The sun rose over the towering cliffs of South Crest as the trio set off on a new journey—this time, to Gold Eagle City, a bustling town known for its trade, martial arts arenas, and the famed Element Awakening Centre nestled atop the sacred mountain. The road was lively with merchants, villagers, and martial artists, all drawn to the city for the annual Hunting Festival.
As they approached the city gates, Hitami's eyes sparkled with excitement. The streets were filled with colorful banners, and the scent of roasted meat and spiced bread drifted from market stalls. Vishwa, however, kept a cautious gaze, his mind still fixed on his training and the elemental awakening that awaited him.
"Come on, Vishwa! We have to join the competition!" Hitami tugged on his sleeve, bouncing on her toes.
Vishwa sighed, reluctant. "I'm not interested in these games, Hitami. I came here for the awakening, not to chase rabbits."
Joseph smirked, arms folded across his chest. "Afraid you'll lose?"
Vishwa shot him a sharp glance but said nothing.
Before he could protest further, a loud voice boomed from the city square. "Attention, participants! The Annual Hunting Competition will begin shortly. Each team must have three members. The challenge will last for three days, and points are awarded based on the type of prey hunted: small creatures such as rabbits and parrots, five points; medium creatures such as foxes, fifteen points; and large creatures like wolves, thirty points."
The crowd murmured with excitement, eyes turning toward a tall, broad-shouldered man standing confidently near the front. His presence alone drew whispers.
"That's Glenn," Joseph muttered, his voice tight. "He's the reigning champion. Won the last two years in a row, along with his brothers."
Vishwa studied Glenn from a distance. The man had an air of arrogance, his arms crossed as he surveyed the competition like a wolf sizing up prey.
Hitami, ever the optimist, grinned. "We can beat him! With Joseph's strategy, my agility, and Vishwa's… well, whatever you have."
Vishwa raised an eyebrow but said nothing, feeling the weight of their expectations sinking in.
Just as he was about to walk away, Joseph's voice cut through the air. "You're part of the team now, Vishwa. You can't back out."
Vishwa turned, frowning. "I never agreed."
Joseph's eyes flashed with challenge. "And you can't say no, either. Think of this as part of your training."
Vishwa sighed deeply. Hitami grinned and took his hand. "Let's go! We can't let Glenn win again!"
With a resigned nod, Vishwa followed as the teams were registered. The official handed them a parchment with their names: Joseph, Hitami, Vishwa—Team Emberlight.
As the sun climbed higher, the competition began. A loud horn signaled the start, and the teams scattered into the vast forest that bordered Gold Eagle City. The trees towered above them, their branches heavy with leaves, and the underbrush was thick with hidden trails and rustling life.
Vishwa walked cautiously, eyes scanning for movement. Hitami darted ahead, her small frame nimble as she leapt over fallen logs. Joseph moved with precision, listening to the wind and following faint tracks in the dirt.
"Look!" Hitami whispered, pointing to a cluster of rabbits nibbling on grass. They crept forward, and Joseph signaled for Vishwa to circle around. Together, they trapped the creatures, and Vishwa moved quickly, using a smooth, practiced motion to knock them unconscious. Hitami clapped her hands in delight.
"That's five points each! Great start!" she beamed.
They continued deeper into the woods, finding a flock of parrots roosting in a tree. Joseph gestured, and Vishwa threw a small stone, startling the birds into flight. Hitami, quick as lightning, leapt and struck two down with a staff she carried.
By afternoon, they had gathered a respectable score. But as the sun began to lower, they heard a distant howl—a wolf's cry. Joseph's eyes narrowed.
"Let's go," he whispered. They moved toward the sound, cautious and tense. They spotted a grey wolf lapping water from a stream. Joseph signaled to wait, but Hitami, impulsive and bold, lunged forward. The wolf snarled and snapped, its teeth flashing in the dim light. Joseph moved fast, drawing its attention, while Vishwa approached from behind, tense and focused.
Vishwa's breath slowed, his body moving as if in rhythm with the forest. He leapt, grabbing the wolf by the scruff and pinning it, muscles straining. Joseph quickly tied a rope around its legs, securing it. Together, they earned thirty points from the capture.
As they caught their breath, Joseph gave Vishwa a nod of respect. Hitami giggled and threw her arms around Vishwa's neck. "See? You are good at this!"
Vishwa smiled faintly, still unsure if he enjoyed the thrill.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, a loud horn echoed across the forest, signaling the end of the first day. The teams returned to the city, tallying their points. Glenn and his brothers stood at the front, smugly accepting cheers from onlookers. They had already secured a high score with several large animals.
Joseph, Hitami, and Vishwa watched from the sidelines. Hitami's eyes sparkled with excitement despite the fatigue.
"We're doing well," she said, her voice full of hope. "Tomorrow, we go for more."
They made their way to the local inn, a cozy, bustling place filled with competitors sharing stories over bowls of stew and bread. Joseph leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"Rest up, both of you," he said. "Tomorrow, we go harder."
Vishwa sat quietly, his mind swirling. He had never planned to compete in a hunting festival. Yet here he was, with new companions, learning new things. Despite his reservations, a small ember of determination burned within him.
He would see this through. For Hitami, for Joseph… and maybe, for himself