In the midst of the shock and awe of the spectators of the fight, no one was more surprised of the outcome then Dan himself. Aegis a very close second.

“Kid, What was that?!”

“I-I dunno” Dan was still standing in that dumbfounded pose as he looked around.

“Well, how did you do it?” Aegis continued his questioning.

“I honestly don’t know?” Was Dan’s response.

Aegis’s eyebrow twitched as he threw his hooves up “HOW do you not know?”

“L-look I dunno how it happened, what happened, or why? It just sorta happened, ok?!” He was really thankful that the chatter of the nobles and ambassadors were drowning out his conversation with his ghostly instructor.

Aegis folded his hooves. “Hmm, this is unprecedented… we’ll discuss this later when we have more privacy. For the time being. I do believe the hunter should start looking like he MEANT to win.” he gestured to the spectators and Princesses.

“Huh?-OH Right uh.” he scratched his head in thought before clearing his throat. “Uh… Is this proof enough of my abilities?” He was forcing a far manlier voice than his usual one as he puffed out his chest. Aegis rolled his eyes.

“Well, at least you’re trying.” Aegis then flew into Dan.

Seeing Dan had finally drawn in everyone’s attention to settle down, Princess Celestia finally came out of her thoughts and utter shock to address everyone. “As Sir Richards has asked, I hope that everypony's thoughts and reservations on our new hunter have finally been quelled?”

There were no objections among the ponies, nor the ambassadors. Just stares at Dan’s direction as Broadhorn finally got to his feet after waking up. “Ah… What happened?” it took a moment for his memory to catch up and he looked around before noticing Dan. When they made eye contact, Dan thought the big guy was gonna be pissed at him. For Broadhorn, the first thing he felt was fear, but almost immediately afterward he felt pride and excitement. “Now THAT is how a hunter should be!” he bellowed with a laugh as he came up to Dan, grabbed his hand nearly shook his entire body as he vigorously gave him a handshake, Still laughing away. “Swift! Dexterous! Powerful! And scarier than anything locked in Tartarus.” he slapped Dan’s back hard enough to make the poor guy stumble forward.

“Ow”

Broadhorn then turned “My sword!” he called as a soldier trotted up with his sword, Wolfsbane, in his mouth, sheathe and all. Broadhorn took the blade from the soldier then turned and held it out to Dan. “As promised... This belongs to you.”

Dan looked at the blade. “Uuuh, that's fine, you don’t have to give me your sword.”

“Nonsense, this sword was yours, to begin with,” Broadhorn practically shoved into Dan’s hands with another laugh. “In a way, I was just holding onto it for the old man until you showed up.”

“What do you-”

“It's a long story, kid, but for the summary: That sword belonged to the first Hunter and was then given to me, once I earned it. So now you’ve earned it. Just take the damn sword so we can move on.”

Dan grimaced a bit but took it anyway. “Uh, thank you, Ambassador. For holding onto this.” he had trouble figuring out what to do with it until Aegis told him how to wear it. ‘Funny how I always wanted a Sword as a kid and now, I’m contemplating that it might be useless to have it.’

“You won’t know until you have a chance to use it, Dan.” Aegis responded as Dan managed to get the sword strapped to his hip. During all this the ambassadors, including Broadhorn all gathered together to have a conversation with the princesses.

“I have to say, that was a splendid showing, Mr. Richards.” A stallion walked by him from behind When Dan turned around. The stallion was already disappearing into the crowd. “I look forward to this wild new future you’re leading us.” Whoever the Stallion was, he definitely sounded like he grew up in nobility but it had a more down to earth feel to the accent compared to others, articulate, confident, but not pompous.

“Uh… Thanks?”

“Congratulations Sir!” He practically jumped at the sudden outburst to his side. It turned out to be a rather cheerful Wind Flower. “That spar was amazing, especially at the end when you were all.. All, Yeah!”

