After running for a while, I finally reached the spot where I had first killed the wolf.
I was panting heavily and breathing frantically.
I had escaped...
After that, I scanned my surroundings for any signs of monsters but found none.
I also retrieved my second dagger from the ground, where it had been embedded in the now-vanished wolf's body.
Sitting down beneath a nearby tree, I was about to relax and close my eyes when another creature appeared, jumping out from a nearby bush.
This time, it was a small mammal.
Seriously, why do these guys always bother me when I'm trying to rest?
And why do they always come from behind a bush? Why not from a tree, the sky, or anywhere else?
Do they have a problem with me taking a break?
I immediately used my appraisal skill on it and discovered it was just a mini version of that Elite-Rank Monster.
I stood up as the mini mammal lunged at me, hitting my leg. I felt very little pain and briefly wondered if it was even a monster.
Using my appraisal skill again, I found out its weakness was low attack power, which explained why its attacks had no effect on me.
While I was checking its info, the mammal kept hitting my leg, causing only a slight tickling sensation.
These mammal didn't have horns like the bigger one, so it was hitting me with its forehead instead.
After a few hits, it realized it had picked a fight with the wrong opponent and retreated a few steps before running away.
I closed the system screen and chased after it, catching up within seconds.
Yeah, this guy was just too slow...
Maybe because its small legs covered less distance with each step, unlike longer legs which cover more ground.
Without hesitation, I stabbed its head, one of its vital and vulnerable parts, and swiftly killed it.
With that, the system screen opened up with the same rewards and messages about the kill.
This time, I touched the dead body and transferred it to my inventory.
The other bodies of the wolves I had killed earlier remained untouched due to the chaos and my injuries.
I was carrying the dead body for another reason—to have proof with me in case Allen questioned whether I had been hunting or not.
Michael has this bad habit of never collecting any dead monster bodies or cores.
So whenever he returned to the mansion without them, Allen often misunderstood and thought that Michael was hunting humans, which he wasn't.
And, as I mentioned, Michael didn't take any proof to show otherwise.
Forget that, I need to check the area to see if there are any other monsters nearby.
After checking all bushes and ensuring the area was clear and securing the small mammal's body in my inventory, I found a sturdy oak tree with broad, leafy branches and settled down beneath it.
My body was still coursing with adrenaline from the recent encounters, but the fatigue was beginning to settle in.
I leaned my back against the rough bark, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I closed my eyes.
The forest was eerily quiet now, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze and the occasional distant cry of birds.
I took deep breaths, trying to steady my racing heartbeat and calm my mind.
***
After what felt like a much-needed rest, I stirred and stood up slowly.
I stretched my limbs, feeling the stiffness from the earlier exertion starting to ebb away.
Surprisingly, the minutes passed by without any interruptions.
No monsters emerged from the shadows, no sudden attacks disturbed the tranquility around me.
It was a rare moment of respite in this dangerous world I found myself in.
'Taking a short break during the hunt really helps to regain strength.'
I glanced at my smartwatch and saw that I had rested for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Next, I opened the system window to see how much I had accomplished after all those battles and kills.
Name: Michael Frostburne
Race: Human
Current rank: Iron.
Progression to Gold rank: 24% (564/2500 essences).
Attributes:- (0/1)
[Power] (no essence): Iron.
[Speed] (no essence): Iron.
[Spirit] (no essence): Iron.
[Recovery] (no essence): Iron.
'Hmm, only 32 essences were added this time... If it continues like this, it might take me a while to reach Gold-rank...'
I need to hunt monsters in groups so I can collect a large amount of monster essences quickly.
After taking a break and reviewing my progress, I decided to head out once more...
But, this time to find a group of monsters to gather more essences.
Hours passed as I roamed through the jungle, but to my frustration, I found no signs of any monster packs.
Instead, I came across several lone monsters, most of them of lesser rank, which I hunted down efficiently.
After a brief session of monster hunting, I decided to explore deeper into the safer areas of the jungle.
After making my way through thick bushes, overgrown tress and tangled paths, something grabbed my attention.
Ahead of me, concealed by the thick vegetation, I spotted a clearing where a young boy stood bravely before two iron-fanged wolves.
He couldn't have been older than 14 or 15, but there he stood, facing these powerful creatures with... Fear etched on his face.
Wait! Fear? Why is he scared?
Typically, hunters who come out to hunt monsters in safe areas don't usually feel scared.
They accept the risk of potentially dying in any situation though.
From his worn-out clothing, I could guess he might be one of those boys from the slums...
Did his parents not inform him that he might die?
But then again, why would a kid like him be hunting in the first place?
Normally, that would be his parents' job, but...
After a moment of silence, it hit me.
Maybe he was abandoned by them.
In this world, there are parents who would leave, harm, or abandon their child if they can't meet their basic needs.
