Chapter 4: *The Misfits*

A few days later, the weekend arrived, and the excitement was palpable. Nix and his friends had been communicating all week through their hunter communication watches, planning their first group hunt together. Each of them had obtained permission from their parents, and they were eager to put their plans into action.

The train station was their meeting point, and as the group gathered, it was clear they had all come prepared.

Jeff stood tall in his grey metal armor, which made him resemble a golem. His forearms were covered with small shields that had sharp edges, doubling as both defense and offense. His face was protected by solid, transparent glass, highlighting his defensive specialty.

Liam, on the other hand, opted for light armor with a full camouflage design, blending effortlessly into his surroundings. In each hand, he held a sleek sword, ready for close combat. His helmet sported a fierce monster design, adding to his intimidating appearance.

Prabh’s jade-colored light armor glistened under the sunlight, and her rifle, adorned with intricate flower designs, rested across her back. The contrast between her soft aesthetic and her sharp precision as a sharpshooter was striking.

Nix, however, caught everyone's attention. His newly improved black leather jacket with metal spikes on the back was now accompanied by a black-and-grey camouflage shoulder guard. His helmet, designed like an old football helmet with spikes on top, added a vintage yet dangerous vibe. The slingshot integrated into his arm guard could be flipped out at a moment's notice. But the pièce de résistance was the metal baseball bat he held in his left hand, a weapon he proudly named *Morning Wood*. Its googly eyes stared eerily in every direction, giving it a bizarre, unsettling presence.

As they gathered, Prabh couldn’t help but ask, "Nix, what is that scary metal baseball bat?"

Nix grinned. "This is *Morning Wood*, my newest creation."

The moment Liam and Jeff heard the name, they burst into laughter, struggling to keep straight faces.

“You named your bat *Morning Wood*?” Liam gasped, trying to catch his breath between fits of laughter.

Nix scratched his head, confused. “Yeah…what’s so funny?”

Jeff wiped away tears of laughter. “Nothing, man. It's… it’s perfect.”

After sharing a laugh, the group’s excitement was reignited. They boarded the train, their hearts racing with anticipation. An hour later, they arrived at the South Hunters Association, ready to register their team. But before they could do that, they had to pick hunter nicknames.

Jeff, embracing his defensive strength, chose the name "Golem." Liam, with his razor-sharp swords and agile combat style, opted for "Razor." Prabh went with "Noble," a fitting name for her graceful yet deadly precision.

When it came to Nix, he was unsure of what nickname to choose. But his friends quickly chimed in, and after some deliberation, they all agreed on "Porcupine," given the spiked appearance of his outfit. Nix nodded in agreement and registered his nickname as “Porcupine.”

With their individual nicknames set, they registered their team under the name “Misfits,” which seemed to fit their diverse and unconventional group perfectly.

Once the registration was complete, they rented an ATV for transporting their future hunting trophies and geared up for their first hunt together. They started in a Level 0 area, the safest zone for novice hunters, but still filled with low-level mutated beasts.

The hunt began with careful coordination. Jeff, as their designated team leader, quickly showcased his ability to lead and defend. His protective armor and shields were invaluable, allowing him to block attacks and create openings for the others to strike.

Liam, agile and precise, dashed in and out of combat with his dual swords, slashing at beasts with finesse. His monster-like helmet only added to his fearsome presence on the battlefield.

Prabh took up a position at a distance, her rifle trained on targets with deadly accuracy. Every shot she fired hit its mark, often taking down monsters before they could even get close to the group.

Nix played a versatile role. He covered their backs, assisted in long-range attacks, and helped defend when necessary. But when he swung *Morning Wood*, the spikes and the unnerving googly eyes made short work of any beasts that got too close. The group couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the bat’s design, but they quickly realized how effective it was.

After a few successful hunts, they gathered to take a break. It was then that they all realized how naturally Jeff had taken on the role of leader. His defensive abilities and calm demeanor in the face of danger made him the perfect choice.

Liam, ever the close combat specialist, took the role of the group’s front-liner, while Prabh, the sharpshooter, was their eyes in the distance. Nix, with his adaptability and instincts, was the group’s all-rounder, always there to support wherever needed.

As they pressed forward into the deeper parts of the Level 0 area, their teamwork only grew stronger. Just as they were about to call it a day, something caught Prabh’s eye, a strange tree off in the distance, glowing faintly.

“Hey, what’s that?” she asked, pointing toward it.

The group cautiously approached the tree, their curiosity piqued. As they got closer, they realized it wasn’t an ordinary tree. This one had a strange aura about it, and growing from its branches were vibrant, glowing fruits.

Liam’s eyes widened. “I’ve read about these. It’s an evolved tree. Those fruits are packed with energy.”

