Chapter 2 Tempered Sun Art and Dire Monsters:

Waking to the enticing aroma of cooked rabbit, Kane roused from his slumber. The familiar scent of the simmering stew tugged at his senses, coaxing him into full wakefulness.

Shaking off sleep, his gaze followed the inviting aroma to the fire pit where his father tended to a pot of rabbit stew, the savory scent filling the room.

"Morning, Kane," his father greeted him with a warm smile. "Stew's almost done. Get ready for breakfast."

With a nod and a rumbling stomach, Kane acknowledged the hearty scent and his father's efforts. The aroma of the stew signaled the start of another day in their woodland refuge.

After they ate their stew, they both exited the treehouse through the side door where Kane originally put the hides to freeze.

They faced the rising sun and began going through movements from a common body cultivation art called Tempered Sun.

Kane and his father practiced the Tempered Sun at daybreak. Each move was deliberate, syncing with the rising sun. The art aimed not just at physicality but at drawing in the sun's energy.

Their motions were fluid, embracing the sun's golden light. With each posture, warmth gathered near their hearts, a sensation of the sun's touch.

The forest seemed to watch, birds joining their rhythm. The energy they absorbed felt real, vitalizing their bodies with each step of the routine.

Completing the sequence, they faced each other, chests aglow with collected energy, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

"Feel it, Kane?" his father asked, a smile of connection on his lips.

Kane nodded, feeling invigorated and centered. “I think I’m almost at the threshold!” Kane said excitedly.

“Really son? That’s great, once we’re both at the first level we shouldn’t have to worry about escaping that dire monster near the eastern river.” - Dad

The Tempered Sun art allowed the common man to harness energy within themselves and once enough was gained, create a full core that gave them more control over the energy and allowed them to absorb and store more.

They came back inside, went down the hatch, and put on their fur coats, hunting belts, and made a quick check over their equipment.

The bow limbs and strings looked good, their bone daggers seemed to be in good condition, and their quivers seemed full enough.

After a quick inspection and equipping everything they removed the plank of wood from its holders and pulled open the door.

They closed the door behind them and surveyed their surroundings before deciding the coast was clear and beginning their descent.

As Kane and his father descended from their elevated sanctuary, each step was deliberate, their movements cautious yet resolute. The forest lay still around them, the morning light filtering through the towering trees, casting elongated shadows on the forest floor.

Silent communication passed between them as they scanned the surroundings, checking for any signs of disturbance or danger. Once satisfied that the coast was clear, they proceeded westward, toward the area where the traps had been set.

The forest enveloped them with its quietude, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. The landscape gradually shifted, leading them deeper into the heart of the woods, following well-trodden paths known only to them.

Their journey was one of familiarity and resilience, a testament to their bond and shared experiences in this untamed wilderness. Kane's eyes darted between the towering trees, scanning for any unusual movements or signs that might hint at the presence of the dire monster.

"Stay alert, Kane," his father murmured, his voice barely audible amidst the forest's hushed symphony. "We're getting closer to where the traps were torn."

Kane nodded in acknowledgment, his senses heightened as they ventured deeper into the dense woodland. The forest path twisted and turned, taking them through a labyrinth of ancient trees, their bark weathered by time and the elements.

With the frozen river in the distance, Kane and his father decide to check a trap near the one Kane found destroyed.

Once they got to it, they found destruction. Broken wood fragments, torn ropes, and scattered remnants of what once were traps littered the ground. The remnants painted a picture of a violent encounter, stark evidence of the dire monster's power.

Kane's father surveyed the wreckage with a furrowed brow, a mix of concern and deliberation clouding his features. "It's worse than I thought. The dire monster wreaked havoc here too. It seems like it's expanding its territory or worse, something is pushing it out of its own."

Kane clenched his jaw, frustration etched on his young face. "What do we do now, Dad? These traps are our primary source of catching game."

"We'll need to rethink our strategy," his father replied, a sense of resolve lacing his words. "There's still some distance to cover in this direction. We'll examine the rest of the traps and scout for a suitable alternative location."

With caution in every step, they began checking the other traps, their eyes peeled for any signs of activity or disruption.

As Kane and his father journeyed eastward, the landscape gradually transformed. The foliage thickened, providing a tapestry of vibrant greens that contrasted with patches of earthy browns and the occasional splash of wildflowers.

The forest hummed with life, small birds flitting from branch to branch, adding a lively layer to the serene surroundings.

During their exploration, they stumbled upon a promising area dotted with a variety of herbs. The medicinal plants they discovered were crucial for their healing salves, while the clusters of wild berries would add a much-needed variety to their meals.

