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Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: The Village Alarm

The afternoon sun had begun its slow descent, casting long shadows across the village of Ravenshire. The usual calm was shattered by hurried footsteps, raised voices, and anxious whispers that carried through the narrow streets. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, mixing with the crisp air, but the serenity of dawn was gone.

Hunnt's sharp eyes caught the subtle signs first—a door swinging open too quickly, a child clutching a basket as they darted past, the nervous glance of a villager toward the forest edge. He froze mid-step, instincts alert. [Something's wrong… something dangerous.]

"What's happening?" he muttered under his breath, scanning the village square.

Corwin emerged from a narrow alleyway, weaving between panicked townsfolk. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with worry. "Hunnt… it's serious. Something's been prowling outside the village. No one dares to hunt, gather, or even leave the edges of the village. Everyone's scared… and hungry."

Hunnt's brow furrowed. "A monster?"

"Tracks, torn foliage, claw marks…" Corwin's voice was low, grim. "No one's gotten close enough to see it, and now the villagers are too afraid to even step outside. Supplies are running low."

Hunnt's fists clenched. [Then it's up to us. We can't let them suffer.] "We have to help. Grandpa… I need your permission. I want to go with Corwin and Pyro to investigate. We can protect the village while gathering information about this monster."

Dom, Hunnt's grandfather, appeared at the edge of the square, his face tense, a mix of worry and protective authority. "Hunnt, this is dangerous! A wandering monster isn't a training dummy. You could be seriously hurt… or worse."

"I understand," Hunnt said, calm but firm. "We'll retreat if it's too dangerous. But if we do nothing, the villagers will suffer. Corwin, Pyro, and I are ready. We can handle this together." [We've trained for this… and we've prepared as much as we can.]

Dom studied his grandson's determined expression, the resolve shining in his eyes. He exhaled slowly. "Fine… but remember your promise. If the danger is too great, you pull back immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Hunnt replied, nodding sharply, determination burning in his gaze.

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The next month was grueling. Each day began before dawn, the trio moving silently through dense forests and over rocky hills, their senses honed for the slightest disturbance. Hunnt carefully scrutinized every footprint, every snapped twig, and every claw-marked tree, treating the environment like a living map. Corwin muttered occasional observations, while Pyro darted silently ahead, ears twitching, eyes gleaming as he tracked faint signs invisible to human vision.

Despite their efforts, the monster remained elusive. Tracks were fresh, tantalizing, yet always just out of reach. Hunnt's frustration grew, but so did his determination. [We'll find it. And when we do, we'll be ready.]

Back in the village, anxiety mounted. Families whispered in doorways, children stared longingly at empty tables, and elders shook their heads over dwindling supplies. For Hunnt, the problem had become both a responsibility and a test of skill and planning.

During this period, Hunnt's mind never rested. He sketched armor designs for himself, Corwin, and Pyro, contemplating how monster materials could reinforce protection without restricting mobility. His gauntlet, layered sword concepts, and Pyro's miniature Sword and Shield flashed in his thoughts, each idea paired with potential bone, sinew, and scale integration. [We'll be ready. When the time comes, these designs will matter.]

One evening, the sun dipped behind the distant hills, painting the forest in gold and shadow. Hunnt knelt beside a fresh trail, brushing leaves away to reveal deep claw marks. His pulse quickened. [We're close. Soon… we'll know exactly what we're dealing with.]

The villagers watched from a safe distance, anxiety etched on their faces. Hunnt stood, calm yet resolute. "We don't have the monster yet," he addressed the gathered crowd, "but we know enough to prepare. We'll hunt it and keep everyone safe."

Corwin and Pyro exchanged knowing glances, trust and anticipation gleaming in their eyes. Hunnt allowed a faint laugh to escape, light but apologetic. "Sorry for disappearing for so long. I've been learning, preparing… but now the problem is real. We need a plan—and materials for weapons and armor."

Pyro flicked his tail in agreement, golden eyes glinting.

As night fell over Ravenshire, the village quieted under a blanket of stars. Hunnt's mind raced with strategies, designs, and contingencies. Sparks of preparation and resolve flickered in his thoughts, ready to ignite when the monster finally appeared. [Tomorrow, the hunt continues. And this time… we'll be ready.]

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