Rift Chronicles

Rift Chronicles Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Becoming A Hunter

Mr. Harrison addressed the crowd again. "After you have handed over your bracelets, please collect your personal belongings from the lockers on the ship. Afterward, please board the airship that is landing. It will take you to the Hunters Guild, where you will officially become Hunters. Once again, great job, everyone, and welcome to the Hunters Guild."

Raff looked at her friends and beamed with excitement. "I can't believe we made it."

Larch smiled and said, "I knew we'd be able to do it."

"I can't wait to see the Hunters Guild! I've seen it online, but I can't wait to see it with my own eyes," said an energetic Grant. "Come on, let's go get our stuff and get going!"

They all went up on the ship and got their belongings. When Grant took out his phone and checked its battery, he saw that it was almost out of battery life. He sighed and hoped that he would be able to charge his phone on the airship so he could call his mom to tell her he had passed the Hunter's exam. With the last bit of battery life, he texted her to let her know he was fine and would call her as soon as he could charge his phone.

As Larch grabbed his things, he decided he would text Auntie once he had received his Hunter's license. So Larch put his phone in his pocket and waited for his friends by the entrance. Raff reached into her locker and put the things she had stored into her bag, then joined Larch by the door. They waited for Grant as he texted his family.

While Raff was waiting she spotted an all-too-familiar figure leaning on the ship's railing looking at the sea. It was Token. Thanks to Larch, he had failed the exam and would have to take the ship back. She still couldn't figure why he had done what he had done. After all, he could have activated their bracelets just like Larch had to him. Thinking about it made her feel a twinge of guilt. Regardless she couldn't help saying to him, "We managed to pass despite your efforts."

To her surprise, he laughed and shook his head in mock defeat. He then grinned and said, "That's because you all had what it takes to be Hunters. It's what I get for underestimating you." Then with another laugh he added, "Just don't let someone steal your license after all you have been through."

Raff grinned triumphantly and promised, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone take it." She then added, "I think you could be a Hunter too, if you really tried for it. Maybe next year."

He glanced away from her. "Yeah, maybe."

Grant finished texting and put his phone away. He had been so focused he hadn't even noticed the conversation. He smiled apologetically at his friends and said, "Thanks for waiting for me. I'm ready now. Let's get going."

By the time they had exited the ship, Raff noticed Lucas was no longer at the little booth where he had been collecting the bracelets. She wondered where he had gone off to or where Koola was, for that matter.

The trio then went down to the beach where the massive airship had landed. A rope ladder had been lowered from it for the new Hunters to get inside the airship. Others were already ahead of them, so they were some of the last to get to ascend to the wooden deck above. On deck, the main structure held four rooms. The largest room, which was facing the bow, was an observatory with a big glass window so that the passengers could watch the view as the airship flew through the sky. The other rooms appeared to be for waiting or resting in, with only porthole windows to look out of.

Grant noticed Bail through the glass window in the observatory. He pointed toward Bail and made his way toward the door. Raff and Larch looked at each other, nodded, and followed after him.

They entered the room and saw most of their fellow hopeful Hunters there. There were also some experienced Hunters in the room, including Lucas and Koola. Seeing them enter the room, Koola walked over to them. She said, "You all did a great job. I'm glad you all made it, but I had a feeling you would pass."