Chapter 112 The Hunter's Alliance

The morning sun cast golden rays across the courtyard of the Suzuhara guildhall as Ren walked into the open training arena. Dew clung to the grass around the perimeter fence, shimmering beneath the cloudless autumn sky.

He stood in the center of the sand ring wearing only his simple cotton tunic and loose trousers, having unclipped his entire mask harness.

"Let us see the true state of my unassisted core after all those grueling mountain hunts..." Ren murmured softly as he focused his internal power. "Without any borrowed strength from my beast spirits, my body should reveal its natural foundation!"

A soft chime echoed in his mind as the status interface materialized before his eyes, displaying crisp lettering.

[Status: Ren Kisaragi]

[Personal Rank: B-Rank]

[Unmasked Attributes: Strength 62 | Agility 65 | Endurance 60 | Vitality 64 | Perception 58]

[Active Masks: 7/7 Stored (None Equipped)]

[Available Skills: Unmasked Core Resonance, Spatial Storage, Enhanced Recovery]

A wave of profound satisfaction washed over Ren as he read the numbers floating quietly upon the display panel. His base physical capabilities without a single mask crossed the monumental threshold that separated veteran journeymen from true regional champions.

Reiji stepped into the arena carrying two blunted practice broadswords, a broad grin spreading across his rugged features.

"Haruto told me you were out here testing your aura before breakfast, Ren!" Reiji boomed with hearty laughter, tossing one of the practice weapons across the ring. "Show me what an unmasked B-rank hunter can do against a seasoned frontier veteran!"

Ren caught the hilt cleanly out of the air, spinning the practice blade with effortless fluidity before settling into a balanced stance.

"Do not hold anything back, Reiji..." Ren warned with a sharp grin, sinking his weight into the soft arena sand. "I want to feel the full impact of your strikes so I can properly test my unenhanced reaction speed!"

Reiji lunged forward with explosive power, sweeping his practice sword in a wide horizontal arc that whistled sharply through the morning air.

Ren pivoted smoothly on his back heel, deflecting the strike with a crisp parry that sent dull vibrations humming through both weapons. The impact felt remarkably manageable compared to their earlier sparring sessions, his strengthened wrists absorbing the sudden shock without yielding an inch.

Koharu and Akane walked out onto the stone veranda overlooking the sand ring, holding mugs of spiced cider as they watched the duel.

"Reiji is putting his entire shoulder into those swings!" Koharu remarked with bright amusement, leaning against the railing to watch. "Look how easily Ren redirects the force without even shifting his center of gravity!"

Reiji unleashed a fierce combination, stepping inside Ren's guard with an upward slash aimed toward his unprotected ribs.

Ren leaned backward with razor-thin precision, allowing the blunted edge to pass harmlessly above his chest before countering with a swift palm thrust. His strike caught Reiji squarely against the chest protector, pushing the massive warrior three paces backward across the churning sand.

Reiji steadied his footing with a low grunt of admiration, adjusting his grip upon the practice sword as his eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Your natural speed increased dramatically since our expedition into the northern gorges..." Reiji stated with deep respect, rolling his broad shoulders. "You moved around my combination without showing a single hesitation in your footwork!"

Ren lowered his weapon slightly, feeling the steady flow of his breathing despite the burst of physical exertion.

"My physical senses feel completely unified, Reiji..." Ren replied with an earnest smile, wiping sweat from his brow. "In the past, removing a mask left my muscles sluggish, but now my body moves with total organic harmony!"

Akane walked down the steps into the arena, carrying calipers and a notebook filled with dimensional sketches.

"Your core energy circulation is stabilizing at a much higher resting frequency than before..." Akane observed thoughtfully as she examined Ren's posture. "That means your seven-slot harness will operate with greater efficiency during long combat engagements!"

Yui emerged from the adjoining apothecary wing, carrying a tray loaded with honey buns, sliced fruit, and herbal tea.

"You two should pause your duel before you work up an uncontrollable appetite!" Yui called out with a warm laugh, waving them toward the tables. "Master Genzou and the village council just sent over fresh mountain honey to celebrate your milestone!"

The group gathered around the outdoor bench, the aroma of herbal tea and warm pastries filling the crisp morning air with comfort.

Koharu unfolded an official parchment map of the southern trade routes, smoothing down the creased corners upon the tabletop.

