The training grounds of Drakensport were buzzing with activity. Warriors, hunters, and apprentices sparred, shouted, and occasionally cursed as weapons clashed. Despite the noise, Leo felt all eyes on him. It wasn't paranoia—he was the weakest link.
"Today is the Monster Hunt Trial," Ulrich announced loudly. His voice was as pleasant as sandpaper against raw skin. "All apprentices must participate."
Leo's stomach dropped. "Oh great, monster hunt. What's next, dragon wrestling?"
[Only if you survive. But hey, I'll bet you die screaming.]
Leo groaned. "Shut it, Simmy."
Freya stood beside him, cracking her knuckles. "Don't worry, Leo. Stick close to me, and you might only lose half a limb."
"Comforting," Leo muttered.
Ulrich led the group of apprentices to the edge of the Blackthorn Forest. The trees loomed like silent sentinels, their twisted branches blocking out most of the sunlight.
"Inside this forest is a shadowbeast nest. Your job is to bring back proof of a kill."
Leo's pulse quickened. "Shadowbeasts? Are we sure this isn't just an elaborate plot to kill me?"
[Probably. But hey, think of it as natural selection.]
Ulrich ignored him. "You have until sunset. Any apprentice who fails to return is considered dead."
"Oh joy," Leo whispered. "Certain doom with a time limit."
[Tick-tock, dead boy.]
---
The forest was eerily quiet. Freya led the way, her axe slung over one shoulder. Leo trailed behind, gripping his rusted sword with all the confidence of a wet noodle.
"Stay sharp," Freya warned.
"I'm as sharp as a brick," Leo muttered.
They didn't have to wait long. A low growl echoed through the trees. Leo froze as a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the shadows.
"Shadowbeast!" Freya shouted.
The creature lunged. It was massive, all black fur and muscle, with teeth the size of daggers.
Leo swung his sword wildly. He missed by a mile.
"Useless!" Freya growled, slamming her axe into the beast's side. The creature howled but didn't go down.
"Plan B?" Leo yelled.
[Plan B is you running like a coward. I'd recommend it.]
"No running!" Freya snapped.
The beast charged again. Leo tripped over a root and fell flat on his back.
"Leo, get up!" Freya shouted.
[He's down! Cue the funeral music.]
Suddenly, an arrow whizzed past Leo's ear, striking the shadowbeast between the eyes. It collapsed with a thud.
Ulrich emerged from the trees, bow in hand.
"Pathetic," he muttered. "You can't even kill one beast."
Leo scrambled to his feet. "You could've helped earlier, you know."
"No son of mine will rely on others." Ulrich turned on his heel. "Return to camp."
Freya helped Leo to his feet. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Just nursing a shattered ego."
[Ego? What ego?]
Leo sighed. "I'm really starting to hate this place."
---
That night, Leo sat by the campfire, staring into the flames. His muscles ached, and his mind raced.
"I'm never going to be a great hunter," he said aloud.
[No arguments here.]
"I'm serious, Simmy. I'm not cut out for this."
[Then find something you are cut out for. Spoiler: crying doesn't count.]
Leo threw a pebble at the system screen. It phased right through, but it made him feel marginally better.
Freya plopped down beside him. "Still sulking?"
"It's a lifestyle," Leo said.
She nudged him with her shoulder. "You survived the day. That's progress."
"Barely."
Freya grinned. "Come on, Leo. Maybe you're not the best fighter, but you're stubborn. That counts for something."
"Yeah, stubborn like a cockroach."
[Correction: cockroaches are more competent.]
Leo shook his head. "I'm never living this down."
Freya stood. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's another chance to prove yourself."
Leo watched her walk away, feeling slightly less miserable.
[Ooh, budding romance? Should I start shipping you two?]
"Don't even think about it," Leo warned.
[Too late.]
---
The next morning, Ulrich was waiting with a grim expression.
"Today, we hunt wyverns."
Leo choked. "Wyverns? As in flying lizards that breathe fire?"
"Scared?" Ulrich asked.
"Terrified, actually."
"Good. Fear keeps you alive."
[Fear also makes you scream like a little girl.]
The hunting party set out at dawn. Leo's heart pounded as they entered the wyvern nesting grounds—a rocky canyon filled with jagged cliffs and ominous shadows.
Freya gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "Just don't die."
"That's the plan."
The first wyvern appeared with a deafening screech. It swooped down, claws extended.
Leo dove for cover. Ulrich fired an arrow, striking the beast in the wing. It crashed to the ground, thrashing and snarling.
"Finish it!" Ulrich barked.
Leo froze. "Me?"
"Now!"
Trembling, Leo raised his sword. The wyvern's eyes locked onto him, filled with rage.
[You're going to die. Just saying.]
Leo closed his eyes and swung. The blade connected, and the wyvern went still.
For a moment, there was silence.
"You did it," Freya said, sounding shocked.
Leo opened his eyes. "I'm not dead?"
[Barely.]
Ulrich approached, his expression unreadable. "Not bad."
It wasn't exactly praise, but Leo would take it.
"Let's head back," Ulrich said.
As they walked back to camp, Leo couldn't help but smile. Maybe he wasn't hopeless after all.
[Don't get cocky. There are worse things out there.]
"I know. But for once, I'm not afraid."
[Famous last words.]
Leo chuckled. "Bring it on, world. I'm ready."