Chapter 04 "Juiller World part 1"

The rustle of dry leaves, with the gentle wind, became the background sound in this forest. The forest was currently covered by eerie darkness, but that was precisely needed in this hunting. Therefore, many exotic nocturnal creatures would be away when they saw a bright light.

With the dim moonlight and the stars hanging in the sky, I solidify walked down the path to the deepest jungle. The place we were headed was filled with lots of dangers. In addition to the unknown beasts, there was a big chance we would encounter the Elvian army.

For humans, the darkness like this made it very difficult to walk. Moreover, coupled with the many tree roots that crossed above the ground. If not careful, even experienced hunters would fall and maybe scared the prey.

However, it didn't apply to me, who was a mix of human and Elvian. My eyesight was running as good as during the day. Both eyes could penetrate the dense of the dark night. I could know what was in front of me up to several tens of meters. So it could run without worrying about tripping over the roots of trees or other things.

"Hey, Anggi! You're too fast!" Said Dimas.

I immediately turned to him and my hunting members. They left far behind, trying to chase me with full of awareness.

"Sorry! I'm too excited!"

"This woman seemed to forget if she is now among human beings. Shitty Haier-Elvian!" Grumbled Igresti. The skinny man's cheek was increasingly gaunt when he cursed.

After received his chain of insults, I continued to walk, which had been halted before. Then equate my speed with theirs. We look like a group of soldiers who were sneaking into enemy territory. Hiding in the shadows and blend with the silence. My heart was pounding a lot.

A second later, there was a scraping sound from the bush in front of me. Although the noise was slight and hardly be heard by human ears, I could still hear that sound, though very tiny. I gestured to hide. Alerting my hunting members in case it was the prey or the worst, the Elvian patrol soldiers.

As hunters, meeting and confronting them were the risk we had already known. Since the forest where we hunt was the Elvian region. The humans and that long-ear race didn't have a good relationship throughout history. There were always some strifes every time they met each other. If I wasn't mistaken, that's all the aftermath of a great battle between the two sides that has occurred several thousand years ago. Supposedly in the long span, the hatred could already be devoured by time. But it seemed the opinion of mutual hatred had already rooted in the blood of both races.

"It seems that is the prey. Can you see what's there?" Jaester pointed to the bushes in front of me.

I nodded. Then covered my head with the robe hood. Leaving those men who hide behind a large tree trunk. Then peeked into the spot. The bushes were moving abnormally. Looked like this was the game. I didn't think there would be any human or Elvian hiding in the short shrub.

Knowing that I immediately took an arrow from the quiver and tried to pull the bow like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games movie. My eyes remained focused on the target, and I got ready to release the arrow without hesitation. We would be lucky enough to get four-horned sheep because that animal was usually located near the Elvian town. The black market and collectors would surely pay very high for its horns and nails. Perhaps, I could live with luxury for a few weeks.

However, it seemed I was forced to get rid of that dream. Coming out of the bushes wasn't a game that we expected, but only a rabbit. The creature was all white and fluffy like cotton. Although slightly bigger than the ordinary rabbit, it didn't prevent my intention to touch its soft fur. This was the first time I've seen such an animal. I thought it was natural for me to fell in love at first sight with the rabbit.

"It's cute!" I loosen my bow and put back the arrow into the quiver. Then tried to approach it slowly. Giving a bread which I took from my leather bag. Wishing it would come closer so I could spoil its soft fur with my fingers. "Here, here! Do you want this?"

"Hey, damned long-ear! What are you doing, Idiot ?!" snapped Igresti. His voice burst out so suddenly that it surprised me. His face was pale. Similarly with Jaester, the guy who didn't often show his expression now shocked abysmally.

"I just wanted to pet it! So, what's the matter?"

"Do you think it's a normal rabbit? It is Kruhe!"

"Huh, what is it?"

"That creature was Elvian's pet, Stupid !!" he yelled.

I simply returned my gaze to the rabbit. The animals were shaking. A second later, it issued a loud noise like wolves in full moon night. Because of the strength noise, made my sensitive ears felt extreme pain even though it was closed by my hands. I felt like my eardrums were torn. Draining my strength just to hold its voice.

Although the rabbit had stopped howling, its voice still ringing in my ears and shook my body balance. It took a long time for me to gain strength and stand. My head was spinning a little bit. But still could see clearly when the animal was growled, much like a home-guard dog who wanted to drove out the burglar. Its mouth filled with sharp teeth crushed its cute and funny impression before.

A moment later, my ears caught rustling noise from a distance. As if there was something, no, some small creatures were approaching here with lightning speed. The voice released by them was precisely the same as the white rabbit in front of me.

"Damn! It called its herd. Let's run quickly!" Said Igresti, who had already taken a thousand steps ahead. While Dimas had to force me to leave.

I ran among the trees in the dark as fast as possible. Three other men let me lead them to create the escape path. When I turned slightly to the back, I was aware that a white rabbit's flock was chasing us. The way they moved wasn't jumped up and down but ran with all four feet. With a mouth full of pointy teeth, making them look like a lion chasing their prey.

