A Witch That Is Good at Hunting

Chapter 17: New Hunters (5)

A quiet forest.

― Grrrrr.

“Take a good look. This is a real demon. Among them, the wolf demon is infamous for its ferocity.”

The trainees froze.

Even if it was a real demon training class, they only expected rabbits or maybe deer at most.

If it came down to that, as long as they had blades, they could manage somehow.

But what the instructors brought was a wolf baring its crimson eyes and deadly fangs.

It had absorbed demonic energy, its body partly transformed, its life force and strength amplified into something monstrous.

The wolf demon brought in for training had a third eye on its forehead and far too many teeth for some reason.

Gulp.

The sound of timid Lou Gehrig swallowing echoed loudly. He was on the verge of panic.

The others were not much different.

“Wolf fur. Warm.”

Except for the boy with hair that resembled the gray wolf’s pelt.

Carlton held the stake that chained the wolf demon and spoke.

“You all studied your journals, right? Wolf demons are dangerous, but surprisingly easy to neutralize.”

“…”

The trainees were too tense to say a word.

They had looked at the journals yesterday, but since they couldn't read, they learned nothing.

Even looking at the pictures, it was impossible to tell what they meant.

The wolf demon section had a strange plant drawn as a note, but they had no idea what it meant.

If only Hestia had told them, but the night before she had refused to speak with them.

‘If it’s a wolf demon…’

Only Hestia, who could read, knew the truth.

As Carlton said, the method of surviving a wolf demon was unexpectedly simple.

Now that it had come to this, Hestia thought maybe she could score well today.

If she performed well here, she could be assigned to the field faster or graduate with good marks.

That way she could hunt down the witch she sought even sooner.

She was inwardly rejoicing when Carlton spoke again.

“Now, scatter into the forest.”

“What?”

“Once you go in, the wolf demon will be released. Forget about the instructors helping you.”

“Whaaat!?”

Lou Gehrig nearly convulsed. Ginter sweated and protested.

Hestia went into panic.

So it was not a class to subdue it in front of the instructors?

Then she had to reveal its weakness immediately, didn’t she?

If something happened today, it would be her fault for not sharing what she knew the night before.

She tried to speak up but kept missing the timing.

“When you hunt witches, will you wait until your instructors arrive? You are not that weak-minded, are you? Then you may as well become wolf feed right now. Better that than wasting the church’s precious money.”

“…”

“Y-You are joking, right?”

The moment Ginter said it, an assistant instructor’s fist sank into his stomach.

“Ugh…!”

Ginter dropped to his knees clutching his belly.

“Does it look like we are joking? Do you think witch hunting is a child’s game? Do you think this sacred duty is a plaything?”

“Ugh… I-I am sorry…”

The mood was far more serious than usual training.

With no trace of humor on the instructors’ faces, the trainees finally realized how grave the situation was.

They really intended to release the wolf demons.

Because it was dangerous training, the instructors deliberately created a vicious atmosphere to heighten tension.

“Now scatter. We have already let this beast catch your scent, so you had better hide well.”

Clink.

― Bark! Bark! Grrrrr!

When one stake was pulled, the demon thrashed wildly. Carlton chuckled, the cruel smile of a man enjoying the suffering of his students.

“Run!”

“A-Ah! Brother, wait for me!”

Ginter and Lou Gehrig bolted desperately into the forest.

Hestia thought about following them, but Nike didn't move. He stood beside Carlton.

She wondered who she should choose to help. Time passed, and the brothers disappeared deeper into the forest. Another stake was pulled.

‘…For now.’

Hestia decided to chase after the brothers.

“Aren’t you going?”

Meanwhile, Nike stood smiling. Even when ordered to leave, he didn't.

“Wolf hunt?”

“Hunt? You will be the prey.”

“Can I?”

Carlton sneered. Nike’s boldness and confidence felt almost arrogant.