Following the game tracks led them to a small glade—a clearing nestled within the trees. Here, they skillfully set up improvised traps using branches and available foliage. Patiently waiting, they observed the landscape, the tranquility only occasionally broken by the gentle rustling of leaves or the distant call of a bird.

Continuing their routine, Kane and his father had some jerky made from previously caught game. The flavorful, preserved meat served as a convenient and portable addition to their provisions.

Setting out once more to check the remaining traps, the duo discovered that a few more were destroyed, much to their dismay. The sight of splintered wood, torn ropes, and scattered remnants painted a clear picture of the dire monster's relentless territorial expansion.

Despite their disappointment, they methodically surveyed the damage and salvaged what they could. Kane's father inspected the ruins, analyzing the destruction with a furrowed brow. "It's either expanding its reach faster than we anticipated or this might be another dire monster.”

Nodding in agreement, Kane observed the scattered remnants, noting the varying nature of destruction. "Could there be another monster in these woods? Maybe one we haven't encountered yet."

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His father's expression grew somber, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "It's a possibility, Kane. We'll have to stay vigilant and consider reinforcing our defenses even further."

Kane's father spoke with a somber resolve. "Kane, we might need to be more vigilant from now on. It might not be safe to come out every day. We'll have to bide our time and wait until the merchant comes to the closest village. When he does, we'll send out a request for help."

Kane understood the gravity of the situation. "But, Dad, what if something happens before the merchant arrives?"

"I know, son," his father replied with a tinge of concern. "We'll have to be cautious and prioritize our safety until we can get assistance. It's the only way we can face this situation."

Kane's father, showing a hint of optimism, looked at his son with a sense of hope. "Hopefully, while we're holding out for the next few days, you'll be able to reach level one. That would make the situation much less dire while I'm still recovering."

Kane nodded in agreement, determined to push his abilities to the limit. "I'll do my best, Dad. We'll get through this together."

They make their way back toward the treehouse, being sure to remain cautious the entire time.

Every once in a while a rustling in the trees and shrubbery would cause them to go on high alert, but ultimately it ended in nothing.

As they neared the treehouse Kane's father stopped abruptly and held up a hand, signaling his son to halt. "Do you hear that, Kane?" he whispered, his ears pricked up in caution. "Something's not right."

Kane's heart pounded in his chest as he strained to listen. In the distance, he heard a low growling sound coming from the east. It sent chills down his spine, and his instincts kicked in. "It's the dire monster," he hissed, his voice barely audible. "We need to get inside, now."

Kane's father nodded, his face set in determination. "Right. We'll need to make a run for it. Stay close and keep your wits about you."

With quickened steps, they darted toward the treehouse, each step fueled by the fear of the unknown. Behind them, the sound of snarling grew louder, signaling that the dire monster was drawing closer.

They took a quick glance behind them as they rushed towards their home. The growls came from a beast they knew, the one that left the wound on Kane's dad. A dire monster that took the shape of a wolf, but it was more than two times the size of a normal wolf and a tiny horn had begun to develop on its head.

Kane's heart sank as he saw the monster closing in on them. His father was already struggling to keep up with him, and he knew they wouldn't make it to the treehouse in time.

Without a second thought, Kane made a split-second decision. He turned towards his father threw him some rope and shouted over the growling, "Dad, get to the treehouse! I'll distract the monster!"

His father looked at him with a mix of horror and pride. "Kane, no! It's too dangerous!"

“We don’t have time Dad! You have the rope, get up quickly and then pull me up after you.” - Kane said while aiming his bow toward the dire monster.

His father quickly got to the base of the tree and began his climb. Kane with an arrow knocked stares at the huge beast charging toward him with the distance closing he steadies himself and releases the arrow.

It flies straight toward the dire monster’s right eye, but with a slight turn of its head, the wooden arrow barely punctures the skin before breaking and bouncing off.

Undeterred by the arrow it continues its blazing trail at Kane. Another arrow is drawn and fired for the same result.

Only a couple of meters now separate the dire monster from Kane, so he releases a rapid fire of arrows while moving backward toward the tree. A few arrows make contact but the wooden points of the arrows pierce or damage nothing.

Quickly putting the bow away, he pulls out his bone dagger that was made of a dire monster’s bone from his father’s youth. This may be the only thing he has that may be able to damage it.

The dire monster close enough lunges at Kane, its jaws opening wide to tear a piece of him. Kane dives to the side while swinging the dagger, just trying to injure it in any way. The dagger nicks the dire monster's side revealing a little blood.

