While everyone else was busy packing their bags after breakfast, I found myself with nothing to do.
All I had to carry was my greatsword—just one item, easily strapped to my back. Beyond that, I had nothing. I was completely bare.
I waited outside the cave for them to emerge.
If it were up to me, I’d have set off immediately.
My heart was pounding with excitement.
But I kept it hidden. Showing too much enthusiasm would be amateurish.
A true veteran knows how to savor even the waiting. In this state, everything in the world seemed beautiful.
I was about to leave my first mark on this world.
If I was going to be a hunter, I might as well aim for the top.
Just like I did in my original world—I’d dare to reach for the highest peak.
That was my ambition for being here. Even if it was an absurd goal, having something like this to strive for would make it all the more enjoyable.
With my shallow knowledge and gritted determination, I’d somehow make it happen.
—
Naev was the one who plotted our escape route from the Floodlands.
He was the best among the four at navigation, and since he was injured, it made sense to let him handle the pathfinding.
With a map in one hand, Naev carefully traced our route, ensuring we wouldn’t get lost in the bewildering Floodlands.
But there was no guarantee that the shortest path would be free of monsters.
”KRRRrrr…”
And if that monster happened to be a Lugarak, the hunters—who had already suffered a major defeat—were understandably on edge.
“Annoying.”
But Alice felt no such fear.
Before the hunters could even strategize, she charged ahead, taking the lead.
This time, Alice didn’t throw herself recklessly into the fray. Her attacks were more restrained, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t fighting.
Slash—
She struck only at the gaps between the Lugarak’s patterns, driving it back.
Wounded and whimpering, the Lugarak soon fled.
It was clever enough to realize it couldn’t touch this monster with the pale pink eyes.
“…It’s running away.”
Alice didn’t pursue the fleeing Lugarak.
It wasn’t their target, so driving it off was victory enough.
Even if it wasn’t the One-Eyed variant, just a regular Lugarak, Alice had taken it down with nothing but her greatsword—no tools, no tricks.
This wasn’t how hunters were supposed to fight.
Traps, snares, bombs… none of that applied to Alice.
She clashed directly with the monster, testing whose blade was sharper.
It was impossible to understand how she could fight like that.
Her movements were predicated on absolute confidence that she’d never be hit.
And indeed, Alice didn’t allow the Lugarak even a single clean hit.
The few attacks that came close were parried and deflected effortlessly.
Her every motion was the epitome of efficiency.
Could I ever move like that?
Noah gripped her one-handed sword tightly. If she could mimic even a fraction of Alice’s technique, it would surely help in battle.
But deep down, she knew it was impossible.
Instinctively, she understood—this was a different realm entirely.
Perhaps Alice was… comparable to the elite few in the Guild, the Masters.
Noah dared to think it.
Though she’d never seen a Master-level hunter in action, she couldn’t imagine Alice being any less skilled.
Still, she couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment.
Alice always rushing in first—probably because she didn’t trust them.
From her perspective, they were just people to protect. That frustrated Noah.
It was reassuring to have Alice guarding them, but she hated being on the receiving end without giving back.
“Alice.”
“Yeah, what?”
“Don’t try to fight everything alone.”
“Mm…”
Chailer was worried about Alice too.
He didn’t like that she was trying to shoulder all the burden by herself. As hunters—or aspiring hunters—they needed to trust each other.
He wanted to tell Alice to rely on them a little, but…
“I’m used to being alone.”
Alice was different from the start. Her mindset was unlike theirs.
They assumed she was afraid of fighting alongside others.
It made sense. If you couldn’t protect someone, the survivor would be left with unbearable despair.
They figured Alice, with her lost memories, must have experienced something like that.
“…Still, next time, we’ll back you up. Look, you’re hurt again.”
“It’s just a scratch.”
“These things can get infected if you leave them.”
Noah applied ointment to Alice’s cheek with a bittersweet expression. Alice winced, closing one eye as she accepted Noah’s care.
Noah managed a faint smile, but she felt helpless—this was all she could do.
It was embarrassing and shameful. They were hunters, yet they were being protected by someone who wasn’t even one. She’d never imagined something like this could happen.
