While training, Finn asked Rathen and Caroline if they had ever heard of Risa. As expected, neither recognised the name, and though Finn had braced himself for disappointment, a flicker of hope faded inside him, but rekindled the next second! Before long, the day of their departure arrived, and the group agreed to gather at the inn before the first light.

  Caroline and Rathen are the first to arrive. While waiting for Frank and Steve, Caroline fidgets in her seat, rummaging through her backpack every so often to double-check her belongings. It’s her first hunt, and she’s determined not to forget anything.

  Steve is accompanied by Emma and Jimmy, who have come to see him off, while Frank’s family is also present to bid him farewell. To Finn’s surprise, among them is Anna, the young woman he met on his first day in Mistwood, holding a sleeping child in her arms.

  “Anna? I didn’t realise you were Frank’s wife!” Finn greets her friendly.

  She nods with a shy smile, standing a little closer to Frank.

  Once everyone is accounted for, they gather for a hearty breakfast prepared by John. Every bite is savoured, given it’ll be their last proper meal for a while.

  After one final round of checks, they pass through the gates of Mistwood and prepare to step into the mist-laced forest.

  According to the guild’s map, they decide to explore the north-eastern section of the forest. The visibility there isn’t as poor as in other areas, and the predators lurking in this region mostly rank at C or, at most, B. It’s the perfect starting ground for their first hunt.

  “Do you think we’ll run into a predator today?” Caroline asks, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

  “Unlikely,” Rathen replies. “We’re still on the outskirts, and at this pace, we won’t reach the hunting zone until tomorrow evening.”

  Steve nods in agreement. “We’ll probably need to set up camp for the night on the outskirts.”

  Finn smirks. “What’s this? Can’t wait to hunt your first predator, Caroline?” he teases.

  “Th-that’s not it! I was just asking!” she flustered, crossing her arms.

  The others exchange knowing smiles but choose to let her off the hook.

  As expected, they reach the north-eastern entrance of the forest just before sunset.

  “I’d say this is a good spot to set up camp,” Finn suggests.

  It’s an open area between the trees, near a stream, with no visible footprints or signs of recent predator activity, making it an ideal campsite.

  Everyone gets to work unpacking and pitching their tents. They divide tasks among themselves: Caroline and Rathen collect firewood, Steve hunts for fresh meat, Finn fetches water from the stream, and Frank patrols the perimeter to ensure their safety.

  By nightfall, they settle around a crackling fire, feasting on deer meat Steve hunted and Finn prepared.

  “This actually tastes pretty good!” Caroline exclaims, surprised.

  Finn grins. “That’s because I brought salt and pepper to season it. We don’t know how long this journey will take, so we might as well enjoy decent food while we can.”

  They sip on hot vegetable soup, chatting about the expedition ahead.

  “What time should we wake up tomorrow?” Caroline asks, jittery with anticipation.

  “Before sunrise,” Frank replies. “That way, we can pack up and set off as soon as the sun’s up.”

  Steve nods. “We’ll check the time and wake each other in shifts.”

  “We’ll need someone to keep watch overnight,” Finn adds. “Each shift will last about an hour and a half.”

  Rathen raises his hand. “Can Caroline and I take the first watch?”

  Finn doesn’t hesitate. “Of course.”

  The rest of the shifts are quickly assigned, and everyone readily agrees.

  As the fire crackles, Finn turns serious. “We’ve gone through this before, but let’s run through it one last time.”

  The team listens attentively.

  “We’ve agreed on our formation for moving through the forest and what to do if we encounter C- or B-ranked predators. And if, by any stroke of misfortune… or luck, we run into an A-rank…”

  He pauses for effect before continuing, “If anyone is injured to the point where they can’t move, what’s the first thing we do?” He looks at Caroline sternly.

  She straightens up. “We retreat immediately, no matter the situation.”

  Finn nods approvingly, as does Rathen.

  “One of the non-injured combatants, Steve or Frank, will carry the injured person while the rest of us hold off the predator. Once they’ve put some distance between us, the rest will fall back as well.”

  Stolen novel; please report.

  His gaze sweeps across the group. “If two or more of us are immobilised, or if someone suffers a critical injury, Frank or I will use the transportation magic stone to send us back to the Sanctuary.”

  The team falls silent as Finn pulls out two shimmering stones from his pouch. He had used the money saved from healing stones and hunter training to purchase them back in Mistwood.

  These stones, pre-enchanted by high-ranking Elder, can transport people and goods in an instant. Unlike regular magic vaults that merely store energy, these are imbued with specific spells, allowing even non-magician who has established a marking with the magic stone to wield high-level magic—though at a hefty price.

  Finn had thought about buying the transportation stone outside the guild to save on fees, but when it came to safety, there were no shortcuts. A bad stone at the wrong moment could get someone killed.

  They’d already discussed these precautions, but nobody took them lightly.

  Once they finish eating, Caroline casts a simple cleansing spell to clean their utensils and freshen everyone before they retire to their tents. Rathen and Caroline remain by the fire for their watch.

  Finn, scheduled for the third shift, quickly settles in for some sleep. As he drifts off, he faintly hears Rathen murmuring to Caroline—a soothing lullaby that lulls him into unconsciousness.

  As the first hints of dawn colour the sky, the whole group stirs to life. They swiftly pack up camp, stuffing their tents back into their bags and storage stones, which are also used to keep predator carcasses.

