Volume 2: The Hunters and the Prey


    The room felt stifling as I looked at everyone gathered here. A heavy silence hung in the air, making it difficult to speak.


    Anny, seated beside Gian’s bed, clasped her hands together and exhaled before finally breaking the tension.


    "So, you’ll be leaving soon."


    Sofia and Gian both wore somber expressions at the news, while Sam, for reasons I couldn’t quite grasp, showed a fleeting glimmer of relief in his eyes.


    "Yes… sadly, I’ll be leaving tomorrow." My lips felt dry as I licked them, trying to steady myself. "It’s not like I want to go, but I have to."


    Anny tilted her head slightly, studying me. "You look nervous. Are you that scared?"


    "I’m not scared," I answered, frowning as I picked up my cup of tea. Taking a slow sip, I contemplated her question before giving a more honest reply. "Worried would be a more accurate word."


    Anny chuckled. "That’s good to hear. So, where do you plan to go?"


    I smirked at her attempt to lighten the mood, setting the cup back down gently. "Atlas. Selby suggested I go there. Maybe I can finally find some clues about the Enor Village incident."


    Anny nodded thoughtfully. She knew better than anyone that my true goal had always been to uncover the truth behind what happened to my village.


    "I also want to thank all of you… for keeping my rank-up a secret."


    I glanced at everyone in the room, lingering on Sofia and Sam, who both looked particularly embarrassed. Sofia glanced at Sam before speaking, her voice small with embarrassment.


    "You knew we were pretending not to remember anything from the ruins?"


    I chuckled, watching as both of their faces flushed. "It was too convenient for me to believe that neither of you remembered."


    Anyone who saw what happened in the ruins would have realized I had a sudden enlightenment. If not for that, we all would have died when Kena transformed. I was grateful they had kept it quiet.


    Gian, who had been silent until now, spoke firmly. "We had our reasons for keeping it a secret. We’re all in this together, after all."


    I blinked in surprise. Of all people, I hadn’t expected Gian to say something so… heartfelt.


    "Thank you," I murmured, warmth spreading through my chest.


    Anny leaned forward, her eyes filled with skepticism. "But what do you plan to do in Atlas? There aren’t any monsters to hunt. Unlike Sefron, you can’t just make a living by heading into the forest and killing beasts."


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    I hesitated. "I don’t know yet… but I’ll manage."


    Anny sighed, then fixed me with a serious expression. "Atlas is called a free state for several reasons. Unlike here, the number of awakeners there is much higher. Do you know why? Even though there are no monsters to hunt?"


    I shook my head. "No… why?"


    "Because," Anny began, "it’s one of the few places where people with abilities can live without fear of being hunted down. The government turns a blind eye to the various organizations and factions that operate there. It’s a hub for those who wish to live outside the norm."


    "So… it’s a lawless zone?"


    Anny shook her head. "No, it’s not a den of criminals. People live normal lives there, just like in Sefron. But unlike here, the people of Atlas don’t have a common enemy to unite against."


    I nodded, understanding the unspoken implication. Atlas was a place of opportunities, but also of hidden dangers.


    Giving everyone one last look, I stood up. "I should take my leave. I still need to pack."


    Gian, despite still recovering, got to his feet with surprising agility. "If you’re going to Atlas, you can’t just take a carriage. That’ll take a month."


    "I plan to head to the nearest town with a railway station and take a train from there."


    Gian studied me before nodding. "That’s good to hear."


    Anny stood as well, her gaze lingering on me as if memorizing my features.


    "Well… goodbye, then."


    With a final wave, I left the room. Walking down the corridor, nostalgia settled over me like a heavy cloak. But it wasn’t the kind that brought warmth—it was bitter, filled with loss. My chest ached, not from physical pain, but from something deeper.


    I knew why.


    Even though I had gained strength—something rare, something unique—it still wasn’t enough. The losses I suffered outweighed my gains.


    And I hated that.


    With a determined step, I left the hospital.


    The Next Day


    "Isn’t it kind of all of you to come see me off?"


    I looked at the group gathered before me, a bag slung over my shoulder and a briefcase in hand. Everyone had come—except for Seth.


    That was… a relief. Things between us were far too awkward now.


    "Here, take this."


    Anny, standing beside Liber, handed me a beautifully crafted silver-and-black bracelet. My eyes widened.


    "A storage bracelet…?" I murmured in surprise.


    "Why such an expensive gift? You didn’t have to."


    Anny smirked. "Don’t worry, everyone pitched in. Even Seth contributed. And besides, I have a feeling you won’t be stopping in just one place."


    I looked at her one last time and, without any further protest, equipped it.


    If only I had gotten this yesterday.


    "Why the sad look?" Liber asked, eyeing me curiously. "Are you sick?"


    I sighed. "I was just thinking… if I’d gotten this yesterday, I wouldn’t have wasted hours packing my things."


    Sam chuckled, while Gian clapped a firm hand on my back. "Don’t worry, you’ll find better uses for it in Atlas."


    Nodding, I flicked my wrist, making my luggage disappear into the bracelet’s storage.


    Anny and Sofia’s eyes widened.


    "Wait—how did it work so fast? Storage bracelets aren’t supposed to react instantly!" Anny exclaimed.


    I smirked. "Secret."


    Both Anny and Sofia lips twitched in annoyance.


    The bell rang behind me. It was time to leave.


    I turned, the weight of their gazes pressing on my back as I approached the carriage. The driver gave me a curt nod, recognizing my urgency.


    Sitting inside, I looked out the window and saw them still waving. A mischievous idea struck me.


    "Hey! I forgot to ask! Liber, are you in a relationship with Anny?!" I shouted loudly making sure even passersby heard it.


    Both their faces turned beet red.


    "Wha—?!" Anny stuttered.


    "Oh my! Really?" Sofia gasped, stars in her eyes.


    Liber groaned as Gian and Sam patted his shoulders, barely holding back their laughter.


    Liber mouthed something at me.


    Curse you!


    I grinned and mouthed back, Good luck.


    As the carriage rolled forward, I sat back and chuckled to myself.


    Atlas awaited.