Dan just smirked and pointed a finger gun at her. “Yyyyup, that's exactly what it was.”

“Sorry, sir, it's just hard to explain what just happened…. What just happened?”

“I’ll let you know when I actually know, Sport. For now, I’m starving and I don’t want to be left to my thoughts. Can we get some grub?”

“O-oh sure! Right this way. I recommend the punch!” “Show me to the meat dishes first. I know they made some for that Broadhorn guy back there…”

“Oh, uh s-sure right this way!” Dan followed Windy to the buffet tables as he was congratulated by ponies every now and then for his “splendid display of combat and prowess.” Dan could only nod and agree or thank them. A lot of them seemed genuine in their compliments, but some he could tell were just thankful their investments were not being wasted.

During this the ambassadors and the Princesses were given time amongst themselves to speak alone as the guard surrounded them and gave them a rather generous perimeter to keep ears and prying eyes away. “Ah, haven’t gotten bruises this bad since the good old days sparring with the old bull. Oh what a snot-nosed brat I was.” Broadhorn seemed to be reminiscing.

The rest of the group just moved on without him. “I have to agree with Broadhorn to an extent, This new hunter. He definitely seems to be a powerful asset, potentially. A bit of an odd one compared to his predecessor, if you don’t mind me saying.” Gale Beak stated as she looked amongst the group.

“You got that right.” Lava Spitter huffed. “One minute, he’s all jumpy and getting his flanked handed to him, the next he’s standing over the minotaurs unconscious body like it was nothing.” He then stepped in and held a claw up. “What was that feeling I got from him during those last few minutes?”

“What feeling?” Gale Beak asked

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” the dragon snorted a short billow of smoke from his nostrils, “This hunter is on the brink of defeat when suddenly, He starts fighting like a predator,” He closed his eyes to recall the memory. “Eyes solely locked onto his prey, Swift and fluid were his motions to avoid Broadhorn’s offense, yet easily able to pounce onto him and dish out his own.”

Broadhorn rubbed his cheek, that particular attack was hard to forget since his face still felt sore from it. “And he didn’t stop there.”

“True,” Gale Beak held a claw under her beak in thought. “His prowess may be far more formidable than we originally believed.”

“And I sensed a beast in that boy.” Lava Spitter responded, which gained him looks from everyone else. “I meant what I said. This hunter has something in him. It isn’t anything like when Aegis was wearing the title.” This left group silent for a few moments before Luna took this moment to speak.

“No matter the reason, you all are in agreement that he qualified for his role then.” There were no objections. “And listening to the crowd of investors they all agree as well. Is there any more need to discuss the topic?” Luna was smirking. She could see two of them didn’t want to admit it for superficial reasons then actual reasons. Thus no room to argue. Oh how she loved to be right, especially now. Celestia just sighed, at least it settled matters. However she too was curious about how the match ended. Never once did she see Aegis pull off such a stunt so early in his career, nor did his style. No doubt something that she would have to discuss later with the boys.

~~~

Deep Everfree Forest

Meanwhile

It was practically pitch black… but then again what else was new with this particular area of the forest. Enough death had made it clear with the local wildlife to stay clear of such a dangerous place, but every now and then you get a lost one The poor thing, a cockatrice this time. Sure, not many Ponies were fond of the guy, but he was part of the ecosystem all the same. This particular one was already injured and on the run. It had been attacked. What attacked it? A strange tainted beast, This one was nothing but a two-legged black sludge, much like the ones Dan had to deal with last time he was here, however, there was no telling what it once was. Ever since the cockatrice stumbled into the area, that thing had been chasing after it relentlessly deeper into the Forest, until the cockatrice noticed the ground it was running on felt wet almost, the splashing sounds made it felt like an endless puddle. And then, the scent of death, all around it and beneath it. How it was unable to pick it up until now, it couldn’t even fathom. And there was no time to even think that. The monster that was chasing it suddenly stopped. Even though it was so dark, something in the beast’s chest was pulsing and glowing bright enough for the Cockatrice to keep track of where it was as it chased. As if the sounds it made weren’t enough anyway. A wet gurgling growl.

Despite its best efforts of turning it to stone, it would be like another would come out from behind one tree or another to continue the chase. Now the cockatrice was in the worst possible place it could be as it could see more of that dim pulsing glow around it. It panicked, it used its defense mechanism once more. One by one turning them to stone, only for more to rise up from the ground and take their place. As they closed in. When they were close enough. They all jumped it at once and the next thing the cockatrice knew, was inky blackness.

When it awoke it had no clue how long it was out or where it was, but it was no longer in that dark part of the forest…. It then felt an impulse… to head south… this impulse was strong it could only obey. As black mist. Escaped its mouth when it exhaled. It had no clue that its death was imminent. Only the thought of going south… What laid in the south of its position?

A sleepy small town called Ponyville for one.

