Chapter 35: Hunting Prey

Kain woke up the next day satiated and well-rested. 'Now is as good a time as ever to head out.'

He was wary of long drawn-out goodbyes and a ton of tears being spilled, mostly from Bridge, so he decided to just leave a note on his bed before heading out just as the sun was beginning to rise. Thankfully, nobody was up yet.

After exiting the gate with a large pack of supplies on his back, he glanced around to make sure he was properly covered by the vegetation before emptying his bag into the ring. Still choosing to carry the now empty bag on his back.

'Not carrying anything out here is suspicious. Anyone with half a brain would guess that I have a space ring and start seeing me as a walking pile of Celestial Dollars. If anyone tries to rob me I can't exactly shout for enforcement officers out here.'

His current plan was to stay out in the wilderness for a week to maximize efficiency. Considering that he packed enough supplies for two weeks, then he shouldn't run the risk of running out.

Taking his new weapon out of the storage space to be ready in case of any sudden attacks, Kain headed deeper into the forest.

'It should only take 2, maybe 3 days to locate the Armordillo family, I can spend 4 days focused on training Bea.'

Last time he went to sell the cougar parts by the gate, he saw that there was an exchange window containing up-to-date information on where some of the more dangerous spiritual creatures inhabit. For a hefty price of course. Now he only had around 100 CD to his name.

'Despite the cost I wish I had this the last time I went out. Knowledge really is power.'

"It looks like I got quite lucky the last time I was here," Kain shivered realizing that the hot spring was very close to a label indicating the nest of an orange-grade White Widow Spider.

"Let's stay away from here, here and here…" Kain said after looking at the different orange-grade skulls on the map and deciding on a safe direction.

After an hour of walking, Kain located a suitable target. A spiritual beast that looked like a brown water buffalo with brilliant golden horns. '

A Daylight Buffalo, a fire-attribute black-iron quality spiritual beast. They absorb energy from the sun to make their horns hot enough to melt iron. However, if kept at a distance they're not a threat.

'It's been a while since I used a spear. I hope I'm not too rusty. However, with Bea I don't exactly need to fight fair' He thought slyly while creeping up silently behind the buffalo.

Swoosh

Once within range, he immediately stabbed into its side while embuing his spiritual power into the spear to release Bea into the wound.

It's hide is think so he couldn't make a deep wound but… 'That's enough,' he thought slyly, 'Bea, it's up to you now'

Aoooooo!!!!!

Seeing its attacker, the Daylight Buffalo let an enraged roar before charging head-first at Kain with glowing horns. Kain could feel the heat from several feet away.

Fortunately, right after stabbing forward he got a head start and began running.

He made sure to constantly change directions as he ran. The buffalo was used to charging in a straight line and had to keep stopping before turning to chase after him again.

Finally, he no longer felt a scalding heat behind him. He took a peak back and saw the buffalo standing still on shaking legs.

"Finally! I was about to collapse from exhaustion!" He said, while collapsing on the ground.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the stopwatch he had started right after stabbing the buffalo.

"Ha….Ha…. 5… minutes… and 43….seconds," He read out while breathing heavily. "That is way too long Bea!"

Kain stabbed it through the head to put it out of its misery as fast as possible.

*Ding. Host has killed one White-grade spiritual beast, obtaining 1 GP*

Sigh

Kain was tired but he knew it was best to extract the materials as soon as possible before a predator is drawn by the smell of blood.

Thankfully it didn't take long since the only material of significant value was the horns. The rest of the body may not add up to even half their value.

After storing the horns in the space ring, Kain left the scene. Just in time, as he heard wolf howls coming from the direction he just left behind mere minutes later.

An hour later Kain was hiding behind a bush while staring at his next prey. 'Jackpot!'