-Forty minutes later-
Ether's boot crushed golden grass. He stared out into a lush field full of them, where his targets were. There was a moment of questioning before he could proceed.
During that moment, he realized where exactly he was. This field divided Etek Dur from the Light Legion's outskirts. If he gained Kellenas' loyalty, the Light Legion would be in their reach.
He tilted his head down, grasping the bow gifted to him by Kellenas' mate. The Sky Beast screeched as it scratched its upper right wing with its beak.
"Ready?" Ether dryly asked.
It slowly lowered its head, showing it understood. Ether pointed to the left of a horde full of Abako, four-legged herbivores that feasted on the rich leaves and grass of the area.
The Sky Beast careened through the clearing at blinding speeds, bellowing all the way. Which instantly alerted the whole horde.
Before Ether knew it, each Abako was stampeding towards Etek Dur. Their sharp antlers thrust upwards to ward off the danger for a brief period, allowing some to escape.
"Steady your breathing," Ether murmured.
An arrow found itself pointed at the incoming creatures, getting ready to strike one before they even recognized there were more dangers on the ready. Ether pulled it back.
Right when his gut told him, he let go. The string leapt forward, giving flight to the arrow. It dashed over the grass, rapidly approaching on a target.
There was a sudden shock within the group, which resulted in one falling. Despite not killing one directly, Ether continued to watch. He saw the Abako get stomped to death by the incoming groups.
He did not want to count that towards his goal of five. So he loaded another arrow, and this time, he aimed for one of the distracting Abaki.
Just like before, the arrow's rocky tip reflected the incoming sunlight. Which dug itself deep into the neck of an Abako, killing it near-instantly. The sound of it dropping dead surprised the others.
Giving the Sky Beast an opportunity to snatch one up and fly off with it in its talons. While it flew away, it began taking chunks off the Abako. Feasting on it before the creature died.
Ether reached for another arrow, but this time, he went after the fleeing forces. He dashed through muddy and solid soil. Calamity screamed through the trees as the Ferals cheered from above.
He quickly learned his choice of attire was a mistake. Instead of being lethal and agile like a Feral, he was slow and worried.
But in that moment, he knew he had to adapt. So he did. Just like a Feral, he began thinking of different approaches on the go. Until he saw something he liked.
An incoming tree was leaning towards the path. The hollow nature of the inside and already defeated posture made it perfect to use.
When he reached it, he slammed against it full force. Sending the entire thing pummeling to the ground, crushing some of the front Abaki. All incoming ones howled at each other, arguing of where to go.
Ether took it as an opportunity to send another arrow flying through the open path. It whizzed silently through the humid air. With a sudden cut, an Abako dropped dead.
They all began howling louder, causing more panic. Sending many in different directions. Making it difficult for the incoming predator to catch up.
As they ran, three remained. They willingly stayed behind to distract Ether, if not kill him right there. Which pleased him, it was exactly the amount needed before he could fulfill his bounty.
He drew the bowstring, letting it go loaded with an arrow. One of the Abaki charged at him, head tilted down to let the antlers gore him up.
It's left antler cleanly cut the tip of the arrow, making it useless from then on. Ether grunted, understanding what kind of situation he was in.
But that didn't deter him, this was where his other tools came in. He rolled to the right just as the Abako rammed its head to him. When he landed on the other side, a throwing knife dug itself into the creature's ribs.
Another charged towards him, ready to help its ally. Only to receive an arrow to the belly as it rose up to stomp on him. It flinched, giving Ether enough time to change the tide.
He slid under the first Abako, then jumped up hard enough to break an antler. As he came down, another sharp throwing knife dug itself into its neck.
The antler landed beside Ether, allowing him to pick it up and direct it towards the third Abako. It charged its hind legs for a kick, only to feel a sharp object penetrate its thigh.
It howled, asking for help from the second. Which it came to assist. Ether was too slow to react, allowing the Abako to deliver a powerful tackle. Sending Ether crashing down.
When he lifted his head, he felt a devastating kick send it back down. He struggled to feel anything afterwards, but he knew he had to act quick.
Ether sluggishly rolled onto his side, then powered through pain until he was back on his feet. Mud tainted his armor, there was a bit of pride in wearing the set.
The same Abako howled, charging at him. But unlike last time, Ether was ready to get dirty. He stepped to the side, allowing it to miss him completely. Then he tackled it.
Both of them landed in the mud, which caused more struggles during the fight. An advantage Ether exploited were his arms, making it easy for him to snap its neck.
With a sudden crack and a cease in movement, he emerged back on his feet. Most arrows were completely soaked by the mud and many knives were back on the floor.
He watched the final Abako thrash all around, feeling enraged at the sight of its friends being killed. It charged, ready to unleash fury. And so was Ether.
No more Abaki were left to hunt after this one. So he gave it everything he had. Whichever arrows weren't soaked in mud found themselves in flight, followed by several knives.
In no time, the final one slid across the ground towards his feet. The body was full of wounds, which housed sharp materials inside.
Ferals cheered and roared at each other and at Ether. Causing one to drop down beside him. She smiled cheerfully, which contrasted her murderous teeth.
"Clean kills all around! The other scouts will bring them back to our shelter, I will bring you back there right now. Ready?" she asked.
Ether nodded, expecting for her to take off in the direction of the platforms. Only to feel a sudden yank and himself lifted off the ground.
She had picked him up and was now effortlessly dashing through the trees. Despite how odd the method was, Ether did not mind. He was tired enough.