The village of Akimota seems relatively quiet as I walk through the streets towards the entrance of the forest. Most of the villages people are probably gathered at the entrance, eager to see the clearance scouts' preparations or to see which new hunter has joined up with them to explore the mid-sections of the forest.
I make my way down For-avenue, the expansive cobblestoned street which led directly to the forest after you make it passed the village buildings. It leads directly to the entrance to the thick forest— the dense unnatural natural forest that surrounds the cardinal points of our village except the Southern residential side— just when a voice calls out to me.
"Good morning Edowado. Off on another forest adventure, huh?"
"Yeah, miss Amina!"
I turn to find Amina, a stunning beautiful girl with long, silky black hair and captivating purple eyes. Dressed in her signature red and black waitress outfit, she exudes an air of charm that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Amina works at a cosy bar and cafe on the western side of The Northern sector of village, in the northern part of the village, just the opposite of where we currently are.
Not only is she a cherished friend, but she also happens to be my sister's best companion. She often rewards me with free pastries in exchange for forest ingredients.
With a wide grin, Amina leans in closer, her face near mine. She is very beautiful, dressed in her usual red and black waitress outfit and apron which compliments her greatly.
I can't help but feel a slight flutter in my chest, struggling to maintain focus on her words rather than being distracted by her alluring appearance. I subtly suck in air to calm myself, silencing the voice in my head trying to divert my eyes from her face to her slightly exposed cleavage: dangerous territory.
"Alright then, I'll leave you to it but oh, if you happen to stumble upon Mako fruit do please grab some for me. I really want to try making my special peppery loaf today"
Mako fruit, a rare kind of pepper grown only in the forest, isn't easy to find. It's not a very common item to find but if determined any one can find one or two growing around.
"Don't worry, Amina. I'll make sure to find plenty of Mako fruit for you," I reply with a smile.
"Thanks, Edo. You're the best," she says with a grateful nod clasping onto my hand with her smaller ones for a brief moment, her touch sending a warm tingle through my veins.
I blush, caught off guard by the sensation, and quickly compose myself, waving her goodbye as I continue my journey towards the forest entrance.
Akimota is a small village, well, more like a widely dispersed village, located in the West Afric Region, the western outskirts of the Revolutionary Empire and is flanked by the sprawling forest that stretches across the land.
The forest entrance, bustling with activity, comes into view as I draw closer. The forest entrance is way livelier than where I just came from. The villagesfolk are all gathered around a group of strong looking men and women, clad in a variety of full-body armours, crafted from either supple leather or gleaming metal and armed with their preferred weapons ranging from normal swords and axes with very small number of them carrying impressive looking shimmering cyber weapons.
They are the Clearance Scouts, a team comprising the village's most skilled hunters and roaming hunters who explore the treacherous depths of the forest, ensuring the safety of our village by exterminating or at least ward off any menacing monsters that come too close to the village. They sometimes also just embark on quests to gather difficult to obtain forest and monster items as well as increase their stat levels and ranks.
Among the scouts, one figure in particular stands out—an unfamiliar face in our close-knit community—catching my attention. He was a tall fair looking male with silver white hair and piercing blue eyes which he's hidden beneath a hood he's just pushed down. He's probably a roaming hunter that joined the clearance party.
He has an air of mystery surrounding him since parts of his body is concealed beneath a flowing cloak. A glint of red hidden at his waist catches my eye. My curiosity now piqued; I focus on the crimson object protruding from beneath his cloak.
As he turns away from one of the many female admirers attempting to engage him, I finally see the crimson jewel—two cyber pistols, magnificently adorned with pulsating red cyber lines, securely holstered at his side.
Cyber guns aren't weapons commonly chosen by hunters, especially those in Akimota but they do possess a distinct allure. Aside the fact that they are quite costly to obtain they also require serious skill to use. You need to be precise with your aim and handle energy ammo reloads carefully. These guns are great for mid-range attacks, but not so much in close combat against other weapons or against multiple enemies.
The cyber pistols strike a balance between power and skill. They're elegant and deadly in the right hands, offering a different way to fight. It's a challenge to wield them effectively, but those who can master them become true forces to be reckoned with.