~~~~~~~~~~

Canterlot Castle, Dan’s Quarters

Later that Evening

Dan face planted on the bed and practically melted into the mattress. “Augh… My everything hurts…”

“Well, you did take on Broadhorn and managed to beat him as well.” Aegis responded in Dan’s mind. “Along with having to answer all those questions from the peanut gallery, I’m not surprised that you’re exhausted.”

Dan’s response was another groan as he tried to crawl into bed, before hearing a knock on his door. “No ones here! Go away!”

Aegis then drifted out of his body. “Don’t be rude, Dan, answer the door.”

With a sigh of defeat and even more knocking. Dan forced himself back up and made it over to the door. “Man this better be room service…” He opened the door to see Wind Flower at the door. “Windy?... What’s going on?”

Wind gave a swift bow of her head “Sorry, I know you’re tired from today, but m-my boss would like to talk with you.”

He raised an eyebrow until he remembered her saying she used to work for the Company, directly under the president. He then shook his head. “Seriously? Can’t you tell him to wait until tomorrow?”

She then bowed even more almost like he was a royalty or something. “Please! I know you have every right to say no, but, but… You have to see him… please.” Wind Flower seemed extremely serious and very nervous. That much he can pick up.

… Dan folded his arms, fixing to answer her, but before he could open his mouth she spoke again.

“Please, Sir Richards, I promise to do anything you want. Just hear him out, please?” She looked up at him. And.. Oh no… not those eyes… always the eyes with these ponies…

