บท 32: [Survive]

Time was limited, the sun and moon alternated rapidly in a cycle. The sun's rays of dawn illuminated the world.

Trees and plants enjoyed the morning dew, providing a cool breeze.

As time passed, the clouds covered the sun with a characteristic black color, threatening rain.

But, in the end, there was no real reaction, with their end as they quickly dissipated, supplanted by a huge, clear sky.

The flowers were numerous, and of different colors; red, purple, blue, or white, there were.

At a considerable height, the petals of a white flower flew wildly without direction guided by the wind; their color matching the pure color of the clouds that covered the previously limitless sky.

The randomly scattered flowers were concentrated in a courtyard.

A resounding knock was heard, which woke a young man from his sleep, drowsy and confused. He had not had breakfast and his thinking was slow.

He got up systematically, leaving his position in bed immediately. His first action of the day was to wash his face vehemently, cleansing himself of every possible impurity.

Even though he was just getting up his thoughts were already occupied; exactly with the hunt Christopher organized, and his final promise.

It was only when he saw his breakfast on his desk that he knew it was late. He couldn't estimate the exact time but he knew he had probably already disturbed Christopher.

'A leg or an arm, which would be better to sacrifice?'

But still, Federick, acted inconsistently, enjoying his breakfast slowly. He savored the flavors to their end, enjoying varied consistencies; True delicacies of a fine cuisine.

When he finally finished his breakfast, he set out on his way to the agreed place. To his regret, he had not even had time to practice.

For his sleep to continue until such late hours was rare and even strange; but there was a reason for that. From the time he received the book yesterday, until the end of the day, he set out to study it since it had been granted to him by his great-uncle, a prominent figure.

The book was practically an encyclopedia, so he stayed up until the wee hours of the morning studying it, but even so, his general understanding was still low.

It listed varied knowledge regarding hunting and others more rooted in a universal sense. Detection, identification, ways to hide, and first aid were the most common tropes.

On the other hand, there was also broader and more complex knowledge, which He had not managed to study, such as: The migration of different species, paths commonly traveled by certain species, conservation, etc.

This is because he had not made use of his innate ability, using purely natural aspects such as his understanding and talent; since his need was to develop as an individual.

'This energy is not enough; today will be a hard day'.

When he finished organizing his luggage, he finally prepared to leave and finally go to the selected place; but, surprisingly, he found a scene of total bewilderment outside his home.

When he opened his blinds, there he saw how a figure was squatting, his expression reshaped into one of hatred and his hands trembling.

It was Christopher, the great general, who had been demoted to a mediocre figure. His anger is palpable, expressed through his white knuckles.

Therefore, Federick wisely decided to go back to sleep.

In view of this, Christopher's figure alternated between that of an intellectual human and a savage beast; his eyes red and his teeth twitching

"Hehe, I was just kidding." Federick approached with a smile.

A soft snort was heard, and a few seconds later Federick's ear was red.

"Follow me," Christopher pronounced with ruthless coldness.

Thus, they embarked on a slow, leisurely walk. Neither exchanged words; the silence was sepulchral and the tension growing.

The old man's expansive back usually attracted the young man's unconcealed worried gaze.

'His temperament is strange, constantly alternating in essence; actually, I can't decipher the original.' thought Federick.

'But based on this, it probably has unknown objectives... If it wasn't for what the board dictated, I would pray silently to the ancestral tablet.' Federick thought humorously.

In his previous journey over the fog, the result he had obtained was that Christopher was part of the individuals who supported him, being an ally. It was only because of this fact alone that he dared to follow him and abide by his words.

"Boy, have you studied the manual carefully?". He asked in a penetrating voice, devoid of emotion.

Christopher's expectations were not great but he still placed some confidence. after all, in the young man lay the undisputed achievement of being the only one in history to achieve a ninth-grade score on his family's ancestral test.

"Even though time has been limited, I have been studying seriously for the last day," Federick responded by being reserved.

He wisely decided not to mention that that was the reason for his absence during the morning, even though it might serve as an excuse.

"Mhmp, the first rule of hunting: no bragging; Results are the only and final voice." Christopher said.

"Uncle Grandpa, are you a monkey? You live up to your virtues." Federick said, his expression alternating.

"What about you, little fry? If so, you're a little monkey who hasn't grown any hair on your ass? Bald ass monkey." Christopher replied impassively.

This took Federick by surprise. His Great-Uncle was beginning to like him; his response had been refined and elegant, contrary to those of the savage poets of this era.

"You're great." Federick said.

"I know," Christopher replied.

"..."

An exchange of words is not at all conventional.

Federick quickly regained his mental state, organizing his thoughts. Previously, scattered and was confused.

He had spent so much of his valuable time since he intended to actively participate in this "insignificant" day of hunting. According to the information provided by his system, the board game was supposed to have a presence in destiny; in this, it was dictated that Christopher, was one of his allies. Whereby, he theorized that a significant performance in today's task would cause ripples in this connection.

His current position was humble; if he were situated in a better one, he probably would have traveled different paths. Perhaps an early fracture in his relationship would have dealt him a different fate? But his current circumstances didn't allow him to gamble.

Suddenly, his mental agility had increased, sharpening to an extreme degree. Something he would only feel in states of extreme concentration.

It lasted only a short time, when he came back to reality, he was no longer in the vicinity of the Battlemman family's establishment.

He was in the middle of nowhere, nature was roaming. Only Federick and Christopher were present.

Federick received a sharp look from the old man; who, at this, responded with one of superior sharpness.

"You're quite funny," Christopher said.

"I know," Federick replied.

...

Suddenly, Federick was robbed of his leather bag, where he kept all the necessary items for the hunt.

Christopher who was responsible, rummaged through the inside of the leather bag, finding the previously delivered manual, which he tossed to Federick to say his last words.

"Survive."

"Survive until you hunt a beast," Christopher said as he disappeared with all the stored gadgets.