C20 Chapter 19 – The Hunt
The morning sky was covered with thin gray clouds.
A cool wind swept across the island, causing the trees to sway gently.
Aiden stood outside his hut, checking his equipment one last time.
Stone Axe.
Stone Pickaxe.
Iron Knife.
Bone Spear.
A small pouch of roasted meat and berries.
Everything was ready.
He looked toward the eastern forest.
"It's time."
For the past two weeks, he had focused on building his camp.
His food stores were becoming smaller.
His rabbit meat would not last forever.
If he wanted to survive...
He needed to become a hunter.
---
Before leaving, Aiden visited his wheat field.
The young plants had grown almost to his knees.
Another few days, and they would be ready for harvest.
He watered them carefully before turning toward the forest.
The Forest Hopper appeared from behind a bush.
It looked at him quietly.
Then it gave a short chirp.
"Chi."
Aiden smiled.
"I'll be careful."
The little creature disappeared into the trees.
---
Instead of walking aimlessly, Aiden followed the stream that crossed the island.
Every living creature needed water.
If he wanted to find prey...
The stream was the best place to search.
An hour passed.
He discovered bird nests high in the trees.
Fresh deer-like footprints near the muddy bank.
Broken branches.
Animal droppings.
Every sign told him that life filled the forest.
But none of the animals showed themselves.
"They're avoiding me."
Aiden crouched and examined the footprints.
"They passed here this morning."
He continued following the trail.
Slowly.
Patiently.
---
Suddenly...
The bushes ahead began to shake.
Aiden immediately crouched behind a large tree.
A small brown creature stepped into the clearing.
It looked like a wild goat, no taller than Aiden's waist.
Two short horns curved backward.
It lowered its head and drank from the stream.
The System appeared.
Wild Horn Goat
Level: 3
Rank: Common
Nature:
Peaceful
Warning:
Will flee if startled.
Aiden slowly gripped his Bone Spear.
This wasn't a monster.
It was prey.
He had never hunted an animal before.
For a moment...
He hesitated.
The goat peacefully drank water, completely unaware of his presence.
Aiden took a deep breath.
"If I don't hunt..."
"I won't survive."
He carefully stepped into position.
His heartbeat echoed in his ears.
He raised the spear.
Then...
He threw it.
Whoosh!
The spear flew through the air.
But it missed.
The Bone Spear struck the ground beside the goat.
The startled animal immediately jumped away.
It sprinted into the forest.
"Oh no!"
Aiden grabbed his Stone Axe and chased after it.
Branches slapped against his face.
Roots nearly tripped him.
The goat was incredibly fast.
For several minutes, the chase continued.
Then...
The goat reached a rocky slope.
Its footing slipped for just a second.
That moment was enough.
Aiden lunged forward and tackled it.
Both of them rolled across the ground.
The frightened goat struggled desperately.
Its horn scraped Aiden's shoulder.
Pain shot through his arm.
Ignoring the pain, Aiden quickly drew his Iron Knife.
With one clean movement...
The struggle ended.
Silence returned to the forest.
Aiden remained kneeling beside the animal.
His breathing was heavy.
"I'm sorry..."
He whispered the words sincerely.
"You gave your life..."
"So I can keep living."
He closed the goat's eyes before beginning to process the body.
This time...
The Iron Knife made the work much easier.
---
Obtained
- Fresh Meat ×8
- Animal Hide ×1
- Horn ×2
- Animal Bones ×6
Collection Book Updated.
---
As Aiden cleaned his hands in the stream...
The System chimed softly.
Skill Unlocked
Hunter's Focus Lv.1 (Passive)
Requirement Completed:
Successfully hunt prey using tracking and patience.
Effects:
- Easier to notice tracks.
- Slightly improves accuracy while throwing weapons.
Aiden smiled.
"So skills can be earned naturally."
He liked that much more than receiving them as gifts.
---
The journey back to camp was slower because of the extra weight.
Even so...
His heart felt lighter.
He had crossed another important step.
He was no longer just surviving with luck.
He was learning how to live.
---
As he reached the edge of the forest...
He suddenly stopped.
Fresh claw marks covered a nearby tree.
They were much larger than before.
The bark had been torn away nearly two meters above the ground.
Aiden slowly touched one of the marks.
Still fresh.
Then...
A deep growl echoed somewhere in the distance.
Grrrrrr...
Every bird in the forest became silent.
The Forest Hopper hiding nearby froze in place.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
Aiden didn't wait.
He quietly stepped backward.
Then another step.
Only after reaching a safe distance did he turn and walk quickly toward his camp.
He never saw the enormous shadow watching him from deep within the trees.
---
That night, Aiden roasted fresh meat over the campfire.
The smell filled the entire camp.
For the first time in days...
His food supply was secure.
He opened his Survival Journal.
Survival Journal – Day 15
- Hunting requires patience more than strength.
- Respect every life you take.
- Skills are earned through experience.
- Fresh claw marks mean a dangerous predator is nearby.
- Some enemies should not be faced alone... or too early.
He closed the journal and looked toward the dark forest.
Hidden somewhere beyond the trees...
A predator had begun following his scent.
And unlike the Fang Rabbits...
It had no intention of running away.
