My first one

Waking up early today felt stranger than usual. Albedo was still sleeping, looking utterly exhausted from her recent tribulations. I didn't want to wake her, but she'd eaten all my food last night. That left me no choice but to head out and gather some berries and, if luck was on my side, catch a fish or two before starting the day's hunt.

Leaving quietly wasn't supposed to be a problem for a stealth specialist like me or so I thought. As soon as I took three steps, I stumbled over my spear. The clatter startled Albedo awake, and she greeted me with an annoyed glare that quickly turned into a headbutt. I fell backward, landing on my rear with a resounding thud.

"AHHH!"

"OHHH!"

We both screamed in unison. What a great way to start the day.

"Well… good morning?" I tried to play it cool.

"Best hunter around, huh?" she replied, clearly unimpressed with my display.

'Hey, that's cold! I fed you, brat. Show some respect!' I thought to myself, but instead, I struck a mock heroic pose.

"Yes, that's me, Noir the Great, first of his name! Kneel before me, mortal!"

She was about to call me crazy or something worse when both our stomachs growled in protest.

"I'm going to gather some fruits and maybe catch a fish or game. I need to prepare for the hunt," I said.

"You're really going to hunt machines? Are you insane?"

I pointed to the blaze canister and leftover parts from the Strider I'd taken down yesterday, then to my bow and arrows.

"Not my first time. I need to get stronger, and this is the only way."

She stared at the parts, then at the bow. Something shifted in her eyes, determination, a resolve that hadn't been there before.

"Teach me," she said, her voice firm.

"…I'm an outcast. Aren't you worried about that? If anyone sees us together, you'll be made an outcast too."

"I don't care. I don't have anyone left. I want to get stronger. I want to kill those bastards. Blood for blood!"

Her words carried the weight of pain and anger. She meant it. I could see it in her eyes. Rising to my feet, I picked up my gear and, channeling my inner Rost, spoke in a serious tone.

"There's a way… maybe. But it's hard. It'll take years of training. It's dangerous, and you might die before you get your revenge. Are you sure about this? You could still go to the Matriarchs. They'd give you a home, people to look after you. You still have choices, unlike me."

"NO! I DON'T! THEY TOOK THAT FROM ME! I WANT THEM DEAD!"

We locked eyes, her determination unwavering. Finally, I sighed.

"Follow," I said simply. It seemed I had my first apprentice.

We headed to a nearby stream, gathering berries and fruits along the way. Upon reaching the water, I activated my Focus and spotted a school of fish. Luck was on my side. Quickly tagging them, I notched two arrows and let them fly. Two arrows, two fish clean kills. The best part? I could recover the arrows, fish scales were soft.

"How can you see anything in the water? And why are you using a bow? Fish are hunted with spears!"

"Trade secret," I said with a grin. "I'll tell you when you're ready." My Focus was my greatest advantage, and I wasn't about to reveal it just yet.

"Let's head back and cook these. I'll get more meat later. Follow me."

After cooking and eating the fish, I gave her instructions. "Stay close to the cave. Gather as many berries, fruits, and herbs as you can carry. I'll be out hunting machines."

"That's not fair! I want to learn too. I want to hunt and get stronger!"

"Albedo, you don't have a weapon. Your clothes are in rags, and you're still weak from all the traveling you've done. Stay here for the day, and I'll craft you a spear. Going out there with nothing is suicide. A real hunter needs patience."

She looked dejected but nodded, understanding my reasoning.

"Look, Albedo. If you follow me, I promise to make you stronger. I'll show you a whole new world, and you'll have your revenge tenfold. But you need to follow my commands to the letter. Do you understand me?"

"Okay… I trust you. I don't know why, but I do. Just be careful out there. And bring back plenty of meat. Boar's my favorite, so you know."

"Got it. Be careful too. I'll be back before dark."

And with that, I left the cave, my gear in hand, heading toward the Strider site. Today's goal, another successful hunt and my first new skill.