Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Entering the Wilderness

Leaving the city gates alone, Kain was lamenting the fact that he could not afford to hire a mercenary as an escort. He also didn't have a contract yet so he couldn't join a team.

He could only pursue the ghost, his potential contract, alone. He decided to begin with the first clue he had regarding the ghost's location.

He followed the river east. The mercenary also said he managed to run back to the city in a couple hours, his perception of time may not be that accurate due to his fear, but Kain was sure that the hot spring should not be more than a 6 hour's walk in that direction.

After all, 6 hours from the city there is a pretty noticeable landmark, a shift in the surrounding green vegetation to all crimson-leaved Viper Oak trees. He made no mention of that in his story, so he couldn't have gone that far.

Long-knife in hand, Kain followed the river at a slow pace. He had never felt as bare as he did at this moment. It was an extremely dangerous decision to leave the city without a contract, but he was getting desperate.

Splash

Growl

After following the river for about an hour, Kain heard what sounded like a conflict between two wild beasts.

Running behind a thick tree for cover, he looked towards the source of the sound. Next to the river ahead is a large feline with long protruding fangs and red-tinged fur, 'A Blood Cougar," thought Kain 'one of the strongest black-iron quality beasts.' Wiggling around in its jaw was a squirming River Python trying to break free, another black-iron quality beast.

'Although only black-iron quality, either one of them could probably kill me, I can't let them see me'

Forced to move away from the river, Kain lost the greatest marker he had for his location. 'Fortunately, I packed a compass. But I don't know how far the entrance to that hot spring is from the river. Hopefully, I don't miss it by walking too far away."

After walking another 30 minutes east, this time further from the river, Kain decided to stop to rest and eat. Pulling out an energy bar from his bag while sipping on water, he took out his journal and began noting any of the vegetation and scenery that may serve as a marker for the path he took in case he gets lost later on.

Snap

'I think I passed a Blue Maple Tree, 5 minutes back. Those are pretty rare…'

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Kain's head turned sharply towards the sound that was now much closer. And there, hidden among the trees he saw a Blood Cougar, likely the same one from earlier, steadily moving towards him.

Seeing that he had spotted it, it immediately pounced towards him while Kain quickly ducked and rolled away to dodge. Unsheathing his knife from next to him, he tried to parry the cougar's next blow, but just grazing it blew him away and caused his arm to turn numb.

'This isn't going to work,' he thought before turning around, leaving his supplies, and rushing towards the direction of the river. He made sure to not move in a straight line and weave between trees to obstruct his pursuer's path.

Spotting the river ahead, Kain made a mad dash forward with no trees around him to obstruct the cougar.

Splash

He dove headfirst into the water.