The Hooded Samurai

Chapter 2: Inforestation [Part 3]

Didn't I just pass this tree? Dammit, what's going on here??

I mindlessly walked around the forest for what seemed like hours, though I couldn't tell anymore since the leaves - or at least what I think are leaves - have been covering the sky.

Luckily, I haven't encountered many branches since I collected the required amount. But their absence... something doesn't feel right. I felt like I was being watched, observed, examined.

"Hello? Who's there?!" I quietly mumbled since I was too afraid to openly yell out. Hold on... there's nothing out there! It's basically empty!

I then yelled out, "Come and face me you beasts!" I gripped my katana's handle tightly as I aimed it towards my every direction, hoping that nothing would jump out.

I sighed and continued to march along the dark and foggy atmosphere. I turned to the right at a certain tree, and there before me was a straight path, cleared of trees.

"What the..." I mumbled to myself as I slowly came to stand in front of the path.

I wasn't sure wether I should follow it or not, but what did I have to lose? A lot. I've got like two girls waiting for me, and I finally have a katana in my hands. I'm not gonna risk it.

I turned back around to the way I came from, but I heard the wind blow. I definitely haven't heard the wind since I got lost in here.

It started to get more chilly as the wind blew louder and louder. Eventually, it was strong enough to push me back onto the path. What is this bullcrap?! Fine, screw it.

I groaned as I felt like I had no choice but to walk through the open pathway cleared of trees. None of this feels right.

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Wafflez traveled for a few minutes before taking a break. He hadn't stopped roaming for hours, maybe even days. He was hungry, and all he had left were 2 apples and a few berries. He had no idea how long it would take him, so he tried reserving the food rationally.

He drank some water, about half of what was left, and he kept going. Then he came across two separate paths with two separate signs in between them. They were shaped like arrows and they each pointed to one path. The one to the left read:

"For the adventurer, beware. Beyond lies dangerous enemies and an extended journey rewarded with gifts and knowledge."

While the one on the right read:

"For the coward, the easy way out."

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My stomach grumbled as I stared at the lit opening on the right side. But my mind raced with all kinds of curiosities as I looked over to the left, where it extended further and got even darker.

I shrugged and followed the left path. I wonder what rewards there'll be~ I can't wait!

I was slightly swinging my torso back and forth joyfully while I quietly sang to myself as I walked. Yummy food, lots of gold, and more knowledge~! Gosh, what idiot would- Wait, the sign also said dangerous enemies. Meh, the branches were pretty easy to beat~!

I stopped in front of a wall that blocked my way. I looked around, but the sides were blocked by trees. The only other way was to go back.

"Oh, c'mon! How're you gonna promise riches when it's blocked?! Dammit!"

I struck the middle of the wall with my fist and accidentally pushed a button. The wall started to open up and move all sorts of gears out of the way.

"Oh. Cool!" I then walked through the passageway and kept following the path as I happily sang.

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After a few minutes, the path seemed to get wider. There was an open spot in the middle now, large enough to fit about 20 people. Uhm...Alright, maybe this is just another resting spot? But this is larger...

Just then, I heard a growl coming from behind a tree to my right. I quickly unsheathed my katana and aimed it toward the noise.

A cute little bunny appeared. I'm not falling for this crap again.

I quickly charged at the bunny before it could move anymore and I killed it. It bled a lot. Oh my...why does this thing have more blood than the other one?! Oh...maybe cause it wasn't killed by a beam...?

I shrugged the thought off and checked it's mouth. And my suspicions were correct. It did indeed have large fangs.

I felt a tap on my shoulder as I was examining the rabbit beast. I felt a shiver go down my spine and I slowly turned around. I froze and stared at the horrifying human-like rabbit. Its limbs were the same as the tiny ones, but they were stretched out. It was standing on two legs and gave me a bone chilling smile. Its eyes were glowing red with black pupils, and its ears were crooked, also stretched out.

This thing is so damn creepy. Crap, I can't move.

I tightly gripped my katana, but fear had seized my body. The human rabbit slowly reached out to my katana and took it from my hands calmly. I was now hyperventilating.

"Shh, just don't scre-" It spoke, but I had cut it off with a terrified scream.

I backed up quickly, placing my hands on the small pool of blood and accidentally slipping and hitting the back of my head. I quickly kicked the human rabbit back, making it drop my katana as it held its stomach in pain.

I instantly took it and stood up, pointing the blade at its neck.

"WHAT ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT?! HOW CAN YOU SPEAK?! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!" I was still in a state of panic as I yelled at it.

The human rabbit shook it's hands and raised them up.

"Wait wait! Don't kill me! I'm Peterson and I live in these woods! I can just speak, I was born this way! Now please, have mercy!" It begged and tried to back up, but my blade was pressed against its throat.

I sighed and stepped back, still in position to attack if it tried to make a move.

He held his throat and caught his breath as he was still trying to comprehend what just happened. I, too, was extremely confused.

I mustered up the courage to finally talk. "Alright, speak up. What do you want?"
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