The sun hung high overhead, its harsh light filtering through wisps of drifting cloud. The forest path gave way to a rocky expanse where wild grass grew tall and untamed, swaying gently in the dry midday breeze. Yoshiya and Omina moved cautiously, scanning their surroundings as they neared the foothills that marked the edge of Taurox territory—a stretch of land wedged between the infamous Doom Forest and the quieter Oakwood region.
The ground beneath their boots had changed; soft forest soil was replaced by hard-packed dirt gouged with deep, uneven grooves, as if heavy wagons—or something much larger—had repeatedly passed through.
"There," Omina said, crouching down. Her fingers brushed against a massive hoof print pressed into the mud. She whistled softly. "This one's fresh. See the edges? Not dried yet."
Yoshiya knelt beside her. The print was easily the size of a serving platter. "That's… way bigger than a wild boar's. It's real."
Omina stood and looked around, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Unlike Yoshiya, whose cautious gaze swept the perimeter for threats, she moved from one spot to another like an excited scout.
"This is perfect," she said, pulling out a small knife. She approached a nearby tree trunk and examined deep gouges carved by massive horns. Bits of bark had been stripped clean, and sticky sap oozed down the wood. She scraped some into a vial with practiced hands.
"...Why are you collecting tree sap?" Yoshiya asked.
"Mira mentioned sap like this is good for binding leather or making temporary adhesives," Omina replied without looking up. "Could help when we start crafting that backpack."
He shook his head, half amused. "You used to charge headfirst. Now you're hoarding resources like a ranger."
She grinned, wiping her hands on her armor. "Adapt or die, right?"
As they moved deeper, signs of Taurox presence multiplied: overturned rocks, trampled brush, and occasional piles of dung that gave off a strong, musky odor. Omina stopped frequently to pluck herbs, pick up shards of horn stuck in tree roots, and even gathered some peculiar moss growing on boulders.
"Do you have space for all that?" Yoshiya asked after the fifth stop.
"No," she admitted cheerfully, stuffing more herbs into a pouch anyway.
They crested a low ridge and paused. Below them lay a broad clearing surrounded by trees on three sides and a shallow stream running through the middle. The tall grass shifted rhythmically, and a deep, rumbling snort echoed from somewhere beyond the treeline.
"There," Omina whispered, pointing.
From the shadows emerged a Taurox—and it was massive. Easily taller than a horse at the shoulder, with a body packed in dense muscle and horns that curved upward like sharpened scythes. Its hide was a mottled brown-gray, marked by scratches and scars that spoke of past fights.
It wasn't alone. Three others trailed behind, grazing and drinking from the stream, their tails swishing lazily.
"They're… bigger than I imagined," Yoshiya muttered.
"This is going to be fun," Omina said, eyes gleaming.
They descended the ridge quietly, using the natural boulders as cover. Yoshiya traced a quick protective rune in the dirt, casting a Blessing over both of them. A faint golden shimmer enveloped their forms, bolstering their physical resilience.
"Remember," Yoshiya whispered. "If we can separate one from the group, it'll be easier. Don't let them charge in formation."
"Got it."
Omina circled wide, positioning herself downwind. She picked up a loose rock and hurled it into the brush opposite the herd. A sharp crack echoed.
One Taurox lifted its head with a snort, ears flicking toward the noise. Perfect. It moved to investigate, muscles rolling under its thick hide.
As it lumbered closer to the ambush point, Omina leapt from her cover with the speed of a striking wolf. Her blades slashed across its flank—not deep enough to kill, but enough to enrage.
The Taurox bellowed, a deep, guttural sound that vibrated through the ground. It turned toward her, pawed the earth, and charged.
Omina darted aside just in time, the beast's horns tearing through a bush and splintering a small tree. She spun, landing a quick strike on its side before retreating again.
Yoshiya raised his staff and cast Barrier, a translucent wall of light forming briefly in front of her as the Taurox swung its head. The horns scraped against the shield and deflected, buying Omina a heartbeat to reposition.
"Thanks!" she shouted.
The noise had drawn attention. From across the clearing, the rest of the herd bellowed in unison. Two more Taurox began to charge toward them, the ground trembling under their combined weight.
Yoshiya planted his staff into the ground, casting Protect to reinforce Omina's defenses. A soft, golden aura wrapped around her armor, thickening its durability.
She dashed between the Taurox, agile as a fox, slashing at legs and sides while staying out of direct charging paths. Her kobold armor let her move quickly without feeling bogged down, and each dodge built her rhythm.
One Taurox, angrier than the rest, lowered its head and charged with terrifying speed. Omina side-stepped—but it clipped her side, sending her sprawling into the grass.
"Omina!"
"I'm fine!" she coughed, rolling to her feet. Her armor bore a fresh scrape, but no serious damage. Her grin widened. "These things hit like wagons!"
Yoshiya rushed closer, casting Heal over her. Warm light wrapped around her frame, closing shallow wounds and restoring her breathing.
"Less admiration, more stabbing!" he barked, steadying his staff.
She laughed breathlessly, blades flashing as she went back into the fray.
Minutes stretched. One Taurox went down with a final gurgling roar, collapsing in the grass. The others backed off briefly, snorting and circling warily. Omina wiped sweat from her brow, exhilarated and breathing hard.
Then, a new sound reached them.
Thud… thud… thud…
From the tree line opposite, five massive figures emerged, each larger than the Taurox they'd been fighting. Their horns gleamed like polished bone, and their eyes locked onto the intruders. These weren't wandering grazers—they were the core of the herd.
"Uh…" Yoshiya murmured. "That's… five."
"Five big ones," Omina corrected, blades rising.
The beasts spread out, forming a loose semicircle, snorting and pawing the ground. The air vibrated with their combined weight and aggression.
Yoshiya's grip on his staff tightened. "This… just escalated."
Omina flashed him a grin, reckless fire in her eyes. "Good. I was just getting warmed up."
The Taurox bellowed in unison, their thunderous roars shaking the clearing.
The hunt had truly begun.