Chapter 4 - Rabbit Rampage

Lucas was in awe as he stared at the enchanting moons above, lost in their captivating beauty. But his peaceful trance was abruptly shattered by a sudden chime that broke the silence, jolting him from his reverie.

A vibrant blue screen materialized before Lucas, demanding his undivided attention. This time, it wasn't just another notification—it was a full-blown quest! His heart raced with anticipation as he quickly scanned the screen, eager to discover the details of this quest.

Ding!

[Quest: Hunting Trials - Rabbit Rampage]

Description: Wanna prove yourself as a top-notch hunter? Test your hunting skills and acquire sustenance by catching 5 rabbits in the forest. Track their movements, utilize your agility, and strike with precision to secure your meals. Show your prowess as a hunter and prove your worth in the wild!

Reward: 10 Astral Essence

Accept the quest? [Yes/No]

"Hell yeah!" Lucas exclaimed, a mix of excitement and determination coursing through his veins. He wasted no time in accepting the challenge because, let's face it, he needed all the help he could get in this mystical world where he was suddenly a wolf with a fancy magical system.

With a flourish, the blue screen vanished, leaving Lucas with a renewed sense of purpose. Sure, snagging rabbits might not be the grandest adventure in the history of quests, but it was an opportunity to get a grip on this astral essence thingy that kept popping up. Maybe, just maybe, unlocking its secrets would shed some light on this whole crazy world and his new life.

'Alrighty then, just hunting down 5 rabbits. Piece of cake.'

Lucas set off into the enchanted forest, his senses on high alert. This time, he managed to keep his footing (for the most part) and gracefully navigate his wolfish form.

The moons above cast an otherworldly glow, turning the forest into a magical wonderland. As Lucas ventured deeper into the wilderness, he couldn't help but revel in the ethereal ambiance. And being a wolf had its perks—he could hear every rustle of leaves and every delicate thump of rabbit feet like never before.

And then, he heard it—a faint rustle in the distance. Lucas's ears perked up, his eyes shining with anticipation. He dashed toward the source of the sound, ready to pounce on those unsuspecting bunnies. Dinner was served!

But as he drew closer, Lucas's excitement came to a screeching halt. What the actual fluff? These weren't your ordinary bunnies—they were monstrous beasts!

Those rabbits were larger than life, more like rabbits on steroids. Panic set in, and Lucas quickly backpedaled. Nope, not his cup of tea. He needed something smaller, something less likely to devour him in return.

With caution, Lucas took a step back, only to snap a twig beneath his paw. 'Oh, for the love of god!' he cursed, realizing he had just blown his cover. The two colossal rabbits locked their gaze on him, their eyes filled with agitation. Uh-oh.

Time seemed to freeze as a peculiar thought crossed Lucas's mind. Why the heck was he scared? Weren't rabbits supposed to be cute and harmless? Dammit, he was the predator here! So why was he the one quivering in his paws?

Growl! Lucas attempted to break the eerie silence by intimidating his oversized opponents. However, his growl only seemed to fuel their anger, and before he knew it, those colossal bunnies pounced, ready to kick some wolf butt.

'Oh, son of a bitch!' Lucas cursed, realizing he had bitten off more than he could chew. Adrenaline surged through his veins, and his survival instincts screamed at him. Fight or flight? Well, considering he was outnumbered and outmatched, flight it was!

Turning tail, Lucas sprinted with all his might. But seriously, how in the name of kibble could a little wolf pup outrun these beefed-up rabbits? It was like a race between a snail and a cheetah.

Lucas didn't even have to glance back to know he was screwed. Those two gargantuan bunnies were closing in, ready to turn him into bite-sized snacks. Yep, that's just his luck—a death sentence on his first day of being reborn.

'Please Jesus, at least in the next lifetime, give me a better start.' Lucas pleaded in his heart, regret filling him as he sprinted for dear life. He turned back to steal a quick glance at his pursuers, resigned to his impending doom.

But to his astonishment, there was nothing behind him.

All his vivid imaginings of massive rabbit paws swiping at him had gone up in smoke. He had actually managed to outrun those ferocious predators?! What the hell? Lucas couldn't make heads or tails of it.

Seeking a safe hideout, Lucas leaped into a nearby bush, taking a moment to catch his breath. He waited, half-expecting those two monstrosities to show up any second. But they never did.

'Did I really leave them in the dust?' he wondered, his heart still pounding in his ears. 'So, I guess my speed is faster than theirs?' It suddenly clicked—the obvious explanation staring him right in the snout.

'So, apparently, I'm the Usain Bolt of the wolf world,' Lucas mused, unable to contain a smug grin. His stats, at least his agility, was better than those rabbits. With death turned away at his doorstep, he was on cloud nine. Still, he couldn't shake off the lingering unease.

The fact that those seemingly harmless rabbits had turned into gigantic furballs of fury was a clear reminder that this new world was full of surprises and not the pleasant kind. Lucas knew he had to stay alert and never underestimate his foes again, no matter how cuddly they appeared.