NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Hunter
The small Creek Village was surrounded by the forest on all sides, which went on forever. The woodland floor was always gloomy because old trees with thick canopies and gnarled, twisted trunks blocked out most of the moonlight. The smell of rotting leaves and the subtle, metallic tang of blood permeated the damp, heavy air.
The rustling of invisible creatures added to the eerie mood of the forest, and vines hung from the branches like serpents, undulating gently in the breeze. Any first-timer would get goosebumps from the combination of bloodlust and the stink of death that filled the space.
A figure moved quickly through the darkness, weaving in and out of thick trees and making very little sound as it rolled through the undergrowth. Yan Jin was the one. Since he was five years old, he had been hunting in the forest. He began by setting up improvised bear traps to catch fire rabbits, which are little but dangerous pests.
He progressed to larger, more formidable targets as his might increased.
He had a low blood purification level poison tree snake as his objective for the evening. Living in trees, Poison Tree Snakes were a species of mid-grade lineage that could traverse from tree to tree stretching its bodies like vines. When they gripped a limb, their skin tone, which resembled wood, helped them blend in.
It was hard to break through their skin using traditional ways since it was as thick as tree bark. They could also shoot a horrifying vapor that was deadly out of their mouths, making direct touch nearly impossible. Their threat level put them in the high-grade threat category even if their bloodline was mid-grade.
This Poison Tree Snake was discovered by Yan Jin a month ago while searching for fresh hunting spots. It was almost invisible against the tree's bark as it twisted around a tall branch. Its tongue flashed out sometimes, smelling the air, and its eyes, a sickening yellow, shone brightly in the darkness.
Yan Jin had observed it from a distance, taking note of its behaviors and its movements among the trees. Since then, he had been methodically organizing his quest because he knew that a direct encounter would be too risky.
The snake was a terrifying sight, with a long, sinuous body and tough, bark-like scales that made it very difficult to spot. Its two enormous, unblinking eyes seemed to pierce the darkness, and its broad, flat head complemented these features. It looked even more ominous with a series of spines protruding down its spine.
Its body curved gently as it stretched from one branch to the next, moving with a fluid grace.
Yan Jin had studied the patterns of the snake and crafted unique arrows with a twirling-flammable composition in order to prepare for this hunt, which took weeks to complete. He was aware that carrying out his well-thought-out plan would be challenging and risky, and that failing to do so would mean his death.
His blind eyes, strengthened by the force of his spirit, searched the forest for any indication of his prey as he walked soundlessly through them. He felt the energy of the serpent, a thread of malice that pulsed against the vitality of the forest.
He stopped 500 meters away on a tall tree, breathing silently and under control. He grabbed an arrow, choosing one with a sharp tip that would explode on impact. He nocked the arrow to his bow and waited for the ideal opportunity, using his enhanced senses to survey the surroundings.
The hunters were in a competition where the first to move would become the prey. Yan Jin and the Poison Tree Snake stood absolutely still and faced each other in silence for thirty tense minutes. The surrounding forest appeared to be holding its breath. The peace was broken when a fire rabbit ventured into the clearing.
The snake struck as if on cue, its body shooting with lightning speed to the forest floor, seizing the rabbit and skipping quickly to the closest limb for cover.
Yan Jin shot out an explosive arrow with lightning speed. The first explosion struck the limb the snake was aiming for, sending it flying back to the ground, and a whistling sound resounded in the shadows. Step one: successfully removing the beast from its natural habitat.
Yan Jin drew out five more arrows without pausing, and shot them one after the other, setting up a ring of fire around the dazed snake.
The creature's thick, bark-like skin was illuminated with a flickering light as the flames increased. The serpent flailed wildly, attempting to identify its assailant, but Yan Jin had already moved into a new spot. He fired a barrage of arrows at them from all angles. Every shot was accurate, not powerful enough to kill but powerful enough to pierce the tough skin of the snake.
The snake, enraged and in agony, replied by spitting a cloud of toxic gas and destroying everything it came into contact with with its poisonous breath. The arrows continued to fly in volleys. Yan Jin fired again and again until at last he delivered a deadly shot right into the left eye of the snake. With a horrifying howl, the snake's body erupted in pain.
It made one last, desperate jump to break free of the toxic cloud and face its tormentor head-on. Step two: successfully enrage the beast.
Yan Jin did not waver, his concentration unwavering. He was ready for the last part of his well-laid out hunt when the angry snake sprang for him.
With all of his might, Yan Jin circulated his bloodline, tensing his muscles as a surge of energy passed through him. A large metal spear that had been buried weeks before drifted out and gave a loud stomp on the ground. It spun through the air and landed in his left hand. He did a backflip and leaped as high as he could without thinking twice.
He docked the spear to his bow with a single smooth move, his left hand pulling the string as far as it had ever been pulled, and his right leg stabilizing the belly of the bow.
The image of the enormous crossbow aimed at the very jaws of death momentarily froze. Yan Jin unleashed the entire force of the arrow-spear at fake speed as the snake lunged forward, its fangs bared for a terminal blow. With the full force of his bloodline behind it, the release sent a resounding shockwave hurtling straight into the beast's gaping mouth and destroying everything in its path.
It had a disastrous effect. The spear's impact completely destroyed the snake's internal organs and sent a shockwave into the surrounding woodland. Yan Jin did not get out of the explosion unharmed. His right arm was severely broken as he was launched 200 meters into the forest, falling through the trees and landing hard on the woodland floor.
Yan Jin let out a loud chuckle and dragged his broken corpse in the direction of his target. He was overcome with happiness at the successful hunt, overwhelming the intense pain from his wounds. It was quite the accomplishment to defeat a beast of blood purification level. The Poison Tree Snake lay vanquished, its enormous body shredded and rendered lifeless.
Yan Jin, unable to sit up straight, summoned the healing energy of his nine-neonate hydra ancestry. His injuries gradually started to mend thanks to the hydra's amazing ability to stitch his shattered bones and torn muscles back together. He felt a cool rush of vitality as he regenerated from the beast's blood and body.
Yan Jin got to work quickly, moving with efficiency in spite of his lingering agony. He removed the snake's rough skin, gallbladder, eyeballs, and a portion of its meat, which were the most important portions. Every component served a purpose, be it alchemical, culinary, or crafting. Securing his booty, he quickly fled the scene, knowing that the chaos would soon draw in more animals.
The smell of death and blood started to dissipate as he moved through the eerie, dark forest and was replaced by the crisp, clean air of the suburbs. His mind shifted to the future, to the struggles and conflicts that awaited. His strength had been demonstrated by the night, but it had also made clear the terrible price of success.