Reborn As A Haier-Elvian: The Blood Hunter And The Warlock (Replace To New Account)

Chapter 04 "World Juiller part 01"

A/N note: Sorry for a long time. Because of the unparalleled lecture. 😫

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The rustling of dry leaves accompanied by a breeze, became the background sound in this line of trees. The forest is currently shrouded in a gripping night of darkness, but that is exactly what is needed in the hunt. Because, many exotic night creatures will stay away when they see bright light.

Armed only with moonlight and stars hanging in the sky, I steadied my way down the small path to the deepest forest. The place we were heading to would be filled with many dangers. In addition to the presence of unknown beasts, it is also likely that the Elvian army will welcome us.

For humans, dark atmosphere like this is very difficult to walk. Especially coupled with the number of tree roots that cross the ground. If not careful, even experienced hunters will fall and scare the game animals.

But that does not apply to me who is a creature of fusion between humans and fairies. My vision is currently going just as well during the day. These two eyes could pierce through the pitch blackness of the night. I could tell what was in front of me by several tens of meters. So that it can walk without worrying about being tripped by the roots of trees or other things.

"Hey, Anggi! Don't be so fast!" exciting Dimas.

I immediately turned to her and my other hunting companions. They lagged far behind, trying to chase after me carefully.

"Sorry! I'm too excited!"

"The woman seems to forget when she is among men. You fucking Haier-Elvian!" rupert Igresti. The skinny man's cheeks grew thinner as he cursed.

After getting another string of insults, I continued the steps that had stopped. Then equalize the speed with them. We look like a bunch of soldiers sneaking into enemy territory. Hiding in the shadows and fusing in silence. My heart is beating a little for it.

A second later, there was the sound of friction of the shrub from the front. Although small and barely audible to humans, my ears can still hear the sound even though very slow. I gave him a warning to hide. Be on standby and keep watch if it is a game animal or at worst, an Elvian patrol soldier.

It is a risk to our work if we have to meet and confront them. The forest we hunt is Elvian. Humans and the long-ear tribe have had no good relations throughout history. There was always friction going on whenever they met each other. If not wrong, it all resulted from a major war between the two sides that has occurred several thousand years ago. Supposedly in that long span of time, hatred could already be muted by time. But it seems like the impression of hating each other is already rooted in the blood of both.

"It looks like it's a game animal. Can you see what's over there?" point Jaester at the bushes in front.

I'm nodding. Then cover my head with the hood of the long robe I'm wearing. Leaving those hiding behind the trunk of a large tree. Then peek to a point. The bushes were moving abnormally. It looks like this is a hunted animal. I didn't expect that there would be humans or Elvians hiding in such a low bush.

Knowing that I immediately took the arrow from its place, and stretched the bow like Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games film. My eyes remained focused on the target, and prepared to release it without hesitation. We were lucky enough to get four-horned sheep or 'em, because the animals were usually near the settlement of Elvian. The black market cages and collectors will definitely pay dearly for their horns and nails. Maybe with this I can live 'luxury' for a few weeks.

However, it seems like I was forced to throw away that dream. The one coming out of the bushes was not an expected game beast, but just a rabbit. The beast was plain white, and hairy like cotton. Although slightly larger than a regular rabbit, it did not undo my intention to touch its soft fur. It was the first time I saw such an animal, it was natural for me to fall in love at first sight to the rabbit.

"His cut!" I loosened my bow and put the arrow back into place. Then try to approach him slowly. Pouring the bread I took from my leather bag to the rabbit. Wishing he would come closer so I could pamper my finger on that soft feather. "here, here! You want this?"

"Hey, fucking long ears! What are you doing, you idiot?!" sergeant Igresti. His voice suddenly exploded, surprising me. His face was pale. Similarly, Jaester-cowok who does not often show his expression is now surprised not dumbstruck.

"I just want to stroke it, really! Can't it?"

"You think it's a regular rabbit? It was Kruhe!"

"Well, what does that mean?"

"The beast is Elvian's pet, you fool!!" snapped it.

I immediately returned my gaze to the rabbit. The beast trembled. A second later, he let out a loud sound like a wolf howl on a full night. So tight was the sound made, making my ears - the most sensitive to hearing - painful even though I had closed them by hand. My eardrum is almost torn. My energy was drained just to hold his voice.

