The Monster Monarch System-Chapter 223: Bounty (Part 2)

The sun had barely risen over Ether Town when the soft creak of wooden boards echoed behind the inn.

In the cool morning air, Rem and Luke faced off, their breaths visible in the faint chill.

Kiara sat cross-legged on the sidelines, leaning back against a post, her sleepy eyes half-lidded as she watched them.

"Come on, Luke," Rem said, his tone calm but challenging. "You’ve been boasting about how much faster you’ve gotten. Show me."

Luke wiped sweat from his brow and grinned. "You asked for it."

Without hesitation, he surged forward, his fists snapping out with practiced precision.

With every strike, bursts of soul energy radiated from his limbs, small explosions of force that propelled him faster than any normal human could move.

Rem remained relaxed, his stance loose yet perfectly balanced.

As Luke’s attacks came in quick succession, Rem deflected them with fluid precision.

Each time Luke thought he had an opening, Rem would slip just out of reach, his counterattacks coming dangerously close.

"You’re leaking energy," Rem said, dodging another strike and lightly tapping Luke’s side with his knuckles — a reminder of how exposed the boy’s defenses were.

Luke growled in frustration, his movements becoming sharper.

His strikes carried more control now, each one more focused than the last.

Finally, Luke feinted a left hook before twisting his body to deliver a sweeping kick aimed at Rem’s midsection.

It was faster than anything he’d done before.

But Rem was already moving. In one smooth motion, he caught Luke’s ankle and twisted, pulling the boy off balance.

Luke yelped as he stumbled forward, only to find his arm wrenched behind his back.

"That’s enough," Rem said, releasing him and stepping back.

Luke groaned, rubbing his arm. "You always do that. One of these days, I’m going to land a hit on you."

"Maybe," Rem replied with a smirk. "But not today."

"Show-off," Kiara muttered from her spot on the ground, though there was a glint of amusement in her eyes.

Rem glanced at her. "You’re next if you keep talking."

Kiara snorted and stretched her arms above her head. "Yeah, right. I’m not dumb enough to spar with you this early." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Smart choice," Rem said, motioning for the two to follow him. "Come on, we need to eat."

The three of them headed into the inn to clean up and change before venturing out into the now bustling streets of Ether Town.

Luke’s stomach growled loudly, earning a laugh from Kiara.

"You sound like a starving beast," she teased.

"Easy for you to say," Luke shot back. "I’ve been sparring while you were sitting on your butt."

"Enough," Rem said, though his tone was more amused than stern. "We’re getting breakfast. Try to act civilized."

They made their way to the town’s bar, a cozy place with a worn wooden sign that read The Hearthstone Tavern.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the scent of fresh bread and roasted meats wafting through the air.

A few early risers were scattered among the tables, their quiet conversations blending with the crackle of the hearthfire.

The barmaid, a cheerful woman with her hair tied back in a loose bun, greeted them with a smile.

"Morning, travelers. Grab a seat wherever you like."

They settled at a corner table near the window, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow across the wooden surfaces.

"What’ll it be?" the barmaid asked, approaching with a notepad.

"Three breakfasts, and make them hearty," Rem said.

"Coming right up," she replied before heading back to the kitchen.

Luke leaned back in his chair, looking around the room. "This place feels different in the morning. Less noisy."

"That’s because the rowdy types are still asleep," Kiara said.

Kiara propped her chin on her hand, her gaze flicking between her brother and Rem. "So, what’s the plan after this? Are we staying here another day?"

Rem shook his head. "No. We’ll stock up on supplies and head out by noon. The next leg of the journey will be tougher, and I don’t want us getting stuck on the road after dark."

"Great," Luke muttered. "More walking."

Kiara nudged him with her foot. "You need the exercise. Maybe it’ll help you actually land a hit on Rem."

"Keep talking," Luke said, glaring at her. "Next time, you’re sparring with me."

Their playful bickering was interrupted when the barmaid returned, balancing three plates piled high with eggs, sausages, and thick slices of bread.

She set them down with a flourish.

"Enjoy," she said with a smile before heading to the next table.

Luke didn’t need to be told twice. He dug in immediately, shoveling food into his mouth with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn’t eaten in days.

Kiara rolled her eyes but followed suit, though at a more moderate pace.

Rem ate in silence, his movements deliberate and his eyes scanning the room. It was a habit he couldn’t shake, even in moments of relative peace.

He caught snippets of conversation from nearby tables — travelers discussing trade routes, locals gossiping about a recent skirmish outside town.

"You’re always watching," Kiara said suddenly, her tone light but curious.

Rem glanced at her. "Old habits."

Luke paused mid-bite, looking up. "What, like being paranoid?"

"Like staying alive," Rem said simply.

The weight of his words hung in the air for a moment before Kiara broke the tension with a shrug.

"Well, you’re probably right. This place might seem nice, but I doubt it’s completely safe."

"It’s not," Rem said. "Which is why you two need to stay sharp. Don’t let the calm fool you. Trouble has a way of finding people like us."

The siblings exchanged a glance but didn’t argue.

By the time they finished their meal, the bar was starting to fill with more patrons, and the noise level began to rise.

Rem paid for their breakfast, and the three of them stepped back out into the bustling streets of Ether Town, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store.

#####

The marketplace in Ether Town bustled with activity as Rem, Luke, and Kiara navigated through the crowded stalls.

Merchants shouted over each other, advertising everything from dried meats to enchanted trinkets.

The air was rich with the aroma of spiced goods, fresh produce, and the faint tang of metal from the smithy nearby.

Rem led the way, his eyes scanning the crowd with practiced caution.

He moved like a shadow, purposeful and quiet, his black cloak trailing behind him.

"Stay close," he said over his shoulder. "This isn’t the kind of place where you wander off."