I use [Sneak] to quietly move to places I’ve seen a horned rabbit before and soon spot another one. This horned rabbit is digging in the ground at some type of root. Perfect. He’s distracted. No trying to rush him this time. That didn’t work last time. With the greatest of care I move silently behind the rabbit. Just a few more steps to get in range. Now!

I thrust my improvised spear as hard and fast as I can, piercing the horned rabbit in back.

Damage dealt: 4 , backstab damage: 4

It squeals in fury and turns towards me. Oops. I’d hoped my sneak attack would finish it. I jump back, pointing the spear at the rabbit, ready for it’s attack. I see a red glow envelop the horn of the rabbit and feel a small sense of dread. Shit, It’s [Charge] attack! I desperately dive to the right hoping to avoid the dangerous attack. Unfortunately I’m not entirely successful and feel a burning pain along my side as I hit the ground.

Damage received: 7

Getting back to my feet I see my left side bleeding from a small wound. Thankfully I didn’t take the full force of the [Charge] attack. Seven damage from just a glancing blow? I don’t think I can take that attack head on and survive. Looking around I see the horned rabbit running at me again. It’s horn isn’t glowing this time but this guy is still dangerous. I stab forward with my spear but the rabbit dodges. He’s quick too. I barely sidestep as the rabbit stabs where my left leg was a moment ago. I kick the rabbit hard, trying to create some distance between us.

Damage dealt: 1

I only caused one point of damage? We’ll I’m not kicking this guy to death. Instead of hurting the the horned rabbit, it just looks angry. Suddenly an idea occurs to me and I smile. I know just how to beat this horned furry devil. I can’t beat this guy head on but if I use his own power against him, I have a chance.

While trying to get in position for my brilliant plan,I take six more damage from the rabbit’s attacks. Finally I’m ready. I put my back to the largest tree I can see, I plant my feet shoulder length apart and point my spear at my furry foe. I growl at the creature and yell, “Come and get me you unicorn turd.”

I see an evil glint in the rabbit’s eyes and his buck teeth take on a sharpened appearance. A powerful red glow envelops the rabbit’s horn telling me he’s powering up his [Charge] attack. I focus on the rabbit's feet for the earliest signal as to when he’ll attack. The instant I see the rabbit’s feet move I dive as hard as I can to my right. I feel a powerful gust of wind as the [Charge] attack is unleashed and the rabbit blurs through the space I just occupied. Unable to slow himself down, the horned menace slams into the tree behind me. Picking myself off the ground, I take up my fallen spear. I see the rabbit trying desperately to pull his horn out of the bark of the tree and smile. My plan worked. It’ll only take the creature another minute to free himself but that’s all the time I need. I walk behind the rabbit, grip my spear with both hands and stab repeatedly.  

Damage dealt: 3; backstab damage: 3

Damage dealt: 4; backstab damage:4

Damage dealt: 5; backstab damage: 5

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You've killed a  level 3 Horned Rabbit. You receive 15 XP.

You’ve gained the [Spear Mastery] skill.

Level 3 horned rabbit? No wonder he was so hard to kill. Guess I should have checked his level before I attacked. There is a flash of light and the body disappears leaving two items behind.

Lucky Rabbit’s Foot

The foot from a horned rabbit. It’s supposed to be lucky. Just not for the rabbit.

Bonus: Critical hit chance increased by 1%.

Rabbit Meat

1 serving of rabbit meat.

Nice. I finally have the meat I need for the ‘dinner quest’. What’s the [Spear Mastery] skill?

Spear Mastery

You've learned to wield the spear. This weapon takes both strength and dexterity to use. When you wield a spear you will gain a bonus to damage. At higher levels you will gain additional bonuses.

Level: Novice 1 (1%)

Bonus: 1% bonus to damage when using a spear.

That bonus damage will be useful since I have to hunt for all my food. I head back to the clearing to prepare a meal for Mary and finish the quest she gave me.

Mary flies down from a tree she was resting in and greets me as I walk into the clearing.“Welcome back brave hunter. Glad you didn’t die fighting those helpless rabbits. Though I have to ask, why are you shirtless?” Blushing slightly, Mary adds,”Not that it doesn’t kind of work for you.”

Facing Mary, I run one hand through my hair a bit embarrassed. “Yeah, I might have tried to take on a horned rabbit a couple levels above me. I had to tear up my shirt for bandages and to make this great horny spear.” I smile and proudly present my spear to her.

As Mary flies closer to me, I see her slap her head at my stupidity. She looks me in the eye, raises a single finger and says,“One, it was silly to try and fight something at a higher level. You’re lucky it didn’t skewer you.” Raising a second finger, she smiles and adds in a giggle,“Second, a ‘horny spear’? Did it try to hit on you or something?”

I just smile and roll my eyes at her. She’s just jealous of my amazing crafting skills. I turn away as Mary laughs at her own joke.  I hear Mary’s stomach growl and decide I should get started on that meal.