Black pulled a metal lighter from his pocket and lit his cigarette with a "snap".
Grayish-white smoke rose up, blurring his resolute face.
"Hunting brown bears isn't something you can just do on a whim. It's war, a war between species."
He took a deep drag of his cigarette and slowly exhaled.
"These past two days, Aruk was right; it's a good opportunity. The blizzard has just passed, and the temperature has plummeted. To keep warm and prepare for hibernation, the bear's appetite will be at its peak, and its alertness will be relatively lower."
"But this also means it will be more ferocious and violent than usual."
Black stood up, his tall figure casting a long shadow under the light that covered the entire table.
"Since you want to play, then play the proper game."
He looked at Aruk, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"You don't need to scout the location. I'll take the dog to confirm the location tomorrow."
Aruk was stunned, then his face lit up with ecstasy.
With the help of Black's pack of dogs, the success rate would skyrocket from 50% to 99%.
Those dogs were renowned hunting dogs throughout the island. It was said that Black took them to Siberia, and even wolves would avoid them.
As for the actual timing of the operation...
Black looked out the window.
"The day after tomorrow, when the snow has completely stopped, and the visibility is at its best."
He then turned his gaze back to Su Wei.
"Consider this operation your practical combat assessment."
Black's voice turned stern, like that of a mentor addressing an apprentice.
"Don't think that having a few good guns and a nice car makes you a hunter. Whether you can keep your hand steady when facing a wild beast weighing hundreds of kilograms charging at you, and whether you can find the fatal point in two seconds, are two completely different things."
"This time, Old Kash and I are only responsible for providing cover and holding the line. We won't fire unless you're about to die."
"You're the main attacker. Whether you can take down this behemoth depends entirely on you."
Su Wei felt a wave of pressure wash over him.
But his blood flowed even faster.
Assessment.
Real-world application.
This is exactly what he needs.
Only by experiencing a true brush with death can the [ Hunting Module ], currently at LV1, evolve, transforming him from an ordinary person with a system into a true wilderness hunter.
I accept.
Su Wei nodded.
"Very good."
Black had a cigarette in his mouth.
"Then it's settled. The team will consist of four people: you, me, Old Kash, and this big guy who only talks."
Aruk, who had been grinning foolishly, turned pale the moment he heard that Black had included him and that he would be traveling with this Old Devil.
The psychological trauma from being scolded by Black in the past is still there.
"Uncle Black... can I go too? I can actually show you from the car..."
"Shut up."
Black gave him a cold look.
You need to be the bait.
Aruk: "..."
Seeing Aruk's mournful face, Old Kash was overjoyed and slapped his thigh.
To receive personal guidance from Black, even as bait, is an opportunity that every young hunter on the island would kill for.
"This is your good fortune, you brat."
Old Kash slapped his son on the back of the head.
Su Wei couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry, Aruk, if you get eaten, I'll take good care of your snowmobile."
"Screw you."
Aruk gave the middle finger, but the fear in his eyes visibly diminished.
Since Black to go, it means the matter is settled.
Even if he said he wouldn't take action, everyone present knew that this old hunter was extremely protective of his own.
If there's real danger, his gun will be faster than anyone else's.
The atmosphere at the dinner party reached another climax because of this last-minute decision.
But it was late, and although the wind and snow were still fierce, it was time to end the blizzard.
Old Kash stood up and began packing his things.
Mrs. Kash helped tidy up the leftovers on the table. Although Su Wei kept saying it wasn't necessary, this diligent Alutiiq woman insisted on cleaning up the kitchen a little.
"We haven't finished those deer hearts yet, Su Wei, save them and reheat them tomorrow morning."
Mrs. Kash gave her instructions.
"Don't waste such a good thing."
Aruk, burping, put on his heavy winter coat, wrapping himself up like a ball.
See you the day after tomorrow, bro.
He hugged Su Wei tightly.
"I need to rest and recharge these next couple of days. It's a brown bear, you know... I'm so excited I can't sleep."
The Old Kash family pushed open the door, and a cold wind rushed in, carrying bits of ice and snow.
"Go back now, don't bother seeing me off."
Old Kash waved and led his family into the pickup truck that was already running and warming up.
The car headlights pierced the darkness and gradually disappeared at the end of the forest path.
The room suddenly felt much more spacious.
Black didn't leave immediately.
He walked to the door, put the worn-out wool felt hat back on his head, and his back looked particularly lonely.
"Read more books these next few days."
Black said without turning his head.
"Review the skeletal structure diagram of a brown bear. I don't want to see you hit its shoulder blade and have a bullet bounce off."
"Besides."
The old hunter paused, seemingly hesitant.
"That hot pot, and that stir-fried deer heart."
"On the day of the hunt, you'll be in charge of logistics. Prepare food to take into the mountains. Dry rations are terrible, but since you have the skill, don't neglect your stomach."
After saying that, without waiting for Su Wei's reply, he pushed open the door and strode into the wind and snow.
Su Wei stood at the door, watching the figure disappear into the darkness, feeling both amused and exasperated.
This old man clearly meant he wanted to eat more of his food, but he expressed it in this strange way.
It seems that the meal truly won over his stomach.
Su Wei closed the heavy door.
The cabin fell silent again.
The temperature inside was still very high, and the pine wood in the fireplace was still crackling, occasionally sputtering out a spark or two.
The air was filled with a faint smell of alcohol and the aroma of hot pot, along with the emptiness that followed the end of the gathering.
Su Wei turned around.
Only he and Emily remained in the room.
Emily sat on the wool rug in front of the fireplace, holding a cup of hot water, staring blankly at the flickering flames.
She didn't leave.
When the Aruk family left, she just sat quietly and didn't get up to say goodbye.
And that oblivious Aruk completely forgot to ask Emily if she wanted a ride back to town.