The air inside the cave is thick—too warm, too still. The embers scattered across the ground flicker weakly, casting eerie shadows against the walls.

  I move carefully, my steps precise, controlled. My heartbeat isn’t racing, because I don’t panic—not like the idiots who charge into fights without thinking.

  My grip tightens on my Dual Blades. My mana is low, but my mind is sharp.

  I scan the cavern, my eyes adjusting to the dim light.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Then I see it.

  Not the dragon.

  A man.

  A Monster Hunter.

  Standing near the embers, facing away from me. His posture is relaxed—too relaxed—as if he belongs here. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, his red cloak draped lazily over his armor. At his back, an Insect Glaive leans against the cave wall.

  I don’t think.

  I react.

  In a single motion, I hurl one of my Dual Blades.

  The blade cuts through the air, its trajectory sharp, clean—and then—

  Impact.

  A muffled grunt. A sharp gasp of breath. The hunter staggers, clutching his shoulder, where my blade is now buried deep.

  I don’t wait to see what happens next.

  I turn and run.

  What the fuck did i just do.