Chereads / Nocturne's Night / Chapter 4 - Big Rabbit in the Forest

Chapter 4 - Big Rabbit in the Forest

Following two days of meticulous exploration and detailed cartography, Yura had acquired an extensive knowledge of the forest encircling his camp. He had delineated a dependable hunting ground and charted the optimal routes for future expeditions.Upon his return to camp, Yura meticulously unloaded his recent haul:Inventory:Long-Eared Rabbit Meat x15Long-Eared Rabbit Fur x15Rabbit Beastman Meat x15Rabbit Beastman Fur x15"Looks like I've amassed a substantial stockpile," Yura mused, scrutinizing his inventory with a critical eye. While the precise capacity for each item remained unclear, he was heartened to see that the food had remained preserved. For now, his inventory was well-organized and primed for use.Back at his encampment, Yura devoted his efforts to enhancing his living quarters. He fortified his shelter with sturdier materials, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of the environment and offer protection. He also installed an array of traps and alarms around the perimeter, bolstering the camp's defenses against potential threats.Over the subsequent week, Yura turned his attention to crafting. Utilizing the long-eared rabbit furs and rabbit beastman hides, he fashioned a suite of durable and practical garments: a shirt, pants, and a coat. In addition, he constructed a small backpack, designed to facilitate the transport of supplies on future journeys.Crafted Gear:Rabbit Beastman ShirtRabbit Beastman PantsRabbit Beastman CoatSmall BackpackWith his new clothing and backpack completed, Yura focused on preserving some of the meat. He prepared long-eared rabbit jerky, which he stowed in his newly crafted small backpack:Small Backpack Inventory:Long-Eared Rabbit Meat Jerky x15Additional Space for Supplies"Everything is coming together splendidly," Yura remarked with a sense of accomplishment. The new attire offered both enhanced protection and comfort, while the backpack streamlined his ability to carry gear.With his camp now fortified and his new equipment ready, Yura felt a renewed sense of purpose. "Time to dive deeper and uncover what else this world has to offer," he resolved, setting off into the forest with eager anticipation.As he patrolled his mapped hunting grounds and ventured further into the forest, Yura's thoughts meandered. The dense canopy of foliage above filtered sunlight into a gentle, verdant glow. Every rustle of leaves and distant call of wildlife kept his senses alert."This feels almost like a vacation," Yura mused, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It's peculiar to think that I'm not constantly fighting for survival. It's... surprisingly relaxing."He paused to survey the terrain, noting the subtle shifts in the forest's layout. "I wonder what creatures might dwell here," he pondered, curiosity piqued. "There could be fearsome monsters or perhaps wondrous beings beyond my imagination. Maybe there's even a human settlement hidden in this expansive wilderness. It would be intriguing to discover if others share this world with me."The prospect of encountering other beings—whether allies or adversaries—fueled his determination. "Regardless, I must remain vigilant and prepared. This place is brimming with surprises."As Yura delved deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon an unexpected discovery. What initially appeared as a mere wall of overgrown vegetation and rocks revealed hidden veins of iron and copper ore once he cleared away the encroaching foliage.He observed the gleaming ores with a blend of fascination and amusement. "Well, well, well," he chuckled, "It seems this adventure has turned into a resource-gathering quest. I just need an RTS interface to complete the experience."He examined the ores, contemplating their potential. "With the right equipment, I could begin mining and smelting these. But for now, they're just a pile of promising rocks. I'd need approximately 1085 c to melt the copper and 1538 c for the iron. Sadly, I lack the means to process them at present."Yura's thoughts wandered through the possibilities. "Once I acquire the appropriate tools, these ores could be valuable. I could forge new weapons, enhance my gear, or even create entirely new items. However, mixing these metals without proper knowledge might yield something less desirable—perhaps a 'crusty ball of scrap' as I'd put it."He shook his head, laughing at his own jest. "It seems I'll have to add 'mining expert' to my to-do list. For now, I'll leave this discovery and continue my exploration. Who knows what other gems this forest conceals?"With renewed enthusiasm, Yura pressed onward, eager to unravel more of the forest's secrets and eventually return to his camp laden with new knowledge and resources.As Yura rested in his shelter, idly handling his shadowy knife, the tranquility of the forest was abruptly shattered by a distant, piercing shriek. The sound, fraught with urgency and alarm, quickened his pulse with anticipation. Rising swiftly, his curiosity piqued, he darted toward the source of the commotion.Emerging from the underbrush, Yura found himself at the edge of a clearing where a fierce skirmish was unfolding. A cadre of rabbit beastmen, their fur matted with sweat and grime, engaged in combat with a towering creature resembling a sentient tree—a treant. The treant, its bark-like skin twisted into a grotesque visage, lashed out with gnarled limbs, attempting to crush its assailants.At the forefront of the fray stood a particularly imposing rabbit beastman. This formidable figure, towering at approximately eight feet, was distinguished by deep, earthy brown fur that starkly contrasted with the hues of his kin. His long ears, expressive and intimidating, framed a face marked by fierce resolve and tactical acumen. His muscular yet lean build and powerful legs attested to his prowess as a warrior.The rabbit beastmen, clad in a mix of red leather armor and iron-like weaponry, fought with both precision and agility. Their red leather armor, though not overly protective, allowed for fluid movement. Their weapons, including short swords and iron-tipped spears, gleamed ominously in the dappled forest light. Their fire arrows, tipped with iron and coated with a flammable substance, ignited upon impact, adding a fiery element to their assault.From his