The caravan had settled into a steady pace along the forest road. The sun was high, birds chirping overhead, and yet Baker felt a sharp edge of focus in his mind. The journey north was long, the forests were teeming with wildlife, and resources were limited.
He dismounted quietly, spear in hand, letting his Enduring Body Magic flow at low cost — constant reinforcement and healing sustaining him indefinitely. No Jerky, no extra food yet; he was perfectly capable of relying on himself.
A rustle in the underbrush drew his attention. Two forest creatures, smaller than the flame-maned Zoar but still formidable, stepped into view. Their mottled fur camouflaged perfectly with the trees, and their eyes glimmered with intelligence. Baker observed carefully, noting the positions of their limbs, heads, and vital areas.
Precision. Efficiency. Survival. His mind secretly said these phrases.
As the creatures lunged, Baker moved like a shadow. He aimed for vulnerable points — eyes, throats, ear canals, and underbellies. Every strike was deliberate, calculated. His spear found the right angles, his reinforced muscles letting him parry, twist, and strike simultaneously without fatigue.
One creature leapt to bite, jaws snapping, and Baker twisted just in time. A quick jab into the throat ended its struggle instantly. The second creature tried to flee, but he anticipated the movement, lunging for a precise strike to the legs and soft underbelly. Within moments, both lay still.
Selene, watching from the rear, raised an eyebrow. "You're… ruthless. Surgical. Nothing escapes you anymore.That kind of precision… most warriors wouldn't dare aim so specifically."
Baker's eyes glinted. "It's about survival, Captain. Long journey. Limited resources. We need food — and I'll make sure nothing goes to waste."He chuckled Im a hunter and Chef I know where to cut" He beamed a childish smile.
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From Hunt to Feast
Baker gathered the fallen creatures, inspecting them carefully. With the guidance of Harven's teachings and his own culinary intuition enhanced by the Chef God's Blessing, he began preparing the meat. He used his mana-infused cooking techniques, combining the creatures' flesh with herbs he had gathered along the road, and gently infused mana to enhance flavor and preserve nutrition.
The smaller creatures had soft, tender meat — perfect for stews and roasting. Baker carefully sliced, seasoned, and cooked over a small portable fire. The smell wafted toward the caravan, drawing curious looks from Selene and Melody.
"This… smells incredible," Melody said softly, watching as Baker worked. "Even for something hunted… it looks… delicious."
Baker smiled faintly, finishing the preparation. He portioned some for immediate consumption and stored the rest safely, warded lightly with low-cost magic to prevent spoilage. "We survive, we eat, and we keep moving. Nothing wasted, everyone cared for."
Selene flexed, watching him handle both combat and survival. "I have to admit… you're learning faster than anyone I've ever trained. That precision, that ruthlessness… combined with your endurance… it makes you formidable. And efficient."
Baker nodded, carefully placing the cooked portions into containers. "Efficiency is key. If I waste energy or meat, we risk falling behind or starving. Every strike, every meal, every bit of magic counts."
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Reflection
Sitting by the fire later, Baker ate with Selene, Melody, and his mother. The creatures he had hunted earlier now nourished them, each bite infused with subtle healing and stamina-recovering mana. Baker felt a quiet satisfaction — not from bloodlust, but from responsibility and efficiency. The forest provided, and he made sure it fed them without waste.
His mind wandered briefly. This is part of survival. But I also have a choice… to cook, to heal, to protect. I can combine them all. And one day, maybe, I can make the journey easier for others — through meals that sustain, magic that heals, and strength that protects.
The caravan settled for the night, the forest quieting around them. Baker's spear rested nearby, Enduring Body Magic still humming faintly under his skin, ready for whatever the road might throw at him next.