Chapter 11: "A Hunter's Burden"
The walk back to Vanth was quiet, save for the occasional crunch of gravel underfoot. Makoto carried one of the Hellhound's massive horns over his shoulder, struggling under its weight while Justice carried the other like it was nothing more than a shopping bag.
"Man," Makoto muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "These things are heavy."
Justice smirked, glancing over at him. "Don't tell me you're tired already, kid. You've got the easy job."
Makoto frowned. "Easy? You're the one who took down the Hellhound!"
"And you're the one who nuked it with your shiny necklace," Justice said, her grin widening. "Pretty impressive for your first hunt."
Makoto flushed, looking down at the amulet hidden under his shirt. "I-I didn't even know it could do that… It just sort of… happened."
Justice chuckled. "That's how it works sometimes. Power like that? It's gonna keep surprising you. Better get used to it."
Makoto sighed, shifting the horn on his shoulder. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this…"
When they arrived back at the Maw, Gorrik greeted them with a satisfied grunt.
"Nice work," he said, inspecting the Hellhound's horns. "Didn't think you'd pull it off, but I guess you're tougher than you look."
Justice grinned, leaning casually against the counter. "Told you we'd get it done. So, how about that payment?"
Gorrik nodded, reaching under the counter to produce a small pouch of Infernal Shards. He tossed it to Justice, who caught it with ease.
Makoto peered over her shoulder as she opened the pouch, the faint red glow of the Shards illuminating her face. "Fifty, right?"
"Fifty," Gorrik confirmed. "But don't spend it all in one place. Hellhounds don't grow on trees, you know."
Justice smirked, tucking the pouch into her jacket. "Don't worry, big guy. We'll be back for more work soon enough."
Makoto blinked. "We will?"
"Of course," Justice said, slapping him on the back. "You're a natural, kid. Might as well cash in on it."
Makoto groaned. "I don't feel like a natural…"
After leaving the guild, Justice suggested they grab something to eat before heading back to their temporary lodgings. They found a small, quiet diner tucked away in one of Vanth's less chaotic streets. The food was slightly less terrifying than their last meal—Makoto even managed to enjoy a plate of what resembled roasted vegetables, though they glowed faintly green.
As they ate, Makoto found himself stealing glances at Justice. She looked relaxed, her sunglasses perched on her forehead and a faint smile playing on her lips as she picked at her food.
It wasn't the first time he'd thought about it, but it hit him harder now: Justice had done so much for him since he'd arrived in Hell. She'd guided him, protected him, and even fought off demons who wanted him dead—all without asking for anything in return.
He set his fork down, his expression thoughtful. "Hey, Justice?"
She looked up, raising an eyebrow. "What's up, kid?"
Makoto hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just… I wanted to say thank you. For everything."
Justice blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Thank me? For what?"
"For helping me," Makoto said, his voice earnest. "I don't think I would've made it this far without you. You've saved my life more times than I can count, and I've never even stopped to say how much I appreciate it."
Justice stared at him for a moment, then leaned back in her chair, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Man, you're gonna make me blush, kid."
Makoto flushed, waving his hands frantically. "I-I didn't mean it like that! I just—!"
Justice laughed, shaking her head. "Relax, I'm messing with you. But seriously, don't sweat it. You're a good kid. Can't have you getting yourself killed before you figure out what to do with that shiny necklace of yours."
Makoto smiled sheepishly. "Still… it means a lot to me. So, thank you."
Justice tilted her sunglasses down slightly, her white eyes glinting faintly. "You're all right, kid. Just don't let it go to your head, or I might start charging you for my services."
Makoto chuckled, feeling a little lighter.
As they finished their meal and stepped back onto the street, Justice tossed the pouch of Infernal Shards into the air and caught it.
"So, what do you think, kid?" she asked, grinning. "Ready for round two?"
Makoto hesitated, glancing down at the amulet. "I… don't know. The last hunt was intense, and I still don't really understand how this thing works."
Justice shrugged. "The best way to figure it out is to use it. Besides, Gorrik said there's always work at the guild. We can pick something easier if you're worried."
Makoto frowned, mulling it over. Part of him wanted to say no, to stay as far away from danger as possible. But another part—the part that refused to give up, no matter how overwhelming things seemed—was starting to feel… different.
He didn't want to just survive. He wanted to do something. To prove to himself that he could handle this strange, terrifying world.
Finally, he nodded. "Okay. Let's do it."
Justice grinned, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "That's the spirit, kid. Let's head back and see what kind of trouble we can find."
As they walked back toward the guild, Makoto couldn't help but feel a small flicker of hope.
To Be Continued…