The Horseman of Calamity

Chapter 19 - Special Forces

Among the world's most powerful fighters existed a bracket reserved for purely champions. Truly the best of the best, and to this extent there lies the Beast-Class adventurers, a title so sacredly held that only six people currently hold it. Hunters who have enough skill to keep threats like the Elder Beasts at bay, should they decide to rampage upon a populous city or important landmark.

There are dozens of hunter's guilds spread across the various nations of the continent and despite having immense variety in fighters and values, they all came to the agreement to use a common ranking system so their workers could be easily identified. If a hero can take on a threat as miniscule as a pack of wolves, they are accepted into most guilds and given the rank of Hunter. If they can take on a larger threat like a bear and come out on top, they're promoted to Lion rank. Now if they can continue pushing past their limits and be able to defeat creatures like griffons which can pose a threat to small towns they are promoted to Chimera. From there, that leaves two ranks, Dragon and Beast. The vast majority of adventurers however only held the title of lion, in fact, to be able to reach the rank of Dragon was quite a monumental feat. Adventurers who aim to gain the rank of Beast however are often discouraged from trying to do so.

Guilds work in a simple manner so that requests and urgent calls for help can easily be answered. Requests can be sent in to their headquarters via mail, however, urgent requests are patched through a different line. Those who have access to lampstones can get direct access to the dispatchers.

Adventurers and their guilds all went by one unspoken rule: Stay out of politics. Their job is to protect the common people from harm done by nature. But man is another story. In fact, most guilds refused to do any sort of job which involved conflicts between different nations, the Horsemen, or the dirt left behind by the actions of the elites. The repercussions and potential ramifications it could have on their businesses was far too drastic, and many of the owners refused to take that risk, even if it meant not truly saving people.

Salabin had finished returning from a routine patrol around the perimeters of the Kentrikos Kingdom's primary palace along with his comrade, a man by the name of Duwong Basril. A tall man with tanned olive skin, Salabin's muscles have been likened to the legends of old. His head is wrapped in a fine turban with a commanding beard that glimmers in the light. Despite that, he carried himself with such humble modesty that he would look like an old man to most.

"Two Beast-Class hunters and we're delegated to this bullshit?" Duwong sighed as he sat down with his blade tucked in between his arms.

Nearly the complete opposite of his contemporary, Duwong is a scruffy and dark-skinned man with a horizontal scar going over the ridge of his nose from cheek to cheek. Often noted for wearing clothing unbecoming for someone of his status, it is equally reflected in the way he fights.

"Relax, Wong, we'll get action soon, I'm certain of it. With everything that's going on, I'm certain something bad is brewing in the winds."

"Quit yapping all mystically like that! Besides, I'd rather be put through that month-long exam again than acting as servants."

Salabin chuckled, "Apologies, my friend. Anyway, how are things going between you and Heian? Is she still refusing to aid you?"

"Yeah... damn brat is trying to screw me up whenever she's out."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, best of luck in that regard but I'm not the man you should be consulting for relationship advice."

They both looked at each other and laughed heartily.

"Man, with all of this crazy shit that's been happening, I'm actually having fun adventuring for once."

"Of course my friend, but remember, our first priority is to the people."