The sun rose early over Gold Eagle City, casting a golden glow over the forest as the second day of the Hunting Competition began. A cool breeze swept through the trees, whispering through the leaves like a silent warning. The teams gathered at the city square, and the announcer's voice rang out over the crowd.
"Competitors, ready yourselves! Day Two of the hunt begins now. Let the strongest prevail!"
The horn blared, and the competitors surged into the forest, determination in their eyes.
Vishwa walked quietly beside Hitami and Joseph, his mind focused. The first day had been a blur—rabbits, parrots, a wolf—but the second day felt heavier, more dangerous. The deeper they went into the forest, the thicker the air felt, as if the woods themselves were watching.
Hitami skipped ahead, humming softly, her wooden staff twirling in her hand. Joseph, walking with a hunter's gaze, scanned the trees.
"Stay sharp," Joseph murmured. "Glenn's team will push harder today. We can't fall behind."
Vishwa nodded silently, his senses sharpened. As they ventured deeper, they heard the distant cries of foxes and the rustle of prey fleeing through the underbrush.
"Look—tracks," Vishwa whispered, pointing to faint paw prints near a mossy rock.
Joseph crouched, studying them. "Foxes. Two, maybe three. Let's follow."
They moved carefully, staying low. Vishwa's heart beat steadily as they weaved through the forest. They soon spotted a pair of sleek red foxes darting between the trees, their fur glinting in the sunlight.
"Vishwa, flank left!" Joseph ordered. "Hitami, cut them off from the front."
Without hesitation, Vishwa sprinted, the air rushing past him. His body moved with a new fluidity, thanks to the months of training. His breathing was calm, his steps light. As the foxes bolted, Vishwa leapt forward, landing in front of one and blocking its path. He lunged, grappling it gently but firmly. The fox struggled, but Vishwa held on, whispering softly to calm it as he secured it.
Hitami caught the second, grinning proudly as she held it up. "Two foxes! That's thirty points!" she said, beaming.
Joseph nodded, pleased. "Good teamwork."
They tied the foxes to a branch and continued their hunt. As midday approached, the forest grew hotter, and the competition grew fiercer. Distant shouts echoed through the trees—other teams fighting for their prey.
Near a shallow river, they spotted a group of deer grazing.
Joseph narrowed his eyes. "Too risky. Glenn's team might be nearby."
As if on cue, a figure stepped out from the shadows—Glenn himself, flanked by his brothers. He smirked, arms folded, his gaze sharp.
"Look who we have here," Glenn drawled. "The little farm team."
Hitami glared. "We're doing fine, thank you."
Glenn's eyes flicked to Vishwa, studying him like a predator eyeing a rival. "You. New guy. Think you're tough enough to win this? Better stay out of my way."
Vishwa's expression was calm, but a flicker of challenge burned in his eyes. "We'll do our best."
Glenn's grin widened. "We'll see. Watch yourself, farm boy."
He and his brothers turned and disappeared into the trees.
Hitami huffed. "He's so full of himself."
Joseph's voice was steady. "Ignore him. Focus on the hunt."
As the afternoon sun dipped lower, they found a small glade where a family of wild boars grazed. The creatures were fast and fierce, and the challenge was clear.
"Boars are worth big points," Joseph said, eyeing the largest of the group. "But they're dangerous. We'll need a plan."
Vishwa stepped forward. "I'll draw their attention. You two flank."
Joseph hesitated. "You sure?"
Vishwa nodded. "I'm ready."
Hitami bit her lip but nodded, gripping her staff tightly.
Vishwa took a deep breath and sprinted into the clearing, clapping his hands and shouting. The largest boar snorted and charged, its tusks gleaming. Vishwa dodged, his heart pounding, as the boar tore through the underbrush. He jumped aside, narrowly avoiding its tusks, then pivoted and aimed a powerful kick at its side. The boar staggered, giving Joseph and Hitami an opening.
Joseph moved like a shadow, slamming a weighted rope over the boar's head, pulling it down. Hitami leapt in, using her staff to pin its legs. Together, they secured the animal, panting heavily.
"That's… forty points!" Hitami gasped, grinning wide.
Vishwa smiled faintly, catching his breath. The thrill of the hunt, the teamwork, the danger—it was starting to feel… good.
As dusk fell, the horn sounded again, marking the end of the second day. The teams trudged back to the city square, exhausted but exhilarated. Glenn's team stood near the front, laughing and boasting of their catches. They had taken down a large stag, securing a massive lead.
Joseph, Vishwa, and Hitami arrived quietly, handing in their tally sheets. They were behind Glenn's team but holding strong in the top three.
Hitami stretched and yawned. "We did great today!"
Vishwa looked at Joseph, who gave him a small nod of approval. The day's battles had left them bruised and tired, but the fire in their hearts burned brighter.
As they made their way back to the inn, Joseph murmured, "Tomorrow's the last day. It's all or nothing."
Vishwa gazed up at the moonlit sky, feeling a quiet determination settle in his chest. Tomorrow, they would give it everything they had.
And this time, he wouldn't hold back.