The streets of Crimson Reach pulsed with life under the ever-burning red skies.
Crowds moved in constant flow — hunters hauling heavy sacks of monster parts, merchants shouting prices for glowing cores and rare materials, beastmen with furred shoulders bargaining loudly, dark elves gliding through the masses with quiet grace, and lizardmen whose scales clicked against the stone roads. The air smelled of grilled meat, mana-infused spices, sweat, and the faint metallic tang of fresh dungeon loot. Stalls overflowed with weapons, potions, and artifacts. Laughter, arguments, and the clink of coins filled every corner of the bustling hunter city.
Through the dense crowd, Indura walked with his hands clasped casually behind his back, crimson hair catching the red light. His golden eyes scanned everything with calm interest — the chaotic energy, the constant movement, the sheer volume of trading and life happening all at once.
Shadow walked beside him, occasionally glancing at the tall dragon in humanoid form.
"This is Crimson Reach," Shadow explained, keeping his voice low but steady. "One of the largest hunter hubs in the southern region. People come here from every corner of the south to sell materials, take contracts, and chase wealth. The guilds are strong, the black market even stronger. You can find almost anything if you have enough coin… or enough strength."
Indura gave a small nod, his expression relaxed. "It's lively. Everyone is moving with purpose. In Varta, things were slower… quieter. This feels more… alive."
Shadow walked in silence for a moment, an internal thought crossing his mind. Strange. He speaks of his old world so casually, yet carries himself as if none of this impresses him. A calamity walking among mortals… and he looks like he's just taking a stroll.
They passed rows of vendors selling everything from glowing healing crystals to weapons still wet with monster blood. Indura's gaze lingered on a stall with exotic fruits and spiced meats, but he said nothing, simply observing.
Shadow hesitated, then spoke again. "Great Dragon… would you like to see the city from higher up? You can watch how it all flows from there."
Indura gave a slight nod. "Lead the way."
They climbed a wide set of stone stairs that led to one of the upper terraces overlooking the main district — a raised platform built into the side of a massive floating crystal outcrop. From here, the entire heart of Crimson Reach spread out below like a living map: rivers of people, glowing stalls, distant hunter outposts, and the constant movement of armed groups heading toward the dungeon gates on the city's edge.
Indura stood at the edge, hands still behind his back, breathing in the thick mana-filled air. His expression remained calm, almost serene, as the red light washed over his crimson hair and golden eyes.
"Who rules this place?" he asked quietly.
Shadow gulped, his mind racing. If he decides he doesn't like the ruler… what then? Would he destroy the city on a whim?
He hesitated for half a second too long before answering. "Crimson Reach is governed by ranks that apply across most of the south. The lowest are simple Hunters. Above them are Slayers — those who have proven themselves by killing over a thousand monsters. Then come the Knights, and at the very top in this region… Destroyers. The current ruler of Crimson Reach is a Destroyer named...Lady Phoenix. She has held control for decades. Her influence runs deep — she controls the major guilds, sets the taxes on dungeon loot, and keeps order with an iron fist wrapped in flame. Crossing her is considered suicidal. She has burned entire hunter parties alive for defying her decrees."
Indura stayed quiet for a moment, processing. Lady Phoenix… A Destroyer. Interesting. A ruler who burns defiance…I'll see if she burns as easily as the rest.
Shadow watched him nervously, thinking, He's too calm. Is he planning something? Or does he truly not care?
Indura finally spoke again. "Tell me more about how the hunters work."
Shadow let out a small sigh of relief. "Hunters take contracts from the guilds — subjugating specific monsters, gathering rare materials, and clearing dungeons. Normal hunters can usually handle up to a hundred kills before they start struggling. Slayers are different. They've earned the rank through sheer numbers and skill. There aren't many of them. They take on the truly dangerous jobs — elder beasts, nest clearings, high-mana threats. The stronger you are, the higher the rewards… and the bigger the risks."
Indura listened, then gave a small nod. An idea formed in his mind.
"I want to join the hunters," he said simply.
