Tanya was scared.
She had set out hoping to earn a bit of money—and maybe bring home some meat for her little brother.She'd taken her late father's bow and ventured into the forest.But she never expected to hear something so terrifying.
Judging by the screeches, they sounded like armor rats—dangerous forest creatures.They were cunning, fast, and their backs and limbs were covered in a hardened hide that made them incredibly hard to kill.Arrows and spears bounced off, and swords barely did a thing.
Many rookie hunters, merchants, and even well-armed villagers had suffered unfortunate fates crossing paths with one.The worst part? They never hunted alone.
Clutching her bow, Tanya bit her lip and moved forward.She needed the money.Rat meat was considered a rare delicacy, and their hide was prized for making durable leather armor.If she could catch one, she and her brother wouldn't go hungry next winter.
Step by step, she moved closer.Judging by the noise, the rats were likely near the old road leading to the mine.No one really came this way anymore—the mine had been abandoned years ago.
Slowly.Quietly.
She drew an arrow and nocked it.She wasn't exactly a skilled hunter, but her father had once been the best in the village.At least he'd taught her the basics.
Soon, the path came into view—But she couldn't see the rats.
Were they hiding?
Even more cautious now, she crept forward—And then, she saw something incredible.
A strange, hairy creature was skinning an armor rat—and a huge one at that.
Nearby, another similar creature sat on the ground, equally hairy and filthy.They looked… humanoid.But big and stocky.
There were old tales about forest-dwelling beings called ogres.Huge, strong, dirty… and dumb.Had she stumbled upon one of those creatures?
The legends also said they were lustful and violent.She started to back away, alarmed.
But as she stepped back…She stepped on a branch.
Both of them turned.
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***
Joshua froze.Samuel started jumping like a monkey.He earned a smack on the head from Joshua.
Samuel seemed overjoyed to see another human being.Apparently, nearly twenty days of unplanned camping had taken a toll.
Not surprising—he was a people person, always chatting, always online.He was a gaming influencer, after all.
Joshua figured that if his brother weren't so fat, he'd probably be way more popular.
The girl looked scared.And now they were starting to worry too.She was pointing a bow at them.
Both brothers raised their hands in peace.They didn't want to test whether their body fat could stop an arrow.
Samuel tried to approach slowly.She stepped back with every step he took.
Joshua told him not to rush it.Then nodded politely toward the girl.
She seemed to understand...and slowly lowered the bow.
The air was still tense.
Joshua decided to speak first.