章節 16: Chapter 16: The Hunt Continues
Chapter 16: The Hunt Continues
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant pine. Adam stood in the center of the settlement, rallying his team. The Dire Maulers' threat still loomed, and there was no time to waste.
The Shadow Wolf Alpha paced beside him, its sharp ears twitching at every sound. Luna, now saddled with supplies, let out a low rumble of approval as Adam checked their gear.
"We took out three yesterday," Adam began, addressing the group. "There are three left. Today, we finish the job. Everyone knows the stakes. Let's stay sharp."
Kaelith adjusted her quiver. "The traps worked well yesterday. We should set up more in case they've moved from their original den."
Saria nodded. "Agreed. They'll be more cautious now."
Adam's system chimed, delivering a critical update.
<System Alert:
Quest Progress Update: Eliminate the Dire Mauler Pack.
Remaining Targets: 3. Danger Level Increased. Maulers are now aware of your actions.>
"Well, that confirms it," Adam muttered. "They'll be on edge. Let's be smarter than they are."
The group moved out before sunrise, navigating the dense forest with practiced efficiency. Adam used Beast Taming (S) to guide the Shadow Wolf Alpha, its heightened senses serving as their early warning system.
The forest grew darker as they approached the northern hills, the thick canopy blocking out most of the sunlight. The air felt heavier, each step echoing with the weight of impending danger.
Kaelith stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. She crouched low, examining the ground.
"Tracks," she whispered. "Fresh. They've moved closer to the ridge."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "Smart. They're using the terrain to their advantage."
Bren grunted. "That means we're walking into their territory now."
"We don't have a choice," Adam said. "Let's set up traps as we go. Saria, you and Bren handle that. Kaelith and I will scout ahead."
The first trap was simple but effective—a concealed pit lined with sharpened stakes. Adam used Builder's Vision (D) to refine its placement, ensuring it was hidden perfectly in the foliage.
Saria wiped her brow, stepping back to admire their work. "That should do it."
"Let's hope it catches something," Bren said, hoisting his axe.
Further ahead, Adam and Kaelith crept silently through the underbrush. The Shadow Wolf Alpha froze suddenly, its ears swiveling forward.
"What is it?" Kaelith whispered.
Adam focused, activating Heightened Perception (C). The world sharpened around him, every sound and movement amplified.
"There," he said, pointing to a shadowy figure moving through the trees. It was one of the Maulers, its hulking form blending seamlessly with the shadows.
Kaelith nocked an arrow, her aim steady. "Do we take the shot?"
"Not yet," Adam said. "Let's see if we can draw it closer."
Adam activated Strategic Attraction (D), sending out a faint pulse designed to pique the creature's curiosity. The Mauler paused, its glowing red eyes scanning the forest. Slowly, it began to move toward them.
Kaelith's grip on her bow tightened. "It's working."
The creature stepped onto the concealed tripwire, triggering a net trap. The net shot upward, entangling the Mauler in thick ropes.
"Now!" Adam shouted.
Kaelith's arrow flew true, striking the beast in its vulnerable underbelly. The Mauler roared, thrashing wildly as Adam and the Shadow Wolf Alpha charged.
The wolf leapt onto the Mauler, its powerful jaws clamping down on the creature's neck. Adam struck with his sword, aiming for the exposed joints.
The fight was brutal but swift. Within minutes, the Mauler collapsed, its massive body limp in the tangled net.
<System Alert:
Dire Mauler Eliminated. Progress: 4/6.>
"One step closer," Adam said, breathing heavily.
The group regrouped, their morale bolstered by the success. "Two more," Kaelith said. "But they'll be harder to catch now."
"Let's not waste time," Adam said. "We've got the momentum. Let's use it."
Saria and Bren set more traps as the group pushed deeper into the Maulers' territory. The forest grew eerily silent, the usual sounds of wildlife replaced by an oppressive stillness.
Adam felt the weight of his surroundings pressing down on him. His system chimed softly, delivering a new notification.
<System Alert:
New Ability Synergy Unlocked: Beast Insight (B) + Heightened Perception (C).
Effect: Allows the user to anticipate beast movements and strategies.>
Adam's vision shifted, the forest around him taking on a faint glow. He could see faint trails left by the Maulers, their movements etched into the terrain like ghostly imprints.
"This will help," he said, leading the group with newfound confidence.
The next Mauler was more aggressive. It charged out of the underbrush, its claws raking through the air. Bren barely dodged the attack, his axe coming up to block the next strike.
"Hold it off!" Adam shouted, activating Beast Taming (S).
The Shadow Wolf Alpha lunged at the Mauler, its sheer ferocity forcing the beast back. Kaelith fired a volley of arrows, each one finding its mark.
Saria darted in and out of the fray, using her agility to strike at the Mauler's legs. Adam joined the fight, his sword flashing as he exploited the creature's weaknesses.
The battle was intense, but the team's coordination won out. The Mauler fell with a final, pained roar.
<System Alert:
Dire Mauler Eliminated. Progress: 5/6.>
"One left," Adam said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.
The final Mauler was waiting for them. It stood atop a rocky outcrop, its massive form silhouetted against the setting sun. This one was larger than the others, its fur streaked with silver.
Adam's system chimed ominously.
<System Alert:
Final Dire Mauler: Pack Leader (Elite Variant).
Danger Level: Very High.>
The Mauler let out a deafening roar, its eyes blazing with fury. Adam tightened his grip on his sword. "This is it. No mistakes."
The pack leader leapt from the outcrop, landing with a ground-shaking thud. The final battle had begun.
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