𝘐𝘕𝘚𝘈𝘕𝘐𝘛𝘠. ⇌ 𝘱.𝘫𝘴.

16.

Trigger warning: this chapter contains depictions of severe violence, please proceed with caution.

„Renjun?!"

„Nari, here you are!"

„Yeah, I just went for some late night extra training... why?", she questioned, feeling another bead of sweat slowly running down her forehead while she watched her best friend panting, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

„I've been trying to call you, I went to your home but you weren't there and-"

„I- I thought something happened"

Suddenly, Renjun jumped at his female best friend, pulling her close and tightly encircling her figure, not letting go.

„I thought- that demon- I thought he came for you again"

Nari gulped, guilt building up inside her, a feeling that eventually tied up her throat.

„So I ran here, actually I was gonna tell you this-"

Slowly, he steadied himself and took another deep breath.

„I hope you won't be too surprised..."

„Renjun, what's going on?", concern reflected in her dark orbs.

„It seems the board has decided that you're ready for your first mission. They want you out tonight.", he spoke, observing her reaction.

„They- what?", she whispered, eyes wide open.
A feeling of uncertainty washed over her, was she really ready to hunt actual demons? Tonight?

„You don't need to. If you don't feel ready, that's okay.", the boy spoke and rubbed his friend's shoulder in an attempt to soothe her.

„Mark and I would be going with you to make sure nothing's gonna happen. It'd be a team mission.", the blonde smiled at her fondly.

„You'll be there, too?", all of a sudden, her eyes lit up. She had been wanting to be able to work with her friends like this for a while. Whereas for a moment Nari had felt unsure if she was truly ready for this, certainty now painted her face. The thought of being with her friends made her feel confident.

„We'll be with you all the time, throughout the night."

„Let's do it", she turned around to pick up the knives and arrows she had attached to the targets and placed them into their respective holders.
When taking a closer look, Renjun was prepared for their mission already.
She detected several knives on the belt around his waist, as well as on his thigh and ankle. He, too, was wearing an all-black outfit.

He helped her set the targets back up again, then took a moment to look at the girl in complete awe.

He couldn't believe how quickly things had changed for her, only a few months ago she had been terrified and helpless, giving up her dream to learn how to defend herself and fight for other humans, and now they stood in one of the few training rooms of the hunters department late at night, preparing for her first hunting mission against the demons.
It was gonna be an unforgettable night for the both of them.