The Ultimate Hunter: The First Nexarri

Kelvin’s normal life

“Kelvin! If you’re awake, stop pretending you’re not!”

His mother’s voice came through the door, followed by a light knock.

Kelvin groaned softly and shifted under the covers, dragging a hand through his long black hair.

“So it’s morning already,” he muttered.

For a moment, he stayed where he was, listening to the faint sounds of the village outside.

Voices carried in the distance, mixed with the quiet rhythm of another day beginning.

A small smile formed on his lips.

Same noise. Same people. Same village.

Ashvale had not changed. But today was different. He was finally sixteen.

Kelvin pushed himself up from the bed, letting out a quiet breath as he stretched. The cool morning air brushed against his skin as he swung his legs over the side and stood.

He ran a hand through his long black hair, trying to tame the loose strands before giving up with a faint sigh. It would have to do.

The wooden floor creaked softly beneath his steps as he moved toward the door and stepped out into the narrow hallway. The house was modest, built from timber and stone, with the faint scent of herbs lingering in the air.

His mother stood just ahead, near a small table lined with jars and bundles of dried plants.

Nyx Valeria Corvin.

She glanced up as he approached, her light blue eyes settling on him for a moment before a small smile formed on her lips.

“You’re finally awake,” she said, her voice calm but warm.

Kelvin rubbed the back of his neck. “I was awake.”

She gave him a look that said she didn’t believe him.

“Go wash up,” she said, turning slightly as she arranged a few of the herbs. “Your father’s already waiting.”

Kelvin nodded and moved past her, stepping outside into the morning light.

The village of Ashvale had fully come alive now. A few villagers passed by in the distance, carrying tools or baskets, their voices blending into the steady rhythm of the day.

Near the side of the house sat a wooden basin filled with cool water. Kelvin dipped his hands into it, the chill waking him fully as he splashed water onto his face.

He exhaled, wiping it away before taking a moment to steady himself.

Sixteen.

The thought lingered, heavier now than it had been before.

After drying his face with a cloth hanging nearby, he headed back inside. The scent of food reached him almost immediately.

His father would be waiting.

Kelvin stepped into the main room, the scent of warm food filling the space. A simple wooden table sat at the center, already set.

Sagax Blake was seated there, his posture straight as always, a bowl in front of him.

He glanced up as Kelvin entered.

Kelvin didn’t hide the small smile on his face as he walked over and took his seat.

Sagax’s eyes lingered on him for a moment.

“You look pleased with yourself.”

Kelvin shrugged lightly, though the smile didn’t fade. “Can’t I be?”

Sagax studied him, then shook his head slightly. “What is it?”

Kelvin leaned back a little. “Did you forget?”

“Forget what?”

Kelvin let out a quiet breath, almost amused. “Today’s my birthday.”

Sagax looked at him for a second, then gave a small, dismissive nod. “And?”

Kelvin blinked. “And I’m sixteen.”

Sagax picked up his bowl. “You’ve had enough birthdays already.”

There was a brief pause before Nyx let out a soft laugh from where she stood nearby. Kelvin shook his head, a quiet laugh escaping him as well.

“Right,” Kelvin muttered. “Good to know it means nothing.”

“It means you’re a year older,” Sagax replied calmly. “That’s about it.”

Nyx stepped closer and set food down on the table. “Ignore him,” she said gently. “It’s an important day.”

Kelvin gave a small nod, the smile returning as he reached for his food.

For a while, the three of them ate in a quiet, comfortable rhythm.

After a moment, Sagax spoke again. “We’ll head out later. There’s still time before the sun gets too high.”

Kelvin looked up. “Hunting?”

Sagax nodded. “You’re coming with me.”

Kelvin didn’t hide the satisfaction in his expression. “Of course.”

Sagax’s gaze lingered on him briefly before he continued eating. “After that, you’re free to do what you want. Spend time with your friends if you must.”

Kelvin smirked slightly. “I will.”

Nyx sat down beside them, her expression calm. “I won’t be joining you. I have people to see today.”

Kelvin glanced at her. “More patients?”

She nodded. “A few have been unwell. I need to check on them.”

Sagax gave a small nod of acknowledgment, but said nothing more.

The room settled into a quiet calm again, filled only with the soft sounds of eating and the faint noise of the village outside.

For Kelvin, it felt like any other morning.

After finishing the last of his meal, Kelvin leaned back slightly and let out a quiet breath.

Sagax stood first.

“Get ready,” he said. “We’re heading out.”

Kelvin nodded and rose to his feet. He stepped outside and reached for his things where they rested against the wall.

A simple bow. A small bundle of arrows. The dagger his father had given him.

When he returned, Sagax was already by the door, his own bow slung across his back.

In the morning light, Kelvin took him in more clearly.

Sagax Blake stood tall with a strong, well-defined build shaped by years of hunting. He wore a dark, fitted tunic with worn leather straps across his chest, and sturdy trousers tucked into boots marked by use. His long black hair fell loosely behind him, and his eyes were a cold, steady shade of grey, always sharp and observant.

Kelvin looked similar in some ways, but not quite the same. His own frame was still growing into its strength, lean rather than fully built. His long black hair was less controlled, falling freely around his face, and his light blue eyes carried a softer look compared to his father’s calm intensity. His clothes were simpler, a plain tunic and trousers suited for training rather than experience.

Kelvin adjusted the strap of his bow. “Ready.”

Sagax gave a short nod and stepped outside.

The village stretched out before them, already alive with movement. Villagers passed by carrying tools and baskets, some offering small greetings as they went about their day.

Before leaving, Sagax reached for a spear resting against the side of the house. It was simple, with a wooden shaft and a metal tip worn from use. He carried it with ease.

Kelvin noticed. “Taking that too?”

“Just in case,” Sagax replied.

They left Ashvale behind, the open paths slowly giving way to thicker trees. The sounds of the village faded, replaced by the quiet of the forest.

The air felt different here. Cooler. Still.

Sagax’s pace slowed, his eyes scanning the ground and the spaces between the trees. Kelvin followed his lead, becoming more careful with each step.

After some time, Sagax raised a hand.

Kelvin stopped immediately.

Sagax crouched slightly and pointed. “Tracks.”

Kelvin stepped closer and looked down. Marks pressed into the dirt, clear enough once he focused.

“Deer,” Sagax said.

Kelvin nodded.

“Stay behind me. Watch.”

They moved forward with care, each step controlled. The forest felt quiet now, as if everything was waiting.

Then a shape moved between the trees.

Sagax was already in motion. He reached for his bow, drew an arrow, and pulled the string back with steady control.

Kelvin watched closely.

A brief pause.

Then he released.

The arrow flew straight and struck cleanly. The deer dropped where it stood.

Kelvin exhaled softly, impressed despite himself.

Sagax lowered the bow. “Come.”