Shadow's eyes widened in shock, then sparked with sudden excitement. A calamity… joining the hunter guild? This could be incredible… or catastrophic.
"It would draw a lot of attention," Shadow warned, though his tone carried clear enthusiasm. "Especially if you rise quickly. But… it wouldn't be a bad way to move around the city. You could take contracts, gather information, and do as you please."
Indura's golden eyes remained steady. "Then lead the way… I want to see how strong this world really is."
Shadow nodded quickly and turned, guiding Indura toward the large hunter guild building at the center of the district — a sturdy fortress-like structure flying multiple guild banners.
As they walked, Shadow couldn't help but steal glances at the dragon beside him, still wondering what kind of storm this calm, crimson-haired figure might bring to Crimson Reach.
Down below in the crowded streets of Crimson Reach, a few people suddenly felt a strange unease ripple through the air.
One burly beastman hunter paused mid-step, ears twitching. "Did anyone else feel that just now? Like… something heavy pressed down on my chest for a second."
His companion, a dark elf with sharp features, rubbed his arms. "Yeah… it felt like mana was being suppressed. Gloomy. Cold. Not normal."
A nearby group of hunters exchanged uneasy glances.
"Must be a Knight passing through," one suggested.
Another shook his head quickly. "Knights don't have that kind of aura. At least not this gloomy. It felt… older. Like something ancient just breathed on us."
The feeling lingered for a few heartbeats before fading, leaving the group unsettled as they continued walking, whispering among themselves.
Meanwhile, Jin strolled through the bustling streets in normal civilian wear — simple dark tunic and pants — his silver eyes hidden behind black ones again. His hands were in his pockets as he thought about his battle gear. I wonder if Cornelius has finished the refinements yet…
A loud, familiar voice suddenly cut through the crowd.
"Jin! There you are, you silent bastard!"
Jin turned calmly. Approaching him was his colleague — a loud, muscular Slayer named Kael Thorn, with short, messy brown hair, a wide grin, and a scar running across his left cheek. He was accompanied by two girls: one was Lira, a sharp-eyed dark elf with silver-white hair tied in a high ponytail and a confident, teasing vibe; the other was Mira, a cheerful beastman with fox-like ears, a fluffy orange tail, and an energetic, bubbly personality.
Kael slapped Jin on the shoulder hard. "You disappeared for days again! Thought you finally got eaten by something big this time."
Jin's expression remained calm, almost indifferent. "I was working."
Kael laughed loudly. "Working? You always say that! Anyway, you remember Lira and Mira, right? We just cleared a mid-tier nest together."
Lira smirked, crossing her arms. "He looks as talkative as ever."
Mira waved enthusiastically, tail swishing. "Hi Jin! You should join us next time. It's more fun with more people!"
Jin gave a small nod. Kael… the first person I met when I arrived in Chaos. Loud, reckless, but reliable. He helped me when I had nothing. Still loud though.
Kael leaned in with excitement. "Listen, the Grand Bout is coming up this year. Even if you don't win, the benefits are insane — free high-rank contracts, guild sponsorship, rare materials, and the prize pool is massive. You should join! A Slayer like you would crush it."
Jin's voice stayed even. "My life would be on the line. That's not a game."
Kael waved it off. "That's the point! The stronger the opponents, the better the rewards. Come on, you're already one of the best solo hunters around. Think about it — fame, money, respect. You could finally stop being such a lone wolf."
Lira added teasingly, "Yeah, maybe you'll even smile once in a while if you win."
Mira nodded eagerly. "It'll be fun! We can cheer for you!"
Jin considered it for a moment, then shook his head lightly. "I have some things to take care of. I'll see you around."
Kael called after him as Jin walked away. "Think about it, Jin! The Grand Bout waits for no one!"
Jin continued walking alone, hands back in his pockets. The Grand Bout… it would draw a lot of attention. Benefits would be useful, but the higher ranks might notice me. Too risky for now.
He nodded to himself and disappeared into the crowd, his mind drifting. …Just where is the red dragon?
