New chapter published just one week after the previous one. Two reasons, first, this chapter was supposed to be the second part of the previous one, which I didn't have time to translate in full, so I delayed it, secondly, I prepared as much as possible the writing and correction of the chapters for the next month during which I couldn't write.
I will continue to release at the same rate of one every two weeks for Hunt Beyond The Dream and one a month for Another Day in Hell.
There's just the risk that they might be a day or two behind.
Usual general information about some of the issues that come up regularly in PMs on the previous chapter.
I'm basing the leveling and skill evolution system on a different way of doing hunters (more details in the next chapters).
For the third time, no Ashton will not join a Familia in the first sense of the term and certainly not the Loki or Hestia Familia.
NO, I WOULD NOT INCREASE THE DURATION AND THE RATE OF PUBLICATION.
Last warning for the one who does not cease to ask me it. I have other things to make and to prioritize in the life that , then leave me the time to write and stop making me the request...
Well, sorry about that last part. I wish you'll have good read and we meet again at the end.
Chapter 8 : A Welcome Change.
"Did your expedition in the dungeon go well?" asked Ryuu as he slipped a plate between his hands.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon, a time when the fertility hostess was empty.
After selling the magic crystals recovered from the monsters for a rather large sum of Valis, Ashton had returned to the inn. He realised that he had spent much more time in the dungeon than he thought.
This was probably due to the time distortion he had experienced.
Ironically enough, thanks to all his time spent in Yharnam, Ashton had become quite knowledgeable about all the concepts of dimensions, dreams, reality, and time travel.
A minimum necessary to avoid going crazy in certain places beyond the logical rules established by science and physics.
"Partly..." he replied in a monotone voice.
The elf raised her eyebrows and looked at him with her face down on her plate. She understood that something must have happened in the dungeon but was unable to say what. She decided to leave him knowing that he would not speak.
"I see that at least you didn't come back injured," she said, changing the subject.
"That's not really a problem," he said with a shrug. "Most monsters aren't particularly dangerous.
"That kind of talk and arrogance can be fatal," she pointed out with an annoyed hiss.
Ashton, who had never seen the elf react like this, looked up from his plate with a slight suspicion.
"Perhaps in normal cases. I can't say I think I'm invincible, I know how fragile our species is."
The waitress calmed herself before leaning back on the table behind her.
"I hope so. Many an adventurer has come to a bad end by being too sure of their skills."
"I don't doubt it... However, that is how it is. I do not seek death, but I do not fear it either. So it is better not to worry too much and to remain certain of one's own abilities. Although I have to thank you for the information on the floors, it made my job easier.
"Humpf..." sighed the elf as his face lit up slightly with thanks. "You almost remind me of an old friend."
The hunter was a little surprised to be compared to someone.
"How so?"
Before she could answer, the sound of the inn door slamming in the background, followed by a series of footsteps in her direction. Ryuu, who had seen the person, made a slight gesture.
"Looks like you have company."
Just as he was about to ask why, he heard a slight clearing of the throat to his left. A short, breadboard-like figure with red hair.
"Hello!" said Loki cheerfully, looking at the hunter whose eyes showed a definite disinterest in the goddess' presence.
"If this is about trying to recruit me, that's a no." replied Ashton as he turned back to his meal.
Loki smiled at him.
"I want to thank you! Surely you wouldn't say no to that?"
He blinked.
"For what?" he asked, starting to feel almost suspicious.
"For protecting Leffiya in the dungeon!" retorted Loki cheerfully. "Tione told me when he came back!"
The goddess was all smiles, but he could tell there was more to it than that. Ashton sighed.
"It was nothing but a natural thing, but why are you really here?"
The goddess' cheerful face dropped slightly.
"I don't know what you mean."
"You didn't just come to thank me. Seeing as Aiz had the idea of meeting me, I'd say you forced your way out before she did to see me and talk. Am I wrong?"
The goddess scowled at the hunter before sighing and sitting down across from him confirming her idea. The goddess watched as the hunter pushed his empty plate to the side. For a moment it was just silence, and Ashton pulled a book out of her bag knowing that she would eventually speak.
"Ashton." Loki suddenly seemed calmer, "A few days before we found you in the dungeon, there was an energy explosion. We suspect that a God summoned you from another world.
Ashton put his book down beside him. This was the reason the redheaded goddess was naked. To see if he was a danger to Aiz.
"I see you're already aware that I'm not of this world," the hunter said, looking directly into the goddess' eyes causing her to shudder slightly.
"Just because we have abandoned our immortal bodies does not mean we have lost our knowledge. There is no record of a place called Yharnam or the hunters, let alone any of the nations you mentioned. It doesn't take a genius to figure out where you could have come from.
