Setting Off Again

Early in the morning, Nord woke up from a good night's sleep feeling revitalized. The fatigue from more than half a month of travel had vanished, and he was ready to embark on his journey once more.

Nord arrived at the Wild Boar Cave Stronghold with ease. A month ago, he would have been apprehensive venturing into the forest alone, fearing a sudden beast might leap out of the bushes and devour him. But not anymore. More than half a month of living in the forest had made him comfortable navigating its outer reaches.

Since he had already spoken with Old Mor yesterday, Ryman and the others were prepared when Nord arrived at the Wild Boar Cave Stronghold. The hunters had rotated, with only key figures like Ryman consistently making the arduous trip to scout the path.

This wasn't the first time they were scouting, so Nord didn't say much. Seeing everyone ready, they set off immediately.

After several back-and-forth trips, a small path was gradually forming in the forest. Each time, Nord would have the hunters clear the bushes and weeds alongside the path. This not only served as a marker to prevent getting lost but also made future trips into the mountains easier.

There was no road to begin with, but as more people walked it, a path formed. Nord felt a pang of emotion looking at the small path emerging underfoot. Although he hadn't found Distant Mountain Stronghold on any of his trips, it didn't mean he hadn't gained anything. For instance, the crude animal skin map in his hand and the gradually forming path beneath his feet were all part of his gains from venturing into the mountains.

Along the way, Nord continued to survey the surroundings, looking for suitable locations for future strongholds. After all, regardless of when Distant Mountain Stronghold was found, establishing strongholds along the route was imperative.

It only took a little over a day for the group to reach the place where they had previously encountered the Black Mountain Cat. With the path forming and everyone growing more familiar with this part of the forest, the same journey took less time with each trip. According to Nord's estimate, if they had time to slowly improve the path, it would likely only take a day to get from Wild Boar Cave to this spot. This meant they could depart from the Wild Boar Cave Stronghold in the morning and arrive before dark.

This place could, therefore, serve as a stronghold. While the others set up camp, Nord took a good look around the area.

Their overnight camping spots were always carefully chosen. This area was relatively flat for a forest, and the surrounding trees were sparse, offering an open view. It truly was the most suitable spot for a stronghold nearby. While it couldn't compare to the natural conditions of Wild Boar Cave, it was a rare find compared to the surrounding forest.

Nord finished surveying the surroundings and was about to return when he suddenly noticed some movement in the bushes not far ahead. Nord's heart tensed, and he gripped the longsword at his waist, his eyes fixated on the bushes.

At this moment, I must remain calm. No panicking, no shouting, and no turning to run. Any overreaction could provoke the beast in the bushes and force it to attack.

At times like these, you must maintain a defensive posture, slowly retreating step by step. As long as you don't let your guard down, beasts in the jungle usually won't fight to the death. These were the survival rules in the jungle that Ryman and Old Mor had taught Nord. Of course, some of it also came from watching nature documentaries in his previous life.

Nord slowly retreated. Once he had moved back a safe distance, he turned and quickly walked towards the camp, reflecting on his actions. He had indeed become a bit overconfident lately, relying on his newfound experience in forest survival and his growing strength. His boldness had certainly increased.

Strolling alone in the forest like this was something Nord would never have dared to do before. Perhaps it was due to his growing skill and courage. Ryman and the others were also gradually getting used to it because they recognized Nord's strength. Apart from Ryman, no one was a match for Nord in a one-on-one spar.

Back at the camp, Nord told Ryman what had happened. After hearing him out, Ryman called Old Mor and Harry. Led by Nord, they went to the bushes where he'd seen the movement. It was always wise to be cautious in the forest. Bringing Old Mor along was also to have him examine the tracks left in the bushes to identify the beast. Otherwise, an unknown beast lurking around the camp posed a significant threat to everyone's safety.

Old Mor stood ready with his bow, while Ryman slowly approached the bushes with his longsword drawn. As Ryman got closer, there was no reaction from the bushes. It seemed the beast was no longer there. Ryman slowly parted the bushes with his longsword. When he saw what was inside, he couldn't help but glance at Nord, an unreadable expression in his eyes.

Nord was a bit bewildered. What did Ryman's look mean? Seeing Ryman's actions, Old Mor also understood there was no danger, so he loosened his grip on his hunting bow and walked over to Ryman with Nord.

Ryman sheathed his longsword and stepped into the bushes, bending down to pick up the "beast" inside. Nord approached and saw an embarrassed expression on his face.

In Ryman's arms was a Black Mountain Cat, about a month old. It looked like it hadn't eaten in a long time; its body was extremely thin and it appeared listless.

I was just battling wits with this little guy? For a moment, Nord felt that Ryman and the other two were looking at him strangely. Seeing Nord remain silent, Ryman couldn't help but ask, "Lord Nord, what do you plan to do with it?"

"Give it to me."

Nord reached out and took the Little Mountain Cat into his arms. He carefully examined the kitten. It was so hungry it was barely conscious, its body trembling uncontrollably. Its usually sleek, glossy black fur was dull and lifeless. It looked like it hadn't eaten in days.

Seeing that Nord intended to take in the Little Mountain Cat, Ryman hesitated, opening his mouth but ultimately saying nothing. Ryman didn't want Nord to keep the Black Mountain Cat. After all, Black Mountain Cats were wild beasts of the jungle. What if its wild nature flared up later and it harmed Lord Nord? But seeing Nord's enthusiasm, Ryman found it difficult to speak up.

In fact, Old Mor and Harry also looked at Nord with some confusion. After all, the Black Mountain Cat's reputation in Distant Mountain Stronghold was enough to make children stop crying. They had grown up hearing terrifying tales of the Black Mountain Cat. Seeing Nord intend to adopt one immediately filled them with a sense of awe towards him.

Nord, however, hadn't thought that far ahead. Seeing the pitiful state of the Little Mountain Cat, a wave of sympathy did indeed well up in Nord's heart. And remembering that the adult Black Mountain Cat from before might have been this little one's mother, Nord felt an added pang of guilt.

While Nord felt no sympathy for the death of the adult Black Mountain Cat—he would show no mercy to an enemy who attacked him—none of that concerned this Little Mountain Cat. Meeting was fate, and since he encountered it, Nord would help it. As for what happened later, they would deal with that when the time came.

Gently cradling the Little Mountain Cat, Nord returned to camp.