Desert Hunter.
A hunter, but not an ordinary one.
Specifically refers to those "hunters with the ability to hunt down Desolate Beasts."
In this world where Fire Mages reign supreme, civilians are just lowly, with status insignificant.
Although the status of a Desert Hunter cannot be compared to that of a Mage, it is far better than the civilians whose lives are often out of their control.
Especially those top-tier Desert Hunters, even Mages would show them respect.
Because no matter how strong a Fire Mage is, close combat is always a weak point for the Mage community. Rather than becoming enemies with a top-tier Desert Hunter and risking being assassinated, it's better to make friends and sign a cooperative contract, making them a Mage's guard.
Ivan was such a powerful Desert Hunter who once served as a Mage's guard.
Once.
Later, due to certain reasons, he suffered burns to his lungs and was unilaterally dismissed from the contract by the Mage who hired him.
Just like a hunter doesn't need hunting dogs that have lost their claws and teeth.
In this Flame Realm, once your lungs are burned to a certain extent, it's an incurable ailment.
Even the lowest-level Flame Mage might damage someone's lungs to an irreparable state.
The lowest level of lung damage, yet even the highest level Fire Mage may not be able to heal it!
To hurt without healing, that's just how brutish and unreasonable it is.
"Is it here?"
Andrew had already reached the outskirts of Wildfire Town.
There were no brick or stone roads anymore, with only gravel underfoot. There were almost no buildings either.
Ivan lived in this area, in typical seclusion.
Andrew could understand this.
A once powerful Desert Hunter, whom Mages would humble themselves to befriend, now only waiting to die in increasingly painful coughs after having his lungs burned.
This must be extremely painful mentally, feeling depressed and isolating oneself is quite normal.
If not for the "Water Spirit Technique," perhaps he would be experiencing such torture both physically and mentally as well?
Thinking this as he walked, Andrew halted when he reached the black tent draped in animal skins where Ivan lived.
He saw Sofia coming out of the tent with a weary face, still flushed and panting slightly, yet to recover.
Upon seeing Andrew, Sofia froze for a moment, then looked terrified, saying, "Andrew, you... why are you here?"
Her gaze involuntarily looked behind Andrew.
Andrew sighed, thinking how there's no such thing as "being good to me and mom for no reason" in this world.
Little Sophie only knew her mother went out to trade for food, not knowing what exactly was being traded.
Andrew felt a bit of pity in his heart, but on the surface, he remained calm and said, "Don't worry, Sophie didn't come with me. I won't say anything to her either."
Sofia clearly breathed a sigh of relief but remained cautious, "You... you won't say? Then what's your condition?"
Andrew shrugged helplessly, "When I carried Sophie out of the fire, I didn't set any conditions either..."
Only then did Sofia remember that this young man in front of her was at death's door, and it was for saving her daughter that he ended up in this state.
Thinking back to the old Mage Humboldt's seven-day prophecy, Sofia felt even more guilty about her earlier suspicion and vigilance.
Gritting her teeth, she said, "No need for you to mention terms. How about this, before you die, I can accompany you once... Uh, three times. But no more than that."
Andrew: "..."
Finally, he knew where little Sophie got her strange way of thinking from.
At the same time, he gained a more direct understanding of this world: in this world, besides the privileged class of Fire Mages, ordinary civilians really have a tough life.
Their home had just been burned, the daughter nearly scorched to death, yet here Sofia had no time for grief or anger, still fighting with all her strength for survival.
Not responding to Sofia's words, Andrew slowed his tone, smiling as he said, "Um... I have something to discuss with Uncle Ivan. Can we talk alone? Little Sophie's all alone at the temporary camp, it would be better if you return to accompany her quickly."
The latter sentence proved quite effective.
Sofia swiftly gathered the food she traded for and headed toward the temporary camp. She was uneasy leaving her daughter alone in the camp.
Andrew watched her retreating figure, unable to resist adding, "You're a good mother."
Sofia's body trembled, turning back to see the young man lifting the curtain and entering Ivan's black tent.
Like her daughter Sophie, Sofia too sensed that Andrew seemed different from before.
However, her mind was soon dominated by thoughts of her daughter left alone at the temporary camp, shaking her head, she quickly left.
As for Andrew, stepping into the tent, he instantly froze.
Because a short knife was pressed against his neck.
Across from him, Ivan held the knife, bare-chested, wearing only a pair of long trousers.
He was a man of immense stature, though his complexion was rather pale.
Grinning at Andrew, he alternately coughed as he spoke, "What were you and Sofia murmuring about outside my tent?
She even said she'd accompany you three times for free?
Tsk tsk, Sofia is quite a woman, why didn't you accept her offer?"
Saying this, Ivan glanced disdainfully up and down at the slender Andrew compared to himself, coldly sneering, "Also, not everyone is allowed in my tent. You kid just barging in... fine! But don't think about leaving tonight!"
As he spoke, he lightly coughed, yet the knife in his hand was as steady as ever.
Andrew didn't move either.
Quietly looking into the man's eyes.
In the other's eyes, Andrew didn't see any desire towards himself.
Thankfully...
At least that suggests his so-called "don't think about leaving" was merely mocking talk, rather than him truly being interested in him.
This made Andrew secretly sigh in relief.
Otherwise, if the plot turned into him voluntarily walking into a trap to get taken advantage of, Andrew would rather have died in the flames before! It's not about discrimination, but each has their own ambitions, and Andrew's choice is: better to die than to bend! Never!
As for the Ivan before him...
"Probably lost hope after injuring his lungs, mentally broken, so he's just letting things go?"
Andrew quickly scanned the tent's setup, analyzing in his mind.
When he spotted the heap of empty liquor bottles in the corner of the tent, Andrew was nearly certain of his judgment.
Suppressing his instincts of fear—honestly, Andrew's legs were a bit weak—he maintained a calm exterior.
Looking directly into Ivan's eyes, a head taller than himself, Andrew said, "I heard you're the best Hunter in Wildfire Town?
Ha, I initially thought of healing your lungs, then having you team up with me.
But now, it seems, I overestimated you. You're already finished!"
Although the wording was harsh and even aggressive, Andrew really intended to: not just heal Ivan's lungs, but also make him work for him!
This was the conclusion he repeatedly considered on his way here.
Seven days, even if his planned promotion path was correct, it would be tough to raise himself to stand against Humboldt. That's a seasoned Grand Mage!
And if he couldn't reach that level, he would need help.
So Andrew's plan was: heal this big guy in front, verify whether his Fire Extinguishing Upgrade Method truly works.
While proposing a condition: have Ivan help him, to kill that Humboldt together!
"Wh-what? What are you talking about?!"
When Ivan heard "originally wanted to heal your lungs," his eyes suddenly glinted with bright light.
The momentum that exploded instantly made Andrew seem to see that formidable Desert Hunter, proud and vehement before his injury!
Such strong presence!
Andrew found his breathing a bit labored.
But at the same time, he knew: his words had a desired effect already!
The other's heart had been impacted, and the shock wouldn't be small.
The evidence: the injured yet still impressive Desert Hunter in front of him trembled. Previously steady as an old hand, the one holding the knife showed slight but unmistakable... tremors!