The forest had gone unnervingly quiet. Where earlier there had been the screeching cries of the Emberclaw Raptor, the rustling of panicked wildlife, and the thunder of claws ripping through bark and earth, now there was only silence. It was the kind of silence that didn't soothe but pressed down like a heavy hand, forcing each of them to remain alert even as their bodies longed to rest.
Hunnt crouched beside the Raptor's lifeless form, its once-brilliant crimson scales dulled by death. Sunlight filtered down through the canopy, turning the beast's blood into shimmering streaks of scarlet across the leaves and soil. His fists were still clenched tight, the adrenaline of the battle refusing to leave his body.
"We shouldn't stick around," Hunnt said, his voice steady but his chest still rising and falling quickly. He wiped dirt from his palms against his tunic, leaving faint streaks of blood behind. "We got what we came for. Let's finish this and move."
Pyro's golden eyes glowed in the half-light as he darted through the nearby trees, his tail flicking with sharp, restless energy. "Nyahaha… Master, I'll keep watch on the path ahead. Nothing's sneaking up on us, nyaah!" His voice carried a mix of pride and excitement, but beneath it, there was caution too. Even the Palico felt the weight of the forest's unnatural silence.
Corwin stood behind Hunnt, hammer balanced across his broad shoulder. His eyes swept the terrain in long, methodical arcs, lingering on every dark shadow and twisted branch. He finally spoke, voice calm but edged with warning. "Don't forget that roar. The Raptor wasn't alone out here. Something bigger claimed this forest, and we've just trespassed. Keep formation. We're leaving, but carefully."
Elara's bow creaked softly as she drew an arrow halfway, her eyes sharp despite the exhaustion pulling at her shoulders. Her cheeks were still flushed from the adrenaline and exertion, but her tone was firm. "I'll take the rear. If anything comes at us, I'll make sure it doesn't get close." She paused only briefly before muttering under her breath, "I'm not freezing again…"
Hunnt crouched lower, studying the body of the Raptor. With a practiced movement born of weeks of training under Coerl's forge and his own determination, he reached for one of the monster's claws. He gritted his teeth, twisted hard, and with a sharp crack the massive talon snapped free. The sound echoed too loudly in the quiet forest, making them all flinch.
Hunnt held the claw aloft. It was heavier than he expected, the serrated edge glinting faintly in the dappled light. "Got it."
Pyro leapt closer, eyes sparkling with pride. "Nyahaha… Master did it! Proof of our hunt, nyaah!"
The group didn't waste more time. They moved through the forest with practiced formation—Hunnt leading, shoulders tense but movements deliberate; Pyro darting ahead and along the treetops, ears twitching at every sound; Corwin guarding the flanks in silence, hammer ready; and Elara walking backward at times, her bow always nocked, her eyes never leaving the shadows.
The distant roar they had heard earlier no longer echoed, but its memory clung to them like a shadow. None of them dared relax fully until Ravenshire's rooftops peeked through the trees.
By the time they emerged into the village's outskirts, the burn of adrenaline had finally begun to fade. Their breathing had evened, but the weight of what they had faced—the first true hunt as a united party—settled heavily in their hearts. Hunnt clutched the claw tighter, as though it were not just proof of success, but a promise that they could rise to greater heights.
At the doorway of the cottage, Dom waited. The village chief's arms were folded, his stern expression already sharp enough to cut stone. His gaze swept over the four of them, then over the empty space behind them where a massive carcass should have been.
"Back so soon?" Dom's voice rumbled, disappointment and suspicion laced together. His eyes narrowed. "And where's the body?"
Hunnt straightened his back, forcing his small frame to meet his grandfather's looming presence. He stepped forward and offered the claw with both hands. "We got what we needed, Grandpa Dom. The Emberclaw Raptor is defeated, but we heard a roar—something larger, stronger. We couldn't risk it. I thought it better to retreat after securing proof."
For a long, heavy moment, Dom said nothing. He turned the claw in his hand, studying the serrated edge, the sharp curve, and the faint traces of blood that still dripped from it. The silence stretched until Hunnt began to wonder if he had failed despite their victory.
Finally, Dom nodded once, sharply. "You didn't take unnecessary risks. That was the right call." His stern eyes softened by a fraction. "Boy, your judgment is improving. You led them well."
Relief washed through Hunnt's chest, though he only allowed himself a small grin. Pyro bounded forward, tail swishing, his voice proud and playful. "Nyahaha… Master led us all the way, nyaah! He's amazing!"
Dom chuckled despite himself, shaking his head at the Palico's enthusiasm. "It seems you've earned more than the respect of your village—you've earned loyalty."
Mel stepped out from behind Dom, her hands already reaching for Hunnt. Her eyes fell immediately on his scraped knuckles and bruised forearms. She cupped his hands gently, ignoring the dirt and dried blood. "Be careful out there, my child… but I see you've grown. I'm proud of you."
Hunnt felt a lump form in his throat at her words. He nodded firmly. "Thank you, Granma. We'll keep getting stronger. I promise."
With the approval of his grandparents secured, the four of them retreated to the training ground once more. The sun hung low now, spilling golden light across the clearing as they sat together, catching their breath and tending to small scratches and bruises.
Hunnt clapped his hands to bring their focus together. "Let's reflect. Pyro, your scouting was perfect—you warned us before every surprise. Corwin, breaking those weak points turned the fight. Elara, your shots landed where we needed them most."
Elara lowered her gaze, cheeks warm, but she couldn't hide the flicker of pride in her eyes. She flexed her fingers around her bowstring, her mind already replaying the battle. I want to fight with that same confidence… maybe Corwin could teach me… Her thoughts left her cheeks even redder, though she forced herself back into focus, practicing a few silent draws and releases.
Corwin said little, but his quiet nod spoke volumes. He turned the claw over in his calloused hands, his eyes thoughtful. "We did well. But the forest still has bigger threats. Don't forget that roar."
Hunnt looked to each of them, then toward the claw gleaming in the dirt between them. "This is just the start. Today proved we can work as a team. Next time, we'll be ready for something even greater."
The sun dipped lower, casting their shadows long and sharp across the ground. Ravenshire bustled quietly in the distance, but here, in this clearing, the four of them felt like more than just villagers. They were hunters—shaped by sweat, blood, and determination.
Pyro curled against Hunnt's leg, purring softly. "Nyahaha… Master, the adventure continues, nyaah."
Hunnt smiled, resting a hand on the Palico's head. "Yes, Pyro… together."
The Emberclaw claw gleamed in the fading light, silent proof of their first victory. But beyond the trees, the forest waited, alive with hidden dangers, and the next hunt already loomed unseen on the horizon.
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I'm beyond excited to share not just one, but two epic stories with you!
📖 Final Fantasy: The Unwritten
Step into the vast multiverse of Final Fantasy—where heroes, destinies, and untold adventures intertwine in ways you've never seen before.
⚔️ Renegade: Arsenal of War
Follow the journey of a relentless tech soldier who forges groundbreaking weapons to end the war once and for all.
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