It is engraved in all living things that no matter what they are, one must remember that they will die in the end. From the greatest predator to the smallest prey, the natural world was ruled by one simple fact: there was always bigger fish. Of course, in these woods, Sabyrs stood at the top of the food chain. The cat was the predator of everything that ran and breathed. So it was only natural that it didn’t fear whatever was following. Not that it knew it was being followed.

Not that Embla would allow it to know that she was following it. After all, it was her pride as a hunter that was on the line.

However, it did know that there was something else stalking it. And it could be the reason as to why it was on guard. After all, even for an apex predator, one must protect their food from those who would try to steal it.

The Sabyr growled as it dropped its meal. A poor gazelle that had made its way into its territory. A flash of white flew past its face as a dagger embedded itself in a tree next to it. A dagger made of pure ice. The mist wafted off the dagger, much like mist wafted off dry ice in the open.

“You’ve been causing a big problem for the people around here.”

Embla glanced down at the petite woman that walked out of the shrubbery. She resisted the urge to palm her face. After all, who walks out and confronts a dangerous beast like that.

The Sabyr growled as it began to circle her. But to her credit, the girl showed no signs of fear. Instead, she drew two white curved blades. The blades were a work of art. White as snow yet looked sharp enough to cut someone with just by laying eyes on it.

In a flash, the Sabyr pounced on the girl. Its fangs bared and claws splayed as it intended to tear her into ribbons. Its compact muscles allowed it to leap at speeds that were far faster than that of the Cheetahs from Vanaheim. However, the girl smiled. To her such speeds were slow. She was faster than this beast.

Easily stepping to the side, she swung one of her blades. A mere blur even to the trained senses of Embla. The beast screamed as the blade cut deeply into its shoulder, cutting through its muscles and tendons like a hot knife through butter. It landed on the ground, rolling before hitting a tree. The beast roared in pain as it shakily got to its feet. It struggled to maintain its balance.

The girl did not smile nor did she show any sort of indication that others would show in a fight they were winning. Pure focus and concentration was what was in her eyes. Without another word, she took off towards it. A streak of white in the green of the forest. The fight was over in a flash. Several streaks of white covered the creature before the girl landed in front of it, sheathing her swords as blood sprayed everywhere from the numerous wounds that now littered its body. The Sabyr gave one last roar before falling to the ground, its blood now staining the forest floor red.

“And that’s that,” she said, dusting off her hands.

Embla was impressed. Sabyrs were strong cats that gave even the strongest fighter from the local town a hard time. Perhaps this girl wasn’t from here judging from her looks. The two bushy foxtails and the fluffy ears and that robe that resembled the Shrine Maiden robes of the people of Alfheim that she had seen so much in photos were good indicators.

She contemplated on making herself known when she realized something. A fundamental aspect of hunting a sabyr. Sabyrs possessed two hearts and were not easily killed from mere wounds. Her notion was spot on when she saw the beast twitch behind the girl as she began to walk away. Embla needed to think and fast.

As the Sabyr went from lying down to springing at the girl’s back, Embla jumped from her position in the trees. She drew her swords and breathed in. Her eyes shined with determination to prevent this fox woman from being turned into a pile of shredded meat.

“[Eight Fold Dance]...”

Embla’s body glowed slightly, the sensation of her prana covering her. As the name implied, Embla performed eight precise strikes, each hitting a vital organ within the Sabyr’s body. Its two hearts reduced to ribbons as Embla landed behind the Sabyr, a small line appearing on her cheek from its claws.

The woman was more than surprised. Her delicate eyebrows rose in surprise when she saw the beast that she had seemingly killed walk towards her before flopping over dead.

“Sabyrs have two hearts. If you don’t hit those two hearts, they don’t die and they have a decent rate of regeneration so hoping that one will bleed out is a moot point,” Embla said as she wiped the blood off her blades.

“Oh, thanks for the advice… and uh, nice skill. Where’d you learn it from?” she asked.

“My mentor,” she said.

Embla turned around and extended her hand.

“Embla. Embla Feuerdrache. A pleasure to meet you,” she said.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I should’ve introduced myself first. My name is Shirayuki Honokami. But people call me Yuki for short,” she said, performing a bow.

“You from Alfheim?” Embla asked, noticing her mannerisms.

“I was born and raised there but I moved here after I graduated from Academy,” she said.

“Ah. So can I ask what you were doing here in the woods?”

“I was taking a request from the village nearby,” she said.

The two were now walking through the woods back onto the trail. Yuki had not ventured far. After all, the details of the quest said that the beast was known to prowl near paths where people liked to take walks.

“What about you?” Yuki asked. “Why are you out here?”

“Huh? Oh, I was hunting for dinner. Sabyr meat has the same texture and taste as beef so they make for a good substitute. And the hide and bones can be refined and used to create gear and such,” Embla said as they arrived on the path.

“I see. Should I head back and get some parts then?” Yuki asked, “How good is the quality of the gear from their parts anyway?”

“They’re alright but I mainly use them for making throwing daggers. The rest I sell or cook,” she said.

“Are you going to head into town?” Yuki asks as she notices that Embla stopped.

The girl looked at her with a contemplative look on her face. She never really went into towns unless she needed supplies. She primarily camped in the woods whenever she got tired. She didn’t really do too well in places with a large number of people. It felt too congestive.

“No, I have a camp set up in the forest. I’m only going to be here for the night before I move on,” she said.

“I see. Well, I hope we run into each other again,” Yuki said.

She reached into her pouch and pulled out a few wrapped bars. She held them out and looked at Embla expectantly.

“Huh? What are these?” Embla said as she took the bars. She read the label.

Nougat Bars

“They’re Nougat Bars. They’re a good source of protein in the field. I brought a few but ended up not needing them. Maybe you can use them?” Yuki asked.

“Thanks,” Embla said, opening her pouch. She placed them into her pocket before turning to smile at her. “I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah, I hope we run into each other someday,” Yuki said. She turned around and began walking down the path. However, she stopped and turned to wave at Embla.

Embla smiled and returned the wave before walking back into the woods.