The Mission (2)

"I have a mission for you, can you do it?" He asked, staring directly at me.

I took some time before answering him, "It depends on what the mission is," I replied.

"I see," he mumbled. "This mission will be tough for you but it will help you."

"What is the mission all about?" I questioned, getting interested.

"Here, take this map," he said while handing a small map to me. "It's the map of a small town. In this town, they have no mages and no ruler to rule them yet. The town is only governed by the head of a hunter association — James Green. James is no mage but he is popular in the town and is known for his great sword skill and his contributions to the safety of the place. To the people of this town, he is like their chief and they worship him sincerely. Do you know what I want you to do?"

"What?" I asked.

"I want you to take over his position and become the town's chief!" He replied while gazing at me.

"Huh? I don't understand!"

"Win the people's hearts and become their chief, if you succeed, it'll be beneficial to you and you'll enjoy it. You don't have any choice even if you want to refuse so you better get prepared and leave for the mission tomorrow!"

"What about my school?"

"About that, you don't have to worry. I'll find an excuse for you if the Dean asks of you but you must be fast about it or he will end up becoming their chief."

"I hope nothing happens to me or I'll hunt you and kill you!"

"What makes you think that you can do anything to me? Well, that won't be happening because you'll end up thanking me."

"I should get going then," I mumbled and turned around to leave.

"You'll have to go alone!" I heard him say as I walked out of his office.

After I might have left the office, I headed straight to Ruben's place. On my way, I kept thinking about the mission Sam had given me and the reason for that. I could not come up with any reason for that and so I just sighed and increased my pace. There's only one way to find out and that's by succeeding.

In no time, I got to Ruben's place and saw him practising his sword skills. He looked focused as he swung his sword, so much so that he didn't know when I walked in. Just watching him dance around with his sword makes me envious because unlike him, I was gifted with no sword skill or even motivated by anyone to learn it. I grew up in the loving yet restrained hands of my sister, she wouldn't let me do anything useful other than catch fish and take care of the house.

"You are here!" Ruben said as he halted and put aside his sword.

"Yes! It seems you are busy," I replied.

"Not exactly, I was waiting for you and in the process, I got bored and so I decided to keep my hands busy with some moves."

"Then you are busy all the same!"

"Whatever. By the way, why did the teacher call you to his office? Did you commit any crime?"

"What do you think?"

"I guess the answer is no, so just tell me."

"Well, the man's got a job for me and it requires just me alone —no other person."

"So, I won't be going with you?"

"Yes! I want you to help me with something."

"And what could that be? You know I hate stress."

"It's about Mia. While I'm gone, help me watch over her. And know if there is something wrong with her, I fear something big is coming."

"No worries, man. I'll keep my eyes on her and you. . . You got to be careful! And try to come back early."

"Sure! I'll get going then."

"Let me see you off."

We both walked out of his apartment and then I proceeded while he quietly watched me leave. I had thought it'll be difficult to persuade him to stay back but after telling him about it, he looked rather calm — too calm for himself. The looks in his eyes showed something was wrong with him but I didn't want to ask because I know he wasn't going to tell me just yet.

I headed home and took my bath after which I decided to take some rest since I still had some time left before taking off. I lay down on my bed and my hand subconsciously went to the necklace on my neck. In the process, my mind wandered to Mia and what she did last night. A sigh escaped my lips and a frown settled on my face. 'Hopefully, Ruben will be able to find something before I come back ' I inwardly thought.

Not able to rest anymore, I got up and then got dressed after which I took all my earnings and some clothes and stuffed them inside a small bag. I have no idea when I'll be back but it all depends on how fast I am with the mission, the earlier the better and so I carried my sword and made my way towards the bus station.

"How much will it cost me to reach this place, sir?" I asked one of the drivers when I got to the station.

"This place? Kid, do you want to die?" The man with horror on his face asked.

"Sir, I don't understand what you mean. Why should I die there?" I questioned with creased brows.

"Don't you know that there are shadow demons in that town? The people get missing every day and they live in constant fear for their lives. I would advise that you don't go there."

'Didn't Sam say that there is a hunter there? Why then are the people still missing and dying?'

"Sir, I heard the town has a hunter as the chief. Why isn't he doing anything about the problem?" I asked.

"Tsk!" The man scoffed. "Him? He defines the word 'incompetent' All he does is drink, eat and have fun with all the women and girls in that town! Anyone who objects will have himself and his whole family locked up until they either pay with their money or properties. That man. . . He is evil!"

"I see. . . " I mumbled. This should be one of the reasons, he wants me to remove the man from authority so that people will stop suffering. But how was I going to do that? "Shadow demons? Sounds interesting!" I mumbled with a smirk the on my lips.

"Kid, don't tell me that you insist on going after all I've told you!" The man spoke.

"Sir, it's not like I have any choice!"