Fire sparks were all my eyes could see in this darkness of the night.. The whole village was burning right in front of my eyes. No, in front of our very eyes. I clenched my necklace hardly as I watch the scenery. Desperately, we have no choice but to evacuate.

"Come now, hurry!"

As one of my elders instructed us, we're hasting our pace as we struggles..

"Otherwise, those hunter's efforts will be in vain!"

That's right. This fire was created by a red fire wyvern. The King of the Skies. He attacked our village out of surprise, and burn the whole ground. Of course, the Guild is clever as they send backups immediately. As the hunters were trying to stop the red wyvern, something different interrupts and stopped the King

The fire sparks were all my eyes could see in this darkness of the night, along with the glimmering purple pollen-like things scattering. I tried to peek my back.

Then, behind the raging flames, the horned black creature let out its raging roar.

.

I was asleep. Damn I can't believe the journey took me a nap. A nap with that dream I didn't want to see. Well, it WAS a long journey, since I was moving from continent to continent via the Great Desert. My destination was the market town, known as Val Habar. I think it was 4 hours since departure.

"I can't stand still here, I should get out..."

I wiped my eyes as I tell my self to get up the dock. I put on my armors and get myself armed with my best sword and shield.

.

"Whoa."

It slipped out of my mouth, I couldn't help but to amaze. The Desert was vast, I thought it was an ocean. I looked around the ship, who knows there was someone I know. As I looked, was it just me or there was like no one here...

"Heya there kid! You're one of this ship's attendants?"

Suddenly, somebody greeted me. An old man. He wore a hat along, and a vest. He's pretty tall. But something caught my attention more. A hawk stood in his shoulder. It seemed to be friendly, since it won't even move a little from his shoulder. Or maybe it's one of technology these days to make real artificial hawk?

"Um, yes that is right."

I answered.

"Hohoh I see... and moreover..."

Somehow he crossed his arms and started to look at me from head to toe.

"Moreover, you're a hunter aren't you!"

Oh so he was seeing my attire. Yeah people could tell since I wore armor and my weapon armed.

"Ahahaha, yes that's correct. I'm a hunter, even though I'm still a beginner..."

I said it while I shrugged my head off. Well I did the hunter school before in Yukumo., but that didn't make me feel like a pro yet. Even I can't beat Arzuros unscratched. Like no joke.

"Well, what's important is that you're one of the hunters! I welcome you."

And so, he offered his hand and I shook it without second thinking.

"I'm a Caravaneer. We might be having the same destination but..."

As he continued his introduction, he faced the sea of sand while kept his head high and walked, while continuing.

"Val Habar, the market city. I come there for my only job... that is..."

And he faced me again.

"To collect all of the treasures hidden in this world! That is my sole purpose of travelling."

Whoa, so he's the so called as the Caravaneer. I've heard of him before, and well, the things he found too. Uh wait, did he get all the things himself or...

"The Guild provided me help so I can get the things I need. Hah hah hah, how wonderful that the Guild is all over the world!"

Well, okay I guess that settled my question. I sighed while thinking of my future, will I be on of this guy's henchmen?

"By the way, is this your first time in this special? Why don't you look around? It's not just a normal ship you know? Your knowledge shall increase if you do."

Come to think of it, I thought so too that this ship was tad unique. I nodded and I started to look around. Next to me, was an ammo place for the ballista. Behind me was a place where cannonballs were put, and a ridiculously huge gong stood up. Really, it was a big one. Why would they made a weight for this ship with the gong?

The wind was strong, I can feel my hair was dancing wild, and sometimes a dust got stuck in my eye. On the Desert, Delexes were jumping around on the sand to take a breath. But somehow, wait why the gong popped up in my mind after seeing them?

Oh... right... I see...

So they use this ship to hunt Delexes! With a gong that big, it's possible to catch a cluster of Delex. I see, Isee... my mind expanded indeed.

Proud of my self, I came back to where I from to greet the Caravaneer, but then my step got halted. Halted by a great quake. So great, we were almost lost our stances.

"Woah! What is this?!"

I asked out of panic, but somehow, the Caravaneer's face looked trembling, as if he knew what's going to happen. Oh great, now he's an oracle now? At that instant...

"GET DOWN, HUNTER!"