… He sighed and averted his gaze. “Alright… fine… where is he?”

~~~

“Seriously? He wants to see me and he has the gall to make me walk all the way to his headquarters.” Dan grumbled as he looked on at the tall building. The amulet around his neck, of course, to prevent unnecessary attention. Anyways they stood in front of the gate where a security guard stood watch.

“Names?” The guard asked.

“Wind Flower, and this is Sir Dan Richard,” She gestured to Dan. One of the guards looked confused for a moment.

“Wait, wasn’t this “Dan fellow suppose to be some kinda two-legged pig thing or something? I just a see grouchy lookin’ stallion” One whispered to the other. To which that same guard got smacked upside the head, by the other.

“Of course it is, moron. But the public doesn’t know that. He’s obviously using some kinda illusion magic or something. You know how ponies in this town act to non-ponies. Imagine they see such a freak of nature just strollin’ down the street, suddenly? PANDEMONIUM”

Dan wanted to punch both these idiots right now…

“Right, the Boss is waiting for you in his office.” the slightly smarter looking one finally responded to Windy before he and the other guard opened the gate.

“How much does your boss pay you if guards are allowed to know what I am?”

“Oh we’re not guards” the “dumber” one answered. “We’re engineers! We help build all the amazing things for this company.”

The less dumb one sighed “The boss wanted to make sure no one out of the loop knew who you were. So the real guards got the night off.” He honestly looked rather annoyed. “Which means my brother Wedge and I have to sit here for the rest of the bloody night instead of building the future.”

“Wedge?” Dan paused at the name… then turned to the nameless brother. “Which means your name is…”

“Big. Big Bolt and this is Wedge Bolt.” Big replied then he along with Wedge and Windy all jumped from the racket of Dan kicking a nearby trash can over.

“F@#king missed opportunity!” He muttered rather loudly.

“Hey, littering is royal offense you know.” Wedge brought up.

Dan immediately turned and pointed back at Big. “I’m calling you Biggs now! That’s final.”

“Big was taken aback. “Wha- no, that’s a ridiculous”

“Ok, bye Biggs, bye Wedge” Dan swiftly walked past them and through the gate and into the building.

“H-hey! Come back here! We’re not done you can’t just-”

“He’s already gone bro.” Wedge interrupted.

“I know I was trying to yell at him.”

Windy looked at the two brothers before timidly walking past them. “I’ll just uh… yeah.” she shrunk into herself as she made her way in to avoid the awkward situation.

After a brief, uncomfortable silence, “They seemed nice.” Wedge said. “Can I go get us lunch now? Donut Joe’s should still open.”

Biggs just groaned and deadpanned... “Just get my usual…”

Back with Dan, he followed Wind Flower into the rather lovely looking parlor, and up a flight of stairs. “Looking around, this place feels kinda cozy for a business estate.”

“Well, that’s because The president lives here as well.” Windy responded

“For real?”

Windy nodded “Yes, Every head member of the Black Steel Family always live near their work and the testing facility. Its been like this for generations. Each one always showing great interest in the livelihood of the company.”

Dan whistled “Wow, a family business with a deep history. What
do they sell? I recall this place is a trading company, but what do you trade?”

“Innovation!” Windy said proudly. To Which Dan tilted his head.

Meanwhile, Aegis was contemplating on the whole thing. Through his life, he recalled the name. A once small business that grew as it invested and developed the modern day technology that Equestria would come to know. Recently it was focused on household appliances and the like. Involving Magic in devices and tools. At first in the early years the company didn’t quite kick off since what they made could be replicated or outdone by spells or the abilities of one of the three pony races, because of this Aegis didn’t pay them any mind when they put more of their business into trading third party products. Then before he knew it. He was trying coffee for the first time in his older years straight from a device that made coffee.

Something he recalled having back when he was back on Earth when he met Dan for the first time. It was part of the hotel’s complimentary breakfast... made by a device that made coffee...

“Wait…”

Dan turned to Aegis who floated next to him. ‘What’s up with you?’

Aegis was quiet for a moment, as he recalled that Pony from a while back… that was impossible… “It was Black Wood… but it fell into obscurity… and then…”

‘You gonna keep talking to yourself or-’

“Ah here we are!” Windy stopped in front of a door. “This is his study, he does all his paperwork here as well.” she knocked on the door. “Uh, Mr. Steel? Are you in?”

“Ah, Ms. Flower! Impeccable timing as always. Please come in!” Wind Flower proceeded to open the door and inside a Stallion stood before them. He held a quill in his hand as he’s just finished writing on a document as he stood by his desk and had a confident smirk as he stared at Dan. Meanwhile, Aegis looked at the bust that stood behind him.

“Wait… I know that face!”

“Welcome, Sir Dan Richards!” The stallion spoke

(Picture made by Hoodwinked, ofcourse)

“You can call me, Arthur Black Steel, and we have much to discuss.”

Author's Note

Finally got this chapter done, and its a "set up" chapter haha. Sorry, folks, no action this time, but some dialogue that needed to be addressed. Like for example, that mysterious Noble guy that has an interest in Dan's world.

the next trial making its way to Ponyville,.one wonders what will happen with a Cockatrice

Sorry for the somewhat short chapter it's kind of straight to the point

I got more to add here but I gotta go so I'll post the chapter now and the comeback later.

I hope you enjoyed the Chapter.