Chapter 2: A Wandering Noble

Shin stirred, his body still aching from weeks at sea. Then he woke with a start, his instincts sharp, body still primed for battle.

For a fleeting moment, exhaustion pressed against his limbs, but then he remembered he was safe. No more chasing footsteps. No blades lurking in the dark.

Only the steady rocking of the ship and the distant cries of seagulls reminded him of his long journey. Around him, passengers slept in hammocks, their quiet breaths rising and falling with the gentle sway of the vessel. The rhythmic creaks of wood and the occasional splash of waves against the hull created an oddly peaceful atmosphere.

The salty breeze drifted through the cabin, blending with the warmth of sleeping bodies. It carried the scent of the sea, tinged with traces of damp wood and old rope. The ship's wooden beams groaned softly as it cut through the waves, each sound a testament to the long voyage.

Tables and chairs were bolted down to prevent sliding. A gyroscopic stabilizer kept the ride smooth for now, but even the best enchantments couldn't defy nature. If the skies darkened and the winds shifted, all the magic in the world wouldn't keep them afloat.

Shin had seen storms strong enough to split ships in half. He hoped their luck would hold. Still, he kept a mental tally of every lifeboat and emergency supply location. Survival was second nature now.

It had been a month and a half since he left Japan. The rolling tides had become a familiar lullaby, the distant horizon his only companion. Airships would have been faster, but speed was a luxury he couldn't afford.

He had to stay hidden, his presence erased from the maps of those who wanted him dead. No more honor, no more duty. Just the instinct to keep moving. Now, as the western continent of Laginaple drew near, he allowed himself a rare moment of relief.

He sat up, running a hand through his hair, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface of his treasured orb. A gift from his parents, it was more than a keepsake—it was his lifeline. A relic of a past that refused to let go.

A Pocket Dimension Item Box capable of storing his belongings. A Master Device Control ensuring it would always return to him. A tether to what little he had left.

He tossed it in the air, catching it absentmindedly as memories surfaced. Some warm, some painful. The weight of the past never left, only settled deeper.

Exhaling slowly, he tucked the orb back into his pocket. Stretching his stiff muscles, he rose to his feet, careful not to disturb the others. The rhythmic sway of the ship had almost become comforting.

At 5'10, he barely avoided scraping his hands against the ceiling as he reached upward. A satisfying series of cracks echoed through his joints before he stepped onto the deck. The cool morning air hit him first, crisp and alive with the scent of salt and sun-warmed wood.

The open sea greeted him with its endless expanse. The horizon shimmered under the morning sun as dolphins leaped through the waves, their sleek bodies cutting through the water with effortless grace.

The scent of salt and fresh air filled his lungs. It was refreshing, a sharp contrast to the stale confines of the ship. In the distance, Constina Port was near. He could already make out the outline of towering structures against the sky.

The crew moved with precision, preparing for arrival. The clatter of boots against wooden planks and the occasional shout formed a chaotic but practiced rhythm. Voices in different languages filled the air, blending with the bustling harbor ahead.

Merchants called out their wares. Sailors barked orders. Recruiters from the Hunter's Guild advertised job opportunities. Even this early in the morning, the city pulsed with life.

The city was alive with promise, and Shin intended to seize it. As soon as the bridge lowered, he stepped off without hesitation. The moment his feet hit solid ground, a strange sense of freedom washed over him.

The streets of Constina welcomed him with a flurry of activity. Market stalls overflowed with spices, handcrafted goods, and fresh seafood. The aroma of grilled fish and baked bread mixed with the sharper tang of exotic herbs.

Vendors shouted over each other, boasting about their merchandise. The sheer vibrancy of the port made one thing clear—opportunity thrived here. If you had the skills and the stomach for it, you could carve a path for yourself.

"Alright," he muttered. "First, I need money. The Hunter's Guild is a good place to start."

Spotting a recruiter, he approached. "Where can I find the Guild?"

The man barely looked up before pointing to a tavern. "The Lucky Sturgeon. Over there at Port Royale. You can't miss it."

Shin spotted the sign ahead and gave a nod of thanks. Without hesitation, he stepped inside. The door creaked open, revealing a world that felt both familiar and foreign.

The tavern had a rugged charm. Aged ebony wood reinforced with metal bore the scars of countless brawls. A place where fortunes were made and lost over a single hand of cards.

Unknown stains dotted the floor, each carrying an untold story. The air carried a blend of ale, grilled meat, and sweat. A place where deals were struck and betrayals were born.

Behind the reception desk stood a petite Eastern woman, her long black hair neatly falling over her shoulders. She wore a standard Hunter's Guild uniform—a blue business jacket over a plaid skirt. Despite her professional appearance, there was an edge to her gaze.

The moment she saw him, her eyes widened in recognition. Just as she opened her mouth, Shin raised a hand in warning. He didn't need old ties ruining his fresh start.

"I ran away from home," he said quietly. "If news from the East hasn't reached here yet, I'd like to keep it that way."

The guildswoman hesitated, then nodded. Composing herself quickly, she smiled politely, slipping into the routine of business.

"Welcome to the Lucky Sturgeon and the Hunter's Guild. My name is Yuri, one of the front desk managers here. How may I assist you?"

"I want to register as a Hunter. I need cash to survive."

"Of course," she said, retrieving the necessary paperwork and handing it to him. Shin filled out the forms under his alias, Shinryu Gitsunae.

As an extra precaution, he wove an illusory script into his writing. To others, it would appear as a false name, but to him, his true identity remained visible. He refused to be careless.

When he returned the forms, the guildswoman gave him a knowing glance. "Please wait while we process your license. Feel free to order food or drink."

Shin found a seat at the bar and ordered a steak meal. Around him, stories about bounty hunts, lost treasures, and whispered rumors filled the air. Everyone here had a past they were trying to outrun.

This world was far from the one he once knew, but it was one he was ready to embrace. By the time Yuri nudged him awake, the sun had dipped below the horizon.

"Sorry for the delay," she said. "Your license is ready. You are now officially a Rank G Hunter."

She handed him the ID, which he tucked safely into his pocket beside his orb. She also slid a room key across the counter, marked '010.'

"You may use our lodging services," she added. "We have a room available for you."

He nodded, pocketing the key. "Thanks, Yuri."

With his business settled, he leaned back, letting the warmth of the tavern sink in. Laughter and music filled the space, lanterns flickering softly.

For the first time in a long while, he wasn't running. This was a new beginning, and for now, that was enough.