The Ironhide Boar lay there in the clearing like a fallen boulder, steam still curling up from the deep frost-covered gash across its neck. The sharp copper smell of blood mixed with the damp forest air and drifted away on the morning breeze, leaving a faint metallic taste on everyone's tongue.
A few of the students just stood there staring, like they still couldn't believe something that big was dead because of them. The reality of it all hadn't quite sunk in yet.
Seo Dojin stepped forward and gave the carcass a solid kick to make sure it was finished. "Clean strike," he said, glancing sideways at Luna. "Nice timing on the frost."
Luna only nodded once, wiping her blade on a strip of cloth without a word.
The spear user who had almost gotten skewered earlier rubbed the back of his neck, looking equal parts relieved and embarrassed. "I misread the charge speed," he muttered. "Almost got myself killed."
Seo Dojin waved it off with a short laugh. "Happens to everyone the first time. Ironhide Boars are all muscle and bad temper. Once you learn their rhythm, they're not that scary." He crouched down, slid a short knife into the boar's chest, and pried out a small glowing crystal. It pulsed with a soft inner light. "Monster core. Low-grade, but it still sells decent back in the city. They use these things for crafting, energy cells, even some potions. Don't ever leave one behind if you can help it."
The students crowded in closer, eyes wide. Cores like that were basically walking money out here.
Seo Dojin tucked the crystal away and stood up, brushing dirt from his hands. "Alright, enough staring. We keep moving. Deeper in, but stay alert. The forest gets trickier the farther we go."
The group started walking again, boots crunching over fallen leaves and twigs. The deeper they pushed, the thicker the canopy grew overhead. Sunlight broke through in thin, dusty beams that made the whole place feel almost magical, if it weren't for the constant low hum of danger in the air. Every now and then a distant cry of some unseen creature echoed through the trees, reminding everyone exactly how far they were from the city walls.
Rei fell into step beside Aaron, looking thoughtful. "You know… I just realized something."
Aaron glanced over. "What?"
"You haven't thrown a single punch yet."
Aaron let out a quiet chuckle. "Guess I'm lucky so far."
Rei scratched the back of his head, half-smiling, half-worried. "Maybe you should try if we run into something smaller. Just to get the feel of it."
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "You're actually encouraging me now?"
Rei hesitated, then shrugged. "Well… one weak one wouldn't hurt. Right?"
Aaron's lips curved into a faint smile. "We'll see what happens."
Up ahead, Seo Dojin suddenly slowed down and crouched low, studying the ground. Fresh tracks cut through the soft dirt—small, clawed prints heading straight across their path.
He lifted a hand. The whole group froze.
"Something came through here not long ago," he said, voice low. "Looks like a Spineback Lizard. Not big, but fast as hell."
A couple students relaxed a little. Spineback Lizards were supposed to be one of the weakest things in this sector. But Seo Dojin's next words killed the relief fast.
"They're quick and they like to ambush from the sides. Keep your eyes open."
Before anyone could answer, a sharp rustle exploded from the bushes on their right.
A dark shape burst out like a spring—reptilian, about the size of a big dog, rough scales glinting, sharp bony spikes running down its back like a living weapon.
"Spineback!" Seo Dojin barked.
The lizard hissed and shot straight toward the nearest student, claws tearing up dirt.
That kid froze solid.
Everything moved too fast.
But Aaron's body reacted before his brain caught up.
He stepped forward in one smooth motion, the Frostfang Dagger already flashing into his hand from the system inventory. The blade caught the thin sunlight like pale ice.
The lizard leaped.
Aaron's arm came down.
Titan's Grip kicked in without him even thinking about it.
SLASH!
The dagger drove straight through the creature's skull with a sharp, wet crack. The Spineback slammed into the ground mid-leap, legs kicking once, then going still.
The whole clearing went dead quiet for a heartbeat.
Seo Dojin blinked hard.
A few students stared with open mouths.
Even Rei looked like someone had slapped him across the face.
"Brother Aaron…" he whispered, voice cracking.
Aaron slowly pulled the dagger free. The froststeel blade came out clean, a thin trail of frost evaporating into the air like smoke. He looked down at the small monster at his feet.
"That… was easier than I thought it would be."
The silence shattered.
"You killed it in one hit!"
"Wasn't he supposed to be a Laborer?!"
"That dagger… what the hell is that thing?!"
Rei grabbed Aaron's shoulder and shook him like he was trying to wake him up. "Since when are you this strong?! You never even trained with us!"
Aaron scratched his cheek, trying to look casual. "Good timing, I guess?"
Seo Dojin walked over slowly and crouched beside the dead lizard. He studied the wound for a long second, then looked at the dagger in Aaron's hand. Froststeel. Rare as hell for a beginner. His eyes narrowed.
"You've handled blades before?" he asked, tone careful.
Aaron shrugged. "Not really. First time using one like this."
Seo Dojin stared at him a moment longer, then gave a slow nod. "Natural instincts, huh…" But the way he said it made it clear he didn't quite buy the explanation.
While the group was still buzzing, Luna stepped closer without a word. She looked at the dead lizard, then at Aaron, her calm eyes carrying a flicker of something new—curiosity mixed with suspicion. She opened her mouth like she wanted to ask something, but closed it again and just gave him a small, almost reluctant nod before turning away.
Seo Dojin cleared his throat. "Good work, kid. Unexpected, but good. Grab the core if you want. Rest of you, keep moving. We've still got daylight."
As the group started forward again, Rei kept stealing glances at Aaron, whispering under his breath, "You're definitely hiding something big, aren't you?"
Aaron only smiled faintly. "Maybe the Laborer class isn't as useless as everyone keeps saying."
Rei opened his mouth, then shut it. For the first time all day, he didn't have a comeback.
And somewhere deep in the trees, another low rustle sounded—something bigger this time, watching them from the shadows.
The hunt was far from over.