8: First Hunt

THE chilly gust of wind in the Eastern Region of Darantha swept through the Cloud Forest surrounding the dilapidated cabin. Nesca could feel the vast improvement in her health after completing the fourteen-day task given by the system.

Nesca's steps were now steadier. Her breathing was no longer as labored as before, and her pale face had regained a hint of color after days of following the system's harsh training. Her usual alabaster skin turned pinkish now.

However, the system showed no mercy.

The translucent blue screen appeared before her eyes again while she was collecting wild berries near the cabin.

[Minor Quest Activated: Hunting Training]

[Objective: Hunt and defeat living creatures within the Cloud Forest.]

[Purpose: Strengthen host's stamina, combat ability, and survival instincts.]

[Reward: Beginner Weapon Set.]

Nesca stared at the notification with a tired expression.

"Are you serious?" she couldn't believe it. "I barely recovered from exercising every day, and now you want me to hunt right away?"

[Host's current physical condition remains weak. A powerful enemy will not wait for host to become stronger.]

The system's emotionless voice echoed in her mind.

[Revenge requires strength. Weakness will only lead to another execution.]

Nesca's tilted her head in agreement. "I hate to agree, but you're right."

The system's words reminded her of the flames that had consumed her previous body. The memories of Khaevin's betrayal, the cold and calculating smirk of Estrala, and the people who watched her die without offering a single hand of help, instead they cheered for her death.

Nesca picked up her favorite small dagger and walked into the heart of the forest.

"Let's do it. If hunting is what I need to become stronger, I will never complain."

The first few days were not easy.

The creatures inside the Cloud Forest were far more dangerous than ordinary animals from the human kingdom of Lumienar. Even the smallest monsters possessed strength beyond what humans could imagine.

Her first target was a gray rabbit with sharp gold claws.

Nesca stared at it from behind a tree. "That thing looks harmless, and cute!"

The rabbit suddenly turned its head. Its red eyes glowed as it noticed her presence.

Nesca froze. "Of course. Nothing is weak in this place. This is the unforgiving demon realm after all."

The rabbit lunged toward her. But she quickly moved aside, feeling the wind from its claws brushing against her cheek. It was a near miss!

"Whoa! This little thing is agile!" Nesca grabbed a branch from the ground and swung it toward the rabbit.

The impact sent the creature rolling across the grass. Then she came closer to it and plunged the dagger to its neck.

"Sorry, little one. May you reborn stronger in your next life."

Nesca couldn't hide her amazement to herself. Despite her plump figure, her movement had become swift as if she was light weight.

"My body is actually improving, hard work really pays off."

The system appeared.

[Host successfully defeated Golden Claw Rabbit.]

[Stamina increased.]

[Combat experience gained.]

Nesca grinned in satisfaction. "So defeating monsters really does make me stronger. I can do this all day!"

From that day onward, Nesca continued hunting. She started with small creatures, then gradually challenged larger ones.

Nesca hunted the elusive three-horned boar, the long-furred obsidian wolf, and even giant forest lizard.

Each battle pushed her body beyond its limit. The weak princess who could barely walk had already transformed into a fierce huntress.

"Yay! This is life! Finally, I can nourish myself with unlimited meat!" Nesca enjoyed so much that even Agni did not worry that much every time she'd leave the cabin to hunt.

 

ONE night, after defeating a large obsidian wolf, she suffered bruises and minor cuts in her body. But it was not fatal.

The system appeared.

[Minor Quest Completed.]

[Host has demonstrated basic hunting abilities.]

[Reward: Beginner Weapon Set.]

A flash of light appeared.

When the glow faded, Nesca found a beautiful black bow resting in her hands. The wooden surface was decorated with golden patterns, and the arrows inside the quiver seemed to carry a faint magical aura.

Her eyes widened. "Nice! An exquisite bow!"

[Yes. A suitable weapon has been provided based on the host's current abilities.]

Nesca pulled the string. The bow responded instantly, as if it was made specifically for her.

"I've never used this type of bow before. This looks magical."

[Host possesses memories from Sera. The soul retains basic knowledge of archery.]

Nesca raised an eyebrow. "Were you spying on my past life? If so, why didn't you appear before my death?"

[The system cannot answer.]

"I knew it." She aimed at a tree branch in the distance.

The arrow flew and it struck the center.

"Hmm, this is interesting."

With the bow in her possession, her hunting speed dramatically improved.

She no longer chased animals blindly. She learned how to track footprints, conceal her presence, and understand the movements of her prey.

After several weeks, the creatures that once threatened her became nothing more than training.

One afternoon around sunset, Nesca stood before a massive beast.

A Cloudfrost Bear.

The creature was nearly five times her size, covered in thick white fur, with claws capable of tearing through stone. Worse, her bones.

The bear roared as if it was unhappy with her presence as an intruder.

Nesca tightened her grip on her bow. "I like challenges. You're definitely not a beginner-level opponent."

The bear charged and begin its aggression.

She rolled to the side and fired three arrows. Two struck its shoulder, and the third pierced one of its eyes.

The beast stumbled but did not fall.

Nesca clicked her tongue. "Great, I acknowledge you as a worthy opponent."

She quickly moved backward while firing arrows continuously.

The bear became slower. Finally, after a few minutes, the giant creature collapsed.

Nesca cautiously approached it. "Are you dead?"

The system appeared.

[Host successfully defeated Cloudfrost Bear.]

[Strength increased.]

[Agility increased.]

[Stamina increased.]

Nesca looked at her trembling hands. She was exhausted, but she was also smiling ear to ear.

"Not bad for someone who was supposed to die weeks ago." She glanced toward the snow-capped mountains at a distance. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was on her way.

"All of you, wait for me. I'll return everything you inflict upon me," she raised her chin and clenched her fist.