Tale of Conquerors

Day 11

The morning was crisp and cool as Alexander stood at the edge of the camp, his iron spear in hand. Elias and Markus flanked him, each carrying their respective weapons: a bow for Elias and an axe for Markus.

The objective was simple but dangerous: track down and eliminate a pack of wolves that had been sighted near the stream. For the recruits, this was their first real test outside the confines of training.

"Remember," Alexander said, his tone calm but firm. "Wolves are smart. They'll test us before they attack, so stay alert. Watch each other's backs."

Elias adjusted the strap of his quiver, his sharp features tense. "Yeah, no pressure."

Markus grinned, hefting his axe. "Just aim straight, Elias. I'll handle the rest."

Alexander smirked faintly. "Let's move."

Tracking the Pack

The forest near the stream was dense, its shadows deep and the air heavy with the scent of damp earth. Alexander crouched low, examining a set of tracks etched into the soft ground.

"Fresh," Alexander murmured, running his fingers over the indentations. "They're close."

The system chimed softly, confirming his observation.

[Path of Hunting: First Idea - Tracking Active]

Personal Buff: +30% efficiency in identifying and following tracks.

Territory Buff: Hunters gain +20% yield from hunts.

Elias leaned over Alexander's shoulder, his expression skeptical. "You can tell all that just by looking at tracks?"

Alexander straightened, his dark eyes scanning the area. "It's not just the tracks. The disturbed undergrowth, the claw marks on that tree—they're marking their territory."

Markus nodded, gripping his axe tighter. "So, what's the plan?"

"We find the pack before they find us," Alexander replied.

The Encounter

The pack's den was a shallow hollow near the base of a large tree, its entrance partially concealed by tangled roots and moss. Alexander motioned for the others to stop, his sharp eyes scanning the area.

"There," he said, pointing toward the den. "Three, maybe four wolves. The alpha will be the largest—take it out first, and the rest might scatter."

Elias swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his bow. "Right. No pressure."

Markus smirked. "Just don't miss."

Alexander raised his hand, silencing them. The first wolf emerged from the den, its lean body moving with predatory grace. Its golden eyes scanned the forest, ears twitching as it sniffed the air.

"Wait," Alexander whispered, his voice barely audible.

A second wolf appeared, followed by a third. The alpha emerged last, its massive frame dwarfing the others. Its fur was a dark gray, and its piercing eyes seemed to glint with intelligence.

"Elias," Alexander murmured. "You take the alpha. Markus and I will handle the others."

Elias nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he nocked an arrow.

The Fight

The wolves attacked almost simultaneously, their lean bodies moving with terrifying speed.

Elias loosed his arrow, the shaft flying true and striking the alpha in the shoulder. The beast let out a feral snarl, its eyes locking onto Elias as it charged.

Alexander intercepted it with his spear, the iron tip driving into the alpha's side. The wolf twisted violently, snapping at Alexander with razor-sharp teeth, but he held his ground, keeping the beast at bay.

Meanwhile, Markus swung his axe with brutal precision, cleaving through one wolf's neck. The beast fell instantly, its body crumpling to the ground.

Elias fired another arrow, this one piercing the alpha's throat. The massive wolf staggered, its growl fading into a choked whimper as it collapsed.

The final wolf hesitated, its ears flattening as it backed away from Markus's advancing form. With a low growl, it turned and fled into the forest.

Aftermath

The clearing was quiet save for the heavy breathing of the three men. The alpha lay dead at Alexander's feet, its dark blood soaking into the earth.

Markus wiped his axe on a patch of moss, his blue eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Not bad for our first hunt."

Elias lowered his bow, his hands shaking as he exhaled a shaky breath. "I can't believe we actually did it."

Alexander crouched beside the alpha, examining its thick fur and sharp teeth. The system chimed softly, offering a notification.

[Objective Complete: Secure the Territory - 1/3 Predator Threats Eliminated]

Progress: +1.

Reward: +5% Combat XP for all recruits.

Alexander rose to his feet, his dark eyes meeting Elias's gaze. "You did well," he said simply.

Elias blinked, surprised. "Really? I thought I was shaking like a leaf."

"You were," Alexander replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "But you hit your target. That's what matters."

Markus chuckled, clapping Elias on the shoulder. "See? You're not as useless as you look."

Elias groaned, shoving Markus's hand away. "Thanks, I guess."

Reflection and Next Steps

As they returned to camp, the recruits' spirits were noticeably higher. The successful hunt had bolstered their confidence, and even Elias walked with a bit more swagger in his step.

That evening, as they sat around the fire, Alexander took the time to reinforce what they had learned.

"Confidence is good," Alexander said, his tone measured. "But overconfidence will get you killed. Stay sharp, stay prepared, and always expect the unexpected."

Elias nodded, his sharp features serious. "Got it, boss."

Markus grinned. "What's next? Another pack of wolves?"

Alexander smirked faintly. "Not yet. Tomorrow, we focus on expanding the farm and preparing for the next hunt."