After returning to the camp dragging the carcasses of the Brown Wild Boar and the Grey Monkey, Kellan and Lyra began to skin and gut them, cleaning the internal organs in the nearby river and removing the bloodstains from the hides. They laid the skins near the fire to dry, which they had started.
What they obtained from these carcasses was a true treasure by the standards of this world for adventurers. They acquired a set of sharpened boar tusks and a batch of resilient skin that, with the help of a skilled craftsman, could be transformed into formidable bone weapons and armor.
Using some containers, they collected the blood of the Brown Wild Boar and the Grey Monkey. The blood of creatures beyond rank E was known to be valuable alchemical ingredients, which would be used to create a batch of potions for adventurers.
As evening fell on the camp, Kellan and Lyra prepared their meals, enjoying the delicious meat that the Brown Wild Boar had provided. As time passed and the food was finished, Kellan and Lyra engaged in conversation.
"Wow, what an intense battle, Lyra. I can't wait to do it again. And you?"
(Smiling, with excitement and relief) You're right, Kellan. It was quite a battle.
Kellan (taking out a bottle from his bag) Well, I believe we have something to celebrate. I brought this special bottle for the occasion. It's renowned for its exquisite taste and rarity.
Lyra (eyes shining with anticipation) Really? You've outdone yourself, Kellan. I'm curious to taste this exceptional drink.
Kellan (carefully opening the bottle) Here it is, a vintage wine from a distant region. They say every sip is a true experience. I believe we can enjoy it tonight.
Lyra (savoring the wine) Mmm, it's truly delicious. It's a real treat.
Kellan (sipping his glass) I'm glad you're enjoying it. This bottle was definitely worth opening. It cost me four months' salary. We should take the time to savor it and celebrate our success.
Lyra (raising her glass again) Absolutely, Kellan. It's important to acknowledge our achievements and find moments of glory.
Kellan (toasting with Lyra) To our friendship and many successful hunts!
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As the evening continued, Lyra gently placed a finger to her lips, signaling to Kellan to follow her in silence. A glimmer of concern crossed her eyes. She firmly believed they were being watched, and if something had managed to approach them so stealthily, it meant it must be powerful, perhaps even formidable.
Lyra locked eyes with Kellan, her gaze filled with unwavering determination, and began exchanging precise gestures with him in sign language. Each movement was calculated with fluidity, allowing for silent and efficient communication between the two seasoned warriors.
[Kellan, did you hear something?]
[No, I don't think so. Why?]
A hint of worry crept onto Kellan's face as he carefully surveyed the surroundings, alert for any signs. Lyra could feel the tension in the air, an invisible presence enveloping them. She took a brief pause, trying to detect signs of movement or rustling that could betray them.
"I'll check in this direction. You go the other way."
Their gazes briefly met, exchanging a wordless communication infused with trust. They knew they had to act with caution and coordination to face this potential threat.
"I'll look from this side, you go from the other."
The two soldiers separated, each holding a torch to illuminate their path and a long dagger in their hands. They moved with utmost caution, unsure of what awaited them in the shadows
.
The surrounding darkness seemed to intensify as Lyra advanced slowly, scrutinizing every bush, tree, and obstacle in her path.
The sounds of the night enveloped Kellan and Lyra. The wind whispered through the leaves and branches, creating a melody both enchanting and unsettling.
Lyra and Kellan's hands tightly gripped their weapons, their eyes scanning the darkness.
Every rustle, every tremor in the obscurity kept them on high alert. Their senses, honed through years of training, were ready to react to the slightest threat.
Suddenly, Lyra lowered her torch to the ground, closely examining every corner. No traces on the ground.
"Kellan, I can't find any tracks here. How about you?" she whispered.
"Maybe... I'm not sure. I've never seen these kinds of tracks before," Kellan responded, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lyra hastened to join Kellan, quickly making her way toward the sound of his voice. She found Kellan crouched down, his figure illuminated by the dim light of his torch, carefully examining a track on the ground.
"Lyra, come take a closer look. Do you recognize these tracks?" he called out, anticipation evident in his voice. Lyra approached and observed the track.
The intriguing footprints were surprisingly simple. They bore no marks of claws, paws, or typical scratches that Lyra and Kellan were accustomed to encountering in their past adventures. Instead, there were two deep, perfectly aligned holes.
Nothing matched what they had encountered before. The footprints seemed to belong to a new creature.
"I think this might be the birth of a new creature species."
*Rustling*
Lyra turned and gazed at the bush for a moment. What she saw left her momentarily confused. "I just saw a walking stone. I think it's time to return to camp; I must be dizzy. The alcohol is making me see things."