The reason for the rapid increase in the number of people in the team was very simple: after the Prince's team set off, the dignitaries from various cities and the chieftains scattered across the land all led their subordinates to join this hunt.
Everyone knew this was a good opportunity to perform in front of the Prince, especially for those who had remained inactive during the Bulgar War, so they naturally showed immense enthusiasm.
And with so many lords participating, many hunters, citizens, and farmers from various cities also joined this grand event, because in Rus', where fur equals wealth, no one would miss such an opportunity to acquire fur.
As such a team advanced through the wilderness, the farmers in the villages and the forest dwellers saw the magnificent power, and out of self-interest and the deterrent effect of the scene, they too joined the large army.
For the residents of the villages, seeing such a large army was astonishing; the sheer number of people and the abundance of armor surpassed their imagination.
The Prince's great army was like a moving city, advancing across this land, harvesting resources in one rich hunting area before immediately moving to the next, frantically exploiting the land's resources.
Many people had lived their entire lives in the forests and river bends, but this was the first time they had witnessed such power, and because of this, people remembered the Moscow Prince, whom they had previously not taken seriously, and his power was etched into their hearts.
As for the Prince, this was Rostislav's first time venturing so deep into the Rus' wilderness, and this deep exploration made him understand how abundant the fishing and hunting resources of this land were; wild beasts covered the mountains and plains, and low output was only due to a lack of manpower.
In such a hunting paradise, this large army naturally began to hunt frantically, and so, within two weeks, they produced a huge amount of furs and salted meat, with various animal carcasses piling up like mountains.
Most importantly, this was a training exercise for the discipline of the various units. A hunt is a very complex undertaking; from site selection, driving, and ambushing, everything is extremely intricate, requiring close and unwavering cooperation from all units responsible for these tasks.
Initially, everyone could not cooperate very well. His Bodyguard Unit and personal attendants could successfully complete their assigned tasks, but due to the shortcomings of other sections, many prey always managed to escape, as most people did not have experience with such large-scale hunting.
After paying many 'tuition fees,' the Rus' people finally grasped the essentials, and hunting efficiency immediately improved.
Most importantly, through this event, many farmers who were originally outside the Prince's jurisdiction also came to understand the Prince's authority.
During this period, Rostislav also hunted like a madman. The Rus' Prince killed many wild beasts, and at first, he was very happy, as it was his first time hunting so frantically. However, as time went on, the Prince's dissatisfaction grew stronger, because if he didn't hunt a worthy beast, how could he stop this great hunt?
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In Northeast Rus', in a clearing in the dense forest, Rostislav leaned against a large tree, holding a blood-stained bear-hunting spear resting on the tree.
The Prince looked very tired, as if he had just experienced a fierce battle, and indeed, he had fought fiercely; hunting was never an easy task.
The Prince's attendants offered him a wineskin full of wine, which the Prince immediately took and began to drink. His throat was very dry, and he craved the moisture of the wine.
Around the Prince were his Bodyguard Unit and attendants, all sitting on the ground, their expressions somewhat weary.
As for why, one only needed to look at the animal carcasses piled in front of them; they had just hunted many wild beasts in this forest.
There were also many hunters searching for prey nearby. These were the Prince's hunters, who were once slaves of the Bulgars.
When the Prince traded prisoners of war, he also demanded that the Bulgars release all Rus' slaves. These people became the Prince's direct subjects, and among them were many experienced hunters whom Rostislav kept by his side.
Although many prey had already been hunted, the Prince's expression remained unsatisfied, because he had intended to end the hunt with a legendary kill, but he could not find a worthy beast.
Rostislav knew very well that the hunt should end now, after all, his main occupation was not hunting, so he wanted to hunt a giant beast to put a period to the hunt.
However, unfortunately, he had not achieved this goal.
Just as the Prince was feeling somewhat disheartened, several cavalrymen suddenly galloped up; their attire had a somewhat Western style.
Leading them was Meshko of Poland. This young man was now dressed in hunting attire, and his companions were all attendants whom he had promoted from among the Rus' people.
Meshko and his Poles had contributed significantly to this hunt and were among the best performers.
This young Polish Knight was much more composed than before; the youthful aggression had disappeared, replaced only by a grounded steadiness and the youthful vigor that all young people possess.
And he brought the Prince long-awaited news.
They had discovered a giant aurochs.
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Led by the Poles, Rostislav quickly arrived at the location they spoke of, and there, concealed by the bushes, the Prince saw the aurochs.
It was a truly massive creature, standing taller than a man, with an incredibly majestic body, and its horns were upright and formidable. Combined with the scars on its face, a fierce aura emanated from it.
Scattered near the aurochs were several corpses, all unfortunate individuals disemboweled by the beast. It seemed someone had challenged this monster before, but the outcome was obvious.
The aurochs, having dealt with these enemies, evidently did not realize that the surrounding bushes were now filled with soldiers who wanted its head. Many held bear-hunting spears, while others carried bows and arrows, and the Moscow Prince still gazed at it with greedy eyes.
"My subordinates found it, but they were too slow."
Meshko explained that he had originally intended to hunt this giant beast, but unfortunately, upon seeing the corpses of those subordinates, he abandoned that idea and decided instead to leave the matter to Rostislav, as repaying the Moscow Prince's help was more important than hunting a beast.
And the moment Rostislav saw this massive creature, he realized this was the beast he had been searching for for so long.
"Prince, let my men go. Such a large aurochs is truly too dangerous."
Captain of the Guard Gvaran said beside the Prince, his words full of worry. Fighting such a beast was too difficult, and if struck by it, a person would be finished.
"Yes, yes, we need a complete plan."
Looking at the corpses, Rostislav said, his inner anxiety dissipating. He did not want to end up like them.
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