The glow of the rune dimly illuminated the ground, and Riccardo noticed it, instantly turning around.
He stared at the still-glowing tree, but saw nothing.
I can't see them, but I'm sure they're watching us.
"Dana, see? There's someone here... be quiet and wake the others," Riccardo said.
Dana saw the tension on Riccardo's face, and it worried her.
"All right..."
Dana crept away toward Estrella and Dalai, while Riccardo remained vigilant, his sword pointed straight at the tree with the illuminated rune.
How many are there? Are they armed? Should we run away or hold our ground? Too many unknowns: what a disastrous situation.
"Wait, Ruben... Isn't that him? The one who killed those two old allies... what was his name?" someone murmured from the branches, and Riccardo heard it, startled.
"If I'm not mistaken, Riccardo. He's quite famous around here." Ruben replied.
"Really!? Lucky us!" the other gasped.
"Hey, quiet! He heard us!" Immediately, the leaves rustled angrily, and one of the two boys fell awkwardly from the tree.
"Ouch! How bad! Was it necessary?!" the boy on the ground shouted loudly, as Riccardo looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"It's your fault, David! You and your booming voice are annoying. If you weren't so strong, I would have killed you already!" Ruben snapped as he climbed down from the tree.
David stood up and looked at Riccardo arrogantly.
"What should I do with him? The usual?" asked David.
"Of course... we kill him!" Ruben smiled.
The two drew their swords and surrounded Riccardo.
After a few seconds, they attacked, but an arrow whistled and almost hit Ruben; he stopped just in time.
"Wow! That was a close call!"
David also stopped, annoyed.
"You have allies!" Ruben said lightly.
"Sorry, I didn't give you time to warn us..." Riccardo added mockingly.
"Ah! Funny." Ruben snorted, smiling.
"Riccardo!" Dana called as she hurried with Estrella and Dalai.
"What's going on here!?" Dalai asked, alarmed.
"Be careful, these are hunters." Riccardo warned.
"Hunters?" Estrella looked confused.
"You call us that?" Ruben sneered.
"What are you, then? You hunt down other subordinates just for the thrill of killing!" Dana snapped, irritated.
"Isn't that what we should all do? The last man standing wins!" David replied defiantly.
"You're nothing but scum." Riccardo replied coldly.
"What? Are you saying we're wrong?" David shouted angrily.
"No, what you said is true in a way. But I know exactly what you are: scum who kill not to win, but for personal satisfaction. You no longer feel remorse when you kill."
David and Ruben exchanged a look and burst out laughing.
"Did you hear that, Ruben?" David chuckled.
"Yes, I heard! Ah, how could we feel remorse when there's no sin in killing here?" David said, his tone suddenly cold and serious.
Estrella, Dana, and Dalai seemed shocked by the two's behavior.
"All right, David... let's finish them off and get rid of them. I'm sick of these guys!" Ruben growled.
"I can't wait!" David replied, charging Riccardo.
Riccardo blocked the first blow as Ruben tried to take advantage from behind.
Before dodging, Riccardo kicked David to push him away, then stepped back just in time to avoid Ruben's blow.
"You're quick and responsive... I expected that from the famous subordinate in the white hoodie!" Ruben stated, advancing.
An arrow grazed Ruben's right cheek, opening a small cut; he touched it, looking at the blood on his hand.
"Remember, he's not alone!" Estrella shouted, as Dalai and Dana were about to attack head-on.
"Interesting!" Ruben said, observing the two.
Ruben continued running toward Riccardo, ignoring the others' surprise.
"Dana! Dalai, watch out!" Estrella warned, and they noticed David swing a sideways blow at Dalai. Dalai blocked it, but the force sent him staggering a couple of meters back.
What strength! — Dalai thought as he recovered from the blow.
"Sorry, but you'll have to deal with me!" David shouted.
"Get out of my way!" Dana replied.
Dana lunged at him, but David blocked it and pushed her sword aside with his hand, knocking her off balance for a few moments. Just enough time to create an opening to attack, but Dalai intervened, forcing him to step back.
"Try harder, or it's no fun!" David taunted.
Dana studied him as if analyzing every detail.
David, tall and well-built, wore a black hoodie with white accents and dark sweatpants. His hair was short on the sides and longer on top, giving him a determined expression, while his light brown eyes, attentive and piercing, betrayed his quiet strength.
Is this the average level of people in this place!? — thought Dana.
Meanwhile, Riccardo and Ruben exchanged sword strikes at impressive speed, passing through the glowing trees.
Ruben tried to catch Riccardo off guard, hiding for a moment behind a tree, but Riccardo wasn't fooled. He dodged the blow and landed a powerful punch to Ruben's face, briefly stunning him.
Ruben touched his nose and realized it was broken, then chuckled.
"Look what you've done! How are you going to fix it now?"
"If you come any closer, I'll punch you again... maybe I'll fix it."
"Ah! I like your sarcasm more and more! But let's see if you make up for it with your life!"
Despite his broken nose, Ruben maintained a cheeky charm. Green eyes, short dark hair, and a thin goatee. His slender build betrayed agility and hidden strength. He wore a beige jacket, a white shirt, and dark jeans.
Ruben and Riccardo were about to attack each other when the tree to Riccardo's left lit up, making him take a step back.
Another one has arrived... — Riccardo thought, annoyed.
"Ruben! David! That's enough for today: the boss wants you out!" a female voice shouted.
Now they have a boss! — Riccardo thought, surprised by the announcement.
Ruben looked irritated.
"Eira! You always intervene at the most critical moments!" Ruben shouted toward the tree.
"It's not my fault! But if you want to disobey the boss's order, go ahead!" the girl replied defiantly, revealing her face in the shadows.
Perched on a higher branch, Eira watched them. Her pale face, her light gray eyes like mist, and the white hair that fell past her chin exuded a provocative and captivating aura.
Ruben sighed in resignation.
"No, I couldn't..." She sheathed her sword.
"David, you heard me... come on!" Eira urged.
David sheathed his sword too, glancing proudly at Dana, Estrella, and Dalai, who were barely standing.
"It was a pleasure! I hope you're better next time!"
David walked away calmly, the three watching him.
Riccardo noticed his companions and their condition, so he tried to go over to them.
"Riccardo! We'll see each other again soon!" Ruben warned Riccardo, who didn't even give him a glance.
The three hunters disappeared into the shadows, while Riccardo joined the others.
"Are you okay?" Riccardo asked, trying to gauge their condition.
"Not at all... he just beat us to a pulp..." Dalai muttered, clutching his right arm.
"You did what you could." Riccardo said, checking Dana's arm, who looked discouraged.
"Is this the level you had to fight at here?" Dana asked, frustrated.
Riccardo looked at her for a moment, then smiled.
"Exactly. What do you think?"
"I think it's fantastic! I want to reach this level too!" Dana said, her expression determined.
Estrella and Dalai shared the same reaction, which Riccardo noticed.
"How about we stay here and not run?" Riccardo suggested.
The others nodded in agreement as the first light of dawn broke.