It stares at Kane who now feels one of his feet freezing as one of his boots is in the dire monster's maw. A large force pulls Kane off the ground and into the air toward the tree just as the dire monster is attempting another lunge.

Kane had barely escaped another attack dangling in the air by his hunter's harness as his dad did his best to pull him up. Finding his footing Kane began to climb the tree without the rope, but just underneath him, the dire monster slammed into the large tree shaking it.

Stumbling Kane fell a short few feet before his dad was able to stop his descent. Kane's heart throbbing he hugs the tree and looks down to see the monster pacing back and forth under the tree before releasing a frustration-filled howl.

Once again Kane began climbing the tree with his father pulling allowing him to make quick progress. He quickly made it up to his father who held him in his arms as they both breathed heavily.

As they caught their breath, Kane's father looked at him with a sense of pride and worry. "You were reckless, son. You could have been hurt."

Kane hung his head, understanding his father's concern. "I know, Dad, but I couldn't let it get you again. I had to do something."

His father's expression softened, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "I know, Kane. And I'm proud of you for thinking quickly and protecting us. But we have to be more careful from now on."

Kane nodded in agreement, realizing that his actions could have put both of their lives in danger. "I understand, Dad. I won't be so impulsive next time."

His father gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, Kane. We'll get through this together. We just have to be smart and stay one step ahead of the monsters."

As the sun began to set, they settled into the treehouse, securing all entrances and windows. They knew that they had to be ready for whatever the monsters threw their way, and they were determined to survive.

Kane, exhausted from the day's events, drifted off to sleep, but Kane's father stayed awake, keeping watch in case of any attacks.

As the night wore on, Kane's father's eyes began to droop from exhaustion. He knew he needed rest, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He tried to shake himself awake, but it was no use. Eventually, his eyes closed, and he drifted off to sleep.

Kane's father was awoken by the sound of rustling outside. He sat up, alert, and listened. It was too dark outside to see anything, but he could hear the distinct sound of footsteps. He shook Kane awake and signaled for him to grab his bow.

"Something's outside," Kane's father whispered, trying not to make too much noise.

Kane nodded and grabbed his bow, their eyes scanning the darkness beyond the treehouse. Suddenly, there was a loud crash as something rammed into the side of the tree, making both of them startle.

Kane's father's heart raced as he wondered what was happening. He peered out of the window, but it was too dark to see anything.

Suddenly a loud howl erupted from below, but an even louder roar sounded in response. The howl they knew was the dire monster that had been circling them, but the roar was something new.

Focusing more they could see the outline of another quadrupedal shadow. The two shadows continued to growl and hiss at one another before charging toward each other in a violent crash that shook all the trees in the area.

Kane and his father watched in horror as the features of this new monster came into view. It was pretty different to any monster they had seen before. It looked like a mountain lion but had multiple glowing eyes and pitch-black skin that seemed to absorb all the moonlight around it.

Its eyes glowed brighter, and it disappeared into the shadows lunging out of the wolf-dire monster's shadow slicing one of its eyes and knocking it far away.

This wasn't a (second-level) dire monster, but a (third-level) fearsome monster attacking a dire monster.

The wolf-dire monster whines and quickly breaks away into the forest. Kane and his father's sighed in relief watching the fearsome monster chase after it.

As the night settled in, Kane and his father returned to the safety of their treehouse. The events of the evening had left them on edge, and both felt the need to debrief and reassess their situation.

Kane's father stoked the fire, casting a flickering light that danced across the wooden walls, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere in their sanctuary. The threat of the fearsome monster was still fresh in their minds.

Sitting across from each other, their faces bathed in the warm glow of the fire, Kane's father broke the silence. "That fearsome monster was unlike anything we've encountered before, Kane. It's a third-level creature, far more powerful and dangerous than the dire monsters we've seen."

Kane nodded, his thoughts racing. "I've never seen anything like it, Dad. It was like a moving shadow. Do you think it's the reason the dire monsters are getting more aggressive?"

His father furrowed his brows in contemplation. "It's possible, Kane. These creatures, the fearsome monsters, have broken through level two and manifested abilities. They might be exerting dominance and pushing the dire monsters out of their territories."

Kane's eyes reflected a mix of determination and concern. "What should we do, Dad? We can't stay here if we're facing such powerful monsters. But where can we go?"

His father sighed, acknowledging the gravity of their situation. "We need to leave, at least temporarily. Our best option is to wait for the merchant to reach the closest village and send word for assistance. We can't face a fearsome monster alone."

After a little more discussion they’d decided to leave at first light toward the village bringing some goods for trade and hopefully to a safer place.