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The first light of dawn peeked through the snow-laden branches of the Sapling Forest,
casting a silvery glow over the blanket of snow that stretched out before Fowad.
He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, cold air. Today, he felt different a new strength thrummed within him, and his senses were sharper, more attuned to the forest around him.
Reaching the second taming circle had awakened something within him, something that made him feel faster, stronger, and more connected to the forest.
Beside him, Foxy was already on alert, her two tails flicking back and forth with a newfound energy and intelligence in her gaze.
She looked up at him, her dark eyes sparkling with a glint of mischief, as if she could sense his excitement. Fowad smiled, reaching down to scratch her behind the ears.
"Let's see what we can find out there today," he murmured. Foxy let out a low bark, her tails twitching with eagerness as they set off into the snow-covered woods.
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The forest was quiet, almost serene, the thick blanket of snow muffling the sounds of their footsteps as they moved deeper into the trees.
Every now and then, Fowad would stop, crouching low to observe the faint tracks in the snow, his instincts guiding him as he pieced together the trails left behind by various beasts.
The snow actually worked to their advantage.
He could track the beast foot print find where they went and also avoid the big ones.
With each step, he could feel the faint vibrations beneath his feet, picking up the subtle sounds that would otherwise be masked by leaves and undergrowth.
The fresh layer of white made it easier to spot tracks and disturbed areas in the snow where animals had recently passed.
He could see the impressions left by small paws, cloven hooves, and even the deeper marks left by heavier creatures, signs of prey waiting to be hunted.
As they tracked deeper into the forest, Fowad spotted the faint signs of a herd hoof prints spaced evenly apart, with patches of snow dug away where the creatures had passed.
From the look of the tracks, the beasts seemed to be deer-like creatures he'd encountered once before, though they were faster and trickier to hunt than other prey he'd encountered.
He knelt down, running his fingers over the tracks. "They're close," he murmured, glancing at Foxy, who sniffed the air, her ears twitching with anticipation.
Moving with practiced silence, they followed the tracks, using the shadows to stay hidden as they closed in on their quarry.
The tracks led them through a grove of trees, where the low branches hung heavy with snow.
Fowad's heart quickened as he caught sight of movement through the trees a small herd of deer-like beasts grazing quietly in a clearing, their soft, velvety fur blending with the snow, making them appear like ghostly figures in the pale dawn light.
The deer-like beasts were magnificent, their bodies lean and muscular, with antlers that branched elegantly from their heads.
Their pelts were a shimmering silver-gray that almost camouflaged them against the snow.
Fowad watched them intently, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their positions.
The herd was spread out, a few of them grazing while others kept watch, their heads lifting every so often to scan the surroundings.
Fowad check the old book and finds this beast are called Sparky horned deer and he took a slow, measured breath.
This would be a challenge. Even with his new strength, he needed to approach this hunt with strategy and patience.
He knew that if they spooked the herd, they would scatter, and any chance of catching one would be lost. And big ones are very strong. They will attack me.
He glanced at Foxy, giving her a silent signal. They had trained together enough that she understood his intentions without a word.
Foxy crouched low, her body pressed close to the ground, moving with a quiet, predatory grace as she circled around to the other side of the clearing, positioning herself behind the herd.
Fowad stayed hidden, watching as Foxy slunk closer. She waited patiently, her eyes locked on him, waiting for his signal.
Fowad raised his hand, making a quick gesture, and Foxy lunged forward with a sudden burst of speed. Used fog to cover the area.
The herd reacted instantly, their heads snapping up as they bolted, fleeing from the fog.
Fowad sprang into action, using his heightened speed and agility to intercept one of the middle size Sharpy horned deer-like beasts that had strayed to the edge of the clearing.
He darted forward, blocking its path as Foxy closed in from the other side.
The creature reared back, its eyes wide with panic as it realized it was trapped between Fowad and Foxy.
Fowad moved swiftly, lunging at the beast and grappling onto its side, his hands finding purchase in the thick fur. The creature bucked wildly, trying to throw him off, but he held on, using his weight to pull it down.
With a quick, precise motion, Foxy leaped forward, her jaws snapping onto the creature's leg, pulling it down further until it collapsed into the snow, exhausted and defeated.
But the Sharpy horned deer won't give up. They injured the beast with a suprise attack. Now the beast is very angry. The Sharpy horned deer just change forward pointing it's sharp horn at Fowad. He block the attack with a knife.
But the deer beast wasn't done yet. Foxy comes close to deer beast to attack it's legs again. But the deer beast saw it and kick foxy far into the trees.
Fowad sought's Foxy are you ok. Hang in there I will come to you soon. Foxy was now a normal level beast and the Sharpy horned deer is also normal level beast. She didn't take much damage.
Foxy shakes her head and come near the Fowad. And she use illusion attack she learnt by reaching normal rank. She looks at Fowad like saying attack now.
Fowad moved quickly, ending the hunt with a swift, clean strike. He stepped back, catching his breath as he looked down at their prize, a sense of satisfaction filling him.
The hunt had gone smoothly, a testament to their improved teamwork. He and Foxy moved as one, their bond and coordination sharper than ever.
He glanced at her, giving her an approving nod as she panted, her tails wagging with pride.
"Good work, Foxy," he said, reaching down to scratch her behind the ears.
She let out a contented bark, nudging him affectionately before settling beside him, watching as he began preparing cut the deer and looking for it's core....
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