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I’m The Only Noble Hunter

นักเขียน: Ttanglyn

บท 1: 1) Prologue: The Noble Hunter’s Encounter

Rayne was slumped against a boulder groaning in pain while clutching the large gash on his side. He shut his eyes tightly, grimacing as he tied a bandage around the claw marks from his chest to his waist.

His breath and eyelids were heavy as he peered around the rock to glance at the monster just meters away. It was a large furred beast, with the appearance similar to a werewolf. He recognized the monster as a barghest, a monstrous goblin dog with huge teeth and claws that only appeared at night.

Did the guild set me up?, he cursed inwardly as the beast continued its search for him. He did think it was strange for someone to commission a wipe out of a goblin camp around an area stationed with knights. Once they found it, it was sure to be rid of in just a few days.

The barghest let out a deafening howl, making Rayne cover his ears. He breathed heavily, trying to think of a way to take down the beast. In his state it was almost impossible, with his fatal injuries and the broken sword gripped in his right hand.

"Shit…" he coughed. He needed to get away from the area and fast, otherwise he'd just waiting to die. However, he had almost no energy left in his body with his limbs limp. Rayne had been fighting the monster for at least a few hours and was at his limit before he managed to hide. At this point he should just march up to the monster and put himself on a silver platter.

Honestly, he could wait a few more hours for the knights to arrive with reinforcements. However, they'd definitely find his presence suspicious and bring him in for questioning. This was something he had to avoid at all costs, for the sake of his family name. Even though he was from a near-fallen noble family, he had to do whatever he could to salvage whatever pride they had left. No one could know they stooped so low as to let their own heir hunt monsters for money.

As he was deep in thought, he heard the faint sound of footsteps and crunching leaves. He whirled around in shock, fearing that yet another beast had shown up. Squinting, he saw a human silhouette emerge, dressed in a black cloak just like him. He hurriedly tugged his own hood over his face, fearing that the newcomer had already recognized him.

Rayne's family, the Capell family, each had features that made them unique from other people. 'Golden hair and eyes', people described it. This was both a blessing and a curse as people found it alluring yet it could make him recognizable with just a glance.

Rayne, recognizing the danger, gradually stood up and leaned against the rock for support. Whether this person was hostile or not, he had to keep his guard up. Gripping his sword in his right hand and the other at his side, he pointed it at the person. He didn't want to actually hurt the man, just give them enough of a scare to leave him alone. The person, however, didn't even flinch but continued to walk towards him while unsheathing their own sword.

Fuck.

Sweat was now running down Rayne's temples. He shakily took his bloodied left hand from his side and put both hands on his sword, prepared to block all the attacks this person would send.

However, before he could react the person kicked his side, making him cry out in pain and slump to the ground. Coming closer, they raised their sword above him and he shut his eyes, not having anymore energy to fight back. He clenched his teeth and waited for the swift slash of the sword that appeared right after. Yet, he didn't feel any pain. Rayne slowly opened his eyes and felt blood splatter across his cheek.

Hearing a thump on his right, he glanced over and saw the head of the barghest tumble down beside him. Rayne hadn't even noticed it was behind him. Upon further inspection he noticed the cut of the head was so clean and masterful that even he, the prodigy of his family, would have trouble replicating.

To his knowledge, there were little to no swordsmen in this part of the country, especially none that were this talented. All the best warriors were located in the capital around the royal family, so what was a person like this doing here?

Rayne flicked his eyes up to the person. He noticed that his cloak had a strange symbol imprinted in it, an embroidery on his right shoulder. Even though Rayne squinted he couldn't make out the details nor meaning of it so he gave up. He wanted thank the man and ask outright which organization he was from, but the pain on his side was so intense he could do nothing but let out a gasp of pain. His eyelids also felt heavier with each breath he took. He tried to get up again but his

surroundings were spinning and a splitting headache hit him like a bullet. Rayne held his hand to his mouth in an attempt to keep himself from coughing up more blood. He could already feel himself slipping into unconsciousness, the corners of his eyes darkening.

As he was falling, he could feel a gloved hand grab the collar of his cape, hoisting him off the ground. Then the noisy hum of the forest came to a stop.