Nike had shown pitiful skill throughout weapons and sparring classes.

His only talent was brute strength and stamina. As a hunter, his potential seemed unimpressive.

“You think you can hunt this thing? Don’t be mistaken. Pure strength is not enough, Nike.”

Even if he was scouted by the great hunter Vigo, he was still human.

Even Vigo without tools was just a stronger human.

Not even Vigo could rip apart a wolf barehanded.

And this boy thought… he could?

Not a chance.

‘If I stand aside and he dies to the wolf…’

That would simply be his fate.

If he was going to die here, there was no reason to expect anything from him as a witch hunter.

Still, Carlton wanted to test him.

“I can!”

As expected, Nike’s answer burned bright.

“Then try.”

“Reward?”

“You dare demand something from an instructor? Are you insane?”

“Bet!”

“You little brat!”

Carlton raised a fist in anger. Nike jumped into a tree and vanished in a blink.

‘That monkey brat I swear.’

Carlton clicked his tongue and signaled another instructor.

“Release one more.”

“Are you sure you want to release both?”

“Yes. A hunter must always handle unexpected situations.”

* * *

Pant, pant!

“Brother, over there!”

After running in a frenzy, Lou Gehrig pointed at the base of a massive tree. Its roots tangled into a hollow large enough for people to hide.

“If we crawl in there, the wolf demon can't follow us inside, right? It was huge.”

“Y-Yeah… maybe…!”

The two brothers scrambled into the root cave.

It was larger inside than expected, enough room to move.

“Hurry, open the journal.”

“Okay.”

With trembling hands, Lou Gehrig flipped open the journal and found the wolf demon section. Still, he couldn't read.

“Damn it. That rude girl. If only she taught us how to r- No, if she had even shared their weakness!”

Ginter slammed his fist against the root ceiling, grinding his teeth.

“When we get back, I will grab her by the collar.”

“B-Brother…! Look, this plant… isn’t that Ramakse leaf?”

“Huh? You are right.”

The farm-raised brothers couldn't read, but they knew the plant.

It was a common weed.

“Do you think this is their weakness? Not that we know how to use it...”

“There has to be a reason why it’s drawn here. It makes sense.”

“N-Now that I think of it, the dogs back home used to chew and roll in this stuff.”

The brothers looked at each other and smiled brightly.

“Dogs and wolves must like the same things!”

“R-Right? If we give it this, maybe it won’t attack us!”

Lou Gehrig’s reasoning gave them hope.

“Then let’s go find the leaf right now instead of hiding here.”

“Okay!”

It was that moment.

Thud!

― Grrrrrr!

The wolf demon appeared.

“Shit!”

“Aaagh!”

It forced its way into the root cave.

Its head pushed through, its foul breath stinking from its mouth.

The brothers realized something was wrong.

“Fuck. This isn’t the same one as before! Right?”

“T-The eyes… not on the forehead, but on each side!”

This was a smaller female wolf. Its body was slim enough to squeeze inside.

Crack! Snap!

Its power shattered the tree roots.

“Damn it… Lou Gehrig, get behind me. I’ll buy time. You escape and find the plant.”

“W-What are you saying!”

“Fucking hell. Just listen to your brother!”

Bark, bark!

The wolf slammed its jaws into the cramped space. The two pressed against the walls, retreating.

“Sob, hhh…”

Ginter slapped his brother’s cheek. Lou Gehrig snapped awake.

“Stay sharp! I’ll hold it here!”

“Ughh, okay…! Don’t die, brother!”

“Aghh!”

As Lou Gehrig tried to escape, the wolf bit Ginter’s leg and dragged him away in an instant.

“No, brother!”

Lou Gehrig’s heart dropped. His brother would be torn apart at this rate.

‘I have to save him…!’

But the coward’s body froze. His hands and feet would not move.

If his brother had not saved him before, he would already be dead to a witch.

Tears welled as panic consumed him.