Jeff raised an eyebrow. “Are they dangerous?”

“They can be,” Prabh replied, scanning the area. “But they can also give you a huge energy boost if consumed.”

The team huddled together, debating their next move. Should they risk it and take one of the energy fruits? Or should they leave it and avoid any potential danger?

Liam's eyes gleamed with excitement as he told the group about the fruit's other use. "This fruit can increase the evolution success rate when consumed after fusing with a 'Crystal Core.' My dad told me about it," he explained.

Prabh's eyes lit up. "This is a great opportunity for us to become evolvers! Imagine what we could achieve with that kind of power."

Jeff, ever the calm voice of reason, raised his hand. "I understand everyone wants to take this chance, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Evolved trees are usually guarded by a ferocious beast, and considering this is a Level 1 area, we can assume the guardian will be at least a Level 1 beast. We need to find out what we’re up against before making any rash decisions."

The group nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Jeff continued, "Let’s make a plan. First, we need to identify the guardian. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can decide how to approach this. Agreed?"

Everyone looked at each other, exchanging serious glances. After a few moments of discussion, they finalized a strategy. Nix would set up traps for the beast. Prabh would use her scout drone to lure it into the trap, while Liam would be the one to finish the monster off with Nix's help. Jeff would stand by, ready to defend and assist if needed, while Prabh would monitor the area to ensure they weren’t caught off guard by another lurking threat.

With the plan in place, the team moved cautiously into position. Nix, carrying his assortment of traps, scouted the area for optimal locations to set them. He laid down several wire traps disguised in the grass, some rigged to spikes and others designed to trip or ensnare whatever might come after them. Each trap was carefully placed around the perimeter of the glowing tree.

“Traps are ready,” Nix whispered over his communication watch.

Prabh positioned herself at a distance, setting up her rifle and sending her scout drone hovering into the air. The drone buzzed as it flew toward the glowing tree, its small camera scanning for movement. They held their breath as the drone circled the area, waiting for something to happen.

Suddenly, the drone’s feed picked up movement. A faint rustling sound echoed through the forest as a massive creature began to emerge from the shadows. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the beast came into view, a massive, horned boar with glowing red eyes and tusks that shimmered with a metallic sheen. It was a evovled *Bladetooth Boar*, a Level 1 monster known for its incredible speed and deadly charge attack.

“There it is!” Prabh called out quietly over the comms. “It’s an evolved Bladetooth Boar. This thing’s fast, so be ready!”

Jeff nodded. “Everyone in position. Nix, get ready with the traps. Prabh, keep the drone focused on it.”

Nix crouched low, gripping his *Morning Wood* bat tightly in his hand, feeling the googly eyes shaking slightly from his grip. The eerie stare of the bat seemed to lock onto the approaching beast, heightening his focus. Liam drew both of his swords, positioning himself just out of sight, waiting for the right moment to strike.

The boar, unaware of the trap, continued to lumber toward the tree, its sharp tusks gleaming under the sunlight. Prabh’s drone whirred above it, creating a distraction. Just as the beast began to charge at the drone, it stepped into Nix’s first trap. A hidden wire snared its front leg, causing it to stumble forward.

The boar let out an enraged roar as it thrashed about, trying to free itself. In its struggle, it triggered more of Nix’s traps. Spikes shot up from the ground, wounding its legs and slowing its movements. But the Bladetooth Boar was not so easily subdued, it tore through some of the wire traps, sending debris flying as it regained its footing.

“Now!” Jeff shouted, leaping forward with his shields raised. He slammed them into the ground just as the boar began another charge, deflecting the beast’s attack and holding it at bay.

Liam wasted no time, darting forward with both swords drawn. His blades gleamed in the light as he slashed at the boar’s sides, drawing blood with every strike. The boar howled in fury, trying to shake him off, but Liam was too fast, dancing around the beast’s attacks.

Nix joined the fray, swinging *Morning Wood* with precision. The spikes on the bat embedded themselves into the boar’s hide, tearing into its thick skin with each powerful hit. The glowing googly eyes on the bat added an eerie touch, making the weapon seem almost alive as it struck the beast again and again.

Prabh, from her sniper position, provided covering fire. Each shot she took hit its mark, weakening the boar and forcing it to stay in one place.

Despite their coordinated attacks, the boar was relentless, its rage fueling its strength. With a final roar, it broke free of the last trap and charged directly at Liam, tusks aimed for his chest.

“Liam, watch out!” Nix shouted, but Liam had already anticipated the move.

With a swift movement, Liam sidestepped the charge and slashed both swords down in a cross-cut, severing the boar’s tendons in its legs. The beast collapsed to the ground, unable to stand, but it wasn’t dead yet. It struggled to rise, its breath coming in ragged gasps.

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“Now, Nix!” Jeff yelled.

