Hunting Trip Part-1
"Let's discuss formation and everyone's roles before entering the forest to give Peter an idea of how to explore in a team," James suggested as the group made their way toward the forest.
Everyone nodded cooperatively. Peter decided to spend some mana to check everyone's status while they were at it.
"Since this is your first proper visit to the forest without the supervision of an adult, you should stay in the middle with Noelle until told otherwise," James said, glancing at Peter.
Inspect {Human}…
[
Name: James
Race: Human
Class: Tracker lv. 10, Villager lv.1
Level: 11
Age: 15
Title: None
Stats:
Health: 240
Mana: 200
Constitution: 24 Spirit: 20
Strength: 15 Agility: 15
Int: 12 Perception: 3
Skills: Archery {Short Bow} lv. 14, Hawk eye lv. 8
]
"I will be at the front with Sasha, scouting for the group. We both have skills that are good for scouting," James explained, pointing at himself and then at Sasha, who waved at Peter.
Peter decided to check her status next since he was already looking at her.
Inspect {Human}…
[
Name: Sasha
Race: Human
Class: Silent Huntress lv. 11, Villager lv.1
Level: 15
Age: 15
Title: None
Stats:
Health: 260
Mana: 200
Constitution: 26 Spirit: 20
Strength: 16 Agility: 20
Int: 20 Perception: 3
Dexterity: 4
Skills: Spearmanship {Naginata} lv. 14, Phantom Stride lv. 6
]
Comparing their status, it was apparent why people preferred higher-grade classes. Even though Sasha and James had only a single-level difference in their classes, Sasha had more stats than him.
A common-grade class provided 1 stat in Constitution and 1 free stat with every level, whereas an uncommon-grade class provided 1 stat in Constitution and 2 free stats per level.
"I remember you having Mana Sense. You can use it to help Noelle with collecting when you're not fighting something," James said.
That was fine with Peter. He didn't need to use Mana Sense for that, though—Inspect was much better for something like that.
Inspect {Human}…
[
Name: Noelle
Race: Human
Class: Herbal Alchemist lv. 4, Villager lv.3
Level: 7
Age: 14
Title: None
Stats:
Health: 210
Mana: 200
Constitution: 21 Spirit: 20
Strength: 13 Agility: 14
Int: 15 Dexterity: 2
Skills: Swordsmanship {Short-Sword} lv. 9, Alchemical Crafting lv. 4
]
Another person with an Uncommon class — though it had taken her more effort to unlock it compared to Sasha, given those three levels in Villager. Peter had been trying to unlock Dexterity for himself as well.
It was a useful stat. The only reason his father didn't try to unlock it was due to a lack of enough stat points to invest in it, even if he managed to unlock it.
"David and Paul will flank you and keep an eye on the back as well. Paul's Danger Sense is extremely useful for that. Is everything clear? Feel free to ask if you have any doubts," James said.
"No, that seems fine to me," Peter replied, falling into his assigned position in the formation.
"Good then, let's make the most of our day while staying on the safe side," Sasha added at last, enthusiastic as always.
Peter checked the status of the last two members as they entered the forest.
Inspect {Human}…
[
Name: Paul
Race: Human
Class: Woodsman lv. 8, Villager lv.1
Level: 9
Age: 15
Title: None
Stats:
Health: 220
Mana: 200
Constitution: 22 Spirit: 20
Strength: 15 Agility: 15
Int: 12 Perception: 2
Skills: Archery {Short Bow} lv. 16, Danger Sense lv. 4
]
Inspect {Human}…
[
Name: David
Race: Human
Class: Iron Cleaver lv. 3, Villager lv.1
Level: 4
Age: 12
Title: None
Stats:
Health: 160
Mana: 200
Constitution: 16 Spirit: 14
Strength: 15 Agility: 13
Int: 10
Skills: Axemanship {Battle-axe} lv. 13
]
Everyone felt a bit lacking compared to Sasha, but both David and Noelle had uncommon-grade classes, so in the long run, they would easily surpass both hunters.
Looking at everyone's status, Peter felt more reassured about his chances of unlocking at least one unusual class.
"What sort of herbs do you want me to find for you?" Peter turned to Noelle, hoping for more details.
"I can only make some basic salves and potions for now. They usually don't require rare herbs, but if you find any, we can still sell them to my master," Noelle replied.
She listed some common plants, most of which Peter was already familiar with thanks to his mother's teachings.
They were primarily used to make blood-replenishment concoctions, basic potions that enhanced natural healing, and even potions to prevent childbirth, among other applications.
These herbs were so common that most people could learn to process them with a bit of practice. However, those with specialized classes produced much more effective, longer-lasting, and faster-acting versions.
Once Peter knew what to look for, he started using Inspect on their surroundings while keeping Mana Sense at full capacity. It helped him detect hidden dangers and potential surprise attacks, as well as spot any magical herbs that might appear in his mana vision.
Inspect {Non-Magical Plant-life, Magical Plant-life} …
[
Dandelion
A bright yellow flower with jagged leaves, found almost everywhere. Leaves are edible and diuretic, while roots aid liver health when dried and brewed.
]
Peter could have used more mana to get much more detailed information, but there was no need for it.
The group travelled slowly, maintaining their formation. Every so often, they would stop to collect herbs that Noelle or Peter found.
Inspect {Non-Magical Plant-life, Magical Plant-life} …
[
Wild Carrot (Queen Anne's Lace)
A tall plant with white umbrella-like flowers, found in meadows. Seeds have been used historically as a contraceptive. (Warning: Can be mistaken for toxic Hemlock.)
]
James was constantly using his Hawk Eye to scan in all directions for potential danger or targets, while Sasha moved beside him with a graceful gait, her presence barely noticeable.
The group had almost filled half of Noelle's bag with fresh herbs when James signalled for them to crouch and remain silent.
Those in the back exchanged glances before lowering themselves to knee height and carefully making their way toward the scouts.
"What happened?" Noelle whispered beside Peter.
"James spotted a group of wild pheasants under the bushes, eating insects and worms," Peter replied.
"Where?" Paul asked, glancing at James.