I've always imagined myself exploring the depths of the forest with one but I can never stop seeing myself being flung away by the recoil from such a gun.
In the heart of the gathering, a towering muscular bald man with tanned skin commanding attention carrying a massive green glowing double-bit cyber battle axe strapped to his back
He was Adolfo Aboagye, current head and leader of the village. He exudes a gruff exterior which betrays his kind and compassionate nature making him a beloved village figure. He is currently also the only rank 3 hunter residing in the village which making him the strongest fighter we have.
"Well, well, if it isn't l'il old Crestell," Adolfo booms with a hearty laugh, his voice rumbling like thunder. "Ya come to bid us farewell before we plunge into the forest?"
"Hello Sir Adolfo! Yeah, but you're heading out now again? I thought you just recently got back from a dangerous quest"
"Ay, we did return a while ago after quellin' one of the biggest slithers we ever laid eyes on. Damned thing nearly tore us apart," Adolfo explains, his voice carrying the weight of his battle-hardened experiences. "Lost some of our gear in the process, so we had to come back to restock."
"You're so cool, Adolfo. I hope to be as strong as you one day. I also planned to venture into the forest to try my luck on earning more loot, maybe even surpass your rank," I say with a touch of admiration and cockiness in my voice.
I say with a cocky smirk on my face looking up at Adolfo who just looks back down at me from his towering height laughing heartily to himself.
"Ho-Ho-Ho! Ya gonna make a fine hunter one day, just like yer old man," Adolfo chuckles heartily, looking down at me from his towering height.
"Keep at it, lad, but don't get ahead of yourself. Don't wander into the danger zones unprepared or under-ranked. Been hearin' reports of those blasted bird monsters nestin' too close to us lately. They ain't too bright but they're a real problem to deal with"
The hunting zones are a part of the forest immediately after the safe zone where the hostile lower ranked monsters roamed. They aren't too much of a challenge for low ranked hunters such as myself to handle at the start but the deeper you go the more monsters you meet and the more challenging, they become.
Of course, the safe zone of the forest also contains monsters but they are fewer and are pretty much the docile lower ranked ones that choose to flee rather than fight when first provoked but a rule of thumb among everyone is that all monsters regardless of nature are dangerous.
I nod, acknowledging the wisdom in Adolfo's words. "Alright, I'll be careful and stick to the hunting zone."
"That's the spirit, kiddo! Ho-Ho-Ho! I see ya got yer eyes on the mysterious figure over there," Adolfo said, catching me off guard as he noticed my gaze fixed on the hooded man with the two intriguing pistols holstered at his waist.
"An adventurer?" I reiterate it the word, my curiosity piqued. I know what an adventure is from the storybooks I've read but I've never seen or heard anyone call themselves one.
Adventurers, much like hunters, are fearless seekers driven by curiosity and hunger for discovery who embrace challenges and constantly push their limits to transform dreams into realities. They protect the weak and fight to offer hope to those in need. They always seemed like too much of an illusory description for hunters to me but I still always admired them.
"This forest grows more treacherous by the day, and we need all the help we can get to clear it for you lower-ranked adventurers," Adolfo says, shaking his head with a chuckle.
"No harm in bein' inquisitive, kiddo. Ya ain't the only one captivated by Mr. Handsome and mysterious over there..."
Adolfo points to the figure, now surrounded by a group of infatuated ladies. The man, still partially hidden behind his cloak, diligently prepares his items, paying no mind to the enamoured women.
"Alright, it's 'bout time we head out now, or we'll get held up even longer," Adolfo says, readying himself. "I'll see ya later, kiddo. And do give Amina a good cheek smooch goodbye for me."
"Sure thing…Geh?!!!"
I choke on my own words, my cheeks turning red at the mention of Adolfo's outrageous request. However, he simply continues walking away, laughing heartily to himself. He joined his other group members, and together they venture deeper into the forest.
(That man is gonna kill me before a monster does)
After performing one last check on my equipment, I stepped forward, ready to embark on my own adventure. My blue cyber dagger was fully charged, its energy humming with power.
