The Earth After Rebirth

Kiro looked at the notification incredulously, he figured the heavens were answering him. Just not too long ago, he had said they needed a Priest and now one was dropped on a silver platter. He quickly accept, a second didn't even pass and the other party called him.

On the screen, a boy about his age popped up. He had messy black hair, pale skin with dark lines under his eyes. His eyes were dead black, he had bandages all over his arms. He looked like someone who has lived a thousand lives but was sick of it.

Kind of reminded Kiro of the monsters that roamed the forest of the damned. He held back laughter, barely.

'What are you, a mummy?'

For 5 seconds neither said anything, this agitated Kiro for quite a bit. He reckoned, if you initiate contact, at least be quick about what you want. He was about to tell him off...

"Nikolai told me you needed a Priest. I want to join your mercenary group," he said, his lips barely moving.

Kiro looked at him amused, this person, no matter how he looked, had a certain charm about him. It was truly, strange.

He was like those who despised talking with every fibre of their being that much was clear from his demeanor, but texting would have taken a longer time. That would be a lot of socialising for his liking, though he hated calls, he liked how fast they could get the message across.

"Oh," Kiro said dumbly, "how do you know Nikolai?"

"Does it matter?" The kid asked expressionlessly.

A vein popped at Kiro's temple. How can someone so cold be a healer? He was more aloof than Nikolai! Unbelievable. He wanted to reject him on the spot, yes he wanted a priest, but he also wanted a priest that wouldn't enjoy watching him suffer.

But because he was recommended by Nikolai, he figured he'd just go along with this, if it doesn't work out they could always get another priest.

"Guess not. Are you okay taking orders from a peasant like myself? Because I'm the leader."

"That shouldn't be a problem. I'm not a rich kid. My father works for the Black family," he remarked again, deadpan.

"The Black family?" He enquired confused.

"Nikolai Black's family."

"Oh, right. right. How much coins do you have?"

"About 5 000." He shrugged.

"Okay, you'll be allowed to join if you go mining for the next week, real time, whatever materials you find are for the group. Any coins you mine, keep. Don't waste coins, understood?"

He nodded.

"Oh and go by the base, Hiro is there, I don't know where Nikolai is though."

"I'm at the base right now."

"Oh, congratulations fourth member."

He nodded and hung up. What a cold dude!

'That was exhausting.'

"I want to join too!" Ishaan said.

Kiro had forgotten all about him, so he internally jumped a little when he heard a voice so close to him.

"I don't know. A mage, I was thinking an archer."

"Please, I'll do anything!" He was on the verge of tears.

"Come with me," Kiro said with the most twisted grin.

So much so Ishaan felt a chill down his spine. But Kiro wasn't planning anything that bad, he'd just use the kid as bait at times. He had fought a mage once, he didn't think they were that strong, Isaac crushed his expectations of mages. And beasts here were levels 35 and up.

"What exactly are we doing?"

"Hunting."

Ishaan could tell by his voice that he wouldn't elaborate further, so he didn't prod. He just went along, because he truly wanted to join the Mercenary group now.

Ding!

[You've entered the canine field. Happy hunting.]

The field was plain, with little to no trees. They had walked for about 2 kilometres, they still hadn't encountered any canine beasts. Kiro was surprised that Ishaan was able to keep up. He didn't look that tired either, his stamina must've been good.

Kiro occasionally stopped, closed his eyes and concentrated hard to tap into 'Vibrational Sense' at least that's what he called it. Something was amiss, he couldn't sense anything through vibrations. He remembered clearly that this field was beast infested in the past.

Then he remembered that he started watching streams after the patch was made. Maybe this was how this was before the update? He had a bad feeling about this. He preferred a bit of noise than this deafening silence.

They walked a couple of more meters when Kiro noticed some tracks, he had no idea what monster or beast it was but he came here to tame, so carefully he signal for Ishaan to follow quietly.

Ishaan did as he was told, he didn't want to question him since he wanted to be part of the mercenary group.

The tracks went on for a few minutes and they found themselves at the mouth of a cave. Kiro signalled Ishaan to follow from behind him.

"Do we really have to?" Ishaan was hesitant now, even though this was just a game to him, he didn't want to lose his progress all the same.

"You're a mage, you'll be alright."

"What does that even—"

His complaining was cut short when they heard whimpering coming from the cave. Kiro didn't waste any more time and went in. The cave was damp and dark, the smell wasn't fresh by any means but it wasn't too bad.

The ground was uneven, they'd stumble and stagger, it couldn't be counted how many times Ishaan fell. Fortunately for Kiro he had a staff, he used as a walking stick, Ryu was not happy about that.

Kiro could feel him, but he had no choice but to be whatever his master needed. That was above any pride a sentient weapon had.

They walked further into the cave, it was deeper than they thought. Just then, at the end of it, they could see a pup. It was about 10 centimetres in height. It had purple fur. It was injured.

Hellhound puppy

Level 50 (weakened)

HP 10/5000

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