Having spent his first week settling into the village, Vincent's desire to contribute and prove his worth drove him to embark on his inaugural hunt. Before venturing into the wilderness, he took the time to test his newfound magical abilities. Categorizing them, he acknowledged his powerful elemental flame magic, his agile wind manipulation, and the body-enhancing spells that aided him during the wolf encounter. Practicing these spells to their limits, he aimed to refine his skills for the upcoming endeavor.
After thorough preparations, Vincent discussed his intent with Joshua, the old war mage. However, Joshua's experience cautioned him against venturing into the demonic forest, given its inherent dangers. Instead, he suggested an alternate hunting ground—the massive, chaotic rain forest that bordered the empire. Although different from the demonic forest, it offered its own set of challenges. Accepting Joshua's guidance, Vincent braced himself for the hunt ahead.
The morning of his excursion was invigorating, the air thick with humidity as he entered the rain forest. An idea crossed his mind—could the ambient conditions affect his magic? He experimented, and to his surprise, his water magic flowed more powerfully and smoothly amidst the damp atmosphere. Magic, it seemed, was intricately woven with the environment.
Navigating the terrain, Vincent set traps in strategic locations, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through him. Hours passed before he finally spotted his prey—a deer, but not an ordinary one. Its fur emanated a mystical glow, infusing it with an ethereal aura. Fueled by confidence in his elemental flame magic, he launched an attack. However, his assumption crumbled as the fur thwarted his flames effortlessly. In a swift turn of events, the deer charged, forcing Vincent to react quickly by boosting his speed using magic to evade the creature's assault.
Panic and fear gnawed at him as he weighed his options. Realizing the urgency, he devised a risky plan. Swiftly sprinting towards the traps he had set earlier, he enticed the deer to chase him. Leaping over the first trap, he looked back as the deer continued its pursuit. Playing up his desperation, he halted near the trap, pretending to be helpless. Falling into the trap's concealed pitfall, the deer's resistance proved futile against the deep pit and sharp spikes, succumbing shortly after.
Exhausted but triumphant, Vincent marveled at the ingenuity of his victory. Collecting the magnificent kill, he trudged back to the village as dusk approached. The villagers, upon seeing him, wore expressions of mixed curiosity and fear. Pushing through the unease, Vincent presented his hunt to Joshua, who was astounded that he had managed to overcome a creature with fur that resisted magic. Eager to learn his strategy, Joshua chuckled heartily at Vincent's unconventional methods.
latter that day.
The evening air was alive with festivity, the villagers congregating around a blazing bonfire that cast dancing shadows upon their faces. The rich scent of roasting meat permeated the atmosphere, mingling with laughter and animated conversations. The feast honoring Vincent's triumphant hunt was a vibrant tapestry of camaraderie and gratitude.
The villagers had transitioned from skepticism to genuine intrigue, a tinge of respect coloring their gazes as they regarded the newcomer who had defied odds with his unconventional approach. The tables were adorned with an array of delectable side dishes—crisp vegetables, freshly baked bread, and an assortment of sauces that whispered of the village's culinary expertise.
The focal point of the feast was, of course, the majestic roasted deer, its succulent meat meticulously cooked to perfection. The skin had been prepared with care, its crispy texture contrasting enticingly with the tender flesh beneath. In recognition of Vincent's achievement, the choicest cuts were displayed at the forefront, a symbolic gesture of honor and acknowledgment for his ingenious victory.
Amid the lively buzz of conversations, a sense of unity was palpable. Vincent found himself encircled by individuals who had once eyed him with skepticism, now eager to share their stories and in turn hear his own. Amidst the camaraderie, a genuine attempt was made to bridge the gap between their disparate worlds.
Seated beside Vincent, Joshua lifted his cup in a toast, the tinkling of glass drawing all eyes to him. With a warm smile, he spoke words that resonated deeply, "To our courageous newcomer, Vincent, who has shown us that strength wears many faces and that even the most unconventional methods can lead to triumph."
The response was a hearty cheer, glasses raised and hearts united in celebration. Vincent felt a mixture of pride and humility, moved by the genuine warmth that enveloped him. He shared tales of his own world, eliciting both fascination and amusement from his audience. In return, the villagers regaled him with stories of their experiences with magic and the mystical forest, painting a more vivid tapestry of the world he now called home.
Amid the laughter and shared experiences, bonds formed, bridging gaps that once seemed insurmountable. As the night progressed, stars twinkling overhead, Vincent realized that this feast was not merely a celebration of his successful hunt. It was a symbolic gesture, an affirmation that he was no longer an outsider in this realm of enigma and magic.
The feast concluded with satisfied smiles and the contented hum of full stomachs. Vincent found himself not just included but embraced by the village, his place at the table a tangible representation of the connections he was weaving. As the fire crackled and the night deepened, he gazed at the faces around him—faces that had transformed from wary to welcoming.
Yet, as the last traces of celebration faded into the night, a figure cloaked in shadow lingered on the outskirts of the village, unseen and unnoticed. The hooded man had been watching, an observer to the festivities. His presence was a haunting, his cold dead eyes were looking at such feast as a ugly circus, his face distorced as he walked back to the shadows of the demonic forest.