I'm currently wearing my favourite blue-black halo hooded jacket, a special gift from my grandfather. It may not offer much in terms of defence, but its unique design and faint blue glowing lines adds a touch of style and comfort.
Mom claims it's a one-of-a-kind special item, though I think she might have been exaggerating to make it seem even more special.
-------------------------------------------
"SCRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!"
The bloodcurdling screech pierces the air, causing my heart to leap in my chest. I jump out of the way, narrowly avoiding the deadly mandibles of the brown-shelled monster. It's a killer ant, a mid-level rank 1 beast, and luck hasn't been on my side today. I've barely ventured into the forest, and already I'm face to face with a formidable opponent.
These monsters, with their three-meter-long bodies covered in an impenetrable exoskeleton, are a nightmare for low-ranked hunters like myself. Their powerful pincers can tear through flesh and even rip apart weak armour.
And never ever forget their keen sense of smell, capable of sniffing out their own kind from miles away. Dealing with one killer ant is challenging enough, but the real trouble comes when they release their acid spray, a last-ditch effort to defend themselves and call for backup.
Even high ranked hunters find it difficult to deal with combating groups of these monsters. There are strategies for taking down these kinds of monsters, but in this moment, all I can think about is trying to not get caught up in one of its relentless attacks.
I really wish I'd paid more attention to Adolfo and Rio's lectures on monsters.
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The monster arcs its large abdomen towards me, but I quickly scramble onto my back and crawl desperately towards the back of a twisted tree trunk. Hiding from it won't be enough, though. It would sniff me out eventually.
I rack my brain, trying to recall what Adolfo and Rio had said during their never-ending lectures until it finally clicks.
I snap my fingers, remembering some of Rio's words about the killer ants' weak points—the joints between their legs and body. If I can disable their mobility, I might stand a chance to get out with my head still attached.
I survey the rough terrain, searching for any opportunity I can exploit. The forest is unforgiving, with towering trees that block out the sun, leaving only faint rays of light to illuminate the darkness. The ground is a mix of soil, rocks, and massive roots that twist and turn, intermingled with an array of vibrant flowers emitting a hazy glow.
An idea strikes me, and I roll away from the safety of the tree, landing amidst a cluster of flowers. With quick, frantic movements, I roll around in them, hoping to mask my scent and throw off the killer ant's tracking abilities.
I take a moment to observe the surroundings, searching for a path to properly carry out my plan. Thick roots, jutting out of the soil, seem to offer a chance.
Jump, jump, jump. I jump from one root to another, finding my footing, though rather unsteadily, and leaping higher into the air, my dagger raised high.
Time seems to stand still as I target the right side of the killer ant, its abdomen still turned away from me, unaware of my presence. The flowers have done their job, concealing my scent, and for a fleeting moment, I believe I have the upper hand.
"SCRRRRREEEEEECH!!!!"
But I spoke too soon.
"ACK-!!"
The monster turns, slamming its large abdomen into my chest with incredible force. Pain shoots through me, and I'm sent flying back, crashing into the familiar tree trunk that had provided me shelter earlier.
Red droplets escape my mouth as proof of the impact. I slump to the ground, groaning in agony, but manage to refocus my gaze on the killer ant.
"SCRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!"
The monster lets out another screech as I notice a shimmering blue object fall off along with one of its hind legs. It's my dagger, stained with the yellowish-green fluid gushing from the wound where its right hind leg used to be.
I slowly lift myself off the ground, wincing in pain as I do so, before the monster remembers I'm still alive. However, before I can fully process the situation, something sharp and incredibly fast strikes my left shoulder. The pain is excruciating, and I'm sent hurtling across the unforgiving terrain, blood flowing freely from the fresh wound.
"UUMF!!"
I fly above the injured ant and I crash into the ground, my body smashing through roots and foliage. Coughing up blood, I clutch my wounded shoulder, feeling the warmth of crimson staining my arm.
I lift my head, attempting to identify the source of the attack, only to freeze in terror as a deafening screech fills the air.
"SCRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!"
"SCRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!"
"SCRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!"