Even though the rabbit had already stopped his howling, his voice still ringed in the ears and shook the balance of the body. It takes a long time to get back up. My head is spinning a little. But still can see clearly when the animal is growling. It's like a house guard dog wanting to hit a thief. The series of sharp teeth shattered the previous cute and cute impression.

Moments later, my ears caught another rustling sound from the bushes in the distance. It was as if something, no, some small creature was approaching quickly. The sound they gave off was exactly the same as the white rabbit that was in front of me.

"Damn! He called his flock. Let's run fast!" said Igresti who had taken a thousand steps first. While I had to be forcibly pulled by Dimas to leave that place.

I ran between the dark trees as fast as I could. The other three people let me take the lead to create an escape route. Looking back, I noticed a group of white rabbits chasing us. The way they move is not jumping, but running on all four legs. With a mouth full of pointed teeth, it makes it look like a lion chasing its prey.

I laugh. I don't know why it made me remember the Discovery Channel, which often shows life in the wild in Africa. In the past, I liked such impressions because I was amazed by the mighty-looking lion. But after realizing that I was in the position of prey at this time, I would not say the same.

"What is that thing exactly?" ask Dimas.

"That's Kruhe. The beast belonged to an Elvian army specially trained to immobilize intruders. Reportedly .. once the animals bite, they won't let go until you bleed to death" replied Jaester.

"It's all because of that damn woman! Just try his stupidity to go down one level, he's definitely not going to trouble us like this!" the Regurgitation that was grievous. The man who was at the very back of it dispelled every Kruhe that attacked, while removing the curse that characterizes his mouth.

I don't care about it. Because of his rough mouth, my ears are used to all the swearing and insults that come out of the mouth of that damn man. After meeting her, I awarded her the title of "Best Poison Mouth" from the hands of Dimas.

Among the foul man's insults and insults, my sense of hearing caught another voice. Although the distance was quite far, I was very sure that the sound came from someone's mouth, not the howling of animals. The sound of heavy footprints further strengthened my guess.

"Something else is chasing us. They're heading here at full speed." My words made Igresti and Jaester instantly flinch.

"Now the Elvian soldiers also play the chase? How long will that damn woman trouble us?"

I ran with all my might. While fleeing at lightning speed, the other three people who were at the back repelled the attacks from the white rabbits. That's why I chose a flat and not rocky road so that they don't fall while busy with their work.

I also did not remain silent. Every now and then I release arrows at the small beast that managed to get close after escaping the three people. It was heartless to see the red blood staining their white fur. But what else do I have to do to get out of here?

A few moments later we came out of the inner forest. The voice of the other group chasing was increasingly heard clearly and closely. My heart was beating so fast that it almost came out. My mind was preoccupied with the words of the Elvians which made my fear even more so.

"They're there. Quick chase! Don't let it get away!"

"Stop and take a position! Prepare your bows!" say someone who is behind us. His voice looked heavy and had high charisma. "Foot!"

"Hurry behind the tree!" I shouted loudly. I wish my voice could reach my three hunting companions preoccupied with Kruhe.

A second after my remark, dozens of arrows shot out as fast as lightning. Even though we had been hiding behind a tree, that sharp-tipped piece of wood continued to terrorize endlessly. Because the trunk of the tree is not too big, I could have been hit even if only moving a little. Cold sweat came out from my back. The fear began to creep all over my body and shut off my legs.

Being a hunter in enemy territory, I already knew the consequences I would face later. But I didn't expect it to be like this at all. Just a little mistake, then I'll end up seeing my own body stiffened.

"What are we doing now?" jaester. "If this is the case, sooner or later they'll catch us."

"FUCK! Is there anything we can do?" rutuk Dimas who took refuge in the same tree as me.

A moment later, the rain of arrows released this time was more than before. I even sensed that some of them had already been given the Esze destroyer spell. It seemed like the Elvian army really wanted to kill all the intruders that entered in their own cage. The most noisy Igresti among us, shouted loudly like a woman. I don't even remember ever letting out that kind of scream.

"All right! I think I should do it rather than die doing nothing." That way, I strengthen my resolve in my heart. Then shouted at my comrades, "I will do something, run as fast as possible on my cues!"

"Are you stupid? How do we get through this rain of arrows?" sahut Igresti's.

