The house stood at the edge of the village walls, a small, weathered structure that had long since lost any signs of comfort. Its wooden walls were cracked, the roof patched together with whatever materials could be scavenged. A single window, barely holding together, allowed faint morning light to creep in. Inside, the air was cool, carrying the lingering scent of burning firewood and the dampness of unpolished floors.
It had the bare minimum—two rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Yet, despite its rundown state, it was a home. And for Liam, it was more than he had ever dared to ask for with his state of poverty.
Alex stood by the bedside, his sharp eyes softening as he looked at the sleeping boy. Liam's black hair was a mess, and his chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He looked peaceful—far from the tense kid he had found yesterday.
"Wake up, Liam," Alex said gently, shaking him by the shoulder.
Liam stirred, rubbing his eyes before blinking up at Alex. A small smile formed on his face as he stretched. "Good morning…"
"Come on, breakfast is ready."
Liam sat up quickly, following Alex toward the small table where two bowls were placed, filled halfway with yogurt and a loaf of bread at its side. He wondered how Alex had already gotten enough money to afford both a month's accommodation and all this food. Alex had fed him, given him warmth and a place to stay, and, most importantly, treated him like a person.
Liam's hands tightened around his bowl as he thought about it. He had known hunger, fear, and pain. But now, sitting here, eating breakfast with Alex, he felt something else—thankfulness.
Once they finished, Alex stood up. "Let's head out. It's time for some scouting."
Liam nodded eagerly, quickly slipping on his worn-out shoes before following Alex out the door.
The village was quiet in the early morning. A few merchants were already awake, eagerly offering discounts to the nearby citizens. As they made their way to the village's entrance, Liam stuck close to Alex, his excitement barely contained.
Near the entrance stood a guard wrapped in heavy armor, his face cold and unreadable. But despite his rigid posture, there was no malice in his gaze. He gave Alex a nod before turning his attention to Liam, studying him for a moment before giving a slight grunt of approval.
"So you've formed a party? With a child?" the guard asked.
Alex nodded. "Hell yeah, I have. Don't underestimate Liam because of his age; he's got potential."
The guard said nothing more, stepping aside to let them pass.
Liam stole a glance at Alex, admiring how effortlessly he conversed with the stern guard. He hoped that one day, he'd be able to do that too.
The plains stretched endlessly before them, a vast expanse of tall grass swaying gently in the breeze. And at its center lay Alex's XP farm—a deep pit dug into the earth, its edges steep enough to trap anything that fell in.
Alex walked toward the pit, surveying it before summoning a clone with a flick of his hand. Clonie turned and sprinted off into the distance.
Liam watched curiously. "What's it doing?"
"Luring them in," Alex replied.
Minutes later, the clone came racing back, a horde of boars charging after him, their heavy bodies thundering across the plains.
The clone reached the pit first, leaping over it effortlessly. The moment he did, Alex handed Liam a piece of wool. "Light it when I tell you to okay? Make sure you don't burn yourself."
"Wait for it...Now!" Alex predicted the timing and instructed Liam
Liam hesitated before striking a flint against the fabric, setting it ablaze. The flames flickered, casting a warm glow against his fingers.
"Okay, throw it in" Alex smiled, with this Liam should reach level 3.
Liam did as he was told, tossing the burning wool into the pit just as the herd of boars fell in. The dry grass at the bottom caught fire instantly, and within moments, the pit was engulfed in flames. The trapped boars squealed in agony, their bodies thrashing as the fire consumed them.
Alex instinctively grabbed Liam, turning him around and pointing into the forest at a tree where a squirrel made its nest.
"Say, Liam, isn't that squirrel really cute?" He distracted the boy, intending to shelter him from this world's cruelty till he could.
Liam turned his eyes up, looking at the adorable little critter with eyes glowing in awe.
A moment later, Liam's eyes widened in delight. "I leveled up! I'm level three!"
Unable to contain his joy, he hugged Alex tightly. Alex chuckled, ruffling Liam's hair.
"Good. But we're not done yet."
Liam stepped back, "What do you mean?" His innocent inquiry was met with a little nod and no explanation from Alex
Alex summoned another clone, sending it off in the same direction.
"Get ready," Alex warned. "When you see a boar bigger than the rest appear, I want you to tell me all of his stats and talent information, okay? Could you do that for me bud?"
"I'll do it!" Liam replied enthusiastically.
Liam braced himself as the clone returned, another batch of boars barreling toward them. Just like before, the clone cleared the pit, leading the boars straight into the trap.
But then—the ground shook.
A heavy presence emerged from the forest, its massive frame crashing through the trees.
A beast, unlike the others.
It stood at least three meters tall, its muscular body covered in thick, scarred hide. Its tusks were jagged, its eyes burning with raw aggression.
Liam gulped. "A-Alex..is that it?"
Alex's expression hardened. Don't worry, you're safe with me."
Liam focused after hearing Alex's reassurance, and suddenly, text appeared in his vision.
Evolved Boar King
Age: Adult
Talent: Strong Attack [D]
Level: 10
HP: 700/700
HP Recovery: 30/M
Attack: 10
Defense: 15
Mana: 0
Mana Recovery: 0
Stamina: 20
Liam's voice continued as he read out the beast's Talent information.
[Strong Attack Talent]
A rare talent among beasts, it allows the beast to gain an amplification of 2 to all attacks for a duration of 10 minutes.
Cooldown: 1 day
Alex's gaze darkened. "This is a tough one. I'll have to be careful."
Alex clenched his jaw. If that talent activated, the Boar King's attack would double. That meant if it hit him, it wouldn't just hurt—it could be lethal in just 4 hits.
Without hesitation, Alex tossed another piece of burning wool into the pit, setting the trapped boars alight once again.
But this time, his eyes were filled with something different—worry.
Grabbing Liam's wrist, he turned and bolted. "Run!"
The Boar King let out a deafening roar and charged.
The hunt had begun, but who would assume the role of the hunter was yet to be decided.