Kenji (5)

Next morning, after our usual training and breakfast, we gathered around the mission board. The assignments were similar to yesterday's, except for one crucial detail—we had to collect herbs from the forest without our weapons.

"…Without our weapons," Taka muttered, his eyes scanning the orders again. "Didn't they say the forest isn't safe for us? I'm going to ask Miss Annette about this."

He turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm, grinning. He sighed, already understanding what I had in mind.

"Are we really going without our weapons?" Taka asked, reluctant.

"Yeah. You coming with me. Yushiro, you're on cleaning duty again."

Yushiro simply smiled, accepting the assignment without argument. In front of the board, two large bags sat waiting for us. Our mission: fill them with dusk flowers. It seemed simple enough.

After grabbing our bags, we left the base, Yushiro waving at us with that annoying smile. The mission details indicated the dusk flowers grew somewhere near the forest's center. As we entered, the cool air and familiar sounds surrounded us, making the place feel almost peaceful.

"This is a good chance for some training," I declared, turning to Taka. "Let's race. The first one to gather all the herbs wins!"

Before he could respond, I dashed ahead, gaining a head start. It might've seemed like cheating, but considering how much faster Taka was, I figured it evened the odds.

The forest was dense with life—mushrooms, berries, and wildlife scurrying about. I leaped over logs, adjusting my footing to avoid tripping over roots. But as I ran, a strange feeling crept over me. Something wasn't right. I had spotted plenty of beasts earlier, but now? Hardly any. That wasn't what unsettled me, though.

I slowed down, scanning my surroundings, setting my bag down. My instincts screamed that something was watching me.

Then, a blur of movement. A shadow lunged from the trees. I barely dodged in time, leaping to the side. As the beast stepped into the sunlight, I got a full look at it—jet-black fur, massive tusks, a towering form. A boar, but not an ordinary one.

It locked eyes with me, then charged.

I instinctively wanted to release my hashi, but the damn thing was too fast. I barely had time to react. I dodged again, its tusks grazing past me. The boar snorted, visibly enraged. A dim white glow flickered around its body.

Great. It was about to get serious.

The beast charged again, faster this time. I tried to jump aside, but it slammed into my flank, sending me flying. I hit the ground hard, coughing as I pushed myself back up.

Damn boar.

No more playing around.

I concentrated, releasing my hashi. Power surged through my body, enhancing my strength. The boar turned, its horns glowing silver now. It squealed and charged once more.

I waited until it got close, then threw a right hook. My fist connected with the side of its head.

That bastard's skull was tough!

The boar tumbled across the ground but quickly scrambled back to its feet. This time, its eyes burned with fury.

I grinned, feeling my own excitement rise.

"Alright, let's get serious." I released more hashi, my energy surging.

I sprinted toward the beast.

"Bring it!" I roared.