They were heading toward Redscar, the road stretching endlessly ahead of them.
"So we just go there and register ourselves in the Hunter Guild?" Kai asked casually.
"No, it doesn't work like that," Liza replied.
"Then what?" Kai frowned.
"We submit our names and identification first. After that, they'll assign us a date for the Hunter Examination."
"There's an exam?" Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. And if you fail, you won't be allowed to retake it for an entire year."
"It's fine," Marcos said calmly. "We won't fail."
"That's not the problem," Liza said seriously. "You two are far too powerful for mortals. If you don't hold back, they'll think you're some kind of dangerous creature."
"So what should we do?" Kai asked.
"You hold back," Liza answered firmly.
"But that's no fun," Kai complained.
"Don't you want to reach Karoka and free your brother?" Liza shot back.
Kai went quiet for a moment.
"…Okay," he muttered.
"But there's another problem," Liza continued, looking at Eris. "Sara and I can become D or C-rank hunters. But Eris doesn't have any combat skills."
"You're right," Marcos said.
"Don't say that," Sara protested. "You'll hurt her."
Everyone turned toward Eris.
"I-It's okay…" her voice trembled, tears filling her eyes. "AHHH! I'm so useless!" she cried.
"No, no," Kai said quickly, patting her head. "You're not useless. Your sisters are just rude."
"HEY!" Liza snapped.
"I'm just stating facts," Kai said with a grin, then looked at Eris. "You can be my little sister."
"Get away from her!" Liza yanked Kai back. "She's my little sister!"
"Fine, but she can still be my little sister."
"No."
Kai laughed and turned, noticing Sara standing near Marcos.
"Then how about you, Sara? Will you be my little sister?"
"Ye—" Sara started.
"And then you'd also be Marcos's sister."
She froze.
"Ah—!" Her face turned bright red.
"Don't bully her," Marcos snapped.
"You sisters are really interesting," Kai said, walking ahead.
"And you're really annoying!" Liza shouted.
"I know," Kai replied cheerfully.
They reached Redscar in the afternoon. Massive walls surrounded the city, and heavily armed guards stood at the gates.
"Wow," Kai whistled. "This place is well protected."
"It's one of the biggest towns," Liza said.
"Let's go," Marcos said.
They joined the line at the gate.
"State your reason for entering Redscar," one guard demanded.
"We want to become hunters," Kai said.
"Huh?" Another guard scoffed. "You lot? You wouldn't even pass the first round."
"I'm saying this for your own good," the first guard said, pulling Kai back slightly. "Don't go to the Hunter Guild."
Kai smiled—slow, cold, and unsettling.
"Thanks for the concern," he said softly. "But we're becoming hunters."
A crushing pressure filled the air. The guards staggered back, pale-faced.
"O-Okay! Go on in!" one of them stammered.
They entered the city.
"Fucking humans," Kai muttered.
Marcos placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down. Don't cause trouble."
"I know," Kai said.
Outside the Hunter Guild, Kai squinted at the sign.
"Ree—ds—car h—unt—er gu—ild…"
Liza stared at him.
"Let's just go inside," she sighed.
"Welcome," the receptionist said.
"The four of us want to become Hunters," Liza said.
"Very well. Please fill out these forms." She paused and looked at Eris. "And what about this young lady?"
"I… don't know how to fight," Eris admitted.
"Can you use magic?"
"Yes."
"Then you'll take the Magic-Type Hunter Exam." She handed Eris a form. "Please specify your magic abilities."
Eris nodded and walked to a table.
The others took their forms.
Marcos leaned toward Sara.
"Can you help me? I can't read or write."
"Of course," Sara smiled, sitting beside him.
Liza started filling her form, but noticed Kai staring at his paper.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
"I… can't read or write either," Kai said quietly, looking away.
That's rare… Liza thought. I've never seen him embarrassed before.
"I'll help you," she said gently.
"…Thank you," Kai replied.
They submitted the forms.
"Now I'll take your face prints," the receptionist said.
She raised her hand, light flashing as their faces were imprinted onto the documents.
"Your examinations will be held next week," she said.
The journey had officially begun.