After walking for nearly twenty minutes, they finally reached the edge of the forest. Tall trees loomed overhead, their thick leaves blocking much of the sunlight as Katsuro and Haruto stepped inside.
The atmosphere immediately changed.
Katsuro slowed his steps and spoke in a calm but serious voice.
"Be ready, Haruto. Today, you'll hunt a rabbit."
"A rabbit?" Haruto blinked.
Katsuro nodded. "Don't be fooled by their cute appearance. These aren't normal rabbits they're Monster Rabbits."
Haruto stiffened slightly.
They aren't very strong compared to other monsters, Katsuro continued, "so they're perfect for beginners. But don't underestimate them. For someone inexperienced, they can still be dangerous.
He crouched slightly and drew a line on the ground with his boot.
The reason we came hunting today is simple. Over the past few days, the rabbit population has been increasing. If we don't reduce their numbers now, they'll start coming closer to the village.
Haruto listened carefully, his eyes focused.
Using magic, killing them is easy, Katsuro said. "But without magic, it becomes harder. They're fast, they attack in groups, and if you lose focus
He paused, his eyes sharpening.
they won't hesitate to eat us.
Haruto swallowed.
"But don't worry," Katsuro added calmly. "I prepared something for you."
He placed his bag on the ground and opened it. From inside, he pulled out a simple wooden bow and several arrows with sharp iron tips.
"If you use arrows, they'll die easily,"
Katsuro explained. "This is the safest way for you. He picked up one arrow and pointed to the tip. Always aim for the mana stone inside their body. One clean hit, and it's over.
Then Katsuro stood upright and smiled faintly. First, I'll show you how it's done. Watch carefully.
Then Katsuro said, "Come with me and watch how I do it. But move slowly. If they hear us, they'll run."
They began to walk carefully, step by step, barely making a sound.
Suddenly, there was a faint rustle in the grass ahead.
Katsuro raised his hand slightly and whispered, "Stop… slowly, Haruto."
They both froze.
From the tall grass, a rabbit slowly came out. A small, faintly glowing mana stone could be seen embedded in its head.
Without making a sound, Katsuro calmly lifted his bow. He drew the string slowly, his eyes locked on the target.
Whoosh.
The arrow flew through the air and pierced straight into the rabbit's chest. The mana stone cracked with a sharp sound, and its light faded instantly. The rabbit collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Haruto swallowed and said quietly, "I'll go and pick up the rabbit and bring it back."
Before he could move, Katsuro quickly grabbed Haruto's wrist from behind the bushes.
"Don't go there," Katsuro whispered seriously. "There are other rabbits still hiding nearby. Monster rabbits never live alone they move in groups. That's why it's been so quiet. Stay here."
Haruto nodded, finally understanding that hunting in this world was far more dangerous than it looked.
Then another rabbit came out from the grass.
Just as Katsuro was about to shoot, a loud woman's voice suddenly echoed through the forest.
"Help me! Somebody, please help!"
The sound spread far and wide.
The rabbits froze for a moment, ears twitching. Then, as if frightened, they turned and ran deep into the forest.
"Tch—!" Katsuro clicked his tongue. "They ran away…"
He quickly turned to Haruto, his expression serious.
"Listen carefully," Katsuro said in a low voice. "Get out of the forest. The edge is close go there. There are monsters deeper inside, but near the forest's edge you'll be safer."
Haruto opened his mouth to protest, but Katsuro continued.
"You can't stay here, and you can't come with me either. It's too dangerous. I'm going deeper to check that voice."
Katsuro handed Haruto a bow and several arrows.
"If any monster tries to attack you, use this," he said firmly. "But don't fight unless it's absolutely necessary."
With that, Katsuro turned around and disappeared into the deeper part of the forest, following the direction of the voice.
Haruto stood still for a moment, his heart pounding.
Then, tightening his grip on the bow, he slowly began to head back, trying to return safely.
Before Haruto could reach the edge of the forest, a voice echoed again this time a man's voice.
Haruto stopped.
His heart skipped a beat.
…Father?
The voice sounded exactly like his father's.
Without thinking, Haruto turned around and ran back into the forest.
"Father! Where are you?!" he shouted while running deeper and deeper among the trees.
But there was no reply.
Minutes passed.
Haruto finally stopped, breathing heavily. His surroundings felt wrong too quiet, too dark.
Only then did he realize the truth.
"I… I came too deep into the forest…" he whispered.
Cold fear crept up his spine.
"This place… dangerous monsters live here."
He clenched his fists.
"What was I thinking? Why did I come here? I acted on emotion and ran in without thinking."
He swallowed hard.
"I came because of Father… but I know he's strong. He's one of the strongest in the village. He can use magic."
His eyes trembled.
"And yet I still came… I'm not strong. My magic power is –100, far below zero. I can't even kill monsters properly."
A bitter smile formed on his face.
"I'm not a hero… I'm just a background character."
His breath grew shaky.
"If a monster finds me here… I'll die. I'll die for sure."
Panic finally took over.
"I have to go back."
Haruto turned around and started walking quickly, trying to return the way he came.
Then
His leg hit a stone.
Ah—!
He lost his balance and fell hard to the ground.
His bow and arrows slipped from his hands and slid across the forest floor, landing a short distance away from him.
Groaning, Haruto tried to push himself up.
At that moment, a strange, soothing voice drifted toward him.
His body froze.
Slowly, glowing red eyes began to appear one by one from every direction.
Haruto's blood turned cold.
From the shadows, countless rabbits stepped out, surrounding him completely.
They weren't normal rabbits.
Their red eyes stared at him without emotion.
Haruto glanced toward his bow and arrows. They were close… but not close enough.
Even if he reached them, he knew the truth.
"There are too many…" he whispered.
More than a hundred monster rabbits surrounded him.
Even with a weapon, he had no chance of defeating them all.