Then.

― Yelp!

― Yelp!

― Whimper… whimper.

Instead of his brother’s scream, the sound of a dog came.

“Hunt!”

Along with a cheerful voice at that.

* * *

Hestia’s platinum hair was a tangled mess. She had chased the brothers but couldn't find them.

In desperation she searched for Ramakse leaf, hoping to help someone in danger.

‘I learned If you crush it and make the scent, the wolf demon calms down. I must use this and-’

She double-checked the journal, then froze.

It felt like all her blood was being drained.  

It was different from the picture.

The plant she found only looked similar.

She knew how to read, but had never seen the real one so she made a mistake.

“...No…”

As she wiped tears and rose to search again, a chill ran down her spine. She froze.

― Grrrrrr…

The released wolf demon stood behind her.

Hestia thought to herself.

What now?

Run like this?

Throw the wrong plant at the demon?

Fight? Against this beast? How?

Her mind raced.

Did the instructors not care if trainees died?

Her teacher always said manpower was short. Was that a lie?

Human lives were easily lost in this world, but was it really okay for training grounds to kill them too?

If she died here, then what about finding that person…?

― Roar!

Before her life could even flash by, the wolf lunged.

She turned, raising her arm to shield her head.

“…!”

Its teeth sank into her forearm.

Tears spilled and squeezed out from her eyes. The pain was unbearable.

The wolf demon shook its head savagely. The agony made her want to give up.

‘…I’m sorry, everyone.’

She regretted how cold she had been last night.

But just as she closed her eyes, the wolf stopped. Its jaws opened and released her arm.

Hestia staggered back, blood dripping from the deep bite.

Forgetting the pain, Hestia quickly backed away, dragging her butt on the ground.

“What…?”

Clutching her arm, she looked up with trembling eyes.

The wolf’s jaws were pried open, but it wasn’t moving at all.

Someone was shockingly holding them apart with bare hands.

A human overpowering the jaw strength of a demon wolf.

The impossible was unfolding in front of her eyes.  

Yet Nike casually said,

“Ugh! Rotten smell!”

He held the jaws apart as if he was playing.

― Grrrrr!

The wolf twisted wildly.

But Nike didn't let go of its fangs. Drool poured as the wolf couldn't close its mouth.

Just then.

― Whimper.

The wolf rolled over, wagging like a dog, with its belly showing.

“Wow… it really works.”

While Ginter shook the Ramakse leaf before its nose to calm it, Lou Gehrig and Nike rushed to Hestia.

“Hestia!”

“…”

“A-Are you okay? You’re badly hurt. We need to go to the instructor now…!”

Hestia hesitated with her lips sealed. She wasn’t able to mutter a word.

Relief, guilt, and shame washed over her.

She hugged her bleeding arm and lowered her head.

“…Thank goodness.”

At least no one had died this time.

* * *

After first aid, Carlton came to see them.

He frowned at the injured.

“Such poor teamwork. I am very disappointed.”

“…”

The trainees wanted to protest. They wanted to vent their anger at being left to die.

“You resent me? Remember this. If it had been a witch, what would have happened?”

Lou Gehrig answered softly.

“…We would have been wiped out.”

“Exactly. You would have died without even realizing you faced a witch.”

Ginter and Lou Gehrig nodded. Hestia stared only at the ground.

“You can still quit. I will give you the chance. Training will continue this way. Instructors don't care if you live or die. Only those who survive will be witch hunters.”

He laid out the cold truth.

If anyone thought this was a cushy camp, they could leave.

“You said you want revenge? That you burn to kill witches? Look at reality. What can you possibly do against them?”

Ginter clenched his fists. He remembered nearly dying to a giant wolf.

If they couldn't even handle that, how could they kill witches?

Revenge was only a dream.

“If you want to leave, go now. We will give you fare. But- ”

If you stay, be ready to give your life.

