Alfred woke up to the bustling sound of footsteps.
Upon opening his eyes, what welcomed him were hunters running here and there, testing their bows' durability, and inspecting their spears for any damage.
Gloominess covered their faces. It was heavy. Even someone like him, who came from a peaceful world, could feel their murderous intent.
Sleeping out, open to the elements punished his body, especially his missing foot, like a thousand needles poking it every second.
However, his pain didn't matter at that moment. It was a minor inconvenience. The weight in everyone's heart was so heavy he could feel it, with their sharp eyes and drooping shoulders.
He thought he understood the importance of the mission, but he wasn't so sure anymore. The severity of the moment was palpable. As if the thought of all the hunters synchronized, he could hear them—failure was not an option!
'I hope my plan works. I can't even imagine the consequences if it doesn't. I should have thought about it more thoroughly. What if I miss something crucial that causes someone's death? Can I bear the guilt of that?'
Alfred began having doubts. It was only then that he realized someone's life could end because of him.
Nevertheless, it was too late. The plan was already in motion. Hope that everything would go accordingly, that was the only thing he could do.
After a while, Vir gathered everyone for their final briefing.
"Follow the plan. I understand it is different from how we do things, but maybe different is what we need. Though Alfred is new and probably has no idea about what happens inside the forest, his plan is good. Armani and I approved of it. So, even if you do not trust him, trust me. Trust Armani."
Vir glanced at Gunnar. "If someone fails to follow it, I will immediately kick you out of the hunting team. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Head Hunter!"
"Some of us might not come back from this, but that will not deter us from achieving our goal! We, the Phantom Hunters, are not afraid of death! There are more things scarier than that! Think of your family back home! Think of our Guardian Tree! Think of the ancestors that protect our tribe so we, the next generation could live! This is not only for ourselves! THIS IS FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
Vir raised the spear in his right hand and declared. "Begin the hunt!"
Hunters jumped to the west, disappearing in an instant, leaving only Berus and Alfred.
"You are not coming with them?" Alfred questioned the towering youth standing beside him.
Berus shook his head. "No, I injured myself in the last mission. I will only slow everybody down. Also, someone has to protect you, and as the youngest member, that is my job."
###
Vir and the other 14 hunters sprinted towards the west, where a lake was located. It was the territory of one of the beast kings, guarding a 10-year-old magical lotus, waiting for it to mature to further the benefit upon consumption.
It was common for a beast to choose a territory that had at least one Spirit Herb or Spirit Fruit. Other than devouring other beasts, eating Spiritual Items provided them a greater advantage as they would not only receive an abundance of Spirit Energy, but they might also gain valuable mutations, unique to the properties of the things they had eaten.
A few hours later, 8 hunters halted their advance and hid themselves behind and on top of trees, others inside bushes. While Vir and the remaining 6 continued.
After running for another 30 minutes, Vir's group halted before them was a lake so wide they couldn't see the end of it.
Within the group were Armani and Ira.
"Where is the beast?" Vir asked while his back leaned against a tree.
Armani, who lowered his body in a bush, answered. "It is under the water." Then pointed his finger at the lake. "Probably near that."
Vir followed the green-haired man's finger. Floating on the lake was a lotus with six petals of different colors. Thick Spirit Energy surrounded the Spiritual Lotus, and the water around it appeared to be glowing, giving it a majestic aura.
"We just need to bait it out and make sure it does not return." Armani continued.
"Simple enough." Vir came out of hiding and sauntered towards the lake.
Knowing their role, the hunters equipped their bows and placed an arrow on the bowstring, preparing for the incoming battle.
Upon reaching the lake, Vir stood still, but even after waiting for several seconds, the beast didn't react.
With his experience, Vir decided to entice the beast further by disturbing the mirror-like water. Dipping his right foot, small waves formed that traveled across the pristine lake, disturbing the peaceful reflection of the blue sky. Still no reaction.
Not satisfied with the outcome, the muscular man moved his leg using greater force and created even greater ripples.
Soon, a shadowy figure grew under the surface.
A deep, guttural rumble vibrated through the water. Without hesitation, Vir jumped back.
Then—BOOM!
The lake erupted like a detonated bomb, sending a massive wave crashing onto the shore. A towering figure burst from the depths, water cascading off its monstrous form.