I laughed. Somehow it made me remember the Discovery Channel, which frequently showed the wildlife in Africa. In the past, I liked the show because I was impressed with the looking of the mighty lion. But after I realized my condition was in the position of prey this time, I wouldn't say the same thing.

"What are those creatures really?" Asked Dimas.

"It's Kruhe. The beasts belonging to Elvian soldiers, specially trained to immobilize intruders. People said ... once those animals bite you, they wouldn't release its bite until you bleed to death," replied Jaester.

"It's all because of that damn woman! If her stupidity gets down one level, surely she wouldn't trouble us like this!" yelled Igresti. That man in the back drove out any Kruhe attacks while letting out the harsh insults that became his character.

I didn't care about it anymore. Due to Igresti's rough tongue, my ears were already familiar with all curses and insults that came out from the mouth of that shitty man. After I met him, I bestowed "Best Poison Mouth" to him from Dimas's hand.

Among his terrible insults and bad words, my hearing caught another voice. Although quite far, I was confident it came from the person's talking, not from any animal's howling. The sound of heavy footsteps was strengthened my expectation.

"It seems like there are a bunch of men come after us. They aim here at full speed." What I said made Igresti and Jaester instantly startled.

"Now Elvian soldiers are joining us playing tag game? Great! That damn woman really troubling us."

I ran with all my might. Three other men who were behind me drove away from the attack of the white rabbits. That's why I chose the flat path and not too rocky, so they didn't fall while busy with their work on this dark night.

Occasionally I shot those beasts that managed to get closer after escaping from my comrades. My heart couldn't bear the feels when I saw the red blood staining their white fur. But what else should I do to get out of this shit situation?

Moments later, we were out of the deepest forest. The Elvian soldiers that pursued us sound more clear and close. My heart was pounding up almost out. My mind was filled with Elvian's talking that made my fears bigger.

"They are close. Kill them! Don't let them get away!"

"Stop and take a position! Prepare your bows!" said someone behind us. His voice seemed heavy and have high charisma. "Shoot!"

"Quickly hide behind the trees!" I shouted loudly. Hoping my voice could be heard by my comrades who were busy with those Kruhes.

One second after my words, a dozen arrows shot at lightning speed. Although we had been hiding behind the trees, those sharp wooden shafts continued to terrorize us endlessly. Because the tree trunk wasn't too big, I could be hit even just moving a little. Cold sweat off my back. The fear began to spread throughout my body and feet.

Being a hunter in enemy territory, I knew I would face the consequences later. But I didn't expect something like this would happen. Any slightest mistake, then I would end up facing my death.

"What do we have to do now?" Said Jaester." At this rate, sooner or later they will get us."

"Damn! Is there nothing we can do?" Shouted Dimas, who took cover in a tree with me.

His face looked upset. And showing anger expression maybe because he couldn't do anything. He hated being useless. To tell you the truth, I have a secret technique that I learned from an acquaintance in town. But I wasn't sure I could succeed.

After all, I'd just learned it a week ago. The success rate of this technique was low. Looked like I shouldn't try for it.

A moment later, the arrows were raining us more than before. I even felt some of it had been given a destructive Esze spell. Looked like Elvian soldiers really wanted to kill all intruders who entered their territory. Igresti was the noisiest among us, shouting loud like a woman. Even a girl like me had never made such cries.

"OK! Looks like I had to do that secret technique than die without doing anything." So, I reinforce the strong determination in my heart. Then yelling at my comrades," I'm going to do something, run as fast as possible when I give a code!"

"Are you a fool? How do we manage to escape this rain of arrows?" Asked Igresti.

"He's right! Most importantly, what would you do? Your Esze is still undeveloped. Don't do anything stupid!" Dimas firmly rejected my idea. I could feel the anxiety and concern in his words. "Do you think this is a movie filled with scenarios?! The Elvian soldiers at our back truly wanted to kill us, you know! Not supporting characters that would stop when the director said 'cut'!"

"Take it easy, man! Right now, I feel like the best actor in Hollywood," I said, then grinning. "I wanted to try out my Esze technique here."

"Huh, I didn't hear it wrong, did I?"

"Trust me! I'll get Oscar this time." There was a little doubt in his eyes.

However, after staring at each other for a while, finally, Dimas gave a slight nod. "Well. Then I leave them to you!"

Then he gestured to the two other men who were behind the tree next to us. Jaester understood in a blink, while Igresti looked confused and seemed didn't understand anything.

I took a deep breath. Tried to recall the first time I succeeded to manifest that skill. Perhaps, I could repeat that success to help my comrades to escape. I closed my eyes. And adjusted my breath so that it felt light and relaxed. It was intended to focus my concentration.

Then I pulled out a Viglet of my leather bag. This thing was always with me when I went hunting or travelling away as a precaution. Made of mahogany and mixed with lizard leather from a very far country, this Esze stick looked strong and firm. Even though I knew if this was a counterfeit good that was bought at a bargain price. So I didn't really expect much from this Viglet.

