CHAPTER 24: THE FUNERAL
Erwin's half-closed, almost shut eyes suddenly opened wide. His voice filled the room.
"Nox's purpose…"
He took a deep breath and continued.
"To resurrect Morde."
The room fell into complete silence. No one spoke. It was as if that name had sucked all the air out of the room.
Kaito asked in shock.
"M-Morde? How do you know that?"
Woli stepped in.
"Ginra sent us that information. That's where it came from."
"Who is Ginra?"
Ren added.
"I agree. You mentioned him earlier too. Who is he?"
Aiko nodded.
"I'm curious too, Master."
Woli sighed.
"Ginra is a hunter from our kingdom. He's very powerful. And a wanderer. That's all you need to know for now."
Kaito asked.
"Then how do we stop Nox?"
Erwin spoke quietly.
"Woli. Go do what needs to be done. Then come back here. You'll have a new mission."
Woli bowed his head.
"Yes, Chief."
The team quickly left the room and walked down the corridor.
Kaito asked curiously.
"Master, what do you think our next mission will be?"
"I hope… they'll want us to avenge Andre."
"Were you close with Master Andre?"
Woli's voice deepened.
"Close? Hah… we were like brothers."
He paused for a moment.
"Don't mind my grumpiness. I haven't laughed or cried since my family died."
His voice hardened.
"But that bastard… that bastard took Andre's body and fled. I didn't even get to hear his last words. I have to avenge him."
Aiko asked softly.
"Who killed your family, Master?"
"The same way Kaito's family was killed… my family was also murdered by an Ifrit."
Ren's eyes narrowed.
"An Ifrit? What was its name?"
There was pain in Woli's voice.
"The name still echoes in my ears. Draevor."
Kaito's fists clenched.
"Draevor… Zaryx… they all need to be destroyed."
"Yes. But you need to get much stronger first. When you're strong enough, you can take your revenge. But remember… revenge isn't everything. The real test is bearing the weight of revenge. And holding onto the anger that comes with it."
Woli took a deep breath.
"It's been exactly thirty years since my family died. And I've been patiently waiting for the day I'll take my revenge ever since."
Kaito asked with determination.
"Then how will we take revenge, Master?"
"By going to the Djinn realm. Once we get there, we'll go to the region ruled by Draevor… and we'll destroy him."
They had reached the exit.
"Anyway, we're here. Let's go to the funeral."
The team headed to the church across from the hunter's palace. The church was a pitch-black building with a large cross in the center. When they stepped inside, it was filled with hunters.
Familiar faces were there: Master Rambeel, Master Poel, and Master Robin.
Robin greeted them.
"Woli, you've arrived. Please, sit down. Rin will be speaking soon."
Poel, as usual, spoke as if he hated Woli.
"I thought you wouldn't come, Woli. Though it would have been better if you hadn't."
Woli replied coldly.
"I don't have time for you, Poel. Mind your own business."
Poel continued.
"You went to a simple village and came back with Raven dead. And on the way back, Andre died too. How convenient that someone always dies wherever you go. Unless—"
Kaito suddenly stepped in. His brown eyes were blazing.
"You've gone too far. You'll pay for that."
"DOUBLE SPIRIT FISTS!"
Both of Kaito's arms were covered in spirit energy. He unleashed all the spirit power in his arms. The energy took the form of double fists and shot toward Master Poel.
Poel gritted his teeth.
"You insolent brat!"
"VOID BARRIER!"
Just as the double spirit fists were about to hit Poel, a barrier appeared in midair. The fists collided with it and vanished.
Poel lunged forward. He clenched his fists and targeted Kaito.
Just as he was about to strike, Woli stepped in between them.
Poel stopped and stepped back.
"Get out of my way, Woli. I am his master, and he attacked me. He will pay."
Meanwhile, Robin and Rambeel were whispering.
Robin said quietly.
"Did you see that? That was spirit power."
Rambeel nodded.
"I saw it. How is that possible?"
"I don't know. But that boy could become something great in the future."
Woli stood in front of Poel. His voice was cold.
"This brat is under my protection. If anyone thinks they can touch him, they're welcome to try."
He stepped forward.
"And you, Poel. You made a serious accusation against me. Did you call me a traitor? If you don't have proof, we'll fight to the death. Those are the laws."
His voice grew sharper.
"And you won't be allowed to use your power. Are you sure about your accusation?"
Poel's face was sour.
"It was just a joke."
Just then, Rin came out of the church room.
"If you're done with the noise, please let's begin."
The argument ended.
Woli turned to Kaito.
"Hey brat. You didn't have to do that… but thanks."
Kaito nodded.
"You're welcome, Master."
Rin began to speak. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"How did you know Raven?"
Everyone in the church shouted.
"He was a brave and strong hunter!"
"Yes, Raven was a brave hunter. He sacrificed himself without hesitation to protect one of us. That's how brave and strong he was."
Rin took a deep breath.
"And how did you know him as a hunter?"
Again, voices rose.
"Honest and respectful! And helpful!"
Rin nodded.
"Yes, I never saw Raven lie. And he always helped the elderly. He would rush to help his friends with anything."
Her voice began to tremble.
"Do you bear witness that he was a good hunter?"
Everyone in the church shouted once more.
"We do!"
"Do you accept that he was your brother?"
Again, everyone shouted.
"We accept!"
Rin couldn't hold back her tears.
"Yes. All hunters are brothers. That was his favorite saying. And on his behalf, I thank you. Thank you all for coming."
She took the torch hanging on the wall and touched it to the shroud. The shroud burst into flames.
"Raven… rest in peace, my brother. As a woman, I swear that I will never forget what you did. I swear on my womanhood and my life as a hunter."
All the hunters shouted.
"WE WILL NOT FORGET!"
DORN KINGDOM – NOX BASE
Impernos spoke.
"Bumb and Raimen. There's a man named Panc in Alhion Village. You know the rest."
Bumb and Raimen answered together.
"Understood."
The team had held the funeral. They returned to Chief Erwin's chamber.
Woli spoke quietly.
"Be ready for the new mission."
They entered the room. Erwin was sitting in his chair. When he saw them, he stood up.
His voice filled the room.
"Your new mission… is revenge."
TO BE CONTINUED...