Memoirs of a Hunter [ Phantasia series ]

[ Part 2 ]

  Author's note: I apologize for not releasing this chapter earlier. I've had some problems with my health, but now I feel better and can continue the story. I understand if you have lost interest in it already.

The forest welcomed me and my fluffy companion inside, as if we were important guests. I felt amazement surge through me in a sudden shiver, looking around. There was something tranquil, familiar about this forest to me- I had to admit that I grew attached to it somehow, as if it was my home, even though I almost never got the chance to wander through the forest peacefully, without any tasks awaiting to be done.

I sighed, lowering myself to pet Meg who was dutifully walking beside me. This dog has never left me since my mother brought her as a little puppy so I wouldn't be alone even if she wasn't there with me, as she knew I was going to live alone when I would grow up. As much as I despised her for forcing me into the hunting business and telling me everything about the supernatural beings I should not have known about in the first place, I felt really glad of her caring about me in that way. And I paid her back, visiting her frequently up until I got caught up with the work to the point I forgot about both supernatural world lurking behind everyone else and visiting my family, for latter I felt angry at myself.

  However, at the very second I entered this forest I was about to throw myself into this foreign world again, starting a new epoch in my own life.

  "So, I bet you are ready for getting back into the usual business."-I said to the dog, smirking and she replied with a determined bark. Of course she would be ready. My companion seemed to share my love for nature and, in particular, this forest, so she has been eager to step into it once more since the last time.

  We walked quietly together, inspecting our surroundings. Rumors have said that a strange activity was witnessed near clearing in the forest, and I suspected it to be a spirit. After all, some of them tend to not just be cocky, but violent as well- and I couldn't let information about supernatural existing go viral as it would cause panic.

  I would either trap some spirits or dissolve them with special bullets- yet I had one trick up my sleeve. It seemed like I had a witch ascendant- and even though I wasn't powerful at all, I could use something to help me battle or recover. However , I used it rarely- because it took a lot of energy from me. And that day, I wasn't planning to use any of the spells I might have known- I thought that I would easily get rid of that spirit. Anyhow, I was so weak in the sorcery that I was better off without any powers.

Magical abilities weren't rare in human society- that is why I have never seen my own as something unique or special, yet most of people didn't even know they were capable of performing some magical tricks, some were unable to be taught- the reasons why sorcery seemed to be so rare. Usually, a person could discover an ability either in a special emotional state or completely by chance. As for me, I had to get angry in order for a discovery to take place. My mother was never fond of my powers. She said that I was weak because something prevented me from being stronger. I didn't mind. Not like I needed those 'powers' in the first place.

I gasped as I suddenly felt someone pushing me. That someone was my companion Meg; she had noticed that I became lost in thoughts once again, and decided to wake me up. After all, she was anticipating something interesting to pop up, so she didn't want me to miss it. What if the spirit I'm seeking for is vengeful, and not as merciful as those I met a month ago? I shivered at the thought. Evil spirits were hard to deal with- and always took their chance to leave a hunter bruised, bleeding, or having a broken bone, if they saw that they could not destroy a person. In that case, I could easily become the hunted. I shook my head once more, trying to get rid of pessimism bits that were getting close to me. Like my mother said, "Agatha, you have to look at the bright side. It's not like a supernatural being would dissect you. Stop making those scared eyes.". Thanks, mom. It really have been helping me.