“An ally not ready to risk his life is worse than an enemy. If you will be a burden, get out.”

Carlton pressed them with suffocating silence.

But no one stood to leave.

“…Good. I’ll take it as you all are staying.”

He licked his finger and flipped through the evaluation sheets.

“Ginter!”

“…Yes!”

“Your performance was a failure. You hid in a hole and almost died in the end... Consider yourself a dead ghost.”

Ginter accepted it quietly.

Lou Gehrig got the same. He was scolded even more for using his brother as a shield.

“Next, Nike.”

“Sir!”

“Answer yes or no… sigh, whatever. Anyway, you failed too.”

“Hah?”

Nike leapt up. Shock in his eyes. His heart pounded. Something was wrong.

“The test was to apply the journal’s hunting methods, not your stupid brute force.”

“Fraud!”

“What? Did you just call an instructor a fraud?”

“…Unfair!”

Carlton scoffed and spoke to Nike who backed up a step.

“Your hunting skill is indeed the worst. At least the others tried to use the journal. You didn't even attempt it. Worst attitude for a hunter.”

Nike was about to go insane from frustration.  

He was the one who saved them, yet this was the result?

‘Dummy!’

He even saved his peers!

“But- as a witch hunter, you are the best. Hunting techniques were invented because humans can't match witches or demons with their bodies. For someone like you, with monstrous strength, such techniques are unnecessary.”

Carlton eyed him and chuckled.

“You don't need them when you are so absurdly strong like that.”

Indeed.

Traps, poisons, weak point studies… These were for the weak.

There were a few superhumans who didn't need them.

Like this arrogant boy.

Carlton had never seen strength like his, even in decades as an instructor.

It was divine talent. The depth of his talent was impossible to fathom. It was truly a gift bestowed by the heavens.

He was a genius.

‘Astounding. To pry a wolf demon’s jaws barehanded… Now I see why Vigo chose him. I wonder what the Captain will teach him.’

Carlton admitted it at last.

Meanwhile, Nike only looked confused.

“Huh?”

“For saving your comrades, full marks. Five out of five. Tonight you will receive the reward you have been begging for.”

“Ohh!”

Nike jumped, fists in the air.

The others cheered.

“Perfect score!”

They owed him their lives. None felt jealousy, only awe.

Of course, they also wondered what he was.

“Lastly, Hestia.”

Her heart sank. She looked at her bandaged arm.

“You neither taught your peers to read nor shared information.”

“…”

Tears started to fall from her eyes. Hestia lowered her head, and even bent her waist.  

“No need to apologize. It was your choice. But…”

Carlton stepped closer.

“Remember, they are your comrades. The most trustworthy allies you will ever have.”

“…”

“They saved your life, even though you didn't help them.”

Hestia wept in utter sorrow. Hearing it like this, she felt like the worst woman in the world.  

“No one can hunt witches alone. Hunters always work in pairs, cooperating especially when hunting a witch. Your individualism is ill-suited for a hunter.”

She sobbed silently.

This was the first time she was treated like this.

Forcing herself to be with others was overwhelming.

Yet today had shown her something.

To reach her goal, she would need allies’ strength.

Her mother’s bitter warning echoed, that life is not lived alone.

“…Yes.”

“Still, you studied the journal and acted correctly. For that, you score two!”

Clap clap clap. The brothers applauded.

Hestia raised her head slowly after hearing that sound.

Her nose and eyes were red from crying. For the first time, she spoke sincerely.

“…Instructor.”

“What.”

“...I… will give up my points.”

“Give them up? Why?”

She glanced at her comrades.

Wounded Ginter. Lou Gehrig who was a mess. The brute who saved her.

All of this happened because of her, and they were her saviors.

It was shameless to accept a reward.

No, she even knew that she deserved every insult from them.

“...I don't deserve them. It’d be better to give them to Nike or anyone else.”

Carlton narrowed his eyes, but the corner of his lips lifted slightly.

