Chapter 13: "Earning His Keep"

Makoto's legs burned as he trudged back toward the guild, the Mirefang's severed head still dripping venom into the sack Justice carried over her shoulder.

"That wasn't half bad," Serana said, walking ahead of them with her daggers sheathed and her hands resting on her hips. "For a human, anyway."

Makoto, still shaky from the fight, forced himself to keep up. "I-I don't know about that… If the amulet hadn't worked, I don't think I'd be here right now."

Justice smirked, swinging the sack casually. "Doesn't matter how it happened, kid. You pulled through. That's what counts."

Serana glanced over her shoulder, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "She's not wrong. You're still alive, and that's saying something down here. Though, I can't tell if it's skill or dumb luck keeping you that way."

Makoto flushed, scratching the back of his neck. "I-It's probably just luck…"

Justice nudged him with her elbow, grinning. "Don't sell yourself short, kid. You've got more going for you than you think."

Serana raised an eyebrow. "We'll see. One win doesn't make you a hunter."

When they arrived at the guild, Gorrik barely glanced up from his pile of contracts. "Back already?"

Justice dropped the Mirefang's head onto the counter with a loud thud, her grin widening. "Told you we'd handle it. You're welcome, by the way."

Gorrik grunted, pulling the sack open to inspect the head. He traced a clawed finger over the Mirefang's jagged scales, nodding in approval. "Clean work. You got lucky—it must've been a younger one."

Makoto's shoulders sagged in relief. "You mean they get bigger?"

"Much bigger," Gorrik said, tossing a pouch of Infernal Shards onto the counter. "Seventy, as promised."

Justice pocketed the pouch, then turned to Makoto with a grin. "Here, kid." She tossed him a smaller pouch, the faint red glow spilling from its opening.

Makoto fumbled to catch it, staring down at the coins in surprise. "Wait… this is for me?"

"Of course," Justice said, leaning against the counter. "You earned it."

Serana watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow, her smirk returning. "A hunter sharing their cut? That's rare. Don't tell me you're getting soft, Justice."

Justice snorted. "Please. The kid pulled his weight. It's called teamwork, Serana. Look it up sometime."

Makoto stared at the Shards in his hands, the weight of them heavier than he expected. "Thank you… really."

Justice grinned, patting him on the back. "Don't mention it, kid. Now, how about some food? I'm starving."

The streets of Vanth were quieter than usual as they made their way to a small food stall nestled in an alleyway. Justice handed over a few Shards to the demon manning the stall, grabbing a couple of skewers of charred meat that glowed faintly red along the edges.

Makoto hesitated as she handed him one, eyeing it warily. "What… is this?"

"Don't think," Justice said through a mouthful of food. "Just eat."

Serana smirked, leaning against the stall with her arms crossed. "Careful, human. If it's too much for you, you can always hand it over."

Makoto frowned, determined not to give her the satisfaction. He took a cautious bite—and immediately coughed as the spicy heat hit his tongue. "I-It's like eating fire!"

Justice laughed, slapping him on the back. "That's the spirit, kid! Builds character!"

Serana chuckled, shaking her head. "I think he's going to pass out before the next hunt."

Makoto flushed, glaring at her. "I'll be fine! I just… need some water."

As they finished their meal, Makoto found himself staring at the pouch of Shards in his hands. The faint red glow seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat, and he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of pride.

"Hey, Justice?" he said hesitantly.

"Yeah, kid?"

Makoto hesitated, his voice quiet. "Thanks. For everything."

Justice raised an eyebrow, her sunglasses slipping slightly down her nose. "Where's this coming from?"

"I've just been thinking," Makoto said, fidgeting with the pouch. "You've done so much for me since I got here. You've protected me, guided me, and even helped me earn some money. I don't think I'd still be alive if it weren't for you."

Justice tilted her head, her grin softening. "You're giving me a lot of credit, kid. You've got more fight in you than you realize."

Makoto shook his head. "I don't know about that… I just wanted to say thank you."

Serana snorted, smirking as she watched the exchange. "You're really laying it on thick, aren't you?"

"Shut up, Serana," Justice said, though her grin widened.

Makoto flushed, waving his hands frantically. "I-I didn't mean it like that!"

Serana laughed, her sharp green eyes gleaming with amusement. "Relax, human. I'm just teasing."

Justice ruffled Makoto's hair, her expression fond. "You're all right, kid. Just don't get too sappy on me, or I might start charging you for my services."

Makoto chuckled nervously, his cheeks still burning.

That night, as they walked back toward the inn, Serana paused at a fork in the road.

"Well," she said, glancing at Justice. "This is where I leave you. For now."

Justice raised an eyebrow. "You're not sticking around?"

"Tempting," Serana said, smirking. "But I've got my own business to take care of. Besides…" She glanced at Makoto, her gaze lingering. "I'm curious to see how he handles himself next time. Don't disappoint me, human."

Makoto blinked, his face reddening. "I-I'll do my best…"

Serana chuckled, giving a mock salute before disappearing into the shadows.

As they continued on, Justice nudged Makoto with her elbow. "She likes you, you know."

Makoto spluttered. "S-She does not!"

Justice grinned. "Keep telling yourself that, kid."

Makoto groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I hate this place…"

Justice laughed, leading the way back to the inn.

To Be Continued…