"He's right! Most importantly, what are you going to do? Your esze is still undeveloped. Don't play prank." Dimas firmly rejected my idea. I could feel the worry and care of his words. "Do you really think this is a movie full of screenplays?! The Elvian group behind really wants to kill us, you know! It's not the figurehead who will stop when the director says 'cut'!"

"Just calm! Right now I feel like I'm the best Hollywood lead" I said with a faint smile. "I want to try to get my Esze out here."

"Huh, I didn't hear you wrong, did I?"

"Trust! I'll get an Oscar this time." There was a hint of doubt in the look in those eyes, as well as a glimmer of anxiety at me.

However, after a long look, Dimas finally gave a small nod. "good. Then I'll leave them to you!"

Then the man beckoned to two other people who were in the tree next to him. Jaester understood in one blink, while Igresti looked confused with his typical stupid face.

I took a deep breath. Trying to recall the first time I managed to pull out that technique. And sometimes, I can repeat that success to help my colleagues escape. I closed my eyes. Breathing in such a way as to feel light and relaxed. It is intended to focus my concentration so as not to spread.

Then pull the Viglet from inside the leather bag I tied around the waist. This thing I always carry if hunting or traveling far just in case. Made of mahogany and a mixture of sea lizard skins from overseas, making Esze sticks look strong and tough. Though I know if this is an imitation item that I bought at a cheap price. So I don't expect much from this.

After sending the code with the body cue, my three comrades immediately ran as fast as possible when the intensity of the Elvian arrow rain decreased. Taking this chance, I immediately jumped from my hiding place. The Elvians standing at the front suddenly stopped their movement, as I brandished the Viglet.

"This man can use Esze?"

"Eitherway! It seems like it's just a bluff. I've never heard of a human being using it."

Inilah yang sudah kuduga sejak tadi. Kaum Elvian itu sedikit congkak dan merendahkan kaum lain, terlebih lagi kepada manusia. Mereka pasti menganggap bila Esze hanya bisa digunakan oleh kaum mereka saja. Ini termasuk ke dalam rencana, aku akan mengejutkan mereka di saat lengah.

Seketika itu juga aku mengangkat Viglet tinggi-tinggi ke udara. Memusatkan konsentrasi pada ujung tongkat guna mengumpulkan udara dan memadatkannya. Satu detik kemudian, tanpa basa-basi aku langsung menghempaskannya ke arah kaum Elvian yang tengah terperangah.

"Vitr Bris!"

Ledakan angin langsung menerjang ke depan. Menerbangkan dedaunan kering hingga senjata dan anak panah Elvian dari tempatnya. Bahkan tentara beberapa tentara Elvian terhempas ke belakang karenanya. Teriakan kebingungan mereka menggelitik telingaku. Aku tersenyum sombong melihat mereka yang kocar-kacir karena serangan mendadakku. Pasti mereka kebingungan karena ada ras lain selain mereka yang bisa menggunakan Esze.

"Baiklah! Satu kali lagi!" pekikku.

Aku mengangkat Viglet sekali lagi. Kali ini dengan pose sedikit angkuh untuk mendramatisir keadaan. Sambil tertawa jahat seperti ibu tiri Cinderella. Namun realita tak seindah kenyataan. Ketika aku mengarahkan tongkat Esze itu ke depan, tiba-tiba saja Viglet-ku patah di tengah. Otomatis hal itu membatalkan Esze yang sedang kurapal. Gumpalan angin itu langsung meledak ke segala arah dan menerbangkan diriku sendiri.

"Sial! Lain kali, jangan pakai barang KW!" ucapku dengan lirih.

Tidak mempedulikan rasa sakit, aku langsung bangkit dan berlari menjauhi tempat itu. Jika terlalu lama di sana, maka kaum Elvian akan menangkapku. Untung saja senjata dan anak panah mereka sempat kuterbangkan, jadi butuh waktu bagi mereka untuk menyerangku. Lalu dengan sedikit sentuhan terakhir, aku mengeluarkan bom asap dari saku.

"Asal kalian tahu, aku bukan manusia biasa."

Suara tawa kerasku terdengar mengiringi bunyi ledakan kecil serta asap putih yang menyeruak ke segala arah. Ini adalah hal yang kupelajari dari film aksi di bioskop. 'Selalu hilangkan jejakmu dari musuh'. Meski mata kaum Elvian dapat melihat gelapnya malam, namun penglihatan mereka tidak bisa menembus kepekatan kabut.