I no longer had to look up to know what had wounded my shoulder, the horrifying sounds were enough. I jerk my head up and look at the three bobbing heads with dark red round eyes on the sides of their large heads as they approach their fallen comrade; the backup had arrived. The wounded killer ant had called for help.
I glance at my dagger which was still emitting a faint blue glow, beneath the severed leg of the wounded killer ant, surrounded by three other ants that are now rubbing their antennae all over it. Panic sets in as realization dawns upon me—I'm completely cornered.
(What am I going to do now…)
Slowly, one after the other, the ants' attention shifts from their fallen comrade to me. Multiple pairs of dark red eyes fixate on my every move, their mandibles rattling in anticipation. Viscous liquid oozes from their mouths, creating a smoky trail that hints at their bloodlust.
(Why...?)
Fear grips me, but I didn't even have time to acknowledge it. There was no time or way to reach my dagger without getting jabbed and skewered by one of those sharp mandibles of theirs so running was the only option I had.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!"
I muster every ounce of strength my rank 1 body can, propelling myself forward as I sprint through the treacherous terrain, ducking under branches and generally trying not to trip over anything and have myself killed.
The forest becomes a blur around me as I push my body to its limits. I navigate the uneven ground unsure of where I was going, leaping over roots and ducking under branches, my mind focused solely being far away from those menacing mandibles. Every fibre of my being screams in protest, the pain intensifying with each stride, but the adrenaline and the relentless pursuit keep me going.
I dash through the unforgiving landscape, my arms swinging madly, my low-level senses trying its best but poorly succeeding at detecting every obstacle in my path.
The forest seems to conspire against me, as if each root and rock aims to trip me and end my escape. I know that even a momentary lapse in my speed could allow those relentless creatures to catch up, to sink their deadly mandibles into me and I am not gonna allow myself to become their first meal of the day.
I run, my heart pounding in my chest, my breath ragged. The relentless chase continues, the sounds of the killer ants echoing in my ears, constantly reminding me not to stop running.
My body is screaming madly at me as sharp jolts of pain course it. The forest blurs, a whirlwind of green and brown, as I push through the pain, the mix of adrenaline and monster screeches just enough to silence it.
The forest is growing darker with every step, the diminishing light making visibility nearly impossible. Yet, amidst the fading glow, the faint colours of the vegetation are able to guide my way.
On normal circumstances there should've been a few hunters or hunters roaming about who could've helped me but because I came here way earlier than usual it's no surprise no one was around to hear my screams or the screech of the ants.
Under normal circumstances, there would have been fellow hunters nearby who could lend a hand. But this early in the morning, the usual crowd is absent. It's no surprise that my screams and the bloodcurdling screeches of the ants go unheard.
Hunters in Akimota prefer the latter part of the morning for their explorations, when visibility is at its best up until the late nights which were reserved for unwinding at their favourite bars or restaurants, after a fulfilling day of battling and venturing.
I curse myself for arriving so early. I steal a quick glance behind me, hoping to see the gap between death and me widening. To my dismay, it's the opposite. The menacing red dots of the ants' eyes bob from side to side as their silhouettes draw closer, driven by pure rage.
(Running away isn't working!)
My agility stat isn't high enough to outrun the ants and hiding somewhere isn't an option with their heightened senses on high alert.
I have no choice but to fight them head-on. But taking on a single ant is already a daunting task for me. How the heck am I going to deal with three?!
I reach a fork in the road and veer right without even stopping to consider anything. How could I? Not with death breathing down my neck.
I come to a sudden stop in an open grassy area, surrounded by densely packed trees that intertwine into a formidable barrier of twisted branches, gnarled stems, and moss-covered roots. It's an enclosure—a dead end!
I'm not all that sure I'm right but I do remember Rio mentioning something like this to me once when I was at the guild Office. His explanation eludes me, except for the fact that he emphasized how they are the worst place for low-ranked fighters who become separated from their partners or find themselves lost to be.
"SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!!"
They've caught up with me.
I swiftly dive behind a rock covered in roots and moss, seeking shelter as the first killer ant enters the enclosure. Holding my breath, I cautiously steal a peek from my hiding spot, observing the scene.
