As the sunsetted, casting long shadows across the trees, the forest grew darker and more dangerous. Rose led the way, glancing back at Hiro and Elysia with a serious expression. "This is where we'll spend the night," she said, stopping to survey their surroundings. "The center of this forest is too dangerous at night."
Elysia nodded, feeling the weight of her words. They had heard stories about the dangers that lurked in the dark woods. Together, they set up a small tent near a clearing, the last rays of sunlight fading into twilight.
"Let's make a bonfire," Rose suggested, gathering twigs and branches. The crackling flames provided warmth and comfort as they settled in for the night. "I'll hunt for our food," she added, drawing her sword and checking its sharpness.
Hiro and Elysia exchanged excited glances. "We want to come with you!" Elysia insisted, her eyes sparkling with determination.
Rose chuckled, a playful grin on her face. "Of course, I know you're going! But first, we need to plan what we're going to hunt."
Elysia thought for a moment. "How about a rabbit? They're easy to catch and won't take long."
Hiro shook his head, a serious look on his face. "No, it should be a boar. That way, we'll have enough food to last until we get out of the forest. We won't have to hunt again until then."
Rose nodded in agreement. "Good thinking, Hiro. A boar will provide more meat, and it will last long until we get out."
Once their plan was set, Rose leaned closer to them. "Now, I need you both to close your mana so the animals won't sense us. Always watch your steps and be aware of your surroundings."
Hiro took a deep breath, focusing his energy inward. He felt the familiar warmth of his mana dissipate, a comforting yet eerie sensation. Elysia followed suit, her small frame tense with excitement. Together, they ventured deeper into the forest.
The air was thick with the smell of earth and leaves, and the sounds of the forest filled their ears. Crickets chirped, and somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted. Hiro felt a excitement and this was his first hunt.
After almost half an hour of quiet searching, they hadn't spotted a single animal. "Maybe we should go a little deeper into the forest," Rose suggested, scanning the area. "But it will be dangerous."
Elysia hesitated. "What if we get lost?"
"Don't worry," Rose reassured them. "Just stay close to me."
As they moved deeper into the woods, the shadows grew longer, and the air became colder. Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the trees, sending chills down Hiro's spine. Rose's expression changed instantly, becoming serious. "Be alert; we're in a territory of a bear."
Hiro felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "How did we not notice? I didn't see any claw marks on the trees to know this is their territory. It's so dark; it's hard to see anything. So that's why there aren't any animals around here."
"Hey, you two, just listen to my command," Rose instructed, her voice steady and calm despite the danger. "It will be easy prey if we work together."
Hiro and Elysia exchanged glances but nodded, gripping their weapons tightly. Rose's sword gleamed ominously in the dim light. "Now!"
Hiro immediately activated his Specter Mirage technique, creating unstable afterimages of himself to confuse the bear. At the same time, he unleashed the Dragon Tyrant technique, launching a powerful attack at the bear. But the bear was strong, and it countered with a powerful swipe of its paw, making Hiro step back.
"Elysia, now!" Rose shouted, not wasting any time. Elysia took a step forward, her eyes wide with determination. She pulled an arrow from her quiver, aiming for the bear's eye, and released it with a swift motion. The arrow struck, piercing the bear's eye. The bear roared in pain, thrashing wildly, its fury palpable.
Just when they thought they had the upper hand, another bear emerged from the shadows, charging toward them. Rose's eyes widened in alarm. "Watch out! It's its mating partner! It's stronger than this bear!"
Panic surged through Elysia as he assessed the situation. "What do we do?"
"Step back and regroup," Rose commanded, her voice firm. "I'll take care of the new bear, and you handle the injured one." "The back of the bear is their weakpoint." Rose added.
The injured bear, enraged by its injury, lunged at Hiro. He ducked just in time, swinging his sword to hit the bear's side. Elysia quickly followed up, aiming for the bear's back. "Hiro, now!" she shouted, and they both attacked simultaneously, striking the bear's weak spot.
But just as they were about to land the final blow, Rose shouted, "Get ready!" She dashed toward the charging bear, her sword raised high, ready to defend them.
"On my signal, we part ways and attack!" Rose shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. "Go!"