Let's Hunt

Karan looks at Luke’s mother, waiting for an answer. His curiosity is evident as he recalls the people who left the village earlier.
Karan curiously asks, "So, who were those people I just saw leaving the village?"
Luke’s mother wipes away her tears, her expression a mix of sorrow and frustration.
She sadly replies, "They were adventurers. Since they were already registered, they could leave for their quests. But now, we don’t even have enough silver to pay our taxes… registration is out of the question."
Karan thinks for a moment, recalling his RPG knowledge. He furrows his brows, considering a potential solution.
He thoughtfully says, "But they were a group of seven or eight. If they hunted alone, it would be tough, but if they formed a party, they could take down bigger beasts and gather valuable materials. Those should sell for a high price in the market, right?"
Luke and his mother exchange glances, their expressions unreadable.
Karan scratches the back of his head, realizing he might be stating the obvious.
He apologetically says, "Sorry… I know you must have already thought of this."
Luke stands up without a word, his expression serious. He walks into another room and returns carrying an old sword. Holding it up, he sighs.
He bitterly says, "I’m an adventurer too… but this is all I have."
Karan’s eyes widen as he examines the sword. The blade is dull and full of dents. It’s barely usable.
Luke frustratingly says, "Without proper equipment, we can’t hunt big beasts. We’ve been trying to earn enough silver, but every coin goes toward paying off our debts. Some villagers work the farms while others take whatever small jobs they can, but it’s never enough."
Karan clenches his fists. He doesn’t want to just sit around. His mind races for a solution. Suddenly, an idea hits him.
He determinedly asks, "If you don’t mind, can I make a request?"
Luke’s mother looks at him curiously.
She hesitantly says, "Go ahead."
Karan looks at both of them sincerely.
He gratefully says, "You took me in, gave me food, treated me like family—even though I’m a complete stranger. I want to repay your kindness. Please, let me help."
*Karan thinks to himself, And maybe this will also move the story forward.
Luke’s mother immediately shakes her head.
She firmly says, "Oh, no. You’re our guest. I can’t ask you to do anything for us."
Karan insistently says, "It’s not that you’re asking me. I want to help, and I’ll learn something in the process. Right now, I have nothing to offer, so please…"
Luke grins excitedly.
He enthusiastically says, "That’s great! You can come with me!"
Luke’s mother’s expression hardens. She crosses her arms, concern written all over her face.
She worriedly says, "Luke! You’re not even an experienced adventurer yet. What if something happens?"
Luke groans and rolls his eyes.
He reassuringly says, "Mom, don’t worry! I’ll be careful."
He turns to Karan with a smirk.
He confidently says, "Get ready, Nara. We’re heading out."
Karan nods, determination shining in his eyes.

---
A short while later, Luke’s mother hands them a small pack of food. Luke takes it with a grin and waves goodbye. Karan bows slightly before following Luke into the wilderness.
As they walk, the village disappears behind them. Karan notices the landscape changing—the trees become taller and denser, animals scurry through the underbrush, and distant sounds of wildlife echo through the air.
Karan looks around in amazement.
He curiously asks, "So… is this the jungle where the adventurers hunt?"
Luke chuckles and shakes his head.
He amusedly says, "Not yet. This is just the border of the big jungle. Once we cross it, we’ll be inside, ‘illegally’."
Karan frowns, sensing something off.
He suspiciously asks, "Then why did you say we’re entering illegally?"
Luke shrugs, his expression turning serious.
He casually says, "Because only registered adventurers are allowed in the jungle. To register, you need a lot of silver and bribes. Even after that, they charge an entry fee!"
Karan folds his arms, his expression darkening.
He irritatedly asks, "Wait… are these actual laws or just the officials making their own rules?"
Luke lets out a dry laugh.
He mockingly says, "Some rules come from the royal palace, but most of the restrictions? Just corrupt officials exploiting us. And the people we’d complain to? Yeah, they’re the same ones enforcing these rules."
Karan shakes his head in frustration.
He annoyedly asks, "So does everyone sneak in like this?"
Luke smirks.
He grinningly says, "No, no. I just brought you here so you can get some practice first. We’ll hunt here, sell what we get, buy some basic equipment, and then I'll show you what we do."
Karan raises an eyebrow.
He curiously asks, "What can we hunt here?"
Luke gestures ahead.
He excitedly says, "Follow me."
Karan crouches beside Luke as they hide behind some bushes. Peering through the leaves, he spots a herd of wild boars grazing nearby.
Luke whispers, "These are Silver Tusks. Merchants also call them Wild Boars, but their real value lies in their silver-coated tusks. Their meat is delicious, and restaurants pay good money for it. That’s why hunting them can be profitable. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. People usually hunt one of them and it takes a full day. You can get two at most, if you're lucky"
Karan blinks in surprise.
He surprisingly asks, "Wait… just one or two in an entire day?"
Luke chuckles.
He smirkingly says, "Of course! If it were that easy, wouldn’t everyone be doing it? You don’t even have to fight them—just set a good trap and wait. But the process is slow and exhausting. Still, want to give it a try?"
Karan smirks back.
He determinedly says, "It’s my first time, so I might as well learn. If you don’t mind…"
Luke’s grin widens.
He excitedly says, "I don’t mind at all! In fact, I’m excited. If we catch one, we’ll get to eat something tasty tonight!"
Karan stretches his arms and cracks his knuckles.
He smirkingly says, "Alright. Where do we start?"
Luke grips his sword and smirks.
He confidently says, "Let's begin the hunt."