After sending the code with a gesture, my fellows ran as fast as possible when the intensity of arrows rain decreased. With this opportunity, I jumped out of my hiding place. The Elvian soldiers who stood in the front stopped their movement suddenly when I raised my Viglet.

"This human being could use Esze? Impossible."

"I have no idea! It seems like she was just a bluff. I never heard any human who can use it."

This was what I suspected earlier. The Elvian was a bit arrogant and demeaned other races, especially humans. They must have thought if Esze only could be used only by their race. It was also included in the plan. I was going to surprise them when off the guard.

In an instant,  I lifted the Viglet high into the air. Concentrating on the end of the stick in order to collect the air and compacted it. One second later, without further ado, I immediately pointed it toward the Elvians who were being stunned.

"Vitr Bris!"

A huge windblast immediately went forward. Blow away the dry leaves up, weapons, and Elvian arrows from its place. Even some Elvian soldiers slammed to the back. Their cries of confusion tickled my ears. I smiled arrogantly. Looking at them who were in a messed up because of my surprise attack. Of course, they are so confused because didn't have an idea about other race who could use Esze.

"OK! One more time! This is interesting." I yelled zealously.

I raised my Viglet once again. This time with a bit of haughty pose to dramatize the situation. Laughing as evil as Cinderella's stepmother. But the reality was not as expected. When I directed the Esze stick to the front, my Viglet suddenly broke in the middle. Automatically it canceled the spell which I chanted. The wind blob exploded in all directions and sent my body flying.

"Damn! Next time, don't use the imitation again!" I murmured.

Ignoring the pain, I immediately got up and ran away from this place. If I was too long here, the Elvian might get me. Fortunately, their weapons and arrows were blown by me, so it took time for them to regrouping and chased me. Then with a final touch, I pulled out a smoke bomb from my pocket.

"You know what? I can't be defeated by small fries like you. So, hide your ass now if you don't wanna be beaten by me again, or you can cry to your moms!" I said in Elvian language.

The laughter voice of mine blended with a small explosion and white smoke, which burst out in all directions. This was what I learned from an action film in theaters. 'Always remove your tracks from the enemy.' Although the Elvian eyes could see in the darkness, their vision couldn't penetrate the density of the fog.

I continued to run fast, regardless of what laid behind. Then, I walked down the path out of the forest and met my hunting fellows waiting on the riverbank. Indeed not any welcome I got, but insults and anger that came from Dimas and Igresti. I took it for granted. Because this hunt failure was my fault.

While crossing the Kelan River, the boundary between human and Elvian, I continued pensively. Regretting my stupidity and carelessness that couldn't be treated. However, the scariest thing was when we arrived at headquarters later. The Big Boss certainly didn't accept and outraged by this silly failure like this. Then the big mouth of Igresti would blame it all on me.

Perfect. Today was the last day of my life.

A moment after crossing the river and through the woods. I arrived at Glafelden, a small town located in the west of the Lurivia Kingdom. The city was directly adjacent to the tribe Elvian, which was separated by the Kalen River. This was the city where I lived.

My group and I usually hunt in the Elvian region forest. Because that was where the animals lived with a high value. I didn't understand why I could take a dangerous job like this. If it were long before I came here, I wouldn't want to become a hunter like this no matter how much the profit.

If I thought about it again, all of this was the aftermath of the incident one year ago. Where my clubmates and I were suddenly dragged to this world that was totally different from my original world. At that time, we were stranded in the middle of nowhere then met with a group of hunters. To made a living in this world, inevitably, I had to look for a job. Being part of them was my choice.

"Seriously ... I didn't expect to be like this," I sighed while munching snacks in the town park." The cuteness of the rabbit was really a trap."

I decided not to immediately returned to our base. Because ... well, I would have instantly been beaten by Big Boss because of my fault. He has had a light hand and indiscriminately. That man could hit a woman without reducing his strength. I admitted he was really strict and firm on his subordinates, but also an asshole.

"Next time, be careful if you're in enemy territory, Stupid!" Said Dimas. "We are heading back after you finish it. Or I won't buy you anything anymore!"

"EH, I'M NOT GOING!! It's better for me to find an inn to sleep tonight! The last time the boss punished me, his punch crippling my hands. And I couldn't eat by myself for a week, you know?!"

"I'll help explain to him later."

"That's totally useless! He's the man who doesn't want to accept any excuse."

Ignoring my whining, he pulled my hands by force. It made me have to leave the bench. The strength of his arm was not comparable to my small and feminine body.

The people around looked at us and shook their heads, laughing. As if already used to seeing me crying like a little girl when being told to go home by her mother. Believe it or not, this had become my daily life in this new world.

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* Haier-Elvian   : Mixed of human and elf races.

* Esze                  : The system name of magic that exists in this world.

* Viglet                : A small wand to extract Esze from the circuits in the body.

* Vitr Bris            : 'Wind Blast' in Elvian.