The Hunter of Chaldea

Chapter 7

Standing there in the moonlight, the hunter's figure was stained in blood. Drops of crimson liquid rolled down the tip of his weapon, dripping into a puddle on the ground. The body of a giant slumped before him-- A proof of his brutal conquest

"Fujimaru Ritsuka"

He said. There were no movement from the other side. The hunter did not react to his name being called. Only a dull stare was sent at the silver-haired man, silently observing him. Silently judging him with a dispassionate efficiency of a killer

"You have changed a lot since the last time we met" he remarked

"..."

"...I see" Ritsuka pulled his tricorn hat over his eyes "You...are not like the rest"

It seems that was not a coincidence. The bowman still remember the existence known as "Ritsuka Fujimaru" despite not having met him in Yharnam before

The Hunter suppose he should be feeling jubilation this moment. It was basic human emotion, to find positivity in the sharing of emotional burden, and to find joy in the unity of the weak

After all, the presence of a Servant, a friend to whom he'd been acquaintance with for so long, ought to bring a semblance of comfort to him, such is the loneliness of an individual who endured the endless hunts all by himself

But all that filled him is this horrible, terror-filled dread

"Emiya" Calling out the man's name, He took a deep breath " Welcome to Yharnam. Why are you here? No, first of all, are you really Emiya?"

So many questions. He felt dread. Dread of a new Hunter joining the Hunt. Dread of another fallen comrade helplessly consumed by the beast's blood

His finger twitched. Dangerous thoughts filtered through his mind as the Hunter weighed the options in his head. Maybe if he kill him here, Archer won't have to suffer like him...he may not like it, but...

"What are you talking about?

At that moment, the Servant's voice snapped him out of his murderous thoughts

"Of course I am Emiya" Came the firm reply. The other man looked at him in the eye "You are Ritsuka Fujimaru, Master of Chaldea, and I am your Servant to which you had contracted"

The Hunter laughed

What was he called just now? Master? What a familiar title. He hadn't been called such for so long the words now sound almost familiar to him. Not like it matters much to him anyway

The Master of Chaldea is not a bloody murderer.

When laughter has subsided, what remain is a bitter smile. He found himself smirking at the other man

"I see. So I guess you're the only one who retain his memoy here"

"You know about the others?"

"I'll tell you about that later" Ritsuka went to the defeated Heracle's side.

"For now, let me claim my prize"

He dug his hand inside the giant's side and rip out a piece of flesh, letting the blood freely down the vial he held there beforehand

"What are you doing?" Ritsuka heard the archer asked in incredulity. He sighed

"Refilling my blood vials" He glanced up at his companion "You must have made the connection between this town and blood, right? I can't waste such resources easily"

It could be said that more blood are consumed in Yharnam everyday than alcohol. The feeling of intoxication and pleasure received are far more intense in magnitude, hence the easy addiction to it