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((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 2 of 2))
A monster? Hector hadn't known what to expect, but that answer still surprised him. As far as he was aware, Lorent was about as peaceful as Atreya.

Well, as peaceful as Atreya used to be.

It therefore seemed strange to him that there would be anything blatantly supernatural in the country. There were probably a few hidden servants hanging out there, sure, but a monster? A real one?

And the government there wanted him to hunt it?

He had a lot of questions, and he was silent for a time as he mulled them over in his mind. Garovel wasn't saying anything, either, which struck Hector as unusual.

Eh, the reaper probably just didn't want to interrupt. Hector had little doubt that Garovel would have plenty to tell him later.

"...You don't have anyone in Lorent who can kill this monster for you?" said Hector.

"It would seem not. Several hunters were previously contracted to kill the beast." The ambassador's stern face became abruptly more so. "None have succeeded."

Well, shit.

"In fact, I am understating it," the man continued. "Not only have none succeeded, but none have even returned. Which is particularly troubling, I feel. One would imagine that the more cowardly among the hunters would have been quick enough to flee and save their own lives, but apparently not. Even merely retrieving their bodies has often proved too difficult. The beast is extremely territorial."

Geez. Hector cocked an eyebrow. "How many hunters have you lost, exactly?"

"Forty-three in total," said Stoutamire. "That is in addition to all of civilians who have been killed."

Hector blinked. "That practically doubles the number of victims."

"Yes, you see, at beginning of this... problem... we did not realize the full extent of the danger, and so a call went out for volunteer hunters. Open to the public." The man shook his head grimly. "I heard it was a festive gathering, at first. Full of confidence and optimism. Until it became a slaughter."