The cacophony of screeches and the thundering of multiple feet reach my ears as the injured ant's other reinforcements draw near—probable dragging its wounded comrade.
Antennae twitching, the first ant to have arrived cautiously passes by my hiding spot, as if attempting to sense my presence. My heart pounds violently in my chest, defying all attempts to calm it.
A cold layer of sweat runs down my neck as I notice one of the ant's mandibles inching closer, dangerously close to where I'm standing just behind the rock. Frozen in place, I hold my breath, my body tense as the monster's sharp, natural weapons clash repeatedly, mere centimetres away from me.
Crackling twigs and rustling leaves fill the air, accompanied by the ominous rhythm of many feet approaching. The other two ants had arrived. I try to readjust my position around the rock, shifting slightly to the side, but then—snap!
(Oh, come on!)
"SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!!"
I dive away from the rock just in time to evade the deadly convergence of mandibles that slice through it cleanly, leaving the lower half drenched in a smoking green liquid while the upper portion falls away.
I had tried to reposition myself around the rock and accidentally snapped a twig which caught the monster's attention. The second and third ants rush into the enclosure, their eyes burning a deep red.
I try to circle around the enclosure, aiming to return to the entrance, only to find the killer ant with a missing limb blocking my path. There's no other option—I slowly crawl backward until my back presses firmly against one of the trees that formed part of the enclosure.
I'm completely surrounded by these terrifying rank 1 monsters, which could easily be mistaken for rank 2s due to their ferocity with numbers. To my left and right stand three fully functional killer ants, their mandibles dripping with acidic fury.
Directly in front of me, in the centre, looms the first killer ant I had injured, limping but still a formidable threat.
My legs grow increasingly heavy and unsteady, making standing impossible. I slump onto the ground, my back pressed against the tree's unyielding trunk. The adrenaline that'd been keeping me going is fading and now I realize the extent of my injuries and the overwhelming fatigue that accompanied my running for so long.
As I gaze up, the ants' eyes draw nearer, their mandibles clacking together, reflecting my defeated form in the myriad facets of their compound eyes. They seem to revel in their triumph, having successfully hunted down an elusive prey. There's nothing more I can do; I'm cornered on all sides, fatigued and defenceless without a weapon.
I cast my gaze downward, tears welling up in my eyes. This is not how I wanted to meet my end. If I can't even protect myself from basic monsters in these forests, how can I ever achieve what I set out to do? Maybe the voices of doubt are right.
And to think, I haven't even had the chance to make any really close friends or find a girlfriend or... experience certain things. My face flushes an embarrassing shade of red at the thought, but now is not the time for such reflections.
made a promise that I wouldn't end up like the countless others. Miss Amina, Mom, Dad, Sis—I can't leave them like this.
(Dang it, Elaine's going to go through my browsing history! I can't go now!)
I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing myself for what is about to happen. The heat from their acidic saliva washes over me as their mandibles draw closer than ever, poised to snap shut and end my life.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…nothing. Maybe in another 5 seconds. In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…still nothing?! I slowly lift the lid of my right eye to check what's happening. The ants have stopped rattling their mandibles, but something else is making a strange sound.
Their antennae go haywire, buzzing like crazy. The ants all stop in confusion, swinging their heads from side to side, glancing all around them. Have they sensed something else in the area, or is there another ant calling for backup?
But before I can even conjure up another thought, a bolt of crimson and violet light, bright enough to blind someone, zips past my head, flashing before my eyes, and strikes the closest ant—the one right in front of me—in the head, flipping it backward and sending it flying far away from me.
"RAAAAAAUUUUUUGHH!!!"
A hideous roar bellows out the mouth of the other three killer ants— monsters known to only screech—as three more bolts of crimson and violet light cut across the enclosure, illuminating the area and striking their large abdomens, shattering them and causing yellowish-green goop to splatter across the forest floor.
I stare at the killer ants, shock written all over my face, unsure where to start or how to comprehend what just happened. A blueish light whizzes past my head but this one quite slower and dimmer than the previous bolts. I watch as it lands and sticks out of the ground—it's my cyber dagger.
