CHAPTER 173: A NEW FLAME JOINS THE HUNT

One week later....

In the main hall inside Hunter’s guild, Gideon and his party were enjoying breakfast, seated around their usual corner table.

"So boss, you said something about Mr. Starwind’s daughter joining us. Is it for real or what? It’s been almost a week. We’re going for a dungeon raid today. Aiden hasn’t returned yet. Don’t you think her presence could be of use?" Ronald complained, chewing on a thick slice of roasted meat.

Jessi nodded. "I heard she has a foul mouth? I really don’t think it’s a good idea to let her join our party."

Gideon let out a breath and placed his fork down. "I know you all are curious. But listen...just because Mr. Starwind said she’d join doesn’t mean we can force her. She has to come on her own terms. And about her temper. Well, we will see about that."

Luna mumbled while sipping her soup, "Still... it would’ve been nice to meet her before heading into a dungeon."

Gideon pushed his plate forward and stood up. "Anyway, I’ve finished. I’ll go check the mission board and select a scroll."

Ronald raised an eyebrow. "Please don’t pick anything cursed this time."

Gideon rolled his eyes. "It was one time."

He stepped away from the table, heading toward the tall wall covered in dungeon scrolls. Several hunters were already going through the options. Gideon scanned for any suitable D-class dungeon.

He picked one after a minute.

Just as he turned around, the front doors of the guild creaked open.

The air shifted slightly.

Heads turned.

Noah Starwind entered with a calm stride, dressed in a long dark coat. And behind him followed Lilith Starwind, in her proud demeanor. She walked as if all had been waiting for her gracious presence.

Though some were really waiting but they weren’t that desperate for sure.

Her blue eyes swept across the hall. Her long silver hair was tied neatly behind her back. She wore a light combat uniform.....dark purple with silver lining. Her boots clicked softly against the marble floor.

Every conversation in the guild hushed for a moment.

Some recognized her. Others only stared because she walked in with someone they considered a legend.

Lilith didn’t react to any of it. She followed Noah silently until they reached Gideon’s table.

Gideon was already on his way back with the scroll in his hand.

Noah nodded at him. "Morning."

"Morning, Mr. Starwind. And... welcome." Gideon glanced at Lilith and gave a polite smile. "We’re glad to have you."

Lilith looked at him. "Only glad?! Shouldn’t you feel some other emotions as well?! Like maybe honored for example."

Noah’s eyes twitched.

"Lilith," he said firmly, eyes widened and tone laced with a bit of irritation.

"Okay fine." she pouted. "I am also delighted to join your party and learn from you guys."

"Good," Noah said with a satisfied expression and turned toward Gideon. "I will be leaving her in your care then."

"Don’t you worry at all Mr. Starwind," Gideon said.

Noah caressed Lilith’s head and said, "Take care, Lilith. Try to learn from them and don’t you dare treat them poorly. Or else it will be the end of your hunter career." With that, Noah nodded one more time at Gideon courteously and then left turning back.

"Over here. Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the party," Gideon said, guiding Lilith toward his party’s table. Lilith followed him.

Gideon waved at his team. "Alright, everyone. This is Lilith Starwind. She’s joining our party from today."

Lilith approached the table slowly. "Lilith. Lightning, gravity, air, and healing. Tier 2 mage."

She spoke like she was blessing them with her presence.

No one was naive enough to miss her contempt but they introduced themselves as well.

Lilith nodded, then pulled a chair and sat down without being asked. "So, when do we leave?"

Gideon hid his slight displeasure and said, "We’ve got a scroll. We’re heading out in an hour."

She gave a single nod and leaned back. "Good."

Ronald leaned toward Jessi and whispered, "Who does she think she is?!"

"Why are you complaining now?!" Jessi said, "Weren’t you the enthusiastic one to have her in our party?!"

Luna didn’t say anything.

Exactly one hour later, they were all outside the Hunter Guild, checking gear and their wagon.

It was ready. Ronald climbed into the front and took over the reins. Lilith sat near the back with others.

The journey to the dungeon started. This time, the dungeon was located in a desert-like area on the outskirts of the city.

By midday, the group stood at the dungeon’s entrance.

"Guys, we don’t want any accidents like the last time to happen again," Gideon said. "So everyone be careful and take care of each other. No one to slack off even for a moment."

"Understood," Everyone’s voice echoed at the same time.

The moment they stepped inside, the temperature dropped as it always happens. The inside was damp and fog hung low across the uneven stone floor.

The first group of monsters appeared not long after....five dire wolves snarled from behind a ridge.

Ronald struck first with a flash of lightning, stunning two. Luna followed with a burst of fire, forcing them back. Jessi laid down a freezing mist to block the flanks. Raphael was ready to use his healing magic whenever needed.

Lilith didn’t rush.

She waited. Observed.

Then, as two goblins tried to ambush from the sides, she raised a hand.

A flicker of gravity magic twisted the air and both goblins were slammed into the stone floor with bone-crunching force.

She looked smug. She always does. But her strength? It never failed to prove her heritage’s worth.

She simply moved forward.

A few minutes later, another wave attacked...this time from all sides.

Lilith stepped beside Luna without a word, threw multiple air blades, turning the incoming monsters into corpses. Luna blinked in surprise but nodded in appreciation. She was a few years older than Lilith but she was totally amazed by not just her strength but also her confidence.

Gideon watched everything with a careful eye. She wasn’t trying to stand out. She wasn’t trying to lead. She was just... effective.

And that was what impressed him most.

By the time they reached the final chamber, only the boss remained, a huge creepy-looking orc.

Ronald charged in, lightning coursing through his spear. Gideon came from the other side with fiery fists. Jessi trapped its feet with ice. Lilith walked calmly, then raised both hands.

A net of lightning coiled mid-air and snapped downward.

The orc didn’t even have time to roar. The combined attacks brought it down within seconds.

It hit the floor hard. Dead! This time it was a D-class dungeon and the difficulty matched its level. Not like the last time.

"Mission complete," Gideon muttered, wiping his brow.

Lilith looked around. "I expected a bit of a challenge."

Luna exhaled. "You’re pretty good."

Lilith tilted her head slightly. "I know." She enjoyed the compliment.

Ronald laughed. "Yeah... she fits right in."

As they walked back toward the entrance, Gideon smiled quietly to himself.

"Once Aiden is back, our party will be complete."

But he didn’t know, what fate had in store for his party. And when Logan would actually return.