NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: Journey to the Farm
Max and the twins stepped out of the guild, the city streets bustling with activity around them. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone roads as they began their journey to the farm.
"So, Max," Seria said, walking beside him. "First quest, huh? How are you feeling?"
Max grinned. "Excited, honestly. It feels like I'm finally getting started. I mean, taming beasts is one thing, but officially joining the guild? That's a whole new level."
Lira smirked. "Just don't let those Horned Rabbits catch you off guard. They might look cute, but they're vicious little things."
Max chuckled. "Noted. I'll make sure to keep my distance. You know, you two being adventurers for three years must mean you've seen some crazy stuff. What's been your favorite quest so far?"
Seria thought for a moment. "There was one escort mission where we had to protect a caravan carrying a priceless artifact. Bandits attacked us halfway through, and it turned into a full-blown battle. We barely made it out, but it was exhilarating."
"And exhausting," Lira added. "But that's what makes adventuring worth it. The danger keeps you on your toes."
Max nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Sounds intense. I'll have to hear more of your stories sometime."
As they walked, Max's attention was drawn to a vendor selling grilled skewers. The sizzling meat and the savory aroma were too tempting to resist.
"Hold up," Max said, darting toward the vendor. "I need to try this."
Seria sighed, crossing her arms with a smile. "Looks like someone's got a one-track mind."
Lira laughed. "At least he's easy to please."
Max dramatically inspected the skewers, pointing to the largest one. "That one. It's calling my name."
The vendor handed it over, and Max took a big bite, his eyes widening in delight. "Oh, this is amazing! Why doesn't food back home taste this good?"
"You're enjoying that a bit too much," Seria teased.
"Hey, if I'm going to fight Horned Rabbits, I need fuel," Max said between bites.
After finishing his snack, the three of them continued their journey, leaving the city behind. The road ahead stretched out toward the countryside, flanked by fields and scattered trees. They chatted along the way, getting to know each other better.
"So, Max," Lira said. "Why the Beast Tamer route? Seems like a rare choice."
Max shrugged. "I've always loved animals. Even back in my old life, I felt more at ease around them than people. Becoming a Beast Tamer just made sense. Plus, it's not just about fighting. It's about understanding them, building bonds. That's what makes it special."
Seria nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good way to look at it. Most adventurers see beasts as tools or threats. You've got a unique perspective."
"Thanks," Max said with a smile. "What about you two? Why adventuring?"
"Freedom," Lira said simply. "No rules, no bosses. Just us and the open road."
"And the chance to make a difference," Seria added. "Helping people, protecting them. It feels meaningful."
Their conversation continued as they walked, the hour passing quickly. Soon, the outline of a small farm came into view. Rows of crops stretched out in neat lines, and a few cows grazed lazily in a fenced-off pasture. The farmhouse itself was quaint, with a porch and a rocking chair out front.
Max's eyes wandered over the fields. "Looks like they're growing a bit of everything. Wheat, carrots, maybe some potatoes?"
Seria pointed to a cluster of grapevines near the barn. "And fruit, too. They've got a nice setup here."
Sitting in the rocking chair was an old man with a weathered face and a straw hat. He looked up as they approached, his sharp eyes scanning the group.
"Morning," the old man said, his voice rough but friendly. "You must be the ones from the guild."
Max stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "That's right. I'm Max, and these are Seria and Lira. We're here about the Horned Rabbits."
The old man nodded, setting his hat aside. "Name's Elderon. Glad you're here. Those blasted rabbits have been tearing up my crops and scaring my livestock. Never seen them so bold before."
"Any idea why?" Max asked.
Elderon shook his head. "Could be the season, or maybe there's too many of 'em now. All I know is they're causing trouble, and I need 'em gone."
"Don't worry," Max said confidently. "We'll take care of it."
The old man's gaze softened, and he gave a slight nod. "Appreciate it. Just be careful. Those horns ain't for show."
Max exchanged a glance with the twins, then smiled. "Let's get to work."