Confusion and bewilderment wash over me as I gaze at the weapon with its short, glowing blade fixed into the ground, its small hilt sticking out. But I quickly realize the opportunity it presents—my chance to save myself before the ants regain their senses. There really is a goddess looking after me.
Without bothering to search for the source of the bolts of light and my dagger, I spring into action. I get up and make a dash for the hilt of my dagger, plunged into the forest bed.
I waste no time, my hand wrapping tightly around the hilt of my cyber dagger. I grip it firmly, my focus shifting to the three ants whose abdomens have been shattered. They lie on their backs, writhing in pain.
I rush up to the sides of the three ants and drive my blade cleanly through their exposed limb joints, wobbly but still slicing them off. Though their limb joints aren't covered with the same material as their incredibly hard exoskeleton, it's still a challenge to cut through even with my cyber weapon which goes to show just how tough these rank 1 monsters can be or how weak I and my equipment are.
The three ants now lie immobile on their backs. I climb on top of one of them, locking eyes with its vital points. I finally remember Adolfo's lecture— if possible, aim for the soft neck.
I plunge my dagger deep into its neck, the sound of tearing flesh drowned by its loud shrieks before its body slowly turns to ash, fading away and leaving behind only a small luminescent shard. I repeat the process with the other two killer ants, leaving just one more.
"It's your turn insectoid"
I fix my gaze on the final killer ant, the one struck in the head by the unknown light. It's on its feet again, its eyes unimaginably redder than before, its mandibles and antennae rattling madly.
It has lost an antenna, and one of its mandibles is chipped off, leaving a jagged, glass bottle-like edge. Cracks run along its exoskeleton, and pieces are chipped off. It has taken severe damage, but it's clearly enraged.
I gulp down fully taking in its now mortifying appearance but I can't back down now…even if I really wanted to. We stare each other down for only a few seconds before bolting towards each other.
The ant raises its only still in shape mandible high then lowers it to strike me directly in the head, but maybe the hit it received has also affected its coordination because its aim is off by an obtuse angle, right at my arm and not my head.
I sloppily manage to push myself away from the trajectory of its mandible by digging my feet into the ground and pushing myself in the opposite direction. The ant looks confused as to how it missed me, and though slow to see the opening I don't waste the opportunity.
I pull up closer to its side, just where its abdomen connects to its thorax, and plunge my blade deep into it, causing yellowish-green fluid to spray out, scorching my arms and the floor. The monster howls in pain, crashing to the ground with its legs all crossed and flailing wildly.
"RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGHH!!"
"Blech! Great, now I'm covered in monster gut."
I'm not finished yet. I climb onto the underbelly of the last killer ant and raise my dagger high above my head, blue light pulsing around it, and plunge it deep into the exposed neck of the ant screeching its loudest before turning to ash and fading away.
"Finally—Augh!"
As if hit by realization once again, I fall to my knees, my body screaming in pain, clearly exhausted from being pushed to such an extent. I was mentally exhausted and could no longer keep my eyes focused. I might have overused my dagger back then and it's taken a greater toll on my mental energy than normal. It was a cyber weapon after all.
My jacket, a bit tattered up now, still glows, faint blue light illuminating from the cyber lines. I fall on my back and lie down to finally catch my breath still processing what had happened.
I suddenly remember the flash of lights that blessed me with the life-saving opportunity and cast my eyes around looking for where the light might have come from—
Thud!
"Oof! Huh? Bandages and a…draught?! Where did this come from?"
I get up, searching for where the bandages and draught, basic medicinal items for injuries, fell from. I hear the sound of branches snapping and whip my head upwards to see a hooded figure leaping from branch to branch, disappearing deeper into the forest. I can only make out a red glint in the figure's hand before it disappears into the trees of the forest.
"Wait…that red glow, could it be…"
Too tired to finish, I slump back onto the grass and listen to the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the distant howls of other monsters echoing through the forest. I force my eyes to stay wide open, not daring to shut, as I contemplate over what exactly happened and try to gain energy.