vantage atop a tall tree, Yura observed the rabbit beastmen's strategy with keen interest. The smaller warriors, nimble and quick, launched a relentless barrage of fire arrows at the treant. These arrows struck the treant's bark, igniting brief bursts of flame that distracted and weakened the creature. The fire arrows, aimed with skill, targeted the treant's vulnerable spots, causing it to recoil in pain.Meanwhile, the larger rabbit beastman, exuding an aura of command, directed his comrades with sharp, decisive gestures. He instructed the smaller warriors to focus on the treant's legs, and they attacked in synchronized strikes, causing the creature to stumble. The coordination of their efforts was evident; each movement was a calculated maneuver to exploit the treant's weaknesses.With the treant's movements becoming more erratic, the final phase of the assault commenced. The larger rabbit beastman, wielding a massive club, led a concentrated attack on the treant's chest. The smaller warriors, seizing the opportunity, launched their assaults from all angles, driving their weapons into the treant's core.As Yura observed, he marveled at the rabbit beastmen's coordination and skill. Their battle tactics were impressive, and their determination palpable. It was evident they had meticulously planned their attack, targeting the treant's weaknesses with precision.The treant, battered and burning, emitted a final mournful groan before collapsing to the ground. The rabbit beastmen, though exhausted, erupted in victorious cheers. The larger rabbit beastman, panting heavily but triumphant, surveyed the battlefield with a proud gaze, his leadership evident in the respect of his peers.Yura remained concealed in the tree, absorbing the scene with rapt attention. The encounter showcased the rabbit beastmen's combat prowess and hinted at the world's intricate complexity.Crouched silently among the foliage, he couldn't help but offer a low, approving clap at the rabbit beastmen's impressive strategy. The battle had been fierce, their tactics well-executed, but Yura was not merely an observer. With the treant defeated, the rabbit beastmen began to recover, some scavenging the remains while others caught their breath.Seeing an opportunity, Yura decided to make his presence known. He descended from the tree with a soft thud, unsheathing his shadowy knife, its ominous gleam catching the dim light.The rabbit beastmen, still preoccupied with the aftermath of the battle, were startled by Yura's sudden appearance. Weapons were quickly readied, and the larger rabbit beastman, his authority clear, leveled his giant club at Yura.The smaller rabbit beastmen, voices urgent and confused, chattered in a harsh, staccato language, "########## ## #### ##." Their words were unintelligible to Yura, but their tone conveyed alarm and hostility."I don't understand your words, but you're all drained from fighting the treant," Yura taunted with a menacing grin. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll kill all of you." His voice dripped with a chilling promise of violence.The larger rabbit beastman, sensing the danger in Yura's bloodlust, readied himself for confrontation.Without hesitation, Yura charged toward the leader, his movements fluid and precise. At the last moment, he evaded a hard swing from the club with a nimble sidestep. "Hehe," Yura chuckled, his agility allowing him to slip past the leader's attack with ease.He quickly turned his focus to the recovering rabbit beastmen. With ruthless efficiency, he struck through their ranks, his shadowy knife cutting through their necks with deadly precision. Their bodies crumpled, emitting pained cries as blood spurted from their fatal wounds.The leader, incensed by Yura's relentless assault, pursued him into the thick forest. The dense foliage provided ample cover, but Yura used it to his advantage, ambushing the smaller rabbit beastmen with ruthless precision. As the leader called out for reinforcements, he realized too late that Yura's tactics were a meticulously crafted trap, designed to cull his group.Desperate to regain control, the leader retreated into the clearing. Yura emerged from the shadows of the trees, having dispatched the smaller rabbit beastmen, and presented the severed heads of his fallen foes by their ears. He displayed them with an almost mocking nonchalance.The leader's despair was palpable as he sank to his knees, his eyes blazing with an intense, fiery rage. His transformation was grotesque: his eyes burned an even deeper red, his teeth elongated into vicious fangs, and his claws grew menacingly, giving him the appearance of a monstrous were-rabbit.Yura's anticipation surged; he was eager for this new challenge. The ensuing battle was brutal and visceral. Yura darted around the leader's wild, frenzied attacks, taking a few scratches from his claws but maintaining focus. The leader's rage only seemed to amplify his strength, but Yura was relentless. His strikes targeted the leader's vulnerabilities with ruthless precision. An incisive slice severed the leader's arm, and a well-placed thrust left him blind in one eye. The injuries only fueled the leader's frantic and desperate assault.Finally, with a decisive thrust, Yura drove his knife deep into the leader's chest. The fight ended with a grim finality as the leader collapsed, his once-imposing form now lifeless."Rabbit meat for dinner," Yura remarked with grim satisfaction, surveying the aftermath of his victory.After the battle, Yura scavenged the spoils left behind. Among the items he collected were:50 Iron-tipped Arrowheads5 Pouches of Red Flammable Liquid10 Vials of Red Liquid15 Rabbit Beastmen Meat and Fur10 Leather Armor for Rabbits4 Iron-tipped Spears4 Iron Swords5 Hardwood Bows30 BreadHe also examined the remains of the treant, discovering a blue magic sphere embedded within the creature's core. Intrigued, Yura contemplated breaking the sphere by hand. As he did, he felt a surge of energy, his heart pounding and his mind expanding. Glancing at his status window, he saw his MP had increased to 55."Good loot, hehe," Yura said with a satisfied grin, gathering the treasures from his victories.With his newfound resources and knowledge, Yura felt invigorated. The forest held many secrets yet to be uncovered, and he was eager to continue his journey, ready to face whatever challenges and discoveries lay ahead.