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Chapter 100 - Chapter 100 – Het Beninging's Den

The sun rose slow and golden over the village, painting the rooftops in light that shimmered against the morning dew. Hunnt stood at the gates, travel pack slung across his broad back, gauntlets gleaming faintly with the reflection of dawn. His eyes scanned the familiar streets of Ravenshire one last time, the village that had shaped him, that had given him strength, wisdom, and family. At his side, Pyro adjusted the straps of his small chestplate, his SnS sheathed but ready. The weight of both weapon and expectation hung heavy, but the cat's calm demeanor reminded Hunnt that he was not alone.

The villagers had gathered silently, lining the main path with stoic expressions and quiet whispers. Pride and sorrow intertwined in the air, invisible yet palpable. Children peeked from behind their parents' legs, some tugging at small trinkets they had made to give Hunnt, while elders nodded respectfully, their faces lined with years of worry and hope. Each gaze seemed to carry a story — gratitude, encouragement, and, above all, faith in the young hunter they had watched grow.

Elara stepped forward first, Corwin beside her. Their hands intertwined like the roots of a sturdy tree, unshakable and connected. They were more than partners; they were the pillars of this village, the silent guardians who had endured countless hunts and nights of fear. "Hunnt," Elara said softly, her smile trembling yet radiant, "you've grown so much. We'll keep the village safe. You don't need to look back. Focus on the path ahead." Her voice carried both pride and a motherly warmth, reminding him of the countless lessons, laughter, and trials they had shared.

Corwin lifted the two books high for Hunnt to see — Core and Weapon + Fist Style Mastery and One Piece. "These won't gather dust," he promised, his deep voice steady but tinged with emotion. "We'll teach, we'll train, and one day… the students will be worthy of standing beside you. Maybe even surpass you." His words carried the weight of experience, of someone who had lived the life of a hunter and seen the value of knowledge passed on.

Hunnt's chest tightened. He blinked rapidly, swallowing hard before managing a small grin. "That's all I could ask for," he said, voice rough with emotion. He wanted to linger, to hold onto this moment a little longer, but the path forward called with the weight of destiny pressing on his shoulders.

Grandma Mel bustled forward, defying her tears and age. She fussed with his collar and hair, her hands lingering as though she could shield him from the dangers of the world with just her touch. "Eat well, Hunnt. Don't push yourself too hard. And remember… you may be wandering, but you're never alone. You'll always have a place to return to." Her eyes glimmered with tears, but her smile remained unbroken, fierce and loving.

Grandpa Dom's voice rumbled from behind her, a gruff bellow that still carried authority. "Don't think this means you're free to cause trouble wherever you go, boy!" His scowl softened halfway through, pride cracking through the stern facade. "Make us proud… or I'll drag you back myself." Hunnt chuckled, the sound echoing softly against the stone walls of the village. Even in jest, his grandfather's words carried the weight of love and expectation, a reminder of the legacy he bore.

Hunnt took a deep breath, the morning air cool against his skin, carrying with it the scent of hearth fires, wet grass, and the distant tang of the river. He felt the pulse of the village in his bones — the people, the land, the life they had built together. Each step away would be heavy, but necessary. The hunt never ends, he thought, and neither does the duty of a hunter.

He turned to face the horizon, the sky stretching endlessly, bathed in shades of orange, pink, and gold. "I'll come back," he said, voice steady, though a flicker of emotion betrayed him. "But first… I'll make something bigger. An organization of hunters, bound together by will and strength. One that can face any monster, anywhere, without fear or hesitation. One that protects those who cannot protect themselves."

Pyro smirked and rested a paw on Hunnt's arm, a rare display of affection from the cat. "And I'll be there," he said, eyes glinting with mischief and loyalty, "to keep you from getting in over your head. Not that you'll listen, but I'll try."

Hunnt laughed softly, the sound carrying over the morning hush. He knelt briefly, letting his fingers brush the worn spines of the books in Corwin's hands one last time. Memories of training, failures, victories, and camaraderie flickered through his mind. These books were more than guides; they were symbols of growth, of a path shared, of knowledge and skill passed from one generation to the next.

Around them, the villagers began to cheer faintly, though many wept openly. Children waved, elders nodded, and the hunters who had trained under him stood quietly, proud, their weapons resting by their sides. Hunnt raised a fist, then slowly lowered it, his gauntlet catching the morning sun, reflecting light across the faces that had shaped him.

"This isn't the end," he said, voice firm, resolute. "It's the start of something greater. A journey that will test our limits, challenge our skills, and forge a bond stronger than any monster could break. The path is endless, but we walk it together — even if we are scattered across the world."

He rose to his full height, shoulders squared, eyes forward. The path stretched wide, the horizon glowing brighter with every step. Behind him, the village waved, the sounds of life echoing in the distance, carrying encouragement, hope, and unspoken prayers. Ahead, the unknown called — a world full of challenges, discoveries, and dangers.

Hunnt took the first step forward. Pyro at his side, the weight of responsibility balanced by the warmth of loyalty, the bond between them stronger than any armor. Every step away from the village was a step toward destiny, toward building something that would outlast them all.

Hunnt did not look back. Not once.

The village of Ravenshire receded into the distance, small but vibrant, alive with hope and pride. And as the sun climbed higher, the wandering hunters began their journey, carrying with them the strength of those they loved, the knowledge of those who came before, and the courage to shape a future no one could foresee.

THE END

BUT IT'S JUST BEGUN.

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