Grassmuncher

The next couple of hours were solemn and boring. Apart from cutting up the rat corpses, everyone lazed around in their designated tents or out on the clearing. The only time they all got together was to watch the setting sun.

"...It's beautiful." Seamus exclaimed before taking a glance at Colt's tent. He had missed the sunset as it cascaded its red rays of sunlight over them. There would always be another day but by that point, some might have already grown tired and the reactions would be gone. The novelty, it would be gone.

"Boss… can we stay here?" Someone accidentally let out their true thoughts.

Even Jimmy who was in a foul mood seemed to have become entranced by the sun's retreating figure. But the joy had not stopped there for then came the moon adorned by the bright stars.

"There are so many lights" Lytton stated with his neck craned up towards the seemingly boundless night sky.

The brilliant stars of a planet without light pollution was most definitely dazzling. I therefore also found myself admiring the night sky and the perfect picture it painted. It reminded me that there were still many small things left to admire in life. It's all about taking a step back and acknowledging it.

"Looks like even you are into it" Kaiser who had at some point come next to me said while looking at the stars. I ignored him and continued star-gazing.

"I've only seen them in books… to think we as people made it there at some point…" Kaiser continued his monologue while I listened offhandedly.

Traveling into space, landing on the moon. It was an act that the common people at the time undoubtedly took for granted. But at the same time… you couldn't stay hung up on certain matters forever no matter how amazing right? Live moves on.

We all bid each other good night after designating who would take watch for tonight. I entered my tent and fell asleep before I even knew it.

"Wake up!" I heard someone yell from outside. There didn't seem to be a sense of urgency so I could only presume it was time for some sort of roll call. Or perhaps Kaiser had pre-arranged today's activities?

I exited my tent not too long after the loud wake-up call. I wasn't the only one as three or so other tents opened up at that same time.

I scanned the area and found Kaiser setting up something. It seemed to be some sort of large water filter. The morning sun which sparsely illuminated the clearing already seemed rather hot so once noon came the efficacy of such a filter was not to be underestimated.

"Dan, Good morning." I was greeted by Seamus who had taken up nightwatch. It was obviously done in shifts so he didn't seem particularly tired.

"Morning" I said and nodded in return.

Once the filter was done, the rations were distributed. It was bread again. It lacked the usual softness however which was a bit disappointing.

We were given some water bottles from one of Kaiser's bags. That would be the only water allocated to us for the day.

"Today's agenda is quite simple. We will venture into the grass field and hunt mutants for their crystals. The ravager crystals were distributed to Colt to help cure his injury. He is now a grade two altered. But that doesn't mean you all can go around getting injured." Those were the words Kaiser first spoke after everyone was done with their bread erm food.

"Most of you are all still in grade one. The most common enemies in the prey prairie are of at least altered grade three. Remember to stay vigilant" Kaiser continued to inform the members who all attentively listened. It was their lives they were playing with. There was no other option but to take it seriously.

"Let's get going" Kaiser finalized after taking a final glance at everyone and their expressions. Most people seemed determined.

We left as a group of five. Lytton stayed behind to look over Colt and Jimmy was there for extra assurance.

Once inside the tall and brusque grass, no one said much afraid that a mutant would target their location. There was only the sound of shuffling grass followed by occasional breaks.

"Up ahead" Kaiser said barely audibly in a whisper. Well, to be fair I was at the back of the group.

Regardless, there was bound to be an enemy upfront so everyone including myself heightened our alertness and tried to peer over.

There was a mutant in a small clearing, I could hardly see it though given its small stature. The clearing was of its own creation as we observed it stuff its mouth full of grass. It seemed to be a green bug.

"It's a Grassmuncher. They love to eat the baneful weeds and can reach all the way up to altered grade seven. This one, however… doesn't have a very large clearing. Probably a grade four at most…" Kaiser immediately explained what the mutant before us was as well as some interesting tidbits.

To be able to identify the grade of a creature by its habits meant first-hand experience or deep knowledge. It was hard to believe it was the latter as Kaiser seemed to possess a keen eye. If it was from a book however it would be in my interest to try and get it.

"...I'll take care of it alone" Kaiser said after a small pause.

He exited the grass silently while keeping a close watch on the Grassmuncher's movements. It seemed to only be interested in the grass, however.

Kaiser sneaked upon it silently. The creature was about half as tall as the average person so crushing it would surely be a breeze.

Swoosh

Kaiser's daggers were adeptly removed from his waist and cleanly stabbed into the small creature.

SCree…

It barely had time to let out a screeching noise before being welcomed by death.

Kaiser then cut open the creatures exo skeleton. There was a crystal smaller than a fist inside.

"For you" Kaiser looked at it briefly before tossing to Seamus who had been behind him. Seamus' eyes sparkled with gratitude.

"Thanks-! Thanks boss…" He almost screamed out in joy.

After Seamus absorbed it, we moved on. The same routine was repeated a couple of times as Kaiser swiftly hunted mutants and tossed the crystals to the following members.

By the time noon came most of them had entered grade two and it was time to return to camp. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of action but I was still able to observe many mutants. We trekked back.