Chapter 33: A Private Mission
In the town of Keil, the big building stood in the middle—it was the guild. Ailith was standing at the mission board when a group approached her: a girl and two men.
"Hey there," the girl greeted.
Ailith turned. "Yes? Do you need something?"
"We need another member to hunt a Raintiger. Do you want to join?" the girl asked.
Ailith raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that… a Level Five beast?"
"Yes," the girl replied, "but no need to worry. We are all Level Five."
"I see… then can't you handle that on your own?" Ailith asked.
"No, we can," the girl said, "but we need someone to fill the party, you see. It's a private mission. They need the Raintiger in the best condition, and we can't damage it. They're paying forty gold."
Ailith nodded. "Forty for that Raintiger is expected. It's a rare monster after all. So… want to join?"
"Ok. I am Ailith Zerath," she said.
The girl smiled. "I am Althara Duvain."
Ailith's eyes widened slightly. "You mean the noble family of the capital?"
"Yes," Althara replied.
"Then why do this mission?" Ailith asked.
Althara chuckled lightly. "Well… to gain experience and feel the world."
Ailith smiled faintly. "I see. And what about you guys?"
The two men introduced themselves.
"I am Kelric," the first man said.
"I am Fendrel. We are her bodyguards," the second added.
"I see," Ailith nodded.
"So… where is the mission?" she asked.
"It's a two-day walk from here, near Asha," Althara answered.
"I see. I was going to do a mission anyway, so count me in," Ailith said.
"Get ready, then. We will leave in an hour," Althara said.
"I am ready anytime," Ailith replied.
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They left Keil and entered the forest, moving carefully along the winding paths. Low-level beasts scurried from the underbrush as they advanced. Kelric and Fendrel flanked Althara, moving in tight formation, while Ailith trailed slightly behind, scanning their surroundings. Whenever a small beast appeared—mostly Level One or Two—they struck in coordinated turns, efficiently killing without hesitation.
They moved steadily, taking turns scouting, turning corners, and crossing shallow streams. Ailith noticed the subtle signals: a hand raised by Kelric meant a halt, a slight turn of Fendrel's head indicated danger ahead. Every step, every turn was calculated.
After two days of careful navigation and battle with minor beasts, they reached the cave where the Raintiger resided.
Althara looked at the group. "So… are you ready?"
Everyone nodded. "Yes."
"Then let's go," she said.
Kelric moved first, stepping cautiously to lure the Raintiger out. He circled the cave entrance, using careful turns to avoid making noise, while Fendrel and Althara positioned themselves for attack. Ailith followed, keeping her distance but ready.
But then, unexpectedly, Kelric and Fendrel and althara fled past the Raintiger, leaving Ailith frozen in shock. She, a Level Four, now faced the Level Five beast alone.
The sun blazed overhead, and her feet felt icy. Panic surged as the Raintiger lunged. She bolted forward, using psychic power to reinforce herself, weaving around trees and rocks, turning sharply to avoid strikes. She ducked under a swinging claw, twisted midair to dodge another, yet her speed alone was insufficient.
Her heart raced. The Raintiger was relentless, closing the distance. Ailith's breaths came fast as she weaved in tight turns, narrowly avoiding deadly blows.
Finally, she called out desperately for help.
A pale-looking guy appeared in an instant, black messy hair falling into his dead eyes. Without hesitation, he kicked the Raintiger.
The beast vanished instantly, and hundreds of surrounding trees splintered under the shockwave.
He turned toward her. "you alright?"
Ailith staggered slightly, taking deep breaths, still in disbelief.