Some parents even have more children and send them off to hunt while they enjoy the money their children bring back.
I feel sorry for that little guy.
He probably blames the world's unfairness for his situation.
Here I am, blaming the gods for putting me in dangerous situations, but for him, every day is a struggle for survival.
He doesn't know if he'll live a good life, get married, or even survive to see tomorrow.
I sighed.
Now I understand why my late grandfather used to say, "Be grateful for what you have; others are praying for what you take for granted."
I crouched low behind a bush, observing the scene unfold before me.
The boy gripped his sword with both hands, his stance firm but his hands trembling slightly. Despite the wolves glaring at him, he struggled to keep his focus.
The wolves growled fiercely, their eyes locked on him, their muscles tight and poised to attack.
Curious about the boy and what he could do, I used my skill to learn more about him.
The system showed his details on the screen:
**Name:** Ethan Brooks
**Height:** 5'1"
**Weight:** 140 lbs
**Age:** 15
**Personality:** Caring, Kind, Cautious, Friendly.
**Evaluation:** Normal-Rank Hunter
I get it now, I understand why he's scared.
Being a Normal rank explains it.
His profile says he's cautious, but I'm not so sure about that.
Well, we'll find out soon enough.
As Ethan faced the iron-fanged wolves, he was breathing vigorously, his grip tightening on the sword as adrenaline surged through his veins.
The wolves snarled viciously, circling him with predatory intent, their eyes gleaming with hunger.
With a deep breath, Ethan lunged forward, swinging his sword at the nearest wolf.
His strike was met with a swift dodge, the wolf's teeth snapping dangerously close to his arm.
He recoiled, stumbling back to avoid another attack.
The second wolf seized the opportunity, pouncing on him from the side.
Its jaws clamped down on his leg, tearing through fabric and flesh alike.
Ethan cried out in pain, but his determination kept him fighting.
He swung his sword desperately, managing to slash the wolf across its muzzle.
The beast yelped and backed off momentarily, blood trickling from its wound.
But the first wolf was relentless. It lunged again, sinking its teeth into Ethan's forearm.
He gritted his teeth against the agony, trying to pry the wolf off with his free hand.
In the chaotic struggle, Ethan's movements grew sluggish, his strength waning.
He is losing, losing.
It is just impossible for him to win at this situation...
Even, he knew he was outmatched, his body aching from the wounds inflicted by the relentless predators.
With a heavy heart, Ethan realized the inevitable.
He staggered back, leaning against a nearby tree for support.
Blood dripped from his bitten arm and leg, staining the forest floor beneath him.
One of the wolves lunged forward once more, knocking him to the ground with a powerful blow.
Pain shot through Ethan as he hit the dirt, his vision blurring with tears of frustration and despair.
He knew he couldn't fight them off any longer.
With a bitter acceptance, Ethan closed his eyes and let the wolves have their way.
Ohhh, He seems to have finally given up, but I can't step in just yet.
He needs to be hurt a little more than he already is.
Why?
Sure, I could save him right now—there's no doubt about it, especially since these two are one rank below the ones I fought just moments ago...
Yep, you're right, they're lesser rank monsters.
But I'm not going to.
If I do, he'll thank me as usual and then come back to the jungle tomorrow to hunt again.
That's just who he is.
It's not really my problem since I'm here to finish my quest, but if I step in too quickly, he won't learn his lesson.
He needs to experience the consequences of his actions so that next time, he'll think twice before venturing in unprepared.
For now, I turn my attention to the scene happening before me.
The wolves are closing in, biting into his hands and legs...
Their iron-like teeth dig deeper into his flesh with every bite, tearing and ripping through him as he lies there, completely powerless against their relentless attack.
Good, just a little longer, and then I'll step in—I promise.
After a brutal minute, when Ethan was injured beyond recognition, I emerged from the vegetation.
The wolves, who had been tearing into him like breakfast, froze and turned their attention to me.
Their sharp, cautious eyes studied me, sizing me up.
I knew exactly what was going through their minds.
Even though they couldn't speak, their eyes said everything.
They were hesitating—deciding whether to continue their meal or face the unexpected threat that had just appeared.
One wolf glanced at Ethan, while the other locked eyes with me.
I immediately understood their plan.
Smirking, I casually said, "Nah, nah, nah, buddy. I can't let you do that."
The wolf glaring at me seemed to understand.
It let out a hungry howl, its bloodstained teeth gleaming as it crouched, ready to pounce.
I sighed.
Really?
You could just jump at me and get it over with.
Why all the dramatic posing like you're about to pull off some game-changing move?
I really hate that kind of flexing.
Still, I thought, maybe I'll let it slide this time.
After all, it might be the last time it gets to act tough.
Suddenly, the wolf leaped into the air.