When the tall, gaunt figure approached through the thin mist, Hulk was the first to greet him.
He showed the man the commission and explained who they were and why they had come.
The thin, middle-aged man's face was expressionless. He scrutinized them with deep-set eyes, then gave a slight nod and led them inside.
The wooden cabin was more spacious than it looked from outside. Its furnishings were simple, but the place had a strange feel to it. Dried meat and the skeletons of small creatures hung on the walls, filling the air with a mixture of gamey and spicy smells.
"That's right. I'm Trist," he said, his voice a little hoarse but calm. "I'm a hunter who lives out here...and a gourmet in search of the ultimate flavor."
"Hulk," Hulk replied tersely. "Captain of the Dragon Fang adventurer squad. The commission mentioned that you'd be going into the kobold cave with us. Can you tell us why?"
A confident look appeared on Trist's face. He seemed to see no reason to hide it. "Because there's an ingredient I've been searching for a long time in that cave—a kobold shaman who's awakened its dragon bloodline. It's my target."
"A kobold shaman?"
Hulk sat up straight, his brow furrowing. That key detail hadn't been mentioned anywhere in the commission.
"Exactly." Trist waved a hand, unconcerned. "I know it won't be easy to deal with. But don't worry, I can handle it myself. I called you here just to be extra safe and clear out the minions."
As if to prove his point, he called toward the door, drawing out the name: "Little Pearl!"
Hulk and the others followed his gaze.
Outside, the pale mist swirled.
There was nothing there.
Meanwhile, a short distance away in the dense woods, an exciting