Levis leaped from the tree, his arrow already nocked and aimed at the valley below. He had spotted a boar, a rare sight in these barren lands, and he was not going to let it escape. He sprinted towards the edge of the valley, which dropped sharply like a cliff. The wind whipped his face and his heart pounded in his chest. He felt alive, exhilarated, ready for this hunt.
Travis was right behind him, following his lead. He knew Levis had a keen eye for hunting, and he also knew he had a fierce rivalry with him. They had been competing since they were kids, always trying to outdo each other in everything. He was determined to beat him this time, so he activated all his enhancements, from sight to speed. He had a magic that allowed him to augment his physical abilities, a rare and coveted gift in this world. He could see the boar darting down the valley, its dark fur blending with the rocks and dirt. It was a big one, probably weighing more than a hundred kilos. It would make a fine meal for the soldiers at the garrison, and a fine trophy for the himself plus the gallbladder was still needed for Ryker.
Levis reached the valley, but it was too steep to descend without any support. He cursed under his breath, knowing it was risky to go down without a rope or a hook. But he could not let the only boar that had shown up after several hours of waiting slip away. He scanned the valley for an easier route, hoping to catch up with the boar at the bottom. He saw a narrow ledge that ran along the side of the valley, and decided to take it. He jumped onto the ledge, balancing himself with his bow. He ran along the ledge, keeping his eyes on the boar.
Travis, on the other hand, had what he needed to face the treacherous valley head on. He had a magic that allowed him to enhance his leg strength to brace the fall. He aimed it at a sturdy rock jumped off the edge of the valley to it. He felt a surge of adrenaline as he soared through the air, closing the gap between him and the boar. As he landed on the rock, he reached for his bow and arrow, which he had strapped to his back, and took his shot. The arrow flew straight and true, hitting the boar in the flank. The boar let out a pained squeal and stumbled, crashing at the bottom of the valley. It did not stop, though. It got up and ran, leaving a trail of blood behind it.
Travis followed it relentlessly, reeling in his wire and landing on the valley floor. He ran after the boar, his eyes fixed on his prize. He ignored the pain in his legs and the sweat on his brow. He was faster than the boar, and he knew it. He closed in on it, reaching for his knife. The boar finally stopped at the entrance of an old abandoned mine, panting and bleeding. Travis approached it slowly, his knife in his hand. He felt a mix of triumph and pity as he looked at the wounded animal. It was a magnificent creature, strong and proud, and it deserved a quick death. He plunged his knife into its throat, ending its suffering. The boar let out a strong last cry, which echoed inside the mine cave.
Travis then proceeded to cut the boar, in an attempt to find the gallbladder. He had heard it was valuable and could fetch a good price in the alchemic market, but this one had already been booked for Ryker's treatment. Travis felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had risked his life for a boar, while a soldier was lying in bed, waiting for this item to survive.
He did not notice the other boys and the two soldiers who were at the top of the valley, watching his act. They had been part of the hunting party, but they had stayed behind, too afraid to follow Levis and Travis. "This is insane," one of the boys said, shaking his head. They thought Travis was too reckless, too obsessed with winning. They did not understand his passion for hunting, his thirst for adventure. They did not see the danger that lurked in the shadows of the mine.
Suddenly, they heard a loud roar, a sound that chilled their blood. They looked down and saw a huge, hairy creature emerge from the mine. It had horns, claws, and fangs. It was a troll, a beast that had terrified the heart of hunters for centuries. The boar's cry had drawn its attention. It saw Travis, who was still busy with his boar, and charged at him, ready to attack. The boys and the soldiers shouted, "Get out of there, it's a troll, run!" as they themselves fled. But it was too late. Travis looked up and saw the troll, its eyes glowing with rage. He had no time to react, no time to escape. He only had time to feel fear.
The troll had white skin, yellow eyes, and short tusks. It looked at Travis with a hungry expression and roared.
Travis knew he was in trouble. He had not learned any offensive or defensive magic yet, as he was still a novice and had not even joined the king's ranks yet. He only had his bow and a dagger, which were useless against the troll's thick skin and stone magic.He had to rely on his agility and reflexes to dodge the troll's attacks.
He ran towards the boar, hoping to grab it and run away. The troll swung its club at him, but he ducked and rolled under it. He reached the boar and tried to lift it, but it was too heavy. He cursed and looked for an escape route. He saw a small path on the side of the troll which might lead to an open field. He decided to make a run for it.
He sprinted towards the path dodging another swing from the troll. He was almost there, when he heard a familiar voice.
"Travis! Hang on, I'm coming to help you!"
It was Levis he had followed the legde at the side of the valley to get down there.He had seen the troll and the boar from a distance and decided to join the fight. The boar was so important to him because it was the only way to save Ryker.
Travis was glad to see him, but also annoyed. He did not need his help, he thought. He could handle the troll by himself better than what Levis could do or offer. He was about to tell him to stay away, when he saw the troll's club coming at him from behind. He had been distracted by Levis and had not noticed the troll's movement. He tried to dodge, but it was too late. The club grazed his head and knocked him out.
Levis saw Travis fall and gasped. He ran faster, hoping to reach him before the troll did. He drew his daggers and prepared to strike. The troll stroke the club several times infront of Levis in attempt to crush him. This led to a huge cloud of dust in the air. When the troll could notice any movement it turned to the boar. It had found a bigger meal.
Levis was fine but he was worried about Travis and checked his pulse. " You are strong I know that you will survive, but Ryker needs that boar so am going in.