Cautiously, Ashton allowed himself to relax.
"And you're not alarmed?"
"We were. But honestly? Not overly so. Most are curious, some intrigued, but the vast majority are not interested, preferring to concentrate on other tasks. There have been rare cases like yours a few centuries ago and none of them were particularly dangerous.
The hunter's eyes twitched as he heard the end. Had others like him already come to this world? He would have to look up the librarian later. More important things were currently demanding his attention.
"What about you?" asked Ashton. "What category are you?"
"Curious," she replied with surprising honesty. "But I'd rather know what you're planning to do to Aiz." Her gaze became harder. "Aiz is my favourite and I wouldn't leave her in the presence of a bad person. For now, you've saved Leffyia and earned a reprieve, but just know that I won't let you hurt her.
Loki was about to stand up after her threat before she heard a snap of her tongue from the hunter that caused her to look at him.
"You speak as if I have an interest in using Aiz," Ashton said surprising Loki. "You want my answer? No, it never occurred to me to use her. I go down to the dungeon alone for a reason. And the part about me being evil? The answer is simple. Yes, I am, like any human being I have my things I do not wish to say."
If only they knew. As a hunter of hunters, he had seen the worst of humanity. The worst that men could become. He certainly wouldn't claim to be a saint, but he would have no trouble claiming not to be the worst that humanity could give. He had always done his duty within the limits of what was possible and saved people when he could.
The barely controlled fury surprised the goddess. His clear contempt for her was a first for a goddess used to mortal respect.
"Never call me a monster until you meet one of them," he sif-flaunted.
He continued, showing one of his rare moments of humanity that could be called weakness for a hunter. In his usual calm tone he replied. A trace of anger and annoyance was easily heard in his voice.
"I understand that you are worried about Aiz. But I simply intend to talk with her about the different methods of fighting. There was no approach other than the desire to learn more about the techniques of one of the most powerful people in Orario."
The goddess planted herself in his bright blue eyes and saw not the slightest trace of a lie. He believed in what he was saying. Even without the ability to discern the truth in him, intrinsically, she knew. What worried her now was not Aiz, but his angry contempt for the gods. How could a human come to this?
"I see you're being honest with what you are... Aiz should be here any minute," she said as she left.
He could see a slight incomprehensible glint behind her eyes. Ashton shrugged indifferently before raising his hand to Ryuu to ask for the check. He pulled out a bestiary he had borrowed from the local library and began to read as he waited.
After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the hostess' door opened again and he saw his guest arrive.
"Good morning," she greeted him and sat down opposite him.
"Good morning," Ashton replied in a matching voice, nodding slightly. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."
Aiz cocked his head to the side.
"Why is that? I said I would come..."
"I suspected that just... Anyway..." shook Ashton passing the subject. "What did you come to talk about, Miss Aiz?"
"Your weapon. We were interrupted in the dungeon so..."
"Right. So... what do you want to know?"
"I wanted to know. Why a weapon like this?"
"Interesting question. Why do you carry a sword?" he asked.
"Because it is a weapon suited to my fighting style.
"Then you have the answer to your own question. A cleaver-saw because it is an effective weapon in my style of fighting and the enemies I face."
Aiz bit her lips. She sensed he was hiding something but couldn't force the issue. The conversation was awkward enough and forced as it was.
"A violent weapon," she remarked. "May I test your cleaver?" she questioned eagerly.
If she could get closer, perhaps she would understand how it worked, if her weapon had a function, a special enchantment. Ashton raised an eyebrow in surprise at the request.
"I don't see a problem with that. However, that is not possible here.
"Yes." muttered the girl, looking around the tavern. "We could go to my Familia's land."
Ashton froze for a moment.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "But I'd like to avoid coming into contact with any..."
The hunter froze at his own words, remembering the likely superiority of the Gods over Orario. He didn't know the girl's attachment to the deities and wanted to avoid putting himself in a bad position so soon.
"Familia." he corrected himself, before letting out the insult that reached his mouth. "Wouldn't there be another place?"
The stoic blonde thought for several minutes, searching for an idea.
"We could go to the guild's training area. I have privileged access to it since I helped some of their members."
Aiz stood in front of the hunter as he tested the weight of the sword he had just been given. The two had decided to exchange weapons for a short time. At first, Ashton had been hesitant, his weapon was his life, his means of survival, and giving it up meant certain death.
Yet he had accepted, feeling that he would be better able to discern the differences in power with his world by comparing the weapons. A sword was of course useless in the hands of the inexperienced, but it gave the value of its smith and thus of the craft that went with it.
"It is certainly a good blade," he remarked. "Though a little too light for my taste."