  With the first light of day shining down on them, they step deeper into the forest, ready for whatever awaits.

  The Forest, a vast, mist-laden expanse where sunlight barely filters through the thick canopy above. Shadows stretch long between ancient trees, their bark scarred by past battles—clawed-up trunks, dried blood, and shattered weapons stand as grim reminders of those who came before. As they go deeper, the air thickens, laced with an eerie silence. Like the forest itself is watching.

  Predators roam, eyes gleaming in the shadows—waiting for someone careless.

  This place is a test: risk and reward in equal measure.

  Back during their training days, they had decided on their walking formation for venturing into unknown terrain. Steve would lead, with Finn walking beside him. Caroline and Rathen would stay in the middle, while Frank, the most experienced among them, would guard the rear.

  Steve now wields not only his broadsword but also carries a shield, ready to deflect any frontal attacks. Finn, walking beside him, stands prepared to cast spells in his defence. Caroline, the youngest, remains in the centre under her father’s watchful eye. At the back, Frank keeps a sharp lookout, ensuring no threats creep up behind them.

  They advance into the depths of the forest, moving swiftly yet cautiously. Every step is deliberate, every sense attuned to the wilderness around them. The air is thick with tension, their silence almost unnatural—until they spot their first predator.

  A snake-like monster slithers into view. Though its body resembles a serpent, the grotesque protrusion of its fangs, its massive size, and the twisted, uneven pattern of its scales set it apart. The magic in the air shifts uncomfortably around it, confirming its predatory nature. Judging by the bulge in its stomach, it has recently fed and is likely searching for a safe place to digest its meal.

  Finn reacts instantly, casting a masking spell around them. "Eyes up. We've got company."

  "It’s a rank-C serpent predator," Steve murmurs, recalling the information from ‘New Hunter Must-Knows’. "Its fangs are venomous. They strike the moment they spot an opening."

  Frank nods, his voice steady. "Focus on its head movements. That’s the key."

  Finn scans the area before speaking. "They’re solitary hunters, which means we won’t have to worry about others nearby. This makes it the perfect target for our first hunt."

  He lays out the plan in a calm but commanding tone. "Caroline, you’ll strike first on my cue to distract it. I’ll restrict its movement. Frank, you charge in for the kill. Steve, cover him. Rathen, stay on standby in case anything goes wrong."

  They all nod. They’ve practised for this moment. Now, it’s time to put that training to the test.

  Frank and Steve split off quietly to flank the creature. Caroline steadies her breathing, conjuring water into arrows, her fingers shivering.

  Finn counts down. "Three... two... one!"

  Caroline shoots out her arrows without hesitation. The water-condensed projectiles fly towards the serpent, forcing it to turn. At the same time, Finn casts his spell—twigs burst from the ground, twisting and coiling around the predator, pinning its body in place.

  Frank seizes the opening, charging in from the flank with Steve right behind him. He swings for the serpent’s neck, aiming for a swift kill. But the creature jerks back at the last moment, preserving its vital point. In retaliation, it lunges, fangs bared.

  Steve reacts instantly, raising his shield to block the strike while keeping his broadsword ready to counter. The serpent writhes against its restraints and breaks several twigs, but Finn remains focused, drawing magic from his vault to strengthen the binding. More twigs emerge, intertwining more tightly around its body.

  Frank pivots, moving to the other side for another attack. But before he can strike, the serpent breaks free, surging forward in desperation.

  “Now!” Finn shouts at Caroline.

  Caroline acts fast, conjuring a water bubble around it. The sudden resistance slows the predator’s movements, giving Frank the perfect opening. With one precise, powerful swing, he cleaves through its neck—severing the head cleanly.

  Silence follows.

  For a moment, no one moves. Just silence—and then it hits them.

  Caroline lets out a gasp, grabbing her father’s hands and shaking them, eyes wide with joy. Rathen can’t hide his pride; a rare smile softens his usually serious face.

  Steve, buzzing with adrenaline, lifts both his shield and broadsword overhead. “Yes!” he whoops, grinning like a kid.

  Only Frank stays sharp, eyes sweeping the treeline. Even in victory, he’s on guard—just in case something else is watching.

  Finn chuckles. "Relax. I’ve cast sound and scent-masking spells around us. Laugh all you want."

  The moment he says it, Caroline can’t hold back. "We did it!"

  Steve lets out an exhilarated shout. "That was— That was—" He fumbles for words, still buzzing with adrenaline.

  "Thrilling?" Rathen suggests.

  "Yes! Thrilling!" Steve nods eagerly.

  Finn claps his hands to get their attention. "All right. Let’s not waste time. We need to dissect the carcass and store it in the storage stone."

  Frank moves first, ever efficient. The others quickly follow suit, some assisting with the dissection while others keep watch.

  Frank digs out the magic core—an orb pulsing with raw energy. This, more than anything else, marks the difference between a mere animal and a predator. Magic cores are the main ingredients of the magic vaults and stones, making them highly valuable.

  The magic coursing through the core is also what makes predators so dangerous. Their bodies regenerate rapidly, meaning conventional weapons alone aren’t enough to kill them. A severed limb would simply regrow in seconds if not dealt with properly.

  Rathen assists Frank in stripping the carcass of anything useful. By the time they finish, dusk is settling in and the surroundings start to get foggy.

  It’s time to set up camp for the night.