Chapter 2: *Novice Mountain*
The sun had barely risen as Nix Grimwald readied himself for the day's challenge. Today was different. Instead of tinkering with electronics or helping Granny Laurie, he was heading to South Novice Mountain, where countless aspiring hunters tested their skills against mutated beasts. This mountain, while considered a training ground, was filled with enough danger to keep even seasoned hunters on edge.
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54032863452_356efdb840_m.jpg]
After double-checking his gear, Nix mounted his old but reliable scooter and sped towards the train station. His heart raced in anticipation as he visualized his upcoming hunt. South Novice Mountain was a government-owned territory where only those 12 years and older could enter. Nix had always heard about the mountain from others, but today, he would finally experience it himself.
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54034062444_aee8220874_m.jpg]
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, he was met with a crowd, many wearing shiny, high-tech gear that made Nix’s handmade gadgets look primitive in comparison. Hunters, either solo or in teams, carried state-of-the-art equipment, from sleek Hunting Guns or commonly known as "H. Guns" to Dedgets also known as "Detector Gadgets, trapping Gadget called "Catchers" that can transform into different types of trapping items, D.T. also known as Death Trap due to its explosive nature, and even ATV (all-terrain vehicles) for hauling loot. Nix had seen them all online before, but seeing them in person made his own creations feel almost laughable. His armor, though functional, was a leather jacket outfitted with spikes and cooling features he had designed himself. His primary weapon, a slingshot, had been modified to shoot arrows with enough force to take down a smaller beast, while his helmet, equipped with goggles that detected heat signatures, was more a testament to his ingenuity than a display of wealth. He’d patched together wires for setting traps, all part of his homemade arsenal.
Granny Laurie had insisted on him bringing gear to ensure his safety, and though his tools were crude, he trusted them with his life.
Inside the grand Hunters Hall, Nix was greeted by a concierge who guided him to the registration office. The formalities of signing his name and receiving his Official Hunter's license ID, a wristwatch that acted like a driver's license with multi-functional phone, were quickly completed. The ID would not only track his hunts but also monitor his health and send emergency signals in case of danger. With that done, he was directed to a waiting area where others his age mingled, forming hunting groups and discussing their strategies.
"Stick together in the swamps," someone advised nearby. "That’s where the real danger is."
Nix kept to himself, listening as the concierge soon arrived to give a briefing. The geography was explained with clarity: beyond South Novice Mountain lay the swamp-filled lands where fierce beasts thrived, then the treacherous Wonton Mountain, home to extreme-level beasts. Further still were the semi-desert Mulan Fields, the Rainbow Forest, where danger lurked in every shadow, and finally the Uncontrolled Zone, a realm where only elite warriors dared venture.
The briefing ended, and Nix was now ready. His heart thumped in his chest, excitement and a hint of anxiety mixing together as he followed the others toward the first training area.
***
The forest at the foot of the mountain was thick with undergrowth, and though the path was well-trodden, it didn’t take long for Nix to veer off on his own, seeking solitude. He wanted to test himself, to know how far he had come since scavenging back on Mount Trashmore.
He hadn’t ventured far when his goggles detected a faint heat signature. Crouching low, Nix peered through his foldable telescope. Just beyond the trees, a creature stood, its body covered in thick, brown fur. A Level 0 beast, by the looks of it, a *Lowfang Boar.* Its tusks were short but sharp, and its muscles rippled beneath its hide as it snorted and rooted around in the dirt.
Nix grinned. It wasn’t the most dangerous of creatures, but it was a good starting point. He slowly reached for his slingshot, loading it with a metal-tipped arrow he had crafted from salvaged parts. Taking a deep breath, he aimed for the boar’s neck, the vulnerable spot he had learned about in his research.
With a sharp *snap,* the arrow flew through the air. It struck the beast, but the Lowfang Boar let out a furious roar instead of dropping. Nix cursed under his breath, it had missed the artery. The boar, now enraged, charged in his direction, its hooves tearing through the underbrush.
Adrenaline pumped through Nix as he dodged to the side, quickly grabbing one of his wires. As the boar charged again, he threw the wire in its path, using nearby trees to create a makeshift tripwire. The beast barreled forward, hitting the wire at full speed, and toppled over, crashing to the ground in a mess of dirt and leaves.
