Zento: The Prehistoric journey

Chapter 21: Experience

Woffu lunged at the beast, his sharp teeth sinking into its left hind leg, but his inexperience showed. The beast leaped sideways, wrenching itself free before any real damage could be done. Turning sharply, the creature snarled at Woffu, its confidence bolstered by the realization that its opponent was an infant wolf barely larger than its usual prey.

The beast attacked, claws flashing, and Woffu yelped, retreating instinctively. But the beast wasn't about to let its prey escape. It pursued with feral determination, closing the gap between them quickly. Its jaws snapped down on Woffu's tail, causing the young wolf to spin around and snap back reflexively. Startled, the beast leapt back, but it wasn't done yet.

Woffu growled, his little body trembling with adrenaline as the beast launched another attack. This time, it feinted to one side before lunging at Woffu's left shoulder, tearing into flesh. Woffu's sharp yelp of pain echoed through the forest as he scrambled to retreat, limping toward Ragna.

Ragna was already running, his heart pounding as he pushed himself to catch up. He saw the fight playing out in the distance, saw Woffu's struggle, and his frustration burned hot. He wanted to help, but throwing a spear risked hitting Woffu in the chaos. His only choice was to close the distance.

The beast seized its opportunity, biting into Woffu's front shoulder. The young wolf cried out, his steps faltering as he limped toward Ragna, desperation in his eyes.

The beast, sensing victory, lunged for Woffu's exposed neck, its jaws wide.

A sharp, whistling sound cut through the air.

Before the beast could complete its attack, Ragna's spear struck it square in the neck. The creature let out a strangled cry, its body going limp mid-leap as it collapsed to the ground in a heap. Woffu, wide-eyed and trembling, stumbled to Ragna's side, yelping softly.

But Ragna wasn't ready to coddle the young wolf. His jaw tightened as he strode past Woffu, frustration evident in every step. He reached the dead beast, pulling his spear free and glaring down at the wolf.

Woffu whimpered, his head low, sensing Ragna's anger.

When Woffu lunged at the carcass, hunger driving him to feast, Ragna acted swiftly. He grabbed the pup by the scruff of the neck and pressed him firmly to the ground. The wolf froze, his ears flattened against his head, understanding the correction. This wasn't the first time Ragna had asserted dominance during their training, and Woffu knew better than to resist.

Once Woffu submitted, Ragna turned his attention back to the beast. He worked quickly, skinning it with his stone knife and carving out the best cuts of meat. He knew they couldn't linger; the smell of blood was already drawing other predators. The distant sounds of approaching beasts confirmed his instincts.

Packing up what he could, Ragna hoisted the meat and led Woffu back to the cave.

At the