Hunter

Chapter 9

Jhan lay on the ground, still winded from the impact.

Nad, with his anchor-like weapon slung over his shoulder, slowly walked toward him.

He squatted beside Jhan.

Nad
"I win."

Jhan
"No shit..."

Jhan (thoughts)
"My bad, Lysandra... I let my guard down."

Nad's tone carried a hint of irritation his breathing still ragged, sweat pouring down.

At this point, Jhan had mostly recovered, but he chose to stay down, too exhausted to move just yet.

Nad stands up and turns to leave, but before he takes more than a few steps, he hears the sound of movement behind him.

Jhan, slowly pushes himself up from the ground. His voice steady, despite the fatigue.

Jhan
"Still..."

Nad pauses mid-step but doesn't turn around.

Nad
"What now?"

Nad turns to face Jhan again.

Nad
"I believe we had a condition..."

Jhan
"Do i look like someone who makes promises?"

Nad's brows twitches.

Nad
"Huh?"

Jhan
"At least listen to what she has to say."

Nad's gaze shifts from Jhan to Lysandra, who stands a short distance away, watching them with concern on her face.

Her eyes flick between them.

Nad's grip loosens slightly on his weapon as his gaze lingers on her.

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Later, at the Canteen...

The Canteen bustled with the usual noise-clattering trays, chatter among recruits, and the sound of utensils scraping plates.

At a small table tucked away in the corner, Nad, Lysandra, and Jhan sat in a somewhat awkward silence.

Nad leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he eyed Lysandra.

Jhan poked at his food, glancing between the two.

Finally, Nad broke the silence, his tone blunt and to the point.

Nad
"So?"

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he looked at Lysandra.

His tone was still rough, though he tried to hide his irritation.

Jhan, sitting across both of them, kept quiet, watching them both.

Lysandra shifted in her seat, fingers nervously tracing the edges of her tray.

She was clearly trying to find the right words.

Lysandra
"I... U-um... During your spar with my brother... I know he can be rough sometimes but, he actually cares for those who are around him."

Her voice was soft, careful, but Nad's brow furrowed at the suggestion.

He tensed slightly, but she continued before he could respond.

Lysandra
"I.. I heard that in your past.. You had some trouble with Royals."

Nad's gaze sharpened, and he leaned forward slightly, his posture more guarded.

Nad
"What does that have to do with anything?"

His words came out more defensive than he intended.