Apprentice and novice-rank creatures fled from the overwhelming auras radiating from Noah's group, instinctively recognising predators far above their ability to challenge. Small forest animals scattered at their approach, and even the ambient sounds of wildlife went quiet as apex predators moved through the territory.
Their first real fight came when they encountered a herd of adept-rank Redtails—six powerful beasts that normally required full adventuring parties to handle safely and were considered genuinely dangerous opponents even for master-rank solo adventurers.
The Redtails were impressive creatures. Each moved with a low, steady stride that spoke of endurance and controlled power, their hides the distinctive color of old clay after heavy rain—a muted reddish-brown that provided natural camouflage in forest environments.