Nix didn’t waste any time. He drew another arrow and fired, this time hitting the creature’s neck dead center. The boar let out a final, gurgling cry before falling still.
Breathing hard, Nix approached cautiously, ensuring it was truly dead before letting out a sigh of relief. He had done it. His first hunt, his first kill. Though it hadn’t gone exactly as planned, he had managed to outwit the beast with his traps and quick thinking.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he pulled out his Hunter's ID to record the kill. His journey had just begun, but Nix knew this was only the start. There would be tougher beasts ahead, and he would need to get smarter if he wanted to survive what was beyond South Novice Mountain.
After taking down the Lowfang Boar, Nix felt a surge of pride. His first hunt was a success, but there was still work to be done. He bent over the fallen beast, carefully using a small knife to remove the tusks. They were sturdy and heavy, a clear indicator of their value. He wiped the blood off and stored them in his bag, then wrapped a rope around the boar’s hind legs to drag it toward the ATV he had rented from the Hunter Association.
The ATV was a clunky, all-terrain vehicle that he had paid a small fee to use. It wasn’t the most advanced model, some of the others in the area had flashier, newer versions, but it served its purpose. He hauled the Lowfang Boar onto the back with some effort, securing it before heading back to the South Hunter Base.
When he arrived, Concierge Lisa, one of the attendants, spotted him. She was a friendly face, often guiding new hunters through the processes at the base.
"Nice kill, young hunter," she said, smiling warmly. "Would you like to sell the boar or store it?"
Nix blinked in surprise. He hadn’t realized even a Level 0 beast could fetch a price. "How much would it sell for?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Lisa nodded thoughtfully. "The tusks alone could get you 30 COIN, and the body itself would be worth around 15 COIN. Not bad for a simple hunt, right?"
Nix’s eyes widened. That was more money than he and Granny Laurie could make in a day! The prospect of earning 30 COIN from the tusks alone made him excited. C.O.I.N also known as (Credit Online Innovation Network) is the main currency used in Planet Tha-La, and 1000 COIN can be exchanged to a single *GEM* also known as "Gene Enhancer Mutagen", it is the most comon item to enhance an evolver's ability, and they can be collected from a unique bone piece that contains a special bone morrow inside any creature's chest located where crystal CORE should be. A Crystal Core can only be found on new born monster beast and they are very rare, as some calculated that only 35% success rate to find one and can be sold for Millions of Coin. the most common way to make money is to collect high gene value from the "Gene Bone". The purer the Gene the better. Each GEM also have different colors that indicate their purity level. White GEM or white Gene Enhancer Mutagen are the basic consumables that can be used by evolver from level 1 to level 3. A Blue GEM can be used by level 4 to 6 evolver's while a Red GEM can be used by levels 7 to level 8. Purple GEM are used by level 9 to level 10 evolver. Without hesitation, he decided.
"I’ll sell the tusks, but I’d like to keep the meat to celebrate my first hunt," Nix said, beaming at the idea of bringing some meat back home.
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Lisa smiled back. "We can take care of the meat for you, too. There’s a service for skinning and preparing it, but it will cost around 5 COIN."
Nix did some quick calculations in his head. Even after paying the fee, he would still walk away with 25 COIN, which was more than enough to celebrate. He nodded. "I’ll pay the 5 COIN, go ahead."
Lisa processed the transaction, transferring the 30 COIN to his account via his wristwatch. The small device buzzed as it confirmed the payment, the amount reflecting on his balance. After paying the service fee, Nix felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. His hard work was finally paying off.
But he wasn’t done. After selling the tusks and arranging for the meat to be prepped, Nix decided to up the challenge. He had taken down a Level 0 beast, now it was time to test himself against something stronger.
Using the map feature on his wristwatch, Nix scanned the area for Level 1 monsters. His pulse quickened as he selected a target: a *Redback Razorhound,* a fierce predator known for its speed and razor-sharp claws. It was a significant step up from the boar, but he wanted to push himself.
With the location of the Razorhound marked on his map, Nix quickly made his way toward the designated area. The terrain was rougher here, and the air felt heavier as he ventured deeper into the forest. He found a narrow clearing that looked perfect for setting up his traps. The Razorhound would likely pass through here, and Nix wanted every advantage he could get.