Nix sprinted forward and, with a final swing of *Morning Wood*, brought the bat down onto the boar’s head. The beast let out one last shuddering breath before falling still.

Silence fell over the group as they caught their breath, looking down at the fallen evolved Bladetooth Boar.

“We did it,” Prabh said softly, her voice filled with awe.

Jeff nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Great work, everyone. We fought like a real team.”

Liam sheathed his swords, a grin spreading across his face. “Looks like we’ve earned our shot at those energy fruits.”

Nix looked at the glowing tree, its fruits swaying gently in the breeze. They had won the battle, but now the real decision lay before them, whether to take the fruits and risk evolving with a Crystal Core. The first step in their journey toward becoming an evolver had just begun.

The team cautiously approached the tree, scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. As they reached the base of the evolved tree, they saw four glowing energy fruits hanging low, ripe for the taking. Their vibrant hues radiated power, promising incredible potential.

Liam, with steady hands, took charge of the delicate task of collecting the fruits. Prabh, Jeff, and Nix remained on high alert, their eyes darting through the dense forest, watching for any sudden movements.

Just as Liam finished collecting the last fruit and placed it carefully in his pack, a sudden rustling from Nix’s side caught the group’s attention. "Guys, something’s coming," Nix whispered sharply.

Before anyone could react, a Level 1 Bull Python emerged from the undergrowth. Its massive body slithered out of the bushes, scales gleaming dark green and black, as it hissed menacingly. At nearly 20 feet long, the snake’s powerful muscles rippled as it began to coil, preparing for a strike.

On the opposite side, Prabh let out a yelp as a shadow passed over her. A Level 1 Metal Beak Hawk, with its sharp, shining beak and massive wingspan, screeched from above, circling in the sky, readying for a dive.

"We need to move, now!" Jeff ordered, his voice calm but urgent. "Get to Nix’s traps, they’ll slow the python. Nix, you and I handle the hawk."

Without hesitation, the group broke into a sprint, racing through the forest towards Nix’s trap-filled zone. The Bull Python, not as fast as the team but relentless in its pursuit, slithered behind them with a low, threatening hiss. Its eyes were locked onto them, anticipating an easy meal.

The Metal Beak Hawk, however, was a much more immediate threat. Its keen eyes focused on the running group, and with a loud screech, it tucked its wings and dived straight for them, its beak aimed at Jeff.

“Duck!” Jeff shouted as he raised one of his shields above his head, just in time to deflect the bird’s deadly beak. Sparks flew as the sharp metal beak clanged against Jeff's shield, and the hawk swooped up into the sky again, preparing for another attack.

As they reached the area where Nix had set his traps, the team spread out. Nix flipped out his slingshot from his arm guard, taking quick shots at the hawk to keep it from diving again. Jeff stood strong, his shields ready to block another attack if needed.

Prabh, breathing heavily, glanced behind them. “The python, it’s getting close!”

Just then, the massive snake slithered into one of Nix's wire traps. Its thick body snagged on the hidden wires, causing it to let out an enraged hiss as the spikes shot up from the ground and pierced its tough scales. The Bull Python writhed and thrashed, trying to free itself from the painful trap, slowing its pursuit.

"Good work, Nix!" Jeff called, but there was no time to relax.

The Metal Beak Hawk screeched from above once more, diving in a second attack, this time at Nix. The bird moved fast, but Nix was ready. Just as it came close, he swung *Morning Wood* with all his strength, catching the hawk squarely in the chest. The impact sent the hawk tumbling through the air, its wings flailing as it tried to recover.

However, the hawk was not down for long. It regained control mid-air, letting out a furious cry, clearly angered. Jeff stepped in front of Nix, raising his shields as the hawk circled once again, its sharp eyes gleaming with vengeance.

“We’re not going to win this fight head-on!” Liam yelled. “Get to the RV! It’s our best chance!”

Jeff nodded, realizing that the hawk would keep coming until they either escaped or were too tired to defend. "Everyone, move! Head to the RV!"

With the Bull Python still trapped and struggling behind them, the team dashed toward their RV, which they had parked at a safe distance. The hawk followed closely, diving in sporadic attacks, but Jeff’s shields and Nix’s quick slingshot strikes managed to keep it at bay.

They reached the RV just as the hawk dove one last time, its sharp beak aiming for the vehicle. Nix, thinking quickly, opened the door just as the hawk swooped low, causing the bird to miss its mark and fly past them.

“Get in, get in!” Jeff shouted, and the team scrambled inside the RV.

Nix slammed the door shut behind them, and Prabh jumped into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with trembling hands. The RV roared to life, and she hit the gas, sending the vehicle speeding down the rough path, away from the danger.