“As you wish. I will erase your points.”

He turned to leave, then stopped and spoke.  

“A priest from the Order will arrive soon. Stay quiet and receive the treatment”

“Yes!”

“You worked hard today. Rest and we will meet tomorrow.”

* * *

Back in the dorm, silence lingered.

Everyone had things to say after what happened.

Lying in bed, Hestia wrestled with her thoughts.

She wanted to apologize, but the words would not come.

She didn’t know how to apologize, never learned, nor tried once. Even if she tried to be brave, her pride wouldn’t let her.

Because of that, time passed in silence.

Tap tap.

“Tia.”

The one who broke the silence was none other than Nike.

Hestia peeked from her blanket. Her heart sank.

‘Is he going to blame me for everything?’

‘Would he insult me?’

‘Should I stay still and do nothing if he does?’

‘But I might become angry if he really does…’

“Teach. Please.”

“…?”

He didn't insult her.

He didn't blame her, nor did he become angry at her.

Despite saving her, he didn’t even boast.

Just as before, he acted as if facing a cold and distant comrade, no different than yesterday.

He held out the hunter’s journal filled with difficult letters and asked her to teach him.

“Letters. Hard.”

Only her feelings had changed.

She couldn't lift her head from shame.

“Ahemhem. Me too. Please teach me.”

“…Me too!”

The brothers sneakily joined in.

They sat before her, journals and pens ready.

Yes.

Perhaps this was better than awkward apologies, it was easier to move forward this way.

But with their kindness, Hestia decided to take courage.

“…About yesterday and today… sorry.”

She tucked her platinum hair behind her ear, forcing an awkward smile. She still couldn't meet their eyes.

“N-N-No! It’s fine!”

Lou Gehrig flailed his arms. Ginter nodded gruffly.

“At least you’re aware.”

Glare.

But one sharp look from the beautiful Hestia made him shrink.

“…I didn't intend that to happen. Just… never mind.”

Excuses were pointless. What mattered was the future.

Her missing mother had taught her that.

Hestia smiled bitterly.

The smile of a noble family’s daughter alone made the brothers blush and cough.

“…Every day for an hour, I will teach you what I know.”

“Class!”

“…It is nothing impressive.”

Thus, Tia’s lessons began.

“...Is there any word you want to know? Say it and I’ll write it down...”

“M-My name, Lou Gehrig!”

“My name, Ginter, and our parents too! Oh, and our hometown!”

The brothers asked for ordinary words.

Then, Nike suddenly vomited out words.  

“Meat. Witch. Massacre. Slaughter. Violence. Gospel. Wrath. Host. Curse. Darkness. Pyre. Ascension. Cross. Advent. Sacrifice. Death. Prophecy. Pursuit. Annihilation. Strategy. Killing!”

“Uh…”

“Are you perhaps obsessed with speaking in single words only?”

“Paradise Lost! Ecstasy!”

“…Even I don’t know words that difficult.”

* * *

Night deepened.

After Tia’s class ended, everyone prepared to sleep.

Then, an unexpected visitor arrived.

“Nike.”

“Subordinate?”

It was Rowen.

“Subordinate? Call me senior.”

“Vice boss!”

“Hey, hey.”

Nike lit up and rushed to the door.

The others stood up as well to greet their senior hunter.

Rowen straightened with pride, but answered as casually as possible.

“Uh, yeah. You guys can relax. I am only here for Nike.”

She leaned close to Nike and whispered.

“I heard you scored well today and got rewarded. Impressive huh?”

“Heh, Easy. For me.”

Nike rubbed under his nose proudly. She laughed at his swagger.

“Nike, get dressed. We are going out.”

“Out?”

“Mhm.”

She whispered softly so that only Nike could hear.  

“Carlton promised you a reward after all.”

“Oh!”

“The Captain wants you. The reward is a magic lesson.”

“…That crazy fraud!”