Nes shot up from his feet and ran out the door with an urgency unbefitting the aging man. Edol also jumped up, grabbing Ghost and charging after old Nes.
The injured hunter had managed to escape from the bear, retreating back to the town before collapsing from his injuries. As Edol approached, he could see that a number of hunters had already gathered around the injured man. Sensing Nes's approach, they quickly backed off to give the elder some room.
"-Cough, a be- beast. The bear. It ha- has an earth legacy."
The injured hunter's weakening voice escaped his mouth, causing the surrounding townsmen's faces to darken.
Nes crouched in front of the struggling man and ripped the blood-soaked leather vest from him. The hunter's chest was a mess of ripped flesh and blood. On the left side, a section of the man's ribs could be seen poking through the rent flesh.
'Shit… that doesn't look good.'
Edol's thoughts were similar to those of everyone else surrounding the injured man, but Nes didn't seem ready to give up.
"I need purified water and clean bandages. Weiss, help me lift him after I clean the wound."
Nes didn't have to wait for someone to bring water, as Willow was already running towards the group, bucket in hand.
She handed off the bucket to Nes, announcing that she already used the spell of cleansing on it while fetching it. To the side, another hunter came running over, also having been sent by Wiess to fetch bandages.
Many of the hunters had experience treating wounds, and a few of them had previously tried their hands at relic hunting in their youth. They knew what might be needed to save their fellow townsman, and worked quickly to save his life. Still, the best person to call in an emergency was the one with the most experience, hence why Nes was the one actually working with the injured hunter.
Willow let out a squeak of concern as the man's body arched, trying to escape from the water being poured on the gaping hole in his chest. With Weiss's help, the man was tilted to the side, letting the water wash through the wound before falling to the ground, taking dirt and blood with it.
Washing the wound would reduce the chance of infection. Without keeping the injured hunter's wound clean, even if he lived through the initial injuries, infections would surely return to claim the man's life. Without access to clean water, the townsman would surely die within the week.
After thoroughly washing out the wound, Nes and Weiss worked together to firmly wrap the wound with clean bandages. After the pain of the treatment, the hunter passed out.
"I'm amazed Toma managed to make it all the way back here with a wound like that. Heck, how'd he escape the beast that attacked him? Getting hit like that and still getting away, it's crazy!"
"Right. He's incredibly lucky. We do have a big problem, though. Toma's trapping rounds were pretty close to town. The short distance might've saved him, but it also means that the monster bear is close."
The idea of having to take down a beast wasn't something the townsfolk looked forward to. Animals with legacies were often physically stronger, smarter, and sneakier than their more legacy-less counterparts. Finding where Toma was attacked shouldn't be too difficult since the man had left a dotted trail of blood as he fled, but getting the jump on the bear was another matter. If it spotted them first- which it probably would- it was likely at least one townsman would die.
"I'll go."
An unfamiliar voice cut through the crowd as Edol raised his hand.
"I have a bit of experience with fighting nasty beasts, and I'll surely need some money for my future travels. I can hunt down the bear, if y'all will buy the legacy and pelt off me afterward."
As soon as the conversation about the bear had begun, Ghost began speaking telepathically into Edol's mind. Hunting the bear was a great opportunity to make some money and kick off their travels.
That said…
"Oi! You bastard, what did you call me? 'Nasty beast'?! You filthy goblin!"
"Eh? I was talking about Mr. Spider! Ah, so you must think of yourself as a beast. How sad. I'd tell you to have some more self-confidence… but I think you're right on the mark."
Blocking the pissed bird's attempts at pecking his face, Edol smiled at the surprised hunters.
"I've even got a beast of my own, though he is a little lame. Still, Nibbles here will make sure I don't get hurt! You can leave the bear to me!"
An ear-piercing screech of rage echoed through Edol's mind.
"Umm.. I'd like to join in the hunt too."
Willow's soft voice sounded as she lifted her head, drawing even more shocked glances. A kid still in her mid-teens, wanting to hunt down a mighty beast?
'Crazy! After all the nightmares she had after exploring the dungeon, now she wants to hunt a giant bear? What is sh- no.'
A terrible thought crossed Edol's mind.
'What if… she wants to die while hunting the bear. After what's happened the last two days, it's plausible. No! I won't let her throw her life away!'
"Willow, it's ok. I can handle the bear easily. Stay back, rest up, and ask Weiss for some more tasty food."
Edol paused for a moment, trying to think of how to cheer the girl up.
"Y- you are a valued member of this team!"
Giving his brightest smile and a thumbs up, Edol nodded internally.
'Nice job, me! I've cured her depression!'
For some reason, the girl seemed a bit sadder after Edol's attempt, but she did give up on coming with for the hunt. It was a win in the Brit's book. Today, a life was saved!
After a few more minutes of discussion, two other hunters decided to join Edol in hunting down the bear. Toma's brother, Yoma, and a middle-aged woman, Sal. The two hunters knew the layout of the land, as well as where Toma had been when he was attacked. Without them, Edol would've been wandering around the forest blind.
"Alright, let's get some bear meat! Hunting time!"
The trio left for the woods.