A Chance for Revenge

The grand hall of the Royal Palace of Aurora Bastion was a testament to brilliance and power. Faint sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, illuminating the place gently. Yet, the air was heavy with a tension that even the gilded ceilings couldn't mask.

Lord Valerius, the First Minister—a man whose face was a roadmap of political maneuvering—presided over the small council. Before him were gathered the heads of various departments: the Royal Guard, the Treasury, the Awakened Guild. The report from the Hunter's Guild, delivered by a breathless messenger hours ago, lay ignored on the mahogany table. It detailed more deaths, more disappearances, and a growing unease in the city.

"Another band of hunters lost to the jungle," Valerius sighed, adjusting the cuffs of his velvet robe. "Honestly, the forest claims a few every season. I fail to see why this merits our attention. A simple patrol from the city guard should calm their nerves."

"But the report speaks of a… creature, my Lord," Commander Kael, head of the Royal Guard, interjected, his voice strained. "Something… fast. Something that tears through armored hunters like they were paper."

"Exaggerations, no doubt," Valerius scoffed. "Hunters are prone to flights of fancy. Besides, we have more pressing matters. The trade negotiations with the southern kingdoms, the upcoming anniversary event…"

A slender woman with piercing blue eyes and a severe bun, Grand Magister Aella, spoke up. "I agree with Lord Valerius. Wild beasts are hardly the concern of the Crown. We have more pressing matters at the Awakened Guild as well."

The discussion continued, devolving into a litany of excuses and dismissals. The plight of the hunters, the growing fear in the city, all seemed insignificant in the face of the palace's self-importance.

Then, a soft-spoken, almost hesitant voice broke through the cacophony. It was Lady Lyra, a junior advisor usually relegated to paperwork. "My lords, if I may… the report also mentioned… vampires."

A hush fell over the room. The word, spoken so rarely these days, seemed to vibrate in the air. Eyes, previously glazed with boredom, widened. Valerius' hand tightened on his ornate goblet.

"Vampires?" he repeated, his voice sharper. "We had believed them all purged years ago."

Aella's cool composure finally cracked. "Impossible. How can vampires have survived? Those creatures should all be dead. This may be a new type of beast or an illusion. Someone may be trying to incite panic with rumors."

"Whether true or rumor, this issue can't be ignored," Commander Kael said, his usual stoicism replaced with a hint of concern. "The commoners are running out of things to eat... If this is truly a vampire…" He trailed off, leaving the unspoken fear hanging in the air.

Valerius tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes narrowed. "Very well. If there is even a sliver of truth to this, we cannot afford to take chances. Aella, I want the Awakened Guild to send someone—a seasoned hunter skilled against those vermin."

Aella nodded, her face a mask of cold efficiency. "I have just the person. A lone Huntress, Isolde. She's level 50 and a master of fire skills. I've been looking for a reason to make her leave my guild. She fouls my mood each time."

"Excellent," Valerius said. "See to it immediately. This threat must be neutralized swiftly and quietly. I do not want this vampire rumor to disrupt my trade negotiations."

Isolde, the so-called "Blazing Fury," was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Her fiery red hair seemed to crackle with the raw power of her skills. Her face, etched with determination and countless battles, was framed by high cheekbones and piercing green eyes. Her armor was light and functional, crafted for speed and agility rather than brute force. However, as Valerius explained the situation, a frown creased her brow.

"My expertise isn't for some random jungle beast. Are you sure of this report? A vampire?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism, feeling a bit amused by the summons.

"The report speaks of tentacles and inhuman speed. The hunters insist they are vampires," Valerius replied. "There might be some truth to it."

"Hmph, very well," Isolde scoffed. "It better not be some mockery directed at me. Vampires are nothing but an old story, and I do not hunt in jungles. I have always fought them in the open. I need a guide, someone familiar with this forest."

"You would find someone in the Hunter's Guild," Valerius spoke, getting up from his chair. As far as he was concerned, this matter was over.

---

News of Isolde taking on this matter reached the Hunter's Guild with grim swiftness. The atmosphere was thick with dread. They knew what this meant: another sacrificial lamb for the shadows. They were relieved that the palace had finally decided to send someone, but the problem was who would go with her. Who would be the bait for this vampire?

"They want a guide? Hah! They're out of their minds," a hunter muttered.

"Are they going to drag one of us for sure into the forest?" another mumbled, eyes filled with fear.

"Don't be like that. She's level 50. Of course, she'll protect whoever goes with her."

The guild master attempted to encourage the hunters, but no one was eager to volunteer for a possible slaughter. The silence was deafening.

Then, a figure stepped forward from the shadows. Krista Demise Spilledblood, recently promoted gold-ranked huntress who had been single-handedly keeping the city from starving, raised her hand. Her scarlet eyes gleamed with an unnerving light.

"I will guide her."

The guild master looked taken aback. Everyone was, but her calm face gave no indication of what she was thinking.

"Are you sure, Krista?" the guild master asked, his brow furrowed. "This is a dangerous task. We wouldn't blame you if you declined."

Krista smiled, a slow, chilling curve of her lips. "I am always eager to help and expand my knowledge. Guiding her will allow me to understand their way of thinking, their hunting patterns, and their strengths. It might be useful for me."

The hunters looked at each other. Many were surprised, as she was the most capable one, and she was agreeing to be bait for the vampire she had clearly been avoiding. However, no one dared to speak.

As she left the guild hall, Krista laughed inwardly. A powerful hunter who only knew how to fight vampires? She was definitely responsible for the vampire purges.

'A chance for revenge?'

Oh, this was going to be delightful. She could already taste the fear, the despair, the sweet desperation. She would lead the huntress deeper and deeper into the jungle, making her suffer in the most painful way possible. And when the time was right, she would let Dianelle finish her off.

This was more than just a hunt; this was a game. And Krista intended to win.