Magic beasts aren't the only threats on newly settled worlds. Outlaw gangs seek to control growing settlements through violence and fear. Witches and spirits of nature make the wilderness untamable. Only aether-wielding bounty hunters have the strength and freedom to keep the peace.

When Red lost his left arm to a beast attack, he expected his remaining days to be few and meaningless. His sharpshooting skills are barely useful against foes who temper muscle and bone using Reinforcement magic, or shrug off most injuries by tapping into Life Aether. Neither common gift respond to his will appropriately, leaving him hopeless and all futures bleak.

Red's fate changes when a bounty hunter comes to town asking about the Crimson Axe of Greywater. The woman needs a guide and he has hidden talents only she can see. Not being able to cultivate strengthening and healing cores might not be the worst thing. Something rarer and more powerful lurks inside Red. A good mentor can fix all.

Writathon project