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Chapter 5: Cracks in the Pattern
The first few hours in the Hunting Grounds passed more smoothly than Auren had expected.
That, in itself, was enough to make him cautious.
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They had stayed close, just as Jake instructed.
Moving in a controlled formation, keeping their distance from dense areas, avoiding unnecessary risks. It wasn't impressive—but it was efficient enough for a team that barely trusted each other.
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Their first hunt had been a low-level monster.
Small. Fast. Barely a threat.
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Auren had lured it out from behind a cluster of rocks, keeping its attention just long enough for Jake to strike. The creature barely had time to react before it fell, its body dissolving into faint particles and leaving behind a small gemstone.
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Five points.
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Not much.
But it was a start.
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From there, they continued.
Another low-level.
Then another.
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Ten in total.
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Nothing went wrong.
No injuries. No missteps.
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Which was exactly why Auren didn't relax.
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Too smooth…
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Eventually, they encountered something more serious.
A mid-level monster.
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Larger. Slower. But far more dangerous.
Its movements were heavier, its presence enough to make the others hesitate for a brief moment.
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Jake didn't.
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"Same plan," he said quickly. "Distract it."
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Auren stepped forward without argument.
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The creature's attention shifted to him instantly as he moved, its low growl vibrating through the ground. He kept his distance, careful, measured—never too close, never careless.
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He wasn't fighting.
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He was guiding.
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Leading it exactly where Jake wanted it.
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And just like before—
the final strike wasn't his.
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Jake landed it cleanly, breathing slightly heavier this time as the monster collapsed.
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A larger gemstone dropped.
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More points.
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"See?" Jake said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Stick to the plan and it works."
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The others nodded, relief visible on their faces.
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Auren said nothing.
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But he noticed everything.
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Jake's movements were getting rougher.
Less controlled.
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The others were already relying on him too much.
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And most importantly—
none of them questioned anything.
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This won't last.
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They continued moving.
Deeper.
Further into the forest.
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That's when it started.
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Subtle at first.
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Auren noticed the change before anyone else.
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The sounds around them shifted.
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Less movement.
Fewer monsters.
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The forest felt… quieter.
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Too quiet.
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He slowed his steps slightly, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.
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Where did they go?
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Monsters didn't just disappear.
Not in a place like this.
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Ahead, Jake kept walking without hesitation.
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Then—
a voice called out.
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"Hey—over here!"
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All of them turned.
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A figure emerged from between the trees, waving casually as if nothing was wrong.
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Auren's eyes narrowed slightly.
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The boy approached them easily, stopping just a few steps away.
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"I've been looking for you," he said, glancing at Jake. "You're doing pretty well."
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Jake smirked faintly.
"Not bad yourself."
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Auren watched the exchange carefully.
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They know each other.
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"I found a better area," the boy continued. "Cluster zone. A lot of small monsters—easy points. My team's focusing on high-level ones, so it's free."
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That sounded too convenient.
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Too easy.
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But the others reacted immediately.
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"That's perfect," one of them said. "We should go."
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Jake didn't hesitate.
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"Lead the way."
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Of course.
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Auren remained silent for a moment longer.
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His gaze lingered on the boy.
On the way he spoke.
On the way Jake didn't question him.
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Cluster zone… with no one guarding it?
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That didn't exist.
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Not here.
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And yet—
he stepped forward.
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Following them.
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Not because he believed it.
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But because he wanted to see how far it would go.
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The deeper they walked—
the quieter it became.
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No monsters.
No movement.
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Just the sound of their own footsteps.
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The others didn't notice.
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Or maybe—
they chose not to.
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Auren's fingers curled slightly at his side.
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Now I'm sure.
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This wasn't a hunting path.
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It was a setup.
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And they were walking straight into it.
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Still—
he didn't stop.
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Because sometimes—
the fastest way to understand something…
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was to let it happen.
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