Chapter: Searching for the Horned Rabbits
Max and the twins walked across the fields of Elderon's farm, the rows of crops swaying gently in the breeze. The sun cast a warm glow over the land, but the atmosphere was tense as they scanned the area for signs of the troublesome Horned Rabbits.
"So," Max began, breaking the silence, "how often do you two take on jobs like this? Pest control isn't exactly glamorous."
Seria chuckled. "It's not glamorous, but it's necessary. Farmers like Elderon depend on the guild to keep their livelihoods safe. We've done our fair share of these quests over the years."
Lira smirked. "And sometimes it's nice to take on something simple. Not every job has to be about saving the world, you know?"
Max nodded thoughtfully. "Fair point. Still, I want to make this count. First impressions matter, right?"
"You're already off to a good start," Seria said with a reassuring smile. "Just focus on doing your best. That's all anyone can ask."
Lira glanced over at Max with a playful grin. "And try not to trip over yourself. Wouldn't want the Horned Rabbits to get the best of you."
Max chuckled. "Noted. I'll do my best to stay on my feet." He looked around at the expansive farmland, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. "This place is huge. No wonder the rabbits are having a field day out here."
Seria gestured to the rows of crops. "It's well-kept, though. Elderon clearly takes pride in his farm. Shame it's being overrun like this."
Max hummed in agreement, then suddenly stopped walking. A thoughtful expression crossed his face, and he held up a hand. "Wait a second. I've got an idea."
The twins exchanged curious glances as Max stepped forward and raised his hand. "Skill: Nature's Whisper!" he called out.
A soft wind began to rustle through the trees, carrying with it faint whispers that only Max could hear. The grass seemed to sway in response, and the leaves on nearby trees trembled slightly as if answering his call.
Max closed his eyes, focusing on the sounds around him. "Nature," he said softly, "where are the Horned Rabbits? Show me the way."
The twins stood back, watching with quiet fascination as Max appeared to commune with the natural world. The air seemed to hum with energy, and the faint rustling of leaves grew more distinct.
Seria broke the silence first. "That's… different. I've never seen anyone use a skill like that before."
Lira nodded, her tone teasing. "Talking to trees now, Max? What's next, negotiating with grass?"
Max opened one eye and grinned. "Hey, don't knock it until you try it. Nature's got a lot to say if you're willing to listen."
After a moment, Max's eyes snapped open, and he turned to the twins with a confident grin. "They're near the northern edge of the field. The trees and wind led me there."
Seria raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Well, it seems to be working. Let's see if your intuition pays off."
Lira crossed her arms, smirking. "Still, talking to nature. That's a new one for me. Makes sense for a Beast Tamer, though."
Max shrugged. "It's not just about beasts. Nature's always listening if you know how to ask. It's helped me a lot so far."
The three of them began walking toward the northern edge of the field. The sound of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves accompanied them as they moved through the crops.
As they walked, Max began to talk to himself, his voice low but audible. "Horned Rabbits, huh? I wonder what's driving them to act like this. Are they just desperate for food, or is there something bigger going on? Maybe another predator pushed them here. Or maybe they're breeding out of control."
Seria glanced at him, her tone amused. "Do you always talk to yourself like this?"
Max grinned sheepishly. "Hey, it helps me think. Besides, who else is going to listen to my brilliant theories?"
Lira laughed. "Fair enough. Just make sure those 'brilliant theories' don't distract you when we get there."
Max nodded. "Don't worry. I'm focused. First quest and all… gotta make a good impression. Can't mess this up."
The twins exchanged a look but said nothing, letting Max process his thoughts aloud. The closer they got to the edge of the field, the more focused Max became. His eyes scanned the ground for tracks, his ears straining for any unusual sounds.
"Almost there," he said, his voice low. "Let's see what we're dealing with."
The twins followed silently, their own anticipation growing as they neared the northern edge of the farm. The rows of crops gave way to a small clearing surrounded by trees, and the atmosphere grew quieter, more tense.
To be continued…