Amidst the enchanting yet treacherous forest, the team faced their first encounter with the horned rabbits, seemingly harmless creatures with deadly horns. The 4th-year trainees, accustomed to such battles, assigned the task to the 3rd years, a group of trainees who had never faced monsters before. Fear gripped the 3rd years as they hesitated to approach the aggressive horned rabbits, well aware of the danger they posed.
Determined to prove himself, Kaizen took the lead and asked Kavin for support. They carefully blocked the rabbit's escape routes and readied their swords, but the creature proved too quick and elusive, evading their attacks effortlessly. Frustrated but undeterred, they spotted another pair of horned rabbits and decided to try again.
Kaizen devised a strategy, urging Kavin to let the rabbits separate and face them individually. With nerves of steel, he approached one of the horned rabbits alone, drawing its attention towards him. The other trainees intercepted the second rabbit, and Kaizen seized the opportunity to strike. With a well-timed attack, he used his magic dagger to bring down the creature in a single blow.
In that moment, Kaizen's skill and resourcefulness shone through, but only Kavin witnessed the feat. Aware that such tactics were considered shameful for a knight, Kavin remained silent, understanding that Kaizen needed this small victory to ease the burden on his mind and prove his capabilities. His success in defeating the horned rabbit, even through unconventional means, was a testament to his determination and willingness to do whatever it took to succeed.
As the team continued their mission, they faced a variety of monsters, with the seniors taking charge against the bigger foes while the 3rd-year trainees handled the smaller ones. Over time, Kaizen and the others grew accustomed to the behavior of the horned rabbits, making their hunts more successful.
By the end of the day, their team had achieved an impressive haul, taking down 3 Goblins, 4 Blood Wolfs, and 2 Battle Boars, along with a dozen rabbits and slimes. Exhausted yet triumphant, they returned to the camp to rest, taking turns for watch duty to ensure their safety throughout the night.
Kavin woke Kaizen for his watch duty shift, and he replaced Kavin to keep watch with Vina, the 4th-year trainee who happened to be the Count's daughter. Kaizen knew better than to approach her too closely, aware of her position and the potential consequences of getting on her wrong side.
In the tranquil night, Vina remained silent by the flickering fire, her aura exuding an air of aloofness. Kaizen maintained a respectful distance, focusing on his duty and avoiding unnecessary interaction. As the moonlight bathed the forest, Kaizen's mind swirled with thoughts of the day's accomplishments and the challenges that lay ahead.
As the new day dawned, Kaizen prepared to wake Kavin and the other 3rd-year trainees, only to find that they were already awake and organizing their gear. The anticipation for the second day of the event filled the air, and Kaizen felt a sense of excitement and determination.
On this day, the 3rd-year trainees took on a more active role in the hunt, thanks to the guidance and direction from the experienced 4th-year knights. The seniors strategically positioned the 3rd-years to block the escape routes of monsters, effectively trapping them and making it easier to attack. This collaborative approach allowed the 3rd-years to learn valuable lessons on coordination, teamwork, and maintaining formations to tackle more challenging monsters.
As the day progressed, the team's efforts bore fruit, and their hunt yielded impressive results. Together, they managed to take down 8 Goblins, 6 Blood Wolfs, and 4 Battle Boars, a significant improvement from the previous day. The 3rd-year trainees felt a surge of accomplishment as they successfully hunted D-Grade Monsters for the first time in their lives.
In the heart of the mystical forest, amidst danger and discovery, Kaizen's journey to become a knight of prowess and honor continued.