Wild Bulls (Part Two)

Wild bulls in this world looked very similar to the ones on Earth, with adult bulls generally measuring about two meters in length and featuring thick, sharp, curved horns. The only difference was that their fur was not dark like that of Earth's wild bulls; instead, under the sunlight, their coats displayed a stunning, smooth texture like golden damask, beautiful enough to dazzle the eyes.

It was precisely because of this gorgeous fur that an endless disaster befell these animals. Garments made from this fine pelt were traditionally favored by women from well-to-do families because they were much cheaper than furs made from other animals.

Furthermore, the meat of wild bulls was more tender and delicious than that of domestic cattle. Therefore, lured by heavy rewards, people often ventured into the forest to hunt them. Catching a wild bull, however, was by no means an easy task.

First of all, although wild bulls inhabited the outer fringes of the forest, they typically moved about in small groups of at least ten. Secondly, while they were mostly active at dawn, dusk, or night and rested in shady spots during the day, their sense of smell and hearing were extremely acute. Though gentle in temperament, they showed no fear when encountering enemies, fleeing swiftly once they detected someone approaching. When shot, injured, or driven to a desperate corner, they grew fierce and attacked people. Consequently, those who hunted wild bulls were usually warriors below the sixth level who struggled to make a living, or at best, robust hunters with rich hunting experience.

For young lads like Fafier and Romon, let alone hunting a wild bull, even bagging an animal smaller than one would make them the object of astonishment to others.

At this moment, however, Fafier and Romon had no time to ponder such things. They were lying prone in the grass, their gazes locked firmly on the wild bulls drinking by the river.

Although they lacked extensive hunting experience, this did not mean they could not gauge the strength of these three wild bulls. Their movements were somewhat sluggish, their overall appearance looked rather listless, and with only three of them together, they were clearly weak stragglers that had fallen behind the herd! Moreover, it was one large and two small!

The two exchanged glances, both seeing pleasant surprise in each other's eyes.

Romon, it's three straggling wild bulls! We've struck it rich this time! Fafier's face flushed red with excitement, as if he already saw a large stack of silver coins laid out before him. Joyfully, he touched the arrows on his back and readied his bow to shoot, only to be intercepted by Romon at his side.

Don't move yet. Romon gazed intently at the three wild bulls still drinking by the river, whispering, We've finally run into straggling wild bulls; we mustn't scare them away.

He licked his slightly dry lips and continued, At this distance, using arrows might not be very effective. Here's what we'll do: I'll sneak over and launch a sudden attack on the big one, while those two small ones are up to you. Don't you have a rope? If we capture them alive, tie them up and bring them back. Live wild bulls fetch a higher price, and although killing an adult bull isn't a problem, as for the little ones—if we don't have to kill them, we won't...

Without giving Fafier any room for objection, he hunched over and carefully crept toward the three wild bulls along the grass.

Only when he got closer did he realize that the two calves seemed to be newborns, their four legs still wobbling slightly as they drank.

The adult wild bull also looked extremely weak, its body covered in overlapping scars that were festering. Clearly, having fallen behind and needing to protect the calves, it too had encountered wave after wave of lethal danger—any carnivore would be interested in such an isolated beast, and heaven knew how many battles it had survived.

As Romon crept closer, the beast finished drinking, listlessly flicking its tail as it headed toward the bank.

A great opportunity!

Romon gripped his sword tighter and approached it with even lighter steps. This sword was the one forged by old blacksmith Weil. Although a machete might be more suitable for hunting, weapons were not cheap in this world, and combined with the hundreds of silver coins of debt hanging over his head, he had no choice but to make do with this sword for now.

As for taking out the machete from his spatial storage, that was out of the question. Besides, while a machete was handier for hunting, for someone who currently only knew swordsmanship, using a sword could better protect him.

Because Romon was a druid, he naturally carried a serene aura of nature. This aura was not only useful for plants, but also quite effective for lulling animals into complacency. After all, who would be on guard against a plant? Therefore, when he slowly emerged from the grass and walked toward the wild bull, since the beast had its back to him, it did not notice him at first.

By the time he had walked right up to it and raised his sword, the killing intent erupting in that instant finally alerted the adult wild bull to danger. In panic, it tried to flee, but how could Romon let such prey slip away!

With a swift hand and a falling sword, he fiercely stabbed the wild bull. The weapon was decent and penetrated deeply. The wild bull let out a wild bellow and turned around to charge at him.

Romon was startled and leaped back hastily; his exceptional agility burst forth right here.

Just a few jumps back, Romon realized that due to its numerous injuries, the wild bull's movements had become extremely sluggish and slow, and it merely kept uttering mournful bovine cries.