"Now that our northern freight routes are operating smoothly, we must finalize our itinerary for the capital journey..." Koharu explained with businesslike focus, tracing a line toward the southern metropolis. "The High Guild Tribunal in Ouka meets on the first day of next month to review all regional registry disputes!"

Reiji swallowed a mouthful of pastry before leaning over the map, pointing his calloused finger at the central river basin.

"We should take the express river barge down the River of Black Glass to bypass the muddy mountain valleys..." Reiji suggested with practical enthusiasm. "The boat trip will save us five full days of overland travel and keep our equipment completely dry!"

Ren studied the marked river channels carefully, calculating the travel time required to transport their evidence chests safely across the provincial border.

"Taking the waterway will also allow us to keep a low profile until we reach the capital gates..." Ren added with a calm nod. "Director Arata likely has informants watching the main southern highways, so avoiding the standard coach roads is our safest strategy!"

Yui placed a small container filled with restorative ointment and purified fever tinctures beside Ren's elbow.

"I prepared double portions of wound salves, digestive tonics, and concentrated mana restoratives for your journey..." Yui said softly, her bright eyes shining with tender concern. "The capital is a vast and unfamiliar place, so please promise me that you will prioritize your health!"

Ren placed his hand gently over hers, offering a warm and reassuring smile that melted away her lingering worries.

"I promise to take every necessary precaution, Yui..." Ren said with heartfelt sincerity, meeting her gaze with steady conviction. "Your medicines saved my life more times than I can count, and I will keep them close at hand throughout the entire expedition!"

Akane inspected the splintered crossguards where the strikes collided during the spar, noting the hairline cracks along the timber.

"These practice weapons need reinforced ash fittings and new leather grip wraps before our apprentices can safely use them again..." Akane noted with a thoughtful hum. "The replacement timber and workshop repair supplies will cost about eight silver coins down at the carpenter guild!"

Ren unhitched his coin pouch from his travel belt, counting out eight shining silver coins and handing them directly to the young artisan.

"Take these eight silver coins to cover the timber and get whatever additional fasteners you need for the workshop..." Ren said with an encouraging nod. "Our guildhall training facilities must remain in top condition for all the new hunters joining our independent network!"

After deducting eight silver coins for the workshop repairs, Ren's personal cash balance settled at exactly five hundred and thirty silver coins.

Master Genzou walked into the courtyard leaning upon his carved walking staff, his weathered face creased with a proud and contented smile.

"The whole town of Suzuhara is talking about your unmasked breakthrough, young man!" Genzou announced with great pride, his deep voice carrying across the sunny courtyard. "It has been over thirty years since this valley produced an independent B-rank hunter without corporate sponsorship!"

Ren stood up respectfully, bowing his head in sincere gratitude toward the veteran guild elder who guided his earliest steps.

"Everything we achieved here is built upon the foundation you provided, Master Genzou..." Ren said with profound humility. "Our alliance proved that frontier hunters can stand united, defend their communities, and thrive without bowing to corporate monopolies!"

Genzou chuckled softly with genuine amusement, tapping his sturdy walking staff against the stone ground to emphasize his words.

"Go to Ouka, present your evidence before the High Arbitrators, and claim your rightful place among the elite hunters of the realm..." Genzou commanded with fierce encouragement in his eyes. "Show the capital nobility that the spirit of the frontier burns brighter than all their gilded towers!"

Koharu rolled up the southern route map, securing it with a silk ribbon before packing it into her leather courier satchel.

"Our departure is scheduled for tomorrow at sunrise from the southern river wharf!" Koharu declared with radiant determination, looking around the circle of trusted companions. "We will board the dawn barge, deliver our sealed evidence to the Grand Registry, and secure official recognition for our independent guild!"

Reiji clapped Ren firmly on the shoulder, his booming laughter echoing across the peaceful training grounds.

"I already informed the dockmaster to reserve our freight berths on the morning vessel..." Reiji confirmed with eager enthusiasm. "Everything is in place, and the southern horizon is calling our names!"

With his unmasked B-rank core humming with vibrant vitality and his seven beast masks resting safely in his storage, Ren felt completely prepared for the journey ahead. The morning wind whispered through the courtyard trees, carrying the scent of pine and adventure toward the southern road.