He pulled out the wires and began rigging up his traps, stringing them between trees in hopes of catching the creature off guard. His heart pounded in his chest as he prepared, every sound in the forest seeming amplified. He knew the stakes were higher now, one wrong move and he could get seriously hurt.
As he finished setting up, Nix got in position waiting for his prey. 3 hours later he heard it, a low growl in the distance. The Razorhound was close. Nix readied his slingshot, loading it with one of his metal-tipped arrows, and crouched low, waiting.
Suddenly, the beast burst through the underbrush, faster than he had expected. It was larger than the boar, its red-tinted back glistening in the sunlight as its claws tore through the dirt. Nix’s heart leapt into his throat as he fired his first shot. The arrow grazed the Razorhound’s side, but it only seemed to enrage the beast.
With a snarl, it charged toward him. Nix dove to the side, barely dodging its claws as they sliced through the air where he had been moments before. He scrambled to his feet, backing toward the trees, hoping the trap would slow it down.
The Razorhound followed, but as it neared the trap, it leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the wires. Nix’s eyes widened in shock. The creature was far smarter than he anticipated.
Before he could react, the beast was on him, knocking him to the ground with a powerful swipe. Pain shot through his body as he hit the dirt hard, the wind knocked out of him. The Razorhound’s jaws snapped dangerously close to his face as he struggled to pull out another arrow.
His mind raced. This was bad. Very bad.
In desperation, Nix yanked out one of his wires and, in a swift motion, looped it around the Razorhound’s neck. The beast thrashed, but Nix held on for dear life, tightening the wire with every ounce of strength he had. The Razorhound’s movements became more frantic, and it slammed him into a nearby tree, dazing him. The Razorhound was released from the wires but its neck heavily bleeding. Planning to finish it off as fast as he can but the Razorhound suddenly lunged with all of its ferocity. It could be its final attack, and Nix is in a very dangerous situation. He could feel the edges of his vision blurring as he struggled to maintain control. Memories of his beloved Granny Laurie flashed in his mind which helped him stay conscious and determined to survive. As the Razorhound’s jaws get closer, Nix’s years of honed instinct to reduce damage from beating had kicked in. Nix spun around, presenting his back to the oncoming creature. His leather jacket which he had reinforced with metal plates and spikes acted as both shield and weapon. The spikes protruding from the back tore into the Razorhound’s mouth and one of its eyes as it's head collided with him. A pained whimpers sounded from the beast as it flailed, trying to escape the spikes lodged deep into its head. The Razorhound’s claws raked across Nix’s side, but instead of piercing through, they only managed to scratch the reinforced part of his armor. Pain seared through him, but his instincts told him to hold the ground. But even as the battle raged on, a memory flashed in his mind, Granny Laurie's warm smile. It was the image that always grounded him, reminding him why he fought, why he had to survive for her.
With determination, Nix focused on looking for his chance to end it. He can feel the final struggles on the beast as it attempted its final escape. After a few seconds, Nix finally found an opening, and grabbed on this chance to surive as pressed forward, shoving his back into the beasts head with all his strength, driving the spikes deeper into its head, eventually piercing through its brain. Blood poured from the Razorhound’s open wounds, it's strength draining fast. Nix still focused on survival, refused to falter.
The Razorhound’s movements slowed. With one final thrash, the beast collapsed, gasping for it's breath. Nix, barely conscious, stumbled backward, collapsing to the ground beside it.
Bloodied and exhausted, Nix lay there for a moment, staring up at the sky. He had done it, he had taken down a Level 1 beast. But as he lay there, catching his breath, he realized just how close he had come to death.
After his battle with the Razorhound, Nix slumped against a nearby tree, exhausted and bloodied. He breathed heavily, feeling the bruises and cuts sting with every inhale. "That... was too close," he muttered, his mind briefly flashing to Granny Laurie's smile, her warmth and care had kept him standing when his body had nearly given up.
After resting for a few minutes, Nix picked himself up, feeling his muscles protest. He hobbled over to his ATV and managed to haul the Razorhound's heavy body onto the cart attached to it. As the engine sputtered to life, he drove slowly back to the South Hunter Base, each jolt of the vehicle sending waves of pain through his sore body.