He swung it and the hiss of sliced air moaned. He immediately slid the blade into his other hand testing the quick change.
"Strong." the blonde thought as she watched him swing the sword.
He stopped and handed it to her.
"I can acknowledge that its maker is very competent."
"I could say the same about your cleaver." she indicated as she ran her finger along the fangs of the saw feeling their rough texture. "Sharp and doing its job efficiently."
"I hope so. He's been with me for so long, I can't see him failing at his job.
Finally Aiz took a breath and carefully closed the serrated blade before looking the young man in the eye.
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure. As long as I can answer it."
Aiz decided to go head on, having realized that the roundabout way would bring nothing but his distrust.
"How did you get so strong?"
"What do you mean?"
"Speed, strength, your aura... Everything about you conveys a veteran atmosphere. You came out of the dungeon alone without any injuries even though you came from the lower levels! How is that possible?!"
For the sword princess, she needed to know this. She needed to understand how to improve! Her plateau had been reached. She was no longer making progress and her efforts were going nowhere. She didn't want to stay in front of the ability wall. For her mother, her father... she had to do it.
The flaming image of a dragon as black as jet lit up her mind and a shiver of disgust ran through her.
When it had escaped from the tower in her care, she had realised that it was competent to perhaps a level five. Although he was able to disarm her, she was still convinced at that moment that if he had not taken her by surprise, she would have beaten him.
Then, at the tavern, she had seen with her own eyes the outwardly puny young man, wrapped in dirty grey clothes, crush a high-ranking adventurer as easily as a bar fight.
Even if Bete claimed otherwise, it was not luck or lack of preparation that had prevented him from winning.
Aiz had felt that suffocating aura surrounding him and the blue flicker like two flames in his eyes.
She didn't know how he had obtained such strength, but she needed to know how to do it herself.
Ashton said nothing, he lowered his head hiding his face behind his hat, his voice had become bitter and deeply sad.
"Pain... A lot of pain, blood and death. Sacrifices of one's own body, of one's own soul in order not to fall and not to let oneself go into the nightmare."
The sword princess widened her eyes at the words.
It had changed, the neutral atmosphere he emanated had become one of barely restrained fatigue and pain. The hunter seemed to carry with him a cloak of torment far too large, even for Aiz.
Such negative feelings, they seemed familiar. He looked like her before she joined the Loki Familia and stifled some of the hatred and vengeance that animated her. She could say that she had softened with the years of care of her Familia. That she had seen beyond simple revenge and power.
She could discern a major difference. She had sought power and kept moving forward for a purpose. She still burned with the strong will to accomplish. Her soul was like a burning fire engulfing a house.
Where Ashton was the opposite. That flame that had once pushed her forward had been smothered, extinguished for years now. The house had been completely burned down, leaving only ashes and debris to char what little structure was left.
All that remained was the disgust and melancholy of failures and successes. No more willpower other than these remnants held together by pieces of duty and shame.
Ashton sighed and looked up at the sky. The sun was beginning to sink.
"Let's be honest here," he said tiredly. "The way I became the way I am is simply not replicable here."
"If you need material..." asked Aiz.
"No..." he cut in. "You simply can't because it would require you to sacrifice a part of yourself for it.
"If that's all it takes. I'm ready!" she said.
She didn't understand...
"Are you sure you want to go crazy? To not be able to sleep at night? To give up just being able to think about anything other than your own life?" he asked in a cold voice devoid of the slightest sympathy. "I wouldn't give you the keys to become like me, I simply can't replicate what was done to me and also because I would refuse it knew what came with it."
Aiz shuddered. She had someone who could make her stronger but refused to.
"H-How can I convince him?" the knight questioned quickly.
"I-I want to get stronger!" she said, letting go of everything that was on her mind. "I need to become more powerful, to level up so that their deaths were not in vain!"
Her inexpressive voice showed a determination that Ashton had known before. He remembered that time when he was looking for power. Where he walked behind that same vengeance.
He closed his eyes. Could he resist? If he had been in that situation, would he not have been like her?
Was there still enough in him not to allow another to follow his path?
The name of an old friend came to mind.
"Alexander..."
Perhaps... Yes... Perhaps she was his redemption for having failed everyone he knew.
As his friend liked to say, the dawn always came eventually. Was this his dawn? The end of his waking nightmare and the fall of the white moon that adorned the sky in every memory?
"I won't do what was done to me, but I will help you," he said.
Aiz's eyes lit up with hope, an emotion he hadn't experienced in so long.
One that had been denied him and stifled under the weight of the hunt.
"I'll train you."
"Will that take me up a level?" she asked.
