Call of the Hunt

It was two days and Lupa hadn’t brought up the mana awakening again. Unfortunately for Leo it also didn’t affect his training. Well the bright side being that she didn’t up it… right? However, they were again interrupted by Lucius.

“Lupa, there will be a hunt soon.”

Lupa’s ear twitched as she turned to face her father, “What happened.” the animosity between them seem to evaporate and a genuine concern could be felt in their voices.

“A high level natural born has been sighted in the forest. We don’t know how long it has been left unchecked.”

A freak mutation of a mana infused monster. It seemed that the Tail Rune Clan were actively taking care of monsters that appeared in the forest. “Alright.” Lupa nodded, “Gather the warriors.”

Lucius returned the nod. “We would also ask for you to bring your three guests.”

“Sure, could be some good field training.”

“What?” Leo asked realizing he has just been drafted.

XxXx

The gathering was in an outpost yurt just beyond the gates of the village. There seemed to be a group of ten warriors excluding Leo and everyone. Lucius stood at a table with a map on it of the Forest of Spirit. Then he reached under the table and pulled out what could only be a large antler.

“Our scouts have found this just 200 yards from the village. It didn’t look to be on its way here, but the size and proximity is alarming.” He then turned to some clan members beside him, “Scouts do you know its whereabouts?”

The two scouts went to the map, “We track it to about here. Deeper in the forest, but we suddenly lost its trace.”

“It was like it cease to be chief.”

With a nod Lucius turned to back to the warriors, “This hunt will be difficult. It used its newfound powers to hide and gain strength right under our noses. I will propose that we split up into three teams.”

As the debrief went on Leo was feeling a little excited. He was going to see if his training was going to pay off. He did feel bad for Sophia though. She was dragged here because the chief didn’t need their help. They just wanted to ensure they didn’t leave. So if they died, it was no skin off their back.

Then he felt a familiar tug on his arm. “Uncle.”

“Yeah Zen?” Leo looked down towards her.

She then pointed at the antler, “That still has its mana flowing.”

Realizing what that could mean Leo shot up saying, “Excuse me sir!”

The anger on the faces of the wolf demi-humans could have killed him. Lucius however held his hand. While he still disliked him, he seemed to trust his insight as an adventurer. “Speak.”

Leo glance at Zen after losing his excited resolve. With a curt nod of permission he cleared his throat, “Ahem, well sir. Zentella her can track mana. We wouldn’t need to split up.”

Lupa gained a wild grin, “Full frontal assault? Hell yeah!” she punched her fists for emphasis.

Murmurs started amongst the warriors as Lucius pondered for a bit. “Is she accurate?”

Zentella stood up, “I see the trail clearer than the shard.”

Leo and Sophia just looked at her shocked, they have been trying to work on her bluntness, but she still doesn’t take to it.

This did not dissuade Lucius however, “Good. Change of plans. We will now issue a raid with the ten of you along with Lupa and her guests.” He then turned back to Zen, “You will lead along with our scouts and inform us of its proximity.”

“Understood.” Zen gave a curt nod sounding formal.

“Prepare, all of you, we leave in half an hour.”

Lupa walked down from her place near her father and scooped Zentella into a big hug. “Ah! I knew you would prove yourself! You’re so talented little Zen!”

Zen then began to tap her hand on Lupa barely squeaking out the words, “Crushing… crushing.”

“Lupa! Please! We don’t have healing potions!” Sophia said as she tried to free the little assassin.

Leo laughed at the display figuring that he wouldn’t be of any help. Then he was approached by Lucius, “Adventurer Leo… a word.”

“Oh uh, yes chief.”

He followed him outside where it was just the two of them while the other demi-humans rushed around to collect their gear.

“My daughter seems fond of you.” Lucius said

Leo taking it at face value simply said, “I think it is because I’m just her first student that hasn’t broken sir.”

Lucius gave him a quizzical look before saying, “We of the Tail Rune Clan owe our very existence and current lives to the Great Spirit Lobos. Especially those of my blood. Because of that we hold more responsibility to ensure the well being of this tribe.” He then fully turned to him, “Which is why distractions cannot happen for us. Those responsibilities cannot be forsaken.”

“Uh… sir?” Leo asked not knowing what to say.

“It is the duty of the first born of the chief to inherit the title. However this generation it has seems that my union with my spouse produced a spirit oracle.”

“Cor.” Leo confirmed now putting the pieces together.

“Yes, spirit magic is extremely rare and highly sought after.”

“I’m sorry sir, but what does this have to do with Lupa?”

Lucius nodded as he continued, “Normally, when a spirit oracle is born into the village they are trained to be the speaker for Lobos. So in my training of Cor… I have neglected my duty to teach Lupa.”

“Because the next oracle takes priority.” Leo said understandingly.

The chief coughed, “Yes. It is my shame that I have left Lupa on her own when it came time for her to learn to be the next chieftain. That is when she got her ideas of being an adventurer and chose to travel.”

Having heard enough Leo turned, “So you want me to convince her to stay home right?” Leo took a deep breath, “I’m sorry sir, but that is not my place here. You want me to tell her to abandon everything she wants to do just to come stay home? I won’t do that. I’m not even sure I could do that.”

“But her duty is to the tribe!”

Leo took a deep breath, “Look, I’m not the one you should be having this conversation with. I am probably shouldn’t be telling you any of this but…” Leo then turned back. “Your daughter’s loves the village, it is just that she is finding her own way to be chief without your guidance. Don’t just assume this as her running away. I have seen her, with all her chaotic energy she is always focused on a goal. Just because it doesn’t line up perfectly to your expectations, does not mean she is running away.” Leo then waled off back to the group… because he needed to run away.