Aku terus berlari dengan kencang tanpa mempedulikan apa yang ada di belakang. Setelah menyusuri jalan setapak, aku keluar dari hutan dan menemui rekan-rekanku yang sudah menunggu di tepi sungai. Tentu saja bukan ucapan selamat datang yang kudapat, melainkan makian Igresti dan amarah Dimas yang mencemaskanku. Aku menerimanya begitu saja. Karena kegagalan perburuan ini adalah kesalahanku.

Sambil menyebrangi Sungai Kelan-yang menjadi perbatasan wilayah antara manusia dan Elvian-aku terus termenung. Menyesali kebodohanku yang tidak bisa diobati. Namun yang paling menakutiku adalah ketika sampai di markas nanti. Bos besar pasti tidak terima dan murka dengan kegagalan konyol seperti ini. Lalu mulut besar Igresti akan menimpakan semuanya padaku.

Sempurna. Ini adalah hari terakhirku hidup.

Beberapa saat setelah menyebrangi sungai dan melewati hutan. Aku tiba di Glafelden, sebuah kota kecil yang berada di penghujung timur Kerajaan Lurivia. Kota ini berbatasan langsung dengan wilayah Suku Elvian dan dipisahkan oleh Sungai Kalen. Inilah kota tempat tinggalku sekarang.

Aku dan kelompokku biasanya berburu di hutan wilayah Elvian. Karena di sanalah tempat hidup hewan-hewan yang bernilai jual tinggi. Aku tidak habis pikir, mengapa aku bisa mengambil pekerjaan berbahaya seperti ini. Kalau dulu, aku takkan mau menjadi pemburu seperti ini sebanyak apa pun bayarannya.

Jika dipikir kembali, semua ini adalah buntut kejadian satu tahun yang lalu. Di mana aku dan teman-teman satu klub eskulku tiba-tiba saja tertarik ke dunia lain-yang sama sekali berbeda dengan dunia asalku. Ketika itu, kami yang terdampar di tempat antah berantah bertemu dengan sekelompok pemburu. Untuk menyambung hidup di dunia ini, mau tak mau aku harus mencari pekerjaan. Menjadi bagian dari merekalah yang menjadi pilihanku.

"Serius deh ... aku tak menyangka akan jadi seperti ini," keluhku sembari mengunyah kudapan ayam goreng di taman kota. "Keimutan kelinci itu benar-benar jebakan"

Aku memutuskan untuk tidak langsung kembali ke markas kelompok kami. Karena ... yah, aku pasti akan langsung dipukuli oleh bos besar gara-gara kesalahanku. Dia benar-benar ringan tangan dan tidak pandang bulu. Lelaki itu bisa memukul perempuan tanpa mengurangi tenaganya. Kuakui dia benar-benar keras dan tegas pada bawahannya, tapi juga pria bajingan.

"Lain kali berhati-hatilah kalau berada di wilayah musuh, bodoh!" ujar Dimas. "Kita langsung kembali setelah kau menghabiskan itu. Aku nggak mau lagi membelikanmu apa pun!"

"EH, NGGAK MAU!! Aku mau cari penginapan saja! Terakhir kali bos menghukumku, pukulan pak tua bedebah itu melumpuhkan tanganku. Dan aku tak bisa makan sendiri selama seminggu, tahu?!"

"Biar kubantu menjelaskan alasannya nanti."

"Itu nggak pengaruh! Dia kan orangnya gak mau menerima alasan."

Tak mempedulikan rengekanku, lelaki itu menarik tanganku dengan paksa. Membuatku harus meninggalkan bangku panjang yang menjadi tempat keluh kesahku untuk sementara. Kekuatan dari lengan besarnya tak sebanding dengan tubuh kecil dan feminimku ini.

Orang-orang di sekitar melihat ke arah kami dan menggeleng sembari tertawa. Seakan sudah terbiasa melihatku yang menangis seperti anak kecil ketika disuruh pulang oleh ibunya. Mau kau percaya atau tidak, hal ini sudah menjadi keseharianku di dunia baru ini.

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Glosarium

*Haier-Elvian : Manusia setengah peri.

*Esze : Sistem sihir yang ada di dunia ini.

*Viglet : Alat untuk mengekstrak Esze dari sirkuit Esze di dalam tubuh.

*Vitr Bris : 'Ledakan Angin' dalam bahasa Elvian.