The sun began to dip under the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest. Midok dashed towards Whiskey-Jack. His adrenaline still high, as he quickly checked over the boy, his heart racing with concern.
"Are you alright?" Midok asked, scanning Whiskey-Jack for any injuries.
"That was lucky, great job taking it out!" Midok praised, a mix of pride and relief in his voice.
"Thanks, but it was a team effort," Whiskey-Jack replied, his tone humble. In truth, if Midok hadn't distracted the beast's blows, he wasn't sure he would have emerged unscathed.
As Midok walked over to examine the hulking creature they had just defeated, Whiskey-Jack seized the moment to check the systems messages.
[You are now level 5]
[Level 5 (0/1600XP)]
[Four stat points have been granted]
[Additional Reward Unlocked]
[New Skill: Sneak]
A grin formed across Whiskey-Jack face. "That will come in handy," he muttered to himself, envisioning how stealth could turn the tide in future encounters.
With the beast confirmed dead, Midok returned, holding the rabbit by its ears.
"We survived and even brought back food! Today's hunt is a success. Let's not push our luck and head back." Midok said, unable to hold back his enthusiasm
Whiskey-Jack nodded eagerly, their moral high as they made their way back through the forest.
[Quest Completed]
[New Skill: Animal Speak]
"Successful day indeed," Whiskey-Jack muttered under his breath
Returning to Midok's home, the familiar warmth of the kitchen embraced them. Vix who was waiting for their return, her eyes lighting up as she caught sight of two coming through the door, with fresh game.
"What a day!" Midok exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "We ran into another being out there, but this one here took it out!" patting Whiskey-Jack on the back.
"Really?!" Muskrat shouted, leaping from the other room, "Was it another skin walker?"
"No, this one was different," Midok replied, shaking his head. "It was huge, but thankfully a lot slower due to its size."
Vix's expression turned serious for a moment. "Those creature's have been showing up more frequently. I'm glad you're both safe...And thank you for looking after my dad." She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Whiskey-Jack in a heartfelt hug.
"It's really no problem," he stammered, feeling heat rush to his cheeks, which only made Vix giggle softly.
From a nearby doorway, Midok's wife appeared, her presence adding to the homely atmosphere.
She joined Vix in preparing supper, and Whiskey-Jack noted how he hadn't seen her around much since their arrival. Perhaps he should ask Vix about her later, curious about her mother's absence.
As the smell of meat filled the home, they all gathered around the table, laughter and stories naturally flowed between them. They recounted their adventures until supper was finally ready, that they all deavoured in seconds.
After finishing their meal, Whiskey-Jack and Muskrat headed to sleep, the day's excitement still alive in their minds.
Lying beside his brother, Muskrat turned to Whiskey-Jack, his eyes sparkling. "Do you think I can come hunting next time?"
Whiskey-Jack hesitated, the memory of their encounters still fresh in his mind. While the thought of bringing Muskrat into such dangers filled him with apprehension, he realized that Muskrat needed to become stronger, just as he had to survive this world.
"How about we get you some training first?" Whiskey-Jack suggested, his tone thoughtful, but firm.
Muskrat's expression shifted from disappointment to determination. "Yeah! I'll train hard, I promise!"
And with that, the night overcame the room around them, dreams of future hunts and newfound skills filling their minds.
Little did the two boys know, on the brink of adventure, each step drew them closer to their own destinies.