The Wetland’s Fury

“Now, let us split into several groups and spread out. Such a large procession will only frighten away all the surrounding beasts.”

As they traversed the forest, the seasoned village chief adeptly guided their actions. Having presided over dozens of Starfall Festival hunts, he possessed a wealth of experience. Though not a hunter by trade, his practical knowledge rivaled that of the most seasoned woodsmen.

“Let us old fellows lead the teams, with twelve people per group. There’s no need for any specific order; just arrange yourselves randomly, for time is running short.”

Heeding the village chief’s directive, the formidable procession, numbering close to a hundred, swiftly fragmented into seven or eight smaller teams. Each of these groups, spearheaded by a veteran hunter, then ventured forth into different corners of the forest.

As one of the few mounted individuals, Elise, too, was tasked with leading a contingent. However, the ranks behind her were predominantly filled with green, inexperienced young men. Despite her considerable popularity within the village, the stakes were high, for this hunt dictated the community’s sustenance for the coming months. Consequently, seasoned men, prioritizing the hunt’s yield, largely opted to accompany the veteran hunters, believing this approach offered the best chance of securing a bountiful harvest.

Elise tallied the members of her group, her gaze sweeping across each face. It was then that she noticed a rugged face beaming directly at her.

“Priestess Elise, rest assured, we will protect you.”

The voice belonged to Barry, the blacksmith. He and his apprentice had joined Elise’s group. The burly man, wielding a great machete in his right hand and a large bow slung across his back, now cut a figure far removed from his usual blacksmith’s garb, embodying the very essence of a hunter. His apprentice, laden with a hefty barrel of arrows and clutching a small, serrated knife, also offered Elise a cheerful smile.

“Please don’t say such things. You should prioritize your own safety. Only by cherishing yourselves can you cherish others.”

Without betraying any emotion, Elise, merely out of politeness, retrieved a map from her satchel. The map meticulously charted the forest’s intricate terrain. Once she had confirmed its accuracy, she turned to face the group and addressed them.

“We will head northwest. There’s a lake in that direction, where many creatures are likely to be drinking. Remember to stay close behind me. Do not get lost, for getting lost in the forest is a terrifying prospect, especially when one is alone.”

“We understand, Priestess. Thank you for the warning.”

Barry again offered the reply. Noting his spirited demeanor, Elise simply nodded and led the group onward.

“That’s it. Be careful not to make a sound. Remember not to disturb them.”

After approximately an hour of careful advancement, the team reached the edge of what they had assumed was a lake. In reality, it was a modest wetland. Tall water chestnuts obscured their vision, allowing them to discern a myriad of animals congregating to drink only through subtle gaps in the foliage.

“Cornflower deer, water rhinos, white-tailed civets, and… Greater Yida? Indeed, there are no large predators, but we still need to be mindful of what’s in the water.”

“Priestess, you are truly knowledgeable. You can even recognize the breeds of these beasts?”

Witnessing Elise expertly enumerate each beast by name, the men in her company were utterly astonished.

“It’s just some insignificant knowledge. Pay attention, our main target is the cornflower deer. In a moment, we’ll circle around the wetland. Schuber, Bill, Craven, the three of you will be responsible for support here. The rest will follow me to pursue that cornflower deer.”

Whispering her instructions to the group, Elise, with her unexpectedly seasoned demeanor, had transformed into a truly adept hunter. This sudden display left the men in a state of profound bewilderment. Many among them had mentally braced themselves for a meager harvest this year. Yet, the unfolding reality far exceeded their wildest expectations. This diminutive priestess, who appeared never to have even wielded a blade, seemed to possess remarkably outstanding capabilities.

Thus, with their forms concealed within the water chestnuts, the nine individuals cautiously advanced towards a cornflower deer that was leisurely quenching its thirst.

“The wetland conditions are complex. A moment of carelessness could lead you into the mud. You must be careful to follow closely behind me.”

“Yes, Priestess.”

Along the wetland’s edge, lush water chestnuts thrived. These plants, towering nearly half a person’s height, provided them with optimal concealment. The forest air was clear and bright. Cool breezes occasionally swept through, conjuring a soft rustling that serendipitously masked the sounds of their careful advance.

Gently parting the water chestnuts before her, Elise observed the unsuspecting prey with her peripheral vision. The cornflower deer, oblivious to the encroaching peril, continued to drink placidly, occasionally flicking its tail.

The contingent of men trailing behind dared not even draw a deep breath, lest they startle the creatures drinking in the wetland. The Greater Yidas, in particular, were renowned for their acute vigilance and served as the wetland’s natural sentinels. Upon detecting any dangerous predator, they would emit a piercing cry, and other animals, heeding their alarm, would vanish without a trace in an instant. Should that happen, all their arduous efforts would be rendered utterly futile.

Swiftly, as the group painstakingly advanced, they soon found themselves in close proximity to the cornflower deer. Elise, her body slightly crouched, her legs half-flexed, resembled an arrow poised on a taut string. Then, with utmost gentleness, she parted the water chestnuts before her—

“Moo—”

“!?”

Unbeknownst to the group, a water rhino had been resting there. Upon spotting the unfamiliar figure ahead, it let out a low, rumbling growl. Immediately, the surrounding muddy water and water chestnuts began to tremble. This colossal creature was slowly heaving itself out of the mire.

“…”

Utterly silent, Elise and the water rhino locked gazes. For a tense moment, every person present felt their heart leap into their throat.

“Priestess, danger!”

Unable to restrain himself any longer, Barry drew his blade and lunged forward. With a surge of raw strength, he brought his great machete down violently upon the colossal beast.

“Don’t move! Stop!”

Elise urgently cried out to halt him, yet it was already too late. In a gruesome flash, blood erupted. The machete had carved a massive gash into the water rhino’s head. A torrent of blood gushed forth, instantly staining the water’s surface crimson.

Reeling from the pain, the water rhino thrashed its head and lurched to its feet. It let out a furious, maddened bellow that instantly reverberated across the entire wetland, accompanied by the successive cries of startled animals echoing throughout the marsh.

“How could this be…”

Witnessing this unfolding chaos, even Elise found her composure faltering. Her brows furrowed deeply, and upon turning her head, she saw the inevitable: the cornflower deer had vanished without a trace. Nearby, Barry retrieved his blade, his hand still slick with blood, and softly inquired:

“Priestess, are you unharmed?”

“…I am fine, thank you for your concern, sir, but we now face a much greater predicament.”

Despite the direct blow to its head, the water rhino displayed not a hint of fear. It grunted and snorted, pawing at the earth, its eyes fixed with deadly intent on the two humans before it, clearly teetering on the brink of a furious rampage.

“Listen now, head back the way we came… Run!”

“Moo!”

Elise cried out, and in that very instant, the water rhino plunged into a frenzy, bellowing as it charged directly at the pair.