Hunnt set aside his unease for now, choosing instead to focus on observation. I need to study the hunters first, he thought, fists tightening. But I need a better view… or maybe, I should get closer.
His eyes scanned the training grounds until he landed on a familiar figure — the man with the massive hammer slung casually over his shoulder. Hunnt remembered him clearly: the one who had approached him before.
This could work, Hunnt thought.
He walked toward the man, small footsteps crunching softly against the packed dirt. The hunter noticed him instantly, eyes narrowing with mild curiosity before a playful grin spread across his face.
"Well, look at this," the man said, leaning on his hammer. "A kid wandering into the hunters' training grounds. Most kids either hide or run screaming. Not you, huh?"
Hunnt tilted his head, trying to appear brave. "…I just wanted to watch."
The man's grin widened. "Fair enough. I'm Rio. And you are?"
"…Hunnt," the boy replied, keeping his hands tightly by his sides.
Rio studied him for a moment, then let out a low chuckle. "Hunnt huh, small but serious. I like it. But don't get any funny ideas about swinging my hammer yet. You're… well… a kid. That's all I know."
Hunnt frowned slightly, but didn't argue. He simply nodded, determined to learn anyway.
Rio's smirk returned, and with a shameless grin, he struck a ridiculous pose. "I know that look. I know — I'm so handsome. Hahaha!"
Hunnt blinked and shouted "I wasn't looking at your face!"
"You don't have to deny it," Rio said, waving a hand as if dismissing it.
Hours passed as Hunnt quietly observed the hunters. He memorized the swings, the dodges, the careful footwork — the rhythm of their movements sinking into his mind. Even without touching a real weapon, he could feel the flow of combat through observation.
Eventually, the training slowed. Some hunters sprawled on the ground, staring at the sky. Others leaned against posts or sat on crates, chatting in low voices while catching their breath.
Rio finally stopped, resting his hammer against his shoulder. He spotted Hunnt still standing "Learn anything, kid?" he asked, eyes flicking to the way Hunnt's small hands clutched his makeshift stick.
Hunnt nodded.
"Good. But remember," Rio said, smirking, "you're still just a kid. Don't go thinking you're ready to swing a real hammer or sword. You'd get squashed in a second."
Hunnt kept silent, though his mind raced with ideas of practicing safely later.
"Curious about our weapons, huh?" Rio added, noticing Hunnt eyeing the variety of gear. "Sword and Shield, Hammer, Bow… yeah, there's more: Longsword, Great Sword, Dual Blades, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun… But learning about them is your job, not mine. Watch, listen, pay attention. That's enough for a kid like you."
Hunnt blinked, caught off guard. "Why not?"
Rio leaned closer, smirking shamelessly. "Because that's your job if you wanna be a hunter. Learn, watch, train. Nobody's handing out free lessons. Survival's earned, kid."
Hunnt exhaled sharply, gripping his small fists. Fine… I'll figure it out.
Rio chuckled, clapping a gauntleted hand on Hunnt's shoulder — almost making him stumble. "That's the spirit. Just don't bite off more than you can chew, rookie."
He plopped down on a crate next to the boy, swinging his hammer casually. "Honestly, kid, some days I wonder why I even bother training. I mean, look at me — perfect, handsome, deadly… and yet, still humble. Can't teach that kind of charm."
Hunnt groaned quietly, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. This guy… he's impossible.
Rio leaned back, tapping his hammer against the crate. "Hey, don't roll your eyes at me. You'll need to laugh if you survive long out there. Life's too short to be serious all the time. Just… promise me you'll try not to die in your first hunt, okay? Hahaha!"
Hunnt clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes. I won't… I'll get stronger. I have to.
Rio's grin softened for a moment, just enough for Hunnt to see the seasoned hunter behind the playful facade. "Good. That's the spirit. Keep your eyes open, your feet moving, and maybe one day, you'll swing a hammer as well as me. Maybe."