Raiding With Ryn (Part 2)

The forest seemed alive in a way that wasn't comforting. 

Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs felt like a threat, every shadow a potential ambush. Tobi moved ahead slowly, his sword at the ready, while Ryn trailed just behind him.

"Stay close," Tobi murmured, his eyes scanning the dense undergrowth ahead.

"I know," Ryn whispered back, clutching his dagger tightly.

The forest's natural sounds mixed with an unsettling silence, the kind that only came when predators were near. 

Tobi's instincts, honed over weeks of raiding, told him this place wasn't to be taken lightly. He'd been here before, but never with someone else to look after.

They didn't have to wait long for trouble.

The first monster came at them fast — a [Forest Stalker], its lithe, four-legged form bounding out of the shadows. 

Its greenish fur allowed it to blend seamlessly into the foliage, but Tobi had been watching for movement.

"Ryn, back up!" Tobi barked, raising his sword.

The beast lunged, its sharp claws reaching for his chest, but Tobi sidestepped at the last moment and brought his blade down in a smooth arc. 

The cut wasn't deep, but it was enough to stagger the creature.

"Get behind me," Tobi ordered, his voice firm.

Ryn obeyed without hesitation, retreating a few paces.

The Stalker snarled, blood dripping from its side, and charged again. This time, Tobi didn't let it get close. 

He stepped forward, meeting the beast head-on, and delivered a precise thrust through its throat. It crumpled to the ground with a wet gurgle.

Tobi pulled his blade free, wiping it on the grass before turning to Ryn.

"You alright?" he asked.

Ryn nodded, though his face was pale. "Yeah. I'm fine."

"You don't have to fight unless I say so," Tobi said, his tone softer. "Keep an eye out, but don't try to play hero."

Ryn swallowed hard, gripping his dagger. "Got it."

They moved deeper into the forest, the shadows growing longer as the sun dipped lower. The air was cooler here, the canopy above blocking out most of the light.

Tobi's steps were measured, his gaze darting between the ground and the trees. The monsters in this area were low-level but could be dangerous in groups. 

He had no intention of letting Ryn face them unprepared.

"Over there," Ryn whispered, pointing to a cluster of bushes up ahead.

Tobi followed his gaze and spotted movement — small, quick shapes darting through the undergrowth. [Bush Rats]. Annoying pests, but easy to kill if handled correctly.

"Alright," Tobi said, lowering his voice. "This one's yours."

Ryn blinked at him. "Mine?"

"They're weak. Just fast. If you can't handle one of these, you're not ready for the forest."

Ryn hesitated, his grip tightening on his dagger.

"I'll step in if you need me," Tobi added. "But I don't think you will."

The reassurance seemed to bolster Ryn's confidence. He took a deep breath and nodded.

Crouching low, Ryn crept toward the bushes, his movements surprisingly quiet. The first Bush Rat scurried out, its tiny body covered in patchy fur. 

It bared its teeth, hissing, and lunged at Ryn.

Ryn sidestepped clumsily, almost losing his balance, but managed to swipe at the creature as it passed. His blade nicked its side, drawing a thin line of blood.

The rat turned, hissing louder, but Ryn didn't give it a chance to retaliate. 

He lunged forward, driving his dagger into its chest. The creature let out a final screech before going still.

Ryn stood there for a moment, breathing hard, before pulling his dagger free.

"Good," Tobi said, stepping up beside him. "Not bad for your first solo kill."

Ryn wiped the blade on his cloth, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks."

"Don't get cocky," Tobi warned. "Bush Rats are nothing compared to what's deeper in the forest."

They continued their slow advance, cutting down monsters one at a time. 

Tobi handled the larger threats — a pair of [Moss Wolves] and a stray [Venom Spider] — while Ryn dealt with the smaller creatures under Tobi's watchful eye.

The boy was improving, Tobi had to admit. His movements were still clumsy, but there was a determination in his actions that reminded Tobi of himself.

"Keep your stance balanced," Tobi advised as Ryn squared off against another Bush Rat. "You're leaning too far forward."

Ryn adjusted his footing and managed to dodge the rat's leap more smoothly this time. His dagger found its mark quickly, and the creature fell without much struggle.

"Better," Tobi said with a nod.

Ryn grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.

As the evening wore on, they came across a small clearing. The ground was littered with signs of a recent battle — deep gouges in the dirt, splintered branches, and the torn remains of a few monsters.

Tobi knelt to examine the tracks, frowning.

"What is it?" Ryn asked, standing a few paces behind him.

"Something big came through here," Tobi said. "Recently."

Ryn's eyes widened. "Should we turn back?"

Tobi considered it. They had made good progress today, and there was no shame in retreating when the risk outweighed the reward. But something about the tracks intrigued him.

"Not yet," he said, rising to his feet. "We'll keep going for a bit, but stay alert."

Ryn nodded, his grip on his dagger tightening.

They didn't encounter the creature that had left the tracks, but the tension in the air was palpable. By the time they decided to head back, the sky had darkened considerably, the forest bathed in an eerie twilight.

Tobi led the way, his sword still drawn, while Ryn followed closely behind.

"You did well today," Tobi said as they reached the forest's edge.

Ryn looked up at him, surprised. "Really?"

"Really," Tobi said with a faint smile. "But don't get comfortable. Let's convert the spoils to money so I can give you some coins."

Ryn grinned, the exhaustion on his face giving way to excitement.

Tobi chuckled softly, sheathing his sword as they stepped back onto the dirt road leading to Fallowmare.