Releasing the arrow, it arced perfectly through the cave's entrance. A tense silence followed.
"Perhaps it's not inside," he muttered, getting ready to stand up and leave.
Just as he was about to move, a blur of motion erupted from the cave. A monstrous skin walker, its movements swift, as it looked around the area until it spotted Whiskey-Jack
[Quest: Mess with the Beast, Reap the Reward]
[Kill the Skin Walker]
[Reward: 300 XP]
"Not as much as the Atahsaia, but every bit counts. And I could really use the combat experience," he thought, drawing another arrow.
He aimed for the creature's head, hoping for a swift end. But the Skin Walker, quicker than he anticipated, deflected the arrow with its tough ram horns on its head. It crouched, its leg muscles rippling, and lunged,
slamming into the tree behind Whiskey-Jack.
"I should've listened to Midok. Close-quarters combat is the way to go," he realized, as tree bark exploded all around him.
He swapped his bow for his sword, only to feel the skin walker's fist connect with his gut. He stumbled back, a wave of pain washing over him.
[HP -35]
His health bar, now displayed a grim 65. "If I hadn't increased my toughness, that hit would've been way worse," he thought, gritting his teeth.
The two combatants circled each other, their strikes clashing against one another. Whiskey-Jack's sword was no match for the creature's thick hide.
"I can't outrun it, and I can't use my strength to overpower it. What do I do?" he wondered, desperation creeping into his voice.
Then, a glimmer of hope. He noticed another skin walker approaching.
Sheathing his sword, Whiskey-Jack dodged the first creature's attacks, drawing his bow. He positioned himself between the two beasts, a dangerous game.
"This might work, or it might be the end of me," he muttered, releasing the arrow.
The new Skin Walker turned its attention to Whiskey-Jack, a low growl rumbling in its throat. It crouched, preparing to pounce.
Whiskey-Jack ducked, bracing himself for impact. A deafening crash echoed through the forest as the two creatures collided. The others horns now pierced deep into the others flesh.
Seizing the opportunity, Whiskey-Jack drew his sword and struck, aiming for the exposed neck. The first creature fell, followed by the
second.
[300 XP granted]
[300 XP granted]
[Level 5 (600/1600)]
"That was close," he signed heavily, wiping sweat from his brow.
As he turned to leave, a deep, menacing growl echoed through the forest. A massive white wolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes burning with intensity.
The wolf, larger and more fearsome than the skin walker's making him uneasy, it observed him with a mix of curiosity and hostility.
"That trick you pulled saved your life," the wolf rumbled, its voice deep and resonant.
Whiskey-Jack gulped, his heart pounding. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on your territory," he stuttered over his words.
The wolf, unmoving, but even more curious now that it realized the two could communicate continued, "You have potential… you could help me rid this forest of these creatures."
A surge of excitement coursed through Whiskey Jack, he may have help and from the most unlikely of allies, one he didn't need to worry about. "I think it's
best we work together," as he tried to contain his excitement.
The wolf nodded, its ferocious eyes giving Whiskey-Jack one last look before turning back to the forest. "Meet me here tomorrow at the same time...Together, we will reclaim this forest."
[New Skill Unlocked: Hunting Party]