We settled into Venla. Barum introduced us to some villagers. In exchange for a place we helped out.

We all got different quests from system pop ups.

Mine were mental exercises. Mediation, puzzles, riddles, drawing from memory, and to read 2000 words.

Alex literally exercised, I didn't keep an eye out for what Ji-Eun did, but I did see him practice throwing stones once.

We would all get a +1 in our main stat but the forest wasn't done with us.

Chronologically I first met my partner, perhaps mostly there to keep me from getting lost.

"I'm Erik, are you helping me today?"

"Yessir, I'm Scilla. Come on, I'll lead you to the spot."

"How does your village protect itself? It has no walls." I decided to learn more about the fundamentals of the world.

"From Fauna, and other monsters? Well most normal folk just leave that to Wardens." Scillia shrugs as we walk.

"People trust them with their lives? Is there enough of them to handle small places like Venla?"

"You sure are curious ain't ya? Barum is a Warden, he should be the one you're proddin' not me" she chuckles as I suppose it made sense from her point of view for me to just ask him.

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"While I have you I'd still like some answers. Are there villages without resident Wardens?" She might be exact about the details but she had the opportunity to know more than me.

After telling me to start grabbing dead branches she begins to answer. "Well, I reckon there are. It takes work to be as strong as a Warden, folk that don't have one just use messengers."

"Can problems the village can't handle wait for a day or two?" I loaded up my arms with branches and asked as we began to walk back.

"Upheavals can show up anywhere, most of the time they are far enough to normal folk. When Wardens hear tales about 'em they come running." She turned to me as we were talking then shouted to run.

I didn't see it at first but what we were running from was a muscular rabbit, with familiar blood red streaks.

As I ran back to the village I shouted "Scilla get help."

As the rabbit closed the gap I threw my bundle at it.

It didn't even disorient it much as it bounded after my steps.

Distraction didn't work. It was fast.

It jumps mouth agape as it tries to sink its bunny teeth into me.

Status.

I prepare to check the damage and brace. It sunk into me like a blade wielded by a Hercules.

> Health 15/20

I grit my teeth as even if this fucker can shave off a quarter of my life. I'll make it pay.

I fall forward slamming my body weight onto it. Pinning its head against the ground as its teeth are stuck in my arm. I press my arm down to choke the failure of a Monty Python reference.

Its powerful legs try to push me off, but it doesn't have room for a full kick I think it is bruising me. Quickly seizing the advantage I ball my fist and punch its side.

It clamps down, my fist swings. A cold feeling runs through me as I feel locked into a life and death battle with evil red eyed bunny.

I glance at my Status

> Health 11/20

I'm almost halfway dead with this rabbit kicking and biting me. Wish I had that hunter skill, I have to commit since I don't know how close to death it is.

I open my hand shove my fingers into its face, I gag as my fingers push forward, my will to live stronger than desire to be clean.

I push my finger into its eye, forcing the lid up and jam my finger in as hard as I can.

I throw up into my mouth, it lingers on my tongue as I tighten my lips.

I reach for a sturdy branch and start beating it to death.

Holding down the kicking thrashing monster, white knuckled fist tight on its skull.

I cant hold the vomit in my mouth anymore as I need to catch my breath, it gets all over it and me as I swing until it stops kicking the ground trying to run away.

I fall back, chest heaving as I catch my breath. Adrenaline begins to wear off and pain blossoms over my arm and chest.

My throw up and our blood mingles into the worst cocktail know to man, the smell was thankful a minor annoyance.

I look at my Status as I hear footsteps approaching.

> Health 5/20

>

> Experience 100

Its a sad number, but my lips do curl into a weary smile.

I won.