Chapter 4: The Troublemaker
For the past three days, I had been working with Jonas's squad, collecting monster corpses after every hunt.
The job was heavy, filthy, and always full of danger. But at least, I was no longer the useless person I had been on the first day. My hands were calloused, small cuts scattered along my arms, and the stench of blood had become part of me.
Jonas often said I learned fast, but no one else on the team shared that opinion, especially Jack.
He always looked at me with utter disdain.
"Look at that weakling," Jack said mockingly. "If he survives this raid, I'll get down on my knees and bow."
Jonas shot him a glance. "Focus on your task."
"Oh, I just find it unfair," Jack sneered. "A newbie gets to tag along with the captain? Guess Jonas likes raising pets, huh?"
I clenched my fists but forced myself to stay silent.
Jonas once told me, "Don't let him provoke you. Jack only needs a reason to start a fight."
He was right. But Jack's gaze was becoming more dangerous, not just contempt anymore, but as if he was waiting for the chance to bite back.
That night, while everyone rested at camp, I sat sorting materials in my enhanced inventory bag. Jonas had gone to inspect the perimeter, and only a few people remained near the fire.
Jack approached, the smell of cheap cigarettes and a hint of drunkenness following his every breath.
"Not bad, kid."
I looked up. "What do you want?"
"Nothing, really. Just curious. A newbie like you, yet Jonas protects you. Everyone knows that's not normal."
I frowned. "I'm here for the same reason as everyone else to make money."
Jack let out a derisive laugh. "Money? Don't make me laugh. You think acting obedient will get you to the top?"
I stayed silent, trying to avoid conflict. But he didn't stop.
"I heard you got in through the back door, right? The kind who lives off others. Don't think people are too dumb to notice you're just leeching off Jonas for some pocket change."
His words sent a chill down my spine.
"That's enough, Jack."
"Oh, got angry?" He smirked, stepping closer, voice lowering. "Or did I hit a sore spot?"
I stood up, my gaze turning cold.
"If you want a fight, I'm ready."
Jack shook his head, his face showing nothing but contempt, though his eyes, like a starving wolf's, stayed fixed on me.
"There are easier ways to make money, you know. Like… sleeping with me, for example."
His tone stretched, mocking. "I'll pay you ten times what the Guild gives if you become my little plaything. No need to risk your life in these damn Gates for pocket change."
I froze, my hand tightening over the bag.
"Shut up."
He laughed, a low, filthy sound. "Playing the saint now? You think Jonas will protect you forever?"
I turned, glaring at him. "You've crossed the line, Jack."
His eyes darkened. In an instant, I was shoved down into the damp dirt.
He pinned me, his rough hands clamping down on my shoulders.
"Just be obedient for a bit…"
"Let me go!" I struggled, trying to shout, but my throat locked tight with fear.
A sound cracked through the air.
A punch, heavy as thunder, sent Jack sprawling.
Jonas stood there, breathing hard, eyes blazing with fury.
"Get out." His voice was cold as steel.
Jack widened his eyes. "We were just talking, Captain… "
Jonas didn't reply. He struck him again, straight in the face. Jack collapsed to the ground.
"Touch my people again, and I'll break your hands before the monsters get the chance."
The entire camp went silent. Jack wiped the blood from his lips, throwing me a look full of hatred and venom.
"You'll pay for this, kid. For making me lose face."
Then he stormed off, kicking aside a chunk of monster carcass.
I sat there, breathing deeply.
Jonas said quietly, "You shouldn't let him get close. Jack's the type who never forgets humiliation."
I nodded. "I know."
But inside, unease grew stronger.
I had seen his eyes, the look of a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
That night, I couldn't sleep.
The wind howled through the forest, monster roars echoed faintly in the distance, all blending into a chilling symphony.
When I sat up to check my inventory bag, something flickered past the edge of the torchlight.
A low, fast shadow, silent and terrifying.
I held my breath, fingers tightening around the dagger's hilt.
No one else was awake. Jonas slept a few steps away.
"Who's there…" I whispered.
No answer.
Only the wind and the unmistakable feeling that something was watching me from within the darkness.