Three days have passed, fairly uneventfully. However, these days were not spent idly.
Firstly, the shelter I started with has undergone significant renovations. Though I still couldn't obtain proper planks due to the lack of a saw, I managed to gather decent-sized logs using the newly crafted standard axe.
With my Creativity reaching 20 points, I began making standard-quality crafts even with just stone materials.
The once shabby shelter has now grown in size, and more like resembling a log cabin.
I used the decent-sized logs for flooring by splitting them in half with an axe and using the flat surfaces to create an even floor. This improvement made it much more comfortable to sleep.
Additionally, I modified some parts of the shelter with bricks and built a fire pit large enough to warm the interior.
Of course, I did not forget to installed a ventilation system to prevent smoke buildup as I constructed a simple chimney.
I also surrounded the shelter with heavy wooden fences. It was because one night, I heard a loud growl, and judging by its volume, it came from a large animal.
This reminded me once again that I'm in a forest, vulnerable without proper defenses. So to address this, I built fences and set up traps in certain areas.
In the case of food, I was able to gather enough fish to meet the quest quota of 20kg in just three days.
I can store them in my space inventory, where they won't rot. I was satisfied since it was a very convenient skill.
The only remaining issue is the meat source. I still haven't met the meat quota of 20kg.
Over the past three days, I caught only two hares with the traps I made. These hares contributed 5kg to the quota.
While I can survive on fish and fruits, I still needed to complete the quest.
The reason was simple. I still haven't gotten a new quest since receiving the meat task.
This only means that I really needed to finish gathering the meat to clear the task or I won't be receiving a new one.
Although the lifespan rewards from the daily quest had helped me survived, I badly wanted to increase my overall stats.
Living in the forest means facing potential dangers, so I needed not only food but strength to ensure my survival.
So starting yesterday, after completing all my tasks, I started making a weapon until nightfall.
Yes, I finally decided to hunt by myself, without relying on the traps.
I added the three attribute points I gained from the daily quest to [Agility].
Although it wasn't much, I felt my hands becoming nimbler and my eyesight improving.
Now, it was time to test my abilities.
I slowly raised the crossbow in my hands, focusing on the apple hanging from the tree. I took a deep breath, relaxed my muscles, and…
Click!
As I pulled the trigger, the arrow shot forward with steady, decent speed. With a satisfying thud, it struck the apple, sending it tumbling to the ground.
I smiled upon seeing the result. Finally, I had hit the target for the tenth try. This raised my confidence in hunting a little.
Choosing a crossbow over a traditional bow and arrow was a better choice given my limited experience.
The crossbow was easier to handle and required less strength and skill, which I do not have, for accurate aiming.
Unlike the bow, which demands physical strength and extensive practice, the crossbow holds the string in place once cocked, allowing for steadier aim.
This style made it easier for me, even as a beginner, to achieve consistent shots.
At any rate, the crossbow makes hunting more manageable while I'm still learning the basics.
Although making a suitable string from the variety of barks and plant fibers was challenging given that I am lacking for proper materials, the trial and error still paid off in the end.
After several practice shots, I decided to start hunting.
I briefly went back to the shelter and retrieved the special arrows that I crafted.
Then I set off.
With careful steps, I traversed the woods, mainly near the stream, hoping to spot some prey.
After half an hour, I spotted a wild boar. Unfortunately, I missed and hit its lower body instead of its head.
By the time I tried to fire another arrow, the wild boar had vanished into the shrubs.
"Haha…"
Helplessly, I lowered the crossbow and resumed searching for prey.
I spotted some hares, but their smaller size made them harder targets than the wild boar.
I decided to stop roaming around the stream and ventured to the other side of the forest.
Just 20 minutes later, I heard a commotion, as if a fight was taking place.
Searching the direction of the noise, I quickened my pace, pushing through the underbrush until I reached a clearing.
To my surprise, the wild boar I had shot earlier was battling a strange creature resembling a dog but covered in moss, even its legs were moss-covered.
This creature was identified in my appraisal as a [Moss Dog], a forest monster.
The boar charged with its tusks, while the moss dog growled back, baring its mossy teeth.
From what I could see, the wild boar was on the verge of collapse, and I immediately knew why.
On its lower body, I saw the arrow I shot earlier causing some bleeding. The boar would collapse any moment now.
The moss dog was smaller than the boar. That's why it wasn't getting too close or else it would get sweep by the tusks.
By its movement, I surmised the moss dog was just waiting for the boar to lose its strength.
'But I'm the reason why the boar is in this state.'
I have the right to claim it.
Even if you're a monster, I'm not willing to give up this prey.
Opening my inventory, I retrieved one of the special arrows I crafted and smoothly mounted it in the crossbow.
Silently, I raised the crossbow, steadying my breath and calming my heart.
'To hell with you.'
I pulled the trigger.
The arrow flew through the air, cutting a path through the melee.
Mid-flight, its stone tip burst into flames.
It was one of the arrows with flame effects I had crafted.
The flame arrow continued to glide towards the unsuspecting enemy.
Eventually, it bore into the monster's eye.
The moss dog let out a pained yelp as the arrow struck its left eye.
It staggered back, its attention momentarily diverted from the boar to me.
But the battle was already over.
With its mossy body, the moss dog was an easy target for flame attack.
The flames erupted on its head as it cried out in pain.
As for me, I let loose another shot, but this time, it was only an ordinary arrow. Its better to save some flame arrows for future use.
After the arrow hit its body, I quickly stored the crossbow in my inventory and summoned a harpoon.
"Haa!"
With a decisive swing, I dealt the final blow.