Chapter 12: Oath!
The knowledge Natasha shared left both Orion and Randel astonished, never expecting such information to be disclosed to them. While it seems like trivial information at first glance, it still carries a significant weight if exposed to the public.
Some of this information touched on beliefs and gods, which could easily be perceived as blasphemy.
"So it's true! The first Hunter made an oath to the great sleeping ember and was the first one to witness the first light in the dark."
"My father explained some vague things during my training. I thought that he was simply placing his faith in the great sleeping ember."
Hearing their words, Natasha smiled and handed over a parchment. "All of this is true. The great sleeping ember is our hunter's faith, our God, the one who brought light to humanity.
One of the records states that when hunters were still an unstable organization and were being corroded by the chaos, the great sleeping ember shielded us and all humanity from the chaos and the monsters lurking in the dark.
It allowed us to have a foothold in our world and not face extinction."
The great sleeping ember is so kind... Orion felt deep devotion and gratitude towards the god revered by the hunter guild.
Unlike the cold embrace that drags you into the abyss, the sleeping ember was warm-hearted, offering both thought and guidance to help them.
"Now, the parchment you are holding contains the oath—the oath that has been adjusted to reflect the current state of the hunter guild. Back in the old days, the oath was more like a death sentence for hunters, but now it focuses on safeguarding the guild's secrets, yourself, and staying true to your purpose."
"Wait, I have a question—don't get me wrong, I'm just curious. What happens if I refuse to swear the oath, or if I swear it to another god, like the Cold Embrace?"
Surprise, Orion couldn't help but look at the daring Randel, who raised such absurd questions. To his understanding, since he was young, if you sought great spiritual protection, clarity, and more, then you could pray to the great sleeping ember, the slumbering giant, and even the caressing wind, but not to the cold embrace, as it was synonymous to praying for a silent and painless death.
In the Renero World, gods were known widely by all life, whether it was consciously or unconsciously, as their names spread like the very elements that permeated everything.
Though there were only a few responses, or sometimes none at all.
"Great question," Natasha began. "If you believe in the greatness of the Cold Embrace, you are free to do so. The guild does not demand great devotion or force doctrine upon others. However, I must say that if you swear an oath to other gods, the hunter guild may not be able to assist you with your next promotion—not out of prejudice, hatred, or anything else but because of the spiritual beliefs of hunters, which have been nurtured and protected by the Great Sleeping Ember.
In short, the guild can assure you that by trusting the great sleeping ember, you will be protected by the warmth of the light—shielding your truth, your purpose, and yourself.
This is something the Cold Embrace cannot offer, as records, practices, and sacrifices have shown," Natasha explained slowly, noticing Terry entering the room.
"Oh, haha, I understand, so the old man had been like that." Randel laughed, scratching his head.
"I also have a question, but it's not about the belief or God's... Uhm... I just want to know if there are other paths, like the beast potion something that won't lead to such tragic death?"
"I'll answer your question, young cub." Terry pulled a chair and sat down as he locked eyes with Orion. "According to the great chaos documented by our ancestors and the truth secretly protected by the guild, there is no other path. The beast potion is the only way—the only means of defending ourselves against the monsters and the approach of the blood moon."
"As for researching other paths, it's not possible. Hundred thousand lives have taught us that the beast potion is unlike anything else—not just a simple healing or stamina potion."
Orion swallowed hard and nodded. "I... I understand, senior."
Clap!
"Great, now that your question has been answered, it's time to take the oath. Please face the altar where the scorched tablet is resting and silently swear your oath."
Orion and Randel exchange nods, responding to Natasha's words and their mutual understanding that it is time.
As he focused on the altar, he felt some warm breath gently caress his cheek, as though something tangible had touched him, yet neither the orb nor him failed to detect the strangeness that happened.
Hunter's Oath!
'By the flame that never dies and the truth that burns within, I, Orion Evercrest, vow to tread the path of my purpose, unyielding to my truth, myself, and the secrets of the guild.
No shadows shall claim my honor, no temptation shall bend my will. To the one above, the great sleeping ember, I bind this oath to you, forged in fire, sealed in destiny.'
The candlelight flame flickered as they completed their oaths, followed by a soothing warmth that washed their bodies, leaving them a sense of comfort and rejuvenation as if they had just had a good rest.
Clap!
"Congratulations to the both of you," Natasha repeated with a warm smile. "You are now the hunter guild's hunter. Please wait here for a moment."
As she exited the room, Terry stood from his seat, a faintly amused smile playing on his lips.
"Listen closely," he began, his voice carrying a mix of authority and humor. "Now that you've earned the rank of fledgling Hunters, you'll be assigned to a group of seasoned hunters for a probationary period of two months. During this time, you'll be closely observed and assessed, not just for your current skills and conditions, but to ensure you learn the hunter's way."
He paused, waiting for Orion and Randel to digest his words. "Be prepared to stake your life on this. Missions are all dangerous—there's no sugarcoating that. Heh... After the probation, the higher-ups will know your conditions and if you are qualified to apply for the next promotion."
Terry's expression hardened, his brow furrowing slightly. "Perform well if you want to advance. Once your probation is over, you'll have the freedom to form your own team, join a kingdom's special knights if you're aiming for nobility, or venture out as a solo hunter, carving your own path across the land."
"Oh, and one more thing," Terry added, glancing toward the door before continuing with a sly smile. "Navarro specifically instructed you two to not return to the assessment room and head straight home to rest."
He let out a light chuckle, his tone teasing. "That old stick-in-the-mud may seem stern, heartless, and irritable—hehe—but don't take it personally. He's just concerned. Absorbing the power of the Fledgling Potion doesn't mean you've fully conquered the spirit of the animal you chose."
"This!" Orion tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat.
"My friend is still undergoing the promotion—how could I just leave?" Randel refused to go home.
"Then you wait in the reception hall," Terry retorted, not caring much.
After finishing his remarks, Terry casually strolled out of the room without a second glance.
Moments later, Natasha stepped in, holding two guild cards in her hands. Each card detailed personal information and the bearer's rank.
As Orion accepted his guild card, his eyes drifted toward the hallway leading to the assessment room. For a moment, he hesitated, curiosity tugging at him. But with a sigh, he pushed the thought aside and chose to follow the adults' instructions.
After all, this was his first day—or rather, his first minutes—as a hunter, and he had no intention of spoiling it with a round of lectures.
It would be great if everyone succeeded in their promotions... Sigh.
Sniff!
Returning to the reception hall, Orion was surprised to find Dave and Javier still waiting for him.
Both of them wore wide, almost obnoxious grins, their excitement barely contained as they celebrated his success in stepping onto the path of a hunter.