Romon immediately pounced forward, continuously delivering follow-up stabs with his sword. Blood splattered everywhere, and finally, the bull shed large tears, evidently knowing its time of death had arrived.

Seeing those tears, Romon experienced a sudden pang of hesitation, but thinking of Nick, he hardened his heart and drove his sword straight into the bull's heart.

Romon looked at the fallen bull carcass on the ground, reasonably satisfied with the strength he had gained from practicing swordsmanship over the past few days. He wiped a few drops of blood off his body.

Having finished, he stood up just in time to see Fafier leading the two small wild bulls and walking over with a cheerful smile.

Then, the two of them got busy together, skinning the wild bull right where it lay. At the same time, they placed the beef, which had already been cut into several large chunks, into a burlap sack prepared in advance.

It wasn't that Romon didn't want to toss these things into his spatial storage for greater convenience, but he wasn't alone right now. Although Fafier was his good friend, the fewer people who knew he possessed spatial storage, the better.

We really lucked out this time! Skined already? Fafier looked at the skeleton on the ground that still had quite a bit of meat left on it, saying with some regret, Are we leaving all this behind?

Romon smiled and patted the sack on the ground. Forget about those. Carrying just this lot back is going to take a huge amount of effort. It's almost noon, so let's hurry back. If we return early and turn in some money, you might even get to eat a meat pie!

Fafier thought about it and decided it made sense, so he said nothing more.

The two of them walked back eagerly, one leading the cattle and the other carrying the beef.

It could be said that this hunting expedition was a massive success. Not only was no one injured, but they had also hunted a wild bull, something ordinarily difficult to catch. This definitely counted as pure luck.

Even Romon could not help humming a tune—some popular songs from Earth.

Romon, what tune are you humming? It sounds really nice! Fafier asked enviously from the side. Can you teach me?

Romon glanced at him in bewilderment. Didn't you always dislike these things?

Fafier scratched his head shyly. I'm having my coming-of-age ceremony next year...

Oh, oh, I get it! You've got your eyes on some girl, haven't you? Hahaha! Romon understood immediately and burst into loud laughter.

Fafier's face turned even redder, and he said with feigned anger, Forget it, don't teach me then! Seriously!

With that, he stalked forward in a huff.

Romon suppressed his smile, stepped forward, and patted his shoulder. Don't be mad. I'll teach you later, alright?

Only then did Fafier's expression ease up. Soon, however, his face grew grim again. Romon, it looked like a shadow flashed by just now.

Really? Romon stopped fooling around and carefully surveyed his surroundings. There's nobody here. Did your eyes play tricks on you just now?

Maybe. Fafier wasn't entirely certain. By the way, I heard Miss Eileen treats you very well. You'll definitely be able to work in the Church in the future, right?

Seeing that his companion was already looking at him with an envious expression, Romon could only pat Fafier's head and wryly chuckle, What does that have to do with whether I can work in the Church? But...

Eileen's quiet, beautiful face and exquisite, curvaceous female body seemed to float before his eyes. ...Miss Eileen is indeed a very nice person.

Fafier chuckled and said, You don't have a crush on Miss Eileen, do you?

Such words would normally not be spoken. After all, Miss Eileen was a noble and a priestess, and her status was vastly superior to commoners like them. Even though Romon was a druid, it would still be difficult for him to aim that high.

However, right now it was just the two of them. Furthermore, Fafier merely wanted to turn the tables and seize an opportunity to tease his companion.

If you can marry Miss Eileen, that really would be a leap to the heavens! Miss Eileen is not only beautiful, but also gentle and kind, and she'll be a priestess in the future, plus she's the Lord's daughter. Tell me honestly, do you really not like her?

Romon's reaction, however, deeply disappointed him. His face remained completely calm, as if the person being linked to that universally recognized angel just moments ago wasn't him at all.

Romon, didn't you hear who I just said? I was talking about Miss Eileen, oh—the beautiful and kind Miss Eileen. Do you really not like someone as angelic as that?

Romon patted Fafier's head once more. What nonsense are you spouting? That's an utterly impossible thing. Have you forgotten the other person's status? Tch.

After making a disdainful expression, Romon strode forward.

Hey, hey! Romon, wait for me! Fafier hurried after him, leading the two calves.

If you really don't like her, why are you deliberately putting on a straight face? It's way too obvious! Tell me, tell me—we're bros, aren't we? If you say it, I won't laugh at you...

Romon...

The two of them squabbled as they walked farther and farther away. Behind them, countless drops of blood stained the dirt path, stretching out from beneath the burlap sack Romon carried all the way into the distance.

Until their figures faded away. A young man draped in a wide robe finally stepped out from the side.