Outside the Hunters Guild branch, the massive building loomed like a fortress.
Its stone walls were reinforced with glowing runes and thick metal plating salvaged from high-rank monsters. Tall banners bearing guild emblems fluttered in the red-skied wind. The entrance was wide enough for large parties, and the structure itself stretched several stories high, with watchtowers and reinforced windows overlooking the busy district.
Shadow and Indura stood before the grand entrance.
"This is it," Shadow said, voice low with respect. "The Hunters Guild branch of Crimson Reach. From here, a hunter's true life begins. There are many people inside — some might stare at the new face, others might approach you with questions or challenges. Be prepared."
Indura stood quietly, hands behind his back. Climbing ranks… blending in while testing this world's strength. It could be interesting.
He nodded once. "I'm going in."
Shadow pushed the heavy doors open.
The moment they stepped inside, the lively lobby went strangely quiet.
Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance. Hunters paused mid-conversation, mugs halfway to their lips, weapons half-drawn in instinct. A beastman's ears flicked nervously. One man's hand shook slightly as he tried to drink his beer. Someone in the back stuttered mid-sentence. A blade slipped from someone's grip and clattered against the floor.
Indura walked in calmly, as if he owned the place — posture relaxed, golden eyes scanning the room with mild interest. His presence wasn't overwhelming in size, but it felt… wrong. Off. Like something ancient and heavy had just entered a room full of mortals.
Whispers broke out immediately.
"Where did this guy come from…?"
"Something's off about him…"
"Feels like a top Slayer just walked in…"
Shadow followed closely, internally thinking, He's suppressing his power… but it's still leaking through. Standing next to him feels like standing at the edge of an abyss.
They reached the counter.
The young woman behind it clutched the edge of her seat, face pale, sweat forming on her forehead. It feels like a monster just walked in…
Shadow spoke up politely. "This young man would like to join the Hunters Guild."
The woman turned to Shadow, eyes widening in recognition. "M-Midnight Slayer…?"
The entire lobby erupted in murmurs.
"Midnight Slayer? He's back?"
"I thought he was dead…"
"He disappeared ten years ago!"
"He's the third highest Slayer in the guild…"
Indura heard every whisper. He glanced at Shadow with a calm expression. "You're a hunter?"
Shadow nodded. "I am. I've been in the guild for years… until ten years ago…"
He stopped himself, not wanting to reveal anything about Indura's arrival in Chaos.
Indura understood and gave a soft smile. "What rank were you?"
Shadow straightened slightly. "Slayer. I earned it after clearing over a thousand monsters solo across multiple high-risk dungeons. It took years of near-death battles, but the guild recognized the achievement."
The woman behind the counter, still shaken, forced a nervous smile. "To join, you'll need to go through some entry tests for your hunter's license…"
Shadow cut her off gently but firmly. "He won't need those."
She insisted, voice trembling. "It's the custom. Everyone has gone through it…"
Her eyes flicked to Indura and quickly looked down, sweat dripping from her face. She forced another smile. "Actually… maybe today we can make an exception. I'll get the license ready right away."
Shadow stepped closer. "Just register him and give the contract."
The woman gulped, then looked up at Indura with visible effort. "Your name…?"
Indura met her gaze for a quiet moment, then smiled faintly.
"Indura."
The name settled into the room… and for a brief moment, no one spoke.
Shadow's eyes flickered with recognition. Indura… A name worthy of a calamity.
The woman quickly registered the name and handed over a contract, explaining the basics — subjugation targets, required proof of kills, reward tiers, and guild rules.
Indura took the paper, glanced at the unfamiliar symbols, and tucked it away without comment.
He turned and walked out calmly.
The lobby remained buzzing with whispers. "Midnight Slayer is really back…" "Who was that guy with him?"
Shadow and Indura stepped back into the red-skied streets of Crimson Reach.
Shadow exhaled slowly, glancing at Indura with a mix of awe and curiosity.
The dragon had just joined the Hunters Guild.
Crimson Reach didn't know it yet… but it had just welcomed a calamity.