary just shrugged. “I am good at keeping secrets.”

Grant sighed. “The monsters you encountered both in the forest and in the plains are usually only found far deeper in their respective territories.”

“So… someone lured them out near the suburbs?” asked Hannah. “To what end?”

“Now that is the question we’d like to have answered,” said Grant. “Even if Mary didn’t inform you, was there anything unusual you saw, heard, or noticed that might be worth reporting?”

No one spoke up.

“Be that as it may,” said Grant. “If you recall anything that might be important, let Mary or me know about it. It doesn't have to be the answer to our ultimate question. Every bit of info helps.”

The group nodded along.

“As for the intermediaries,” said Grant, “I’ve requested additional groups of hunters and gave out more culling quests. Both the military and police forces have been informed and are considering lending us support to keep the outskirts secure.”

“We’ll provide as much support as we can,” said Terra.

“We could use some military aid,” said Aqua. “My five little darlings are exhausted as is. Regular people would be more of a liability than help. A few dozen Thrones with military-grade diving equipment could do wonders.”

“You already have my full support,” said Aer. “As for Ignis…”

“Ignis has been informed,” said Grant. “He didn’t show up today, but he agreed to cooperate. Not that I think anyone would be stupid enough to place lures in dragon territory.”