“Alright, done.”
“Thanks.”
“No need to thank me… Let’s get moving.”
Alice’s words made Noah unable to lift her head.
She couldn’t bring herself to look at the girl walking ahead, her face impassive and emotionless.
This mission was to capture the One-Eyed Lugarak.
They’d failed, but it left a profound impact on the hunters.
Among the returning hunters, a sense of helplessness lingered.
The cause? The overwhelming difference in skill.
They’d been saved twice now.
Until recently, the hunters had been complacent in their experience and abilities. They thought that as long as they did what they always did, everything would be fine.
But Alice’s sudden appearance had jolted them awake.
Since when did hunters become the ones needing protection?
Hunters were supposed to be the protectors.
In a way, the mission could be considered a success. Though they failed to capture the target, the experience they gained was invaluable.
The four hunters who returned alive had witnessed a battle that could be called the pinnacle of skill.
It was only natural that this experience would reignite their long-dormant desire to reach the top.
—
### Arrival at Antico
“We made it.”
Noah said, sounding deflated.
True, they’d offered to help, but since no monsters appeared on the way back, they hadn’t actually done anything. I felt a bit disappointed too.
They must be jealous that I got to fight the monsters alone, right? Even if they pretend otherwise, they’re hunters through and through.
I should’ve let them handle the Lugarak.
I was just trying to repay them for the delicious meal and the warm night’s sleep. Now that I think about it, maybe I hogged all the fun. My bad.
That’s probably why the mood was so awkward the whole way back. It’s my fault, isn’t it?
Not knowing what to do, I just hurried ahead.
Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the base.
This was the forest city of Antico.
A city built around a massive tree. Even in the game, its atmosphere was breathtaking, but seeing it with my own eyes left me speechless.
Leaves rustled, and instead of monster roars, I heard people talking and dogs barking.
This place was a world apart from the Floodlands.
Red and blue birds chirped as they flitted about. I followed their flight with my eyes as they rode the wind.
The people of Antico lived in harmony with nature. They decorated the trees like homes, connecting them with ropes and bridges to form districts.
Commerce, workshops, restaurants… each district had its own vibe.
It was a bustling city.
The Guild’s district, in particular, was set in a towering ancient tree, so tall you couldn’t see the top.
Branches swayed in the wind, and leaves drifted down gently. I reached out and caught one. The broad leaf floated away again when I let go, drifting through the serene sky like a wanderer.
It was a striking sight—far more vivid than anything in the game.
I’d never imagined that a living, breathing world could be this vibrant.
“…I’m going to report on the mission. What about the rest of you?”
Noah’s voice pulled me from my reverie.
“Training for me.”
“Same here.”
“…I need to rest for a bit.”
Chailer and Scudo chose training, while Naev opted for recovery.
Should I say something too? But I had nothing planned. As I hesitated, Noah reached out to me.
“Alice, want to come with me?”
“…Sure.”
For now, sticking with Noah was my only option.
All I had was my greatsword—such a pitiful existence.
The group parted ways. They were hunters brought together for a mission; it was natural to split once it was over. If they kept hunting without dying, they’d probably meet again someday.
It felt like something out of a romantic tale.
Noah and I headed straight for the Guild district in the central ancient tree. The Guild area was nestled like a bird’s nest in the massive tree.
Stairs led up the trunk, and houses perched on the thick branches formed their domain.
“Alice, what do you want to do now?”
“Be a hunter.”
I answered Noah’s question without a second thought.
“Yeah, I figured.”
Noah just nodded, as if she’d expected it.
“I’ll help you until you become a hunter.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yeah.”
Noah smiled warmly.
“You’re my savior, after all… and it’s good to build connections early.”
“Connections?”
“Hehe, never mind.”
Noah’s words were a bit cryptic.
I was grateful for her kindness. It’s easier to stand up with someone by your side than alone.
I was a stranger here, a foreigner who only knew how to fight. I was just taking my first steps in this world. I needed someone to teach me about it.
“Let’s go!”
“…Okay.”
Noah was like a lifeline sent from above.
This world is warm. The proof is right in front of me.
—
