The Hunt
Finally. After all these years of slaving away in the forge, learning about beasts and the wild with Lina, training with my dagger in secret, and putting up with the monsters who housed me- it is time to make my dream reality. It's time to make Ja proud.
...
"Now, future hunters, the exhilarating part begins. You've been ranked based on your combat prowess, and those who performed better will enjoy a head start. However, before you venture forth, there's one final step- your weapons. Line up in order of your fighting skill—Gen're, J'al, Clen, Leigh, Punth, Keel, Tren, Clen, and Jer'al."
As I scan the lineup, a sense of satisfaction washes over me; I held my own in the upper half of contenders without the privilege of attending the hunter training school. Predictably, Gen're, the monster, claims the top spot. No surprise there, given the jaw-dropping spectacle of his fight. J'al won that very first round, and fast, so there is no surprises there. I've known Clen since he was a kid here in the village since he is the lumber jack's son, we would play together often since our fathers had to do so much business together. I didn't realize he was that strong, his fight must've been right after mine because I don't even remember him fighting. Punth is another from the hunter school so not too much of a shock, I have heard he is ruthless in getting what he wants though so I need to be on the look out. Keel was a good opponent, I'm glad he won his second round since with his speed he deserves to be here. I consider myself fortunate to have even emerged victorious in our duel. Tren lost that first match to J'al so he, Clen, and Jer'al must have triumphed in their second matches, but something about that Jer'al is a mystery to me- I've neither heard of him nor witnessed him in combat. Anyways, I at least know a little about most of these guys so I feel comfortable believing no one is gonna try and gut me right away, hopefully a few of us can even team up to start out.
As the elder began laying out familiar looking weaponry, I can feel a sense of reassurance knowing I have my trusty dagger from Ja- so no matter what I end up with I will be ok. While the other weapons crafted by Pa are tempting, I have a particular fondness for his spears. Especially given Pa's expertise in crafting them. Fortunately, I made sure to practice a decent amount with some spears left around the shop the past few years as I needed to have a backup weapon with more potential for the ritual once I finish the hunt. However, I know I will do better with the dagger for now.
"Alright please start coming to grab your weapon. Gen're come on up."
No surprise he goes for the sword that looks about his size, he is the only one who could even swing that thing let alone fight gracefully with it. The next candidate chooses a sword as well and then next chooses a thin curved blade that I believe is called a cutlass. Perfect. That means the spear is all mine. I walk up and confidently take the spear as I move to the other half of the stage with the rest of those who are holding weapons.
...
"Now that you all have your weapons, this is the final part of the ceremony. We will go in minute long intervals in the same order as you were presented your weapon. This is mainly so that you all may separate or wait for each other, but ideally this keeps you safest. Please take care of each other, find your beast, and come home. We believe in each of you and wish you the best of luck so that our kingdom may prosper. Ever live Fenrir and long live the king! Now off you all go let your hunt begin!"
Gen're sprints off into the eastern woods, and so it begins. I feel anxious waiting for my turn to come, the seconds feel like hours ticking away at a tortuously long pace. I need to decide where to go. Fast. The east has lots of materials and food along with being on the most peaceful boarder our country has should I travel that far. Nothing is eastward save vast expanses of forest that give way to jungle eventually. To the west lay the mountains, a vast scape of nothingness and some of the fiercest of beasts. The capital also is westward from here so I would rather avoid having a run in with the kings army- they are known to be brutal to those undertaking the hunt for 'training' purposes, what a load of bull. South has the ocean and many rivers and lakes separated by lively plains full of pastures and plentiful villages, this is due to the lack in strong beasts in the area so that seems like a no go. Unless I end up wanting a water beast, but those would make ritual weapons that are only strong fighting near water which is too limiting. Meanwhile north has a vast ice field surrounded by mountains that contain many unexplored areas due to the baren cold. The strongest beasts reside there, however many of those who came back from the hunt and told me and Lira stories claimed the north was full of unexpected horrors. Best to stay away from there for now at least. I guess that means east it is. Hopefully Gen're is long gone by now and... shit! I didn't pay attention to where the second boy went. Looks like Clen chose the north, either arrogant bastard or rightfully confident- but that is one less contender to worry about for right now...
"Leigh your up! Have a good journey lad, I will look after those parents of yours don't worry."
"Thank you sir."
Good Freya who cares, can't believe I had to feign liking those two for the sake of making it here but so be it. I make a beeline straight for the eastern woods, praying that no one is waiting to ambush me. I want to put as much distance between myself and the others, there is no time for messing around, and even though I know these people a little- I still have this uneasy sense about most of them which makes me want to go it alone. I break through the first portion of trees, barreling through the thick weaving of branches, finally time to beg- someone's arm appears suddenly from the branches, right in front of my head.
"Watch where you're going there sunshine! You seem to have gone and rammed right into my arm."
...