Free Web NovelChapter 20: Hunted X
--Chapter 20--
Title>> Hunted X
The doors to the Merchant Hall swung shut behind him and Xavier felt the Dread Cloak’s effect hum to life just after.
The fabric of the costume shifted, matching the moss-grey stonework of the tired-looking Merchant Hall.
At this point, he had become a part of the scenery again, just another shape in a village that should already forget he was ever here.
Unfortunately, that was by no means the case...
Because Sakura had called him Hunter-san. The bald-headed Felice had called him Hunter X.
Two NPCs in the span of thirty minutes had recognized him not just as Traveller like they usually do, but by name.
Earlier with Sakura, he was too focused on his goals to even connect the dots.
But now, even with the Mana Bullet skill stone’s phantom chill still tingling in his palm. And the last forty Copper Coins of his life still rattling in his inventory.
All the dots connected themselves...
The world first announcement had tagged his name throughout Arillion.
And now, every NPC with a short recognition threshold within the Server was no longer oblivious to who he was.
The Title: The First Tale and the +100 Reputation points it granted him alongside a +1 to all attributes reward back at the REALM OF UNTOLD TALES had made what was supposed to be just numbers part of the reality of the game.
Right now... he was being remembered and it turns out the game had told Stockholm: "This one’s story has started. Pay close attention."
Was he annoyed about the whole thing? Not necessarily...
Honestly... if the former reputation mechanics he knew about were anything to go by.
Then the more Reputation he amassed, the more of his tales would travel on the lips of both Players and NPCs.
Until... it eventually reached his sister. And she would also know where to look for him even as he searched for her.
"This is good," Xavier murmured.
***
He was only a few meters away from the Merchant Hall when it felt like he might actually eat his earlier last words.
Because apparently someone was tailing him. And according to the footsteps, he could tell it wasn’t just one person.
’Mr popular, My ass.’ he grunted inwardly...
Xavier who knew better than to run like a bitch, kept his pace steady. And his eyes straight.
After all, he could already tell whoever these people were. They were being subtle. Because they maintained a distance that an inexperienced person would mistake as a coincidence.
Xavier might be a slight dork and a gaming genius but he was a "genius" first before everything else. And he was definitely not inexperienced in such matters.
He knew that these people, whoever they were, could see past the camouflage and as such he kept his shoulders low and laxed.
Not needing to turn around for confirmation, Xavier simply kept moving while he thought of the possibilities.
Was this the Vagabond that had called him out in the server chat?
Or were these different people?
Either way he was unsure which side to lean on... So he decided to work with what he knew.
This was a duo or perhaps more. They were keeping their distance and not attacking.
That meant they were either cautious or waiting for something.
Whether it was the former or the latter... Xavier decided then and there to make his move.
In the blink of an eye, he took a sharp left and disappeared into a narrow gap between two buildings.
The walls of the aperture were so close together, Xavier’s shoulders nearly brushed on both sides.
A moment later, the first set of footsteps rounded the corner, confirming his suspicions.
Instantly, Xavier who was barely camouflaged in the shadows moved.
His Agility was twenty three with equipments active. He was also level 7 and was equipped to handle any other player at this point of the game.
Slam!
The woman in leather armor didn’t even have time to blink or even raise her guard before her back hit the stone wall and the cold edge of Xavier’s stainless dagger kissed her throat.
He held the dagger with ease, allowing its sharp edge to announce the fact that he could take her life at a moment’s notice.
"Stay back..."
Xavier said calmly, his instruction was directed at the man who had just stumbled around the corner behind the woman he had pinned with one arm.
The man in question arrived with his hand already raised in a placating gesture as if he was already expecting this.
The woman in Xavier’s grip didn’t struggle either, nor did she even flinch. Her grey eyes just stared at him, watching with an expression that definitely wasn’t fear.
An expression he couldn’t place yet because her heart was pounding like a drum against his arm that rested just above her chest.
And her pale freckle-filled cheeks were burning red but she wasn’t flustered.
’What the fuck is wrong with her?’ Xavier questioned inwardly, as he looked at her status screen.
[Player Name]: Priya
[Level]: 4
[Class]: Swordsman
[Bloodline]: N/A
—----
Confirming who she was, Xavier turned to the man who was still raising his two hands.
His status read.
[Player Name]: Timothee
[Level]: 5
[Class]: Warrior
[Bloodline]: Titan
—---
"Hmm," Xavier muttered at the boy’s screen. This one was actually more dangerous than the woman.
He had large broad shoulders to show it but with a face that looked more honest than despicable.
Yeah... Xavier wasn’t sure what to think.
There was something about him that gave that farmboy-turned-hero feeling that made Xavier want to trust him even though his dagger was still on Priya’s neck.
"We’re not here to hurt you." His voice cracked slightly.
Xavier rolled his eyes.
’Like you can..’ he scoffed inwardly.
"I swear. I swear," Timothee continued.
Assessing the situation, Xavier withdrew the dagger slightly from Priya’s neck because for some reason.
The girl was edging herself closer and closer as if she wanted him to nick her throat for real.
"Start talking..." Xavier said sternly, narrowing his eyes.
And just as he requested...
Timothee talked...
Goddamn... the boy had a tap for a tongue!
Going on for a good five to ten minutes straight.
His words were tumbling out like someone who’d spent days at a mirror rehearsing what he was going to say and was still now fumbling the bag.
Catching the few coherent words, the boy managed to get through.
It turned out that he was apparently looking for a fifth man to complete his dungeon party to the Hollow Gate.
He was loud, fast and maybe even confused but Xavier could tell he was honest about every word.
"A-and thaaats it... I even posted on the server chat that I needed a healer," Timothee completed, his hand still raised up as if Xavier hadn’t let Priya go at this point.
"You..You," Timothee. "You know we needed a healer but when Priya spotted you inside the hall with her talent... I just –"
"She spotted me?" Xavier cut in.
"Yes...You are Hunted X.... sir," Timothee still tried to keep his words as coherent as possible.
’Hunter...’ Xavier rolled his eyes.
"Priya’s Talent allows her lock on a target and never lose sight of them ever again."
"Interesting..." Xavier muttered. Glancing to Priya who blinked and then looked down. The closest form of confirmation she gave right now...
Finally putting his hands down... Timothee moved closer. As Priya walked to him.
"I am y-your biggest fan..," Timothee finally let out. "I have been watching your streams since I was sixteen."
The boy started again.
"I have watched you defeat the Devourer two times. I know your builds. And you!"
He paused, swallowing slowly. "Who needs a healer when you’re standing right here? The greatest to have ever done it."
Timothee moved right in front of Xavier and literally went on one knee even as Priya watched, her hands between her legs as if she was holding something back.
"Please join my party...Master X."
Xavier was taken aback, he looked at the boy, the loyal fan... and an answer was stuck in his throat.
–End of Chapter–
