Whispers of Vengeance

Shin nodded and thanked Yuri before ordering another round of steak and mead. He slipped the room key into his pocket as she placed his order and returned to her duties.

As he waited, a voice cut through the lively chatter. An old sailor spun a tale, his voice steady and practiced, drawing in those nearby.

"Long ago, in a distant land to the East, the Fox Clan ruled over their kin with honor. But peace shattered when the Wolf Clan, consumed by greed, set the land ablaze."

Shin's fingers curled around his mug. The story was too close to the truth, too close to the life he had been forced to leave behind.

"The foxes fought bravely but were overwhelmed. The men and boys were slaughtered, while the women suffered fates worse than death."

The sailor's weathered face flickered in the lanternlight. His uniform bore the Empire's seal, and an eyepatch covered his left eye, though rumor had it he could see just fine beneath it.

Shin's gentle smile masked the rage boiling beneath. The ghosts of the past clawed at him, demanding justice.

The tavern was alive with laughter and music. Yet, as the old sailor continued, the energy in the room shifted, curiosity overtaking celebration.

"They say the prince of the Fox Clan became an Azakashi, or Zasshi for short. A revenant cursed to hunt those who wronged him, never resting until his vengeance is complete."

Some laughed, waving off the tale as superstition. Others sat in uneasy silence, eyes darting around as if expecting a shadow to emerge from the darkness.

"Rumors claim the Zasshi has been seen in Laginaple. Some say it has already struck down those who carry the blood of traitors."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. A few scoffed at the absurdity, but others shifted in their seats, visibly unnerved.

Shin's gaze drifted toward the job board. He wasn't the only one interested. Several hunters gathered, scanning for relevant bounties.

Curiosity led him forward. His eyes scanned the postings until they landed on something unusual.

A noble family sought a bodyguard. On the surface, it seemed like a standard request, but his trained eyes saw something more.

Hidden within the script was another message. An assassination contract masked beneath a plea for protection.

Shin narrowed his eyes. Why would a noble family disguise their own execution request?

"Yuri, do you see what I see?" he asked, voice low.

She frowned at the board. "No, sir. It looks like a standard bodyguard request. Would you like to accept it?"

Shin hesitated for only a moment. "Yes."

Yuri took his ID and processed the request. When she returned it, she smiled politely. "The Guild's carriage will take you to the manor. The family's name will be revealed upon arrival."

Shin raised a brow. Assassination threats were common in noble circles, but something felt off about this one.

He tucked the job receipt into his pocket. "I'll leave in the morning."

Yuri hesitated before speaking. "Are you sure about this job? It feels... strange."

Shin met her gaze. "It is strange, but that makes it all the more interesting."

She sighed, crossing her arms. "Just be careful. You're new here, and the last thing we need is a hunter vanishing on his first assignment."

A smirk played on his lips. "I'll be fine. If anything, this noble family should be more worried about me."

Yuri shook her head but chuckled. "Cocky, huh? Just don't get yourself killed."

She led him to his room, a cozy space with a view of the city. The distant lanterns twinkled like stars scattered across the dark horizon.

"Nice room. Thanks, Yuri."

She nodded and left. The moment the door shut, Shin collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion pulling him into darkness.

Morning arrived swiftly. After a quick meal, he met Yuri outside, where a carriage awaited.

Instead of flesh-and-blood horses, mechanical constructs stood harnessed, their crystal-embedded foreheads glowing faintly. Their eyes, artificial yet eerily lifelike, flickered in response to movement.

The driver, a tall man with dark skin and a sharp gaze, finished his sandwich as Shin approached. His uniform bore the Hunter's Guild insignia, well-kept but showing signs of wear.

"Ah, you're the one?" the coachman asked, sizing him up.

Shin nodded. "That's me."

They shook hands before Shin climbed in. As the carriage rolled forward, he glanced back at Yuri, who waved before vanishing into the bustling streets.

The city gradually faded behind him. The countryside stretched forward, endless fields bathed in the golden morning sun.

The crisp air carried the scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers. The rhythmic clanking of the mechanical horses filled the otherwise quiet road.

Shin let his gaze wander across the horizon. Travelers moved along the road, some on foot, others in wagons, each with their own story.

Yet, his mind remained on the hidden message. Something about this job wasn't right, and he intended to uncover the truth.

He exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he settled in. This was only the beginning, and soon, he'd be in deeper than he ever expected.