By the time he reached the base, the sun was dipping low on the horizon. Nix parked the ATV and sat heavily on a bench, clutching his side and trying to calm his breathing. His eyes fluttered shut, but before he could drift off completely, he felt a presence in front of him. Opening his eyes, he found Concierge Lisa standing there, her expression filled with surprise.
“You look worse for wear,” she said, her voice laced with concern. "I see you brought back a Razorhound. I’m honestly surprised."
Nix smiled weakly. “It wasn’t easy.”
"Level 1 Razorhounds are no joke. Usually, only evolvers or experienced hunters go after them. You didn’t have anyone with you?"
Nix shook his head. "No, I did it alone."
Lisa’s brows furrowed in disbelief. She bent down to examine the Razorhound’s body, her trained eye quickly noticing its condition. “It looks like this one had just evolved. Newly evolved Razorhounds are weaker, but they fight with everything they’ve got to survive. It must have been a tough fight.”
Nix scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah, I didn’t exactly know that going in.”
Lisa chuckled. “Well, you're lucky, or maybe just stubborn. Either way, you did well." She straightened up and asked, "Would you like to sell the Razorhound?"
“How much is it worth?” Nix asked, genuinely curious.
Lisa checked her data pad. “This one can be sold for 100 COIN.”
Nix’s eyes widened in surprise. "That much?"
Lisa nodded. "It’s a decent sum for a single hunt, especially for someone who’s just starting out."
"Yeah," Nix smiled, still in disbelief. "I’ll sell it."
Lisa made the transaction, and Nix felt the weight of his earnings on his wristwatch. But before she left, Lisa turned back to him. “You should really get those injuries looked at. We have healing pods, you know.”
“Healing pods?” Nix asked, confused.
“You’ve never heard of them?” Lisa seemed momentarily surprised, but as her eyes swept over Nix’s battered appearance and worn-down gear, she realized his background. “They’re tanks filled with a special liquid that can heal injuries. Even non-evolvers like yourself can use them to speed up recovery. A minor healing pod costs 100 COIN and will heal all your external injuries.”
Nix was fascinated by the idea. He hadn’t known such technology existed. But the thought of returning home in his current state, worrying Granny Laurie, convinced him. “I’ll use the minor healing pod,” he said.
After the transaction was processed, Lisa directed him to the health service facility. Inside, Nix found a glass tank filled with an odd, shimmering liquid. The room’s AI spoke softly, directing him to strip down and immerse himself fully in the tank.
“But... how am I supposed to breathe?” Nix asked, hesitant.
“Do not worry, Mr. Grimwald. The liquid contains oxygen, and you will be able to breathe normally while submerged,” the AI replied.
Nix, still unsure but trusting the system, slowly stepped into the tank. The moment his body was fully immersed, he felt the soothing effects of the liquid as it seeped into his cuts and bruises. It felt strange but oddly comforting. Soon, he realized the AI was right, he could breathe effortlessly while submerged. The aches and pains that had been pulsing through him all day started to ebb away.
Thirty minutes later, Nix emerged from the tank, fully healed. His cuts were gone, his bruises faded, and he felt rejuvenated, like he could fight another battle if needed.
He gathered the meat from the *Lowfang Boar* and headed home as the sun began to set. By the time he reached his house on *Mount Trashmore,* it was almost 5 pm. The moment he opened the door, Granny Laurie’s worried face greeted him.
"Nix!" she cried, her eyes scanning him for injuries. When she saw none, relief washed over her, and a warm smile tugged at her lips, the same smile that had given him the strength to keep fighting earlier.
“I’m okay, Granny,” Nix reassured her, though he left out the part about his near-death battle with the Razorhound. “I brought home some meat from the Lowfang Boar I hunted.”
“Oh, you sweet boy!” she exclaimed, clearly proud of him but unaware of how dangerous his day had really been.
After washing up and eating a modest meal, Nix laid down on his bed, his mind replaying the events of the day. He jotted down notes about his hunts, the mistakes he made, and the strategies he could improve. There were things he’d done well, like using his spiked jacket to defeat the Razorhound, but there was much more to learn.
Exhausted, but proud of his progress, Nix finally let sleep claim him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new chance to train, but for now, he had survived, and that was enough.