I instantly ducked with reflex. At that instant, something huge was leaping above our ship. Looking from the shadow, it's bigger, and longer than our ship. Then, another quake happened as it dived into the sand next to our ship.

"W-W-What was that?!"

"I didn't think it would appear at this moment..."

He grumbled. Then he faced to the point where the ship was heading.

"Now that we're close to our destination..."

The huge monster showed itself, emerged from the sand, "swimming" right next to our ship. It has a long body, its back somehow resembles rocks, the brace had spikes protruding from it, and on its head, it has some kind of a long horn, like a drill. Wait is it a tusk? Crap, I can't tell. The ship crews came out and got in their position. Alright, now I panicked with all my might. Well, it was a good and calm journey just until now.

"Hey, Hunter!"

The Caravaneer called me out.

"I heard you're a rookie no? Then get in your position!"

Then, he fixed his stance while holding his hat.

"We are going get this big fella out of our lawn before we reach our destination!"

Hearing his words was kind of encouraging me. Then I stood my ground, and faced the Caravaneer.

"We're doing this, so get your gears ready!"

I nodded, and get myself ready. Then, I picked my helm that I haven't put until now. A helm that is not part of the rest I wore. A helm my father gave.

A helm that was belongs to my brother.

The moment I wore my helm, I took a glimpse of the Caravaneer took a peek of surprise at me. Alright, what should I do now, calm down now, calm down...

Oh that's right, the cannon. The monster was so close to the ship, we need to make it to take distance from us. I hurriedly ran to the cannonball vault, and lifted it, carried it to the cannon. It was heavy, but I can feel the weight of the damage it carried. As I ran, other crews were shooting ballistas at it. As I arrived at the cannon, I loaded the cannonball and it shoots the moment it loaded.

It seemed to be worked well, since the monster let out a cry, and dived back to the sand. Whoa, is this it? Damn, it was so thrilling.

"D-Did it stop?"

I wondered. But not after long, I heard a rumbling sound from afar. As I turned...

HOLY WHAT, IT CHARGED RIGHT TO THIS SHIP IN A HIGH SPEED?!

Damn, what the hell, so sudden?! None of us even prepared! We were running and screaming around in panic, not knowing what to do. Then...

"Hunter! Hit the gong beside you! Hit the switch there!"

The gong? Wait what?! Do I really—

Oh what gives. I smacked the switch as told. The giant approaches quickly, and it was a few meters away from the ship. Not long after I smacked the switch, a loud ringing sound echoes, and as I look to the enemy, it flinched while cried. Whoa, I didn't think it will work.

But man... it still keeping its position, what a tough bastard. Well, it HAD a big size...

I could see the city clearly. We were so close...

"We have no choice..."

I heard the word from the Caravaneer. He took something like a gun, shooting a flare. I was thinking that this could be a call for reinforcement, and it seemed to be true. A group of ships closing in from all sides not after long.

I felt it. The wind of success. I felt that we can repel the big guy. The ships started to closing in, and one of them shot a binder to the big guy, so it'll keep its position. The rest of the ships they started to shoot cannons and ballistas. Talk about hurt and loud, the sound of BOOM everywhere...

The monster finally gave up to stood its position. It writhed in pain, and decided to flee.

"We... WE DID IT!"

One of the crew shouted, and of course, the rest of us followed too. Man, I mean, we repelled a huge monster that was not supposed to appear. And so, we continued our journey, and reached our destination.

.

The sound of crowds, the smell of foods, I missed them. But now, I can sense them all again. That's right, I arrived to my destination. The Val Habar. I didn't think it'll be this crowded. Talk about hot, I took of my helmet and put it on my back, next to my sword sheath. Ah, fresh air...

Oh yeah, I have to meet the Caravaneer again. He told me to meet him in a place near the village entrance. So I decided to go there. Oh he stood there already.

"Hey you! Over here!"

He pointed me, and waved so I knew his position and approached him.

"Good to see you in a good condition after all of that!"

He then patted my shoulder.

"It must be your first time to go against that giant, Dah'ren. I know that feeling boy."

Dah'ren? Could it be THAT Dah'ren Mohran? I learned it back in academy that this monster, no, Elder Dragon is huge and all, but I thought it wasn't that big. Things got different when you see it directly.

"That aside, let us go to the Guild! It'll be my treat! Hahhaha!"

"Eh?"