"I can't answer for sure. Maybe you won't level up, but I know that at least you'll get better at other areas of the fight. It's up to you if you want to accept.
"I accept!" she replied immediately.
He paused for a moment, seeming to think in silent panic, and shook his head.
"No. You have time to think and remember that I can't certify the results on your level. It will be you versus you. There will be no help and you will be faced with your limits and death. Take time to think about it.
He held out his hand as she realised, she still had the saw-cutter.
"I will stay at the fertility hostess. You can give me your answer in three days."
Aiz watched the hunter's figure walk away with an already clear mind of her own answer.
Then it struck her, she could not remember his name. Yet he had told her when they had met.
"What's your name?" she questioned just before he left.
She hoped she hadn't been disrespectful.
"Ashton," he replied simply without turning around. It seemed familiar that his name was being forgotten, was he that absent? His name of Silent Walker suited him in that twisted way.
"Ashton Warden."
Ashton walked quietly through the streets, his mind clouded by the choice he'd just given the girl.
It was hypocritical of him to ask her not to answer for two days when he knew what she was going to say.
No. He just needed time to get over what he had done. Was he an idiot? In most cases he would say no. But in this situation? He certainly was! What madness had gone through him when he had proposed the solution?
A moment of doubt and weakness had led him to make a decision based on emotion rather than logic!
His redemption to Gerhman, Yharnam and his dead friend would not come through the sacrifice of another person! How was he going to do that? He could not go back on his word, but he had no knowledge of the path to take.
His method of evolution had literally been to die over and over again in the most painful ways possible to finally become fast enough, to have enough reflexes, knowledge and instinct to not suffer it anymore.
How many times had he ended up disembowelled, bleeding to death, feeling his own entrails fall to the ground as a wolf rummaged around, ripping out pieces of flesh?
The greatest folly is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. This had never been truer for the dream hunters.
He turned into an alley he instinctively knew was empty and collapsed onto a wooden crate holding his head.
"Shit..." he grunted in a low voice. "What have I done?"
He looked down at his hands before putting them back over his eyes in a sort of silent prayer. Making hasty decisions had never been his habit, so why had he reacted?
The hunter placed his hand on the mark he wore hanging from his coat, seeking the familiar chill that usually came from it. The soft chill of the seal poured into his hand as the dim glow of the trident illuminated the surroundings.
Unable to copy the very methods that had trained him, he had to find another way.
Perhaps... No!
He shook his head at the semblance of an idea that had started to come to him. Confronting someone with a hunter's methods was the best way to make them give in and die.
Still... it might work... No !
"Let us pray, let us wish... to partake in communion..." he hissed, repeating the silent prayer.
He searched in vain. He was a mere hunter of hunters. Not even the most powerful compared to Finneas of Cainhurst Castle or Vladimir of the executioners. Both of them far exceeded him in skill, age and survival time. They would have had more ideas if he had been in his place.
Nothing really occurred to him. At least nothing ethically possible to apply in this world.
"Ethical," he muttered with a laugh.
First time he'd ever said the word. Quite a joke considering all he'd done in Yharnam. And now he found himself thinking about it in a dark alley. If it wasn't an ironic twist of fate, he certainly wished he knew what it was.
Then it hit him. He had only to reproduce what Father Gascoigne had done. The elderly man had been a rather interesting example for Ashton as a hunter. He still remembered the times he had followed him before entering the dream.
The man had explained to him how to hunt efficiently and handle his saw correctly.
"My skills with a saw-cutter? It came from a friend," he said bitterly.
Still, the priest had been the first person to teach him how to fight effectively, before he met George who had taken him under his wing instead.
He thought back to the Father. His smile when he talked about his wife and daughter. Until he got lost in the blood. He didn't know what would happen to the old priest's family, but he hoped someone would help them.
He stood up and returned to the hostess satisfied with his solution.
It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either. It was... Typical of a Yharnam hunter; going against the grain of all that was logical.
Slower and calmer chapter in its writing, no fighting or action, just development (this will become more recurrent).
I find myself facing a small problem when writing Hunt Beyond The Dream. Originally it was going to be Aiz / Ashton as the main pairing. After eighty thousand words written, I realised that Ashton had a good connection with both Aiz and Ryuu.
Which made me wonder how I was going to fix it.
Three choices: One, I leave Ashton / Aiz and abandon Ryuu completely. Two, I do an Ashton / Ryuu and drop the Aiz side, or finally Ashton / Ryuu / Aiz, not the easiest to write but the ones I'm heading towards.
You can tell that it wasn't meant to be and that I ended up looking like an idiot when I realised it.
In the meantime, I leave you here.
Take care of yourself, your loved ones and your families and see you next time.