Chapter 9 of Hunts and Markets
Elias crouched low among the underbrush, his heart pounding with anticipation as he surveyed the forest around him. With his shadow summon, Flicker, gliding silently beside him, he felt a strange sense of confidence. They had settled into the forest for a few days, hunting and gathering herbs that might serve him in future rituals. Elias had learned from his father, the village gravekeeper, how to prepare the dead, but this was different; he was now tasked with sustaining himself in the wild. The forest was alive, full of potential, and he was determined to make the most of it.
As he moved quietly through the trees, he spotted a pair of rabbits nibbling on some grass. They were easy prey, and with his ambush tactics, he could get close enough for a clean kill. Drawing his pickaxe, Elias waited for the right moment. The tension was electric as he sprung from his hiding place, swinging the pickaxe with all his might. The first rabbit fell, and he quickly dispatched the second before they could escape. Gaining a rush of exhilaration, he noted the experience he had earned: +10 experience. He felt the thrill of the hunt coursing through him, a reminder of his father's teachings.
With the rabbits secured, Elias remembered his initial goal: to find a potential summon. He continued to search the forest, scanning the ground for any signs of creatures he could use. After a while, he spotted a small bird perched on a branch, its feathers shimmering in the dappled sunlight. Knowing that a corpse would be necessary for a summon, he carefully crafted a plan. Elias moved stealthily, using the element of surprise to his advantage, and with a swift strike, he brought the bird down. He decided to keep it for later, eager to see what he could summon from its remains.
After gathering his winnings, Elias found a suitable spot to set up camp for the night. He decided to skin and cook the two rabbits, their meat vital for his sustenance. Flicker hovered nearby, a comforting presence as Elias expertly field dressed the rabbits. He hung them on his makeshift belt, determined to prepare a hearty meal. Once the rabbits were ready, he set to png a surge of excitement, he took the quest and noted the details before heading to the market for some much-needed supplies.
At the general goods store, Elias felt it was time to upgrade from his pickaxe. He had been eyeing a sturdy sword that would serve him better in combat. After some haggling, he managed to purchase the sword for eight silver coins, leaving him with only four coins remaining. He also bought a length of rope for two silver coins, which further depleted his funds but felt essential for his upcoming quests.
Now equipped with a new sword, Elias left the market, his satchel heavier with supplies. He had also ensured he had five days' worth of rations, thanks to the cooked rabbit meat he had prepared earlier. As the sun began to set, casting vibrant hues of orange and purple across the sky, he felt invigorated, ready to tackle the challenges ahead—whether completing his hunting quest or exploring the depths of his growing abilities.
With Flicker by his side and his undead bird scouting from the forest, Elias headed back toward his campsite, eager to plan his next steps and embrace the adventures that awaited him.