So we went. Here I am, sitting in the tavern with the food in front of me as a welcoming treat from the Caravaneer. Whoa, he's a nice guy at heart. He then started to gulp a drink he had.

"Let me tell you. The guild saw your effort of repelling a Dah'ren back then, so you got lotsa points for it."

Whoa, really?! Hell yeah, I didn't think that this could happen!

"Oh yes, and this treat is also for your success of repelling Dah'ren. Great job, boy."

I nodded, and started to munch the food in front of me. Meat is tender, fresh vegetable, nice drink, so damn good. I felt that my stamina and health increased just by it.

"Oh and..."

He stopped on drinking, and faced me.

"That helmet, can I see it."

My helmet? Well better than making him curious, I showed my helmet. He seemed to be astonished. Probably just because it's shiny and all.

"Are you sure that you're a rookie?"

Then, he asked.

"Um, yes. I think I said it before."

"Hmm..."

He took another close look to my helmet. He held it and started to scratch the table with the blade-like horn on my helmet. I couldn't see his effort but it cut through the table easily. Actually, I was aware of that too, since I used my helmet to cut things back then. Strangely, it retained its sharpness. No, more like it recovered its sharpness.

"Not a replica..."

Replica? What did he meant by that?

"You hunted it don't you. That's why you crafted this helmet."

Oh no, he misunderstood. And I'm sorry I didn't have an idea of where did the materials or it came from.

"Um, no sir. Actually this helmet was my brother's helmet. He was a hunter when I was still young."

"Ooh, a hunter family? Interesting. So, why you didn't get the whole set instead of the single helmet?"

"The thing is... it was left behind by my brother. Back then he fought a monster that raided our village, distracting it while the rest of my family were evacuating."

The more I remember it, the clearer the image. And I didn't like it. I held my mug tightly, as I recount.

"The next day, my father gave me the helmet. Of course, I knew what he meant. He then said the rest of the armor was already shapeless..."

...along with my brother.

"I'm sorry kid, I shouldn't ask you that. It's enough, so please don't continue."

Thanks a lot. I really want to stop there.

"I get it, so this is why you got the helmet."

He returned my helmet and stood up from his chair.

"We shall take our leave. Come with me."

We stepped outside of the tavern. We were back to the center of the city.

"Alright kid. So, here's another reason of coming here."

He then patted my shoulder.

"You see, on my caravan, I have problems. We're lacking of member."

Lack of member... Oh, I can see where this is going.

"I have the members I need. A receptionist, a blacksmith, a chef, and a mercenary, all but one. Someone who can protect our caravan when we're in danger. Actually, it was quite fortunate of meeting you, hunter. With your skills and all, I believe you're strong."

Then, he moved and stood in front of me.

"Let me ask of you. Will you join our caravan?"

As expected.

"It may be sounds scary but I guarantee you adventures, experiences, and also..."

Then, he pointed me.

"I guarantee you that we can provide enough materials to craft the rest of the armor for your helmet. Oh and also we'll also provide you supports. How's that sound?"

I really want to refuse it. But, well, I think it'll also hard to do it alone. Maybe I should join him. I can get my brother's armor full set!

"Sounds pleasant."

After hearing, he offered his hand, and I shook it. This time, welcoming me to the group.

"Alright! Now that you joined, over there is your house. It can move along with our caravan."

Then I look at the pointed direction. It looks like a portable hut. Uh... okay?

"If you feel tired, don't force yourself and just take a rest. It's vital for you. And behind me is the receptionist. Try to talk to her later."

He then smiled.

"Well then, see you later!"

He took his leave.

"The receptionist, huh..."

I mumbled. Well, time to continue a hunter's daily life. I approach the pointed location. There, a girl in green uniform was sitting, while writing something in her book. I would like to greet but... oh well let's try it.

"Um... hello..."

"Wah?!"

Great, that was quite awkward. She was surprised after hearing my sudden call, dropped her book. She then fixed her glasses, and fixed her position. I... I... how do I say this...

"U-Um what do I have here..."

A-Ah, She started to talk...

"So you're the hunter our Caravaneer was talking? I see..."

You know? Somehow I didn't feel any regret of joining the caravan...

"I'm the quest receptionist. I'm really really pleased to meet you."

Because... I met someone so beautiful, that it made me aflutter.