But he didn't run. Something stopped him. The red fox wasn't attacking him—it was looking at him. Not with fear, but with… pity. It was a look that felt raw and real, unlike the cold, distant gaze of his uncle.
He had failed his mission. But for the first time in his life, as he turned away from the market, Hunter felt a spark of something entirely new: the terrifying, beautiful feeling of choosing his own path. If you'd like, I can: 6. Hunting Palismen
"You don't understand the mission," Hunter growled, teleporting behind her, his staff ready to bind her. But he didn't run
Hunter didn't fight dirty—he just fought to win. He snapped the vines with a blast of energy, his mind racing. He was falling behind, and failing meant displeasing Belos. He needed to get a palisman, any palisman. Not with fear, but with… pity
He spotted a small, red fox palisman perched nervously on a roof nearby. He grabbed it, ignoring its frantic chirping, and turned to retreat.
"Hand it over," Hunter commanded, his voice muffled by the mask, trying to sound cold and calculating, like Belos. "The Emperor demands all wild magic surrendered for… rehabilitation."
Belos needed palismen. The scouts were ordered to snatch them from the unsuspecting witches of the market.