NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: The Lynx
John walked toward the gate of the town then passed by the inn, he hesitated for a moment, glancing up at the windows where his teammate were likely still sleeping.
Part of him wondered if he should wake them up, maybe Irene and Marik would be interested in joining him. But he dismissed the thought and shaking his head.
"No, this one's for me," he decided.
If he was going to get stronger and truly learn what he and his Beasts were capable of, he'd need to test himself without backup. Besides, it was still early so they probably wouldn't be up for hours.
He considered his gear, or rather, the lack of it. The thought of taking along potions or supplies crossed his mind but his empty pockets reminded him that wasn't an option.
"Guess I'll just have to make do with what I've got," he thought with a shrug.
Following the directions the guild woman had given him, he soon left the town behind and started down a dirt road that led toward the farmlands.
The fresh morning air was filled with the scent of damp earth and dew-laden grass, and the light of dawn cast a golden hue over the fields stretching out around him.
The quiet was almost peaceful, broken only by the occasional call of a distant bird. But John's focus was already sharp, his mind already running through possible strategies for capturing the Shadowfang Lynx.
He smirked, thinking of Inky and Miki.
"If this lynx has shadow abilities, Inky will be a good match," he thought, and he also remembered how the Emberfruit had enhanced both of his Beasts.
And Miki's speed and quick claws would be useful, especially if they needed to wear the creature down. His confidence grew as he pictured the encounter.
The Shadowfang Lynx might be elusive and quick, but he was sure it wouldn't be a match for his upgraded team. Well, hopefully.
Before long, he arrived at the farm where the quest owner, a middle-aged man in worn clothes was standing near the fence and scanning the edge of his fields with a tense expression.
"You here for the guild quest?" the farmer asked.
John nodded, holding up the quest poster. "I'm here to take care of the Shadowfang Lynx problem, sir."
The farmer's eyes lit up as he gave a firm nod. "Good good good. That lynx has been terrorizing the livestock every night! And I can't keep it out of the shadows for more than a few minutes. You think you can handle it?"
John give him a smile, and said, "I'm pretty sure we can manage. Do you know where it usually appears?"
The farmer pointed to a cluster of trees at the edge of the field. "It comes from there, usually right around dawn or dusk. That one son of a whore prefers the shadows."
John took note, nodding thoughtfully. "Alright. Thanks. I'll take it from here."
The farmer offered a grateful look before backing away, leaving John and his thoughts alone.
John taking a deep breath and immediately summoned Inky and Miki from their pocket dimension, feeling their energy pulse alongside his own.
Both Beasts materialized at his side, Inky with its dark, shifting form, and Miki, bristling with a ready energy.
"Alright, team," John murmured. "This one's tricky and likes the shadows, but we're stronger now. Let's show this lynx what we're made of."
With his plan in mind, he led his Beasts toward the tree line, ready to begin the hunt.
John crouched low as he neared the tree line, moving cautiously to keep his footsteps soft.
"Early morning was a good choice," he thought, glancing around the dim forest that still held the coolness of dawn.
The dense canopy overhead cast long shadows and beams of soft morning light filtered through in narrow shafts, giving the forest an eerie silent atmosphere.
He motioned to Inky and Miki, give instruction through his mind, and both Beasts began to sniff the air.
Inky moved like a shadow and melting into the dark patches between the trees while Miki scurried ahead, nose twitching as he tracked the scent.
John followed a few paces behind, his eyes darting between the trees, senses keen for any movement.
They'd been walking for a few minutes when the forest opened up slightly, and they arrived at the mouth of a small cave nestled between two large boulders.
Inky and Miki paused, their bodies tensing as they exchanged a quick glance at each other, then at John. There was no doubt; this had to be the Shadowfang Lynx's lair.
John gave a firm nod, drawing his sword slowly to avoid any noise. The blade caught a sliver of morning light.
He steeled himself and took a silent step forward with eyes fixed on the shadowed entrance of the cave. Just then, a low, rumbling growl echoed from within — the unmistakable warning of a territorial predator.
His pulse quickened but he kept his grip steady.
"That's no ordinary growl," he thought, bracing himself.
The deep, rolling sound reminded him of a tiger, only lower, with a hint of something more sinister.
John motioned to Miki who immediately darted to his side, and then to Inky, who melted into the shadows, preparing to strike when needed.
John taking a breath and steadied himself, and saying to his Beasts with his mind,
"Remember, we're here to capture, not kill. Let's do this clean."
They inched forward, every sense attuned to the slightest movement. And as they neared the cave's entrance, the growl deepened, as if the creature inside had already sensed their presence.
The Lynx emerged from the cave's shadows, its powerful frame slipping into view. It was smaller than Inky's true form but nearly as imposing, with muscles rippling beneath its sleek fur which was a deep mix of red and black.
Blood still staining its muzzle and dripping down its sharp, white fangs.
Its eyes locked onto John and gleaming a fierce predatory yellow that glinted with hunger and malice.
The intensity of its gaze made John shiver despite himself, a chill spreading down his spine. This wasn't just any creature — it was a seasoned killer that accustomed to hunting.
John steadied his breathing, his hand tightening on his sword hilt. "This one... isn't going to make it easy."
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