Ch 60 : The Successful Hunt

As the sky darkened, Auron and his team tracked a group of Mud Boars through the frozen undergrowth. While Eric and the others relied on their heightened hearing to detect movements, Auron could see the beasts clearly through the growing gloom. His sharp eyes caught the shadows flitting among the trees as the boars moved cautiously through the icy terrain.

With a calm breath, Auron activated Swirling Flow, seamlessly redirecting two massive Mud Boars toward the traps Erina had laid earlier. Each twist and step he took deflected the charging beasts, causing them to stumble and bellow in frustration. Meanwhile, Eric clashed with the pack leader, his shield ringing like a bell as it absorbed the full brunt of the boar's furious charges.

"Just a bit more," thought Auron, his gaze flickering between the backline and Eric's ongoing struggle. "I'll clear out the remaining boars from the rear first. Eric should be able to hold off the leader for a few more minutes."

With a deft motion, Auron sent a few Mud Boars skidding across the frozen ground, their momentum shattered by Swirling Flow's redirection. One by one, the snarling beasts crashed into the traps or veered off into the trees, leaving the burrow and surrounding area clear of any immediate threats. Satisfied, Auron turned his attention to the remaining pack leader.

Eric was still locked in combat, his shield holding firm but showing signs of strain. Uncle Ray and Miya rained arrows on the creature, but its thick fur and hide deflected most of the attacks. Despite their best efforts, the arrows barely scratched the surface of the beast's natural armor.

"This thing's hide is ridiculously tough! We need to switch to the special arrows," Miya called out, frustration lining her face.

Uncle Ray hesitated, then reluctantly drew a set of uniquely designed arrows from his quiver. The spiraled grooves running along the shaft indicated these were made from Veldurium, a rare metal prized for its ability to pierce even the thickest of hides. Normally reserved for taking down siege beasts or fortified targets, using these precious arrows on a single Mud Boar seemed extravagant.

"Don't waste them, Uncle Ray! Just give me a few moments," Auron shouted, his voice steady.

He dashed forward, darkness-infused celestial aura wrapping around his fists. As he approached the towering beast, he shifted his stance. Ripple Palm, infused with fire celestial aura, flared to life. With a single precise strike, he sent a shockwave through the Mud Boar's skull, bursting its brain. The beast toppled with a final, gurgling bellow, its colossal body thudding heavily onto the frozen earth.

Eric, Uncle Ray, and the others stood in stunned silence. Auron's effortless dispatching of a Tier 2 beast single-handedly was beyond their expectations.

"A-Are you alright, Auron?" Eric asked, still catching his breath as he walked over to the fallen creature.

"Yeah, it's just that its hide was tougher than I thought. But I managed," Auron replied, trying to downplay his accomplishment.

"Managed? You annihilated its brain," Uncle Ray muttered, already examining the carcass. Trickles of blood and other fluids leaked from its eyes and ears—a sign of the devastating internal damage Auron's blow had caused.

Despite their curiosity and awe, the group knew better than to press for answers. Everyone had their own secrets, and there were more pressing matters at hand.

"Alright, butcher this thing immediately. All that noise earlier must've attracted unwanted attention," Uncle Ray ordered sharply.

Alice and Auron cast a few fireballs to illuminate the area, allowing Eric and Erina to work more efficiently. As the night deepened, Auron extended his mana detection field to its maximum range—thirty meters. Though Miya was on watch, an extra layer of protection never hurt.

Once the beast was cut into manageable pieces, they carefully made their way back to town. Each step was taken with utmost caution, as predators were drawn to the scent of blood. Fortunately, the journey back was uneventful. No lurking predators, no ambushes—just the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet.

Arriving at the marketplace, they sold the valuable parts of both the Mud Boars and the Wood Moose: hide, tusks, antlers, bones, and meat. The rare size and quality of their haul fetched an impressive price, and each member walked away with 300 silver coins—a substantial reward for a single night's work.

The group dispersed, and Auron made his way home, his body weary but his spirit high. The sun was just beginning to rise when he reached his doorstep. As he opened the door, his father stepped out, ready to head off to work.

"Welcome home, buddy. Glad you're safe," his father said, pulling him into a brief hug.

"Yeah, you too. Have a good day," Auron replied with a tired smile.

Inside, his mother was waiting. She pulled him into a tight embrace, kissing his cheeks with relief.

"Thank goodness you're safe. I was worried sick," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

"I was just out hunting, Mom. Not fighting in a war," Auron chuckled, embarrassed by her fussing but understanding her concern.

After a quick bath to wash away the grime and blood, Auron returned to his room. Fatigue tugged at him, but his curiosity flared as he looked at the three items he had brought back.

"A crystal, a metal tube, and a deep-sea iron knife… Let's see what we have here."

He picked up the unremarkable crystal first. It had a dull, grey hue and lacked any significant luster. Yet, when he focused his mystical eyes on it, a faint bluish-green aura emanated from within.

"Feels similar to celestial aura, but gentler. This nurturing effect… I should let my sister keep it. It would benefit her more," Auron mused, sighing softly as he set it aside.

Next, he examined the deep-sea iron knife. He ran a finger along the blade, testing its edge. A small cut appeared, only to close up instantly.

"Still sharp, but I don't use daggers. I could reforge it into arrowheads… maybe eight at most. I need something special for the shaft, but it's hard to find. Guess I'll have to rely on mana arrows for now."

Finally, he picked up the strange metal tube. It was hollow, and after a few attempts, he managed to unscrew one end, revealing a tightly rolled piece of parchment. Auron gently unraveled it, surprised by how pristine it was.

"No dust or wear. And these runes… ancient ones," he muttered, tracing a finger over the unfamiliar symbols.

Before he could react, a surge of energy enveloped him, trapping him within a powerful seal. His body froze, and even his celestial aura refused to respond.

"What's happening?" Panic flashed through him.

In an instant, the pressure vanished, and he found himself back in his room, his heart racing.

"Nine Heavens Sealing Art…"