The hawk screeched again, chasing after the RV, but with its slower flight speed, it couldn’t keep up for long. Eventually, the bird gave up, letting out a final cry of frustration before disappearing into the trees.

The team sat inside the RV, panting heavily, hearts still racing from the close call.

“Well,” Nix said, breaking the tense silence, “we didn’t get the Bladetooth Boar, but we’ve got the energy fruits.”

Liam patted the pack where the fruits were safely stored. “Yeah, and I’d say that’s a win.”

Jeff nodded, his breathing finally calming down. “We made it out alive, and that’s what counts. We’ll take this victory for what it is.”

Prabh, still gripping the steering wheel, glanced back at her friends with a grin. “Misfits, one. Ferocious beasts, zero.”

The group laughed, the tension easing as they realized they had made it through their first major hunt together, and with the energy fruits in hand, their journey toward becoming evolvers are closer than ever.

After their intense hunting session, Team Misfits returned to the South Hunter Base with a sense of accomplishment, even if they didn’t bag the Bladetooth Boar. They had enough level 0 monster trophies to make 600 COIN. The team gathered around a terminal, and after reporting their hunt, they decided to split their earnings equally, 150 COIN each.

Once their business was sorted, the team headed to the cafeteria for a well-deserved break. They found a quiet corner and ordered some food, eager to talk about what they could improve for their next hunt. As they dug into their meals, Nix pulled out a notepad and began jotting down their thoughts.

"Alright, so what do we need to work on?" Nix asked, looking at his friends.

Jeff spoke first. "We handled the level 0 beasts fine, but against those level 1 monsters, I felt like I was barely keeping them at bay. My shields are solid for defense, but I need more offensive options."

Nix nodded thoughtfully. "You’re already great at counter-attacks, Jeff. What if I add retractable spikes to your armor? You could hide them when you don’t need them, but when you’re in close combat, you can deploy them to strike back."

Jeff raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Spikes would definitely help, but what if I get knocked into one of you? I don’t want to impale my own teammates."

"That’s why I’ll make them retractable," Nix replied confidently. "You control when they come out. It’ll give you the edge without risking us."

Jeff thought for a moment, then grinned. "Alright, I’m in. Sounds badass."

Nix then turned to Prabh. "Prabh, your rifle work is spot-on, but I think you could be even more versatile with some deployable traps. I can design a system where your drones can drop traps from the air, setting them up quickly without you needing to be in harm’s way."

Prabh’s eyes lit up. "That would be amazing! It could give us more control over the battlefield, especially when we’re facing tougher beasts."

Liam, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward. "And me? Any suggestions for my gear?"

Nix grinned. "Oh, I’ve got something in mind for you. You’re already great in close combat, but I think you’d benefit from some extra protection on your back. I could add spikes similar to mine, to deter any monsters trying to ambush you. And, get this, I’ll install retractable blades on your leg guards. That way, you can use them for quick, unexpected strikes."

Liam’s face lit up with excitement. "Retractable blades on my legs? That sounds wicked! I like it."

The group spent the next hour refining their ideas, sketching out strategies, and laughing as they imagined how their next hunt would go with all the upgrades in place. It felt good to have a clear plan for improvement, and everyone was pumped for their next adventure.

When they finished their discussion, they all headed home, feeling closer as a team and eager for what was to come.

As Nix entered his home, Granny Laurie greeted him at the door, her face lighting up in relief. "Oh, thank goodness you’re back safe, Nix. I was worried sick!"

Nix smiled, feeling the warmth of home settle over him. "I’m fine, Granny. We had a good hunt."

Granny Laurie ushered him inside, quickly heating up some food. "Sit down, I’ll get you something to eat. You must be starving."

After a hearty meal and some light conversation, Laurie headed to bed, leaving Nix alone to unwind. But instead of resting, Nix headed to his room with one thing on his mind, designing the upgrades for his friends. He sat at his workbench, sketching out ideas with focused determination.

The retractable spikes for Jeff, the deployable drone traps for Prabh, and the leg-blades and back spikes for Liam, all of it took shape under his skillful hands. As he worked, Nix couldn’t help but feel proud of how far he and his friends had come.

After hours of tweaking the designs, he finally leaned back and stretched, satisfied with the results. The plans were perfect. His friends would have exactly what they needed to become even better hunters.

He glanced at the clock, it was late, and exhaustion was creeping in. Tomorrow was a big day, with the "Awakening Trial Event" starting soon. Nix couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement. The event was said to be life-changing, a chance for hunters like him to gain even more power.

But for now, all he could do was sleep. He collapsed into bed, the weight of the day finally catching up to him, and let his mind drift off to dreams of epic battles and the unknown possibilities the Awakening Event would bring. Tomorrow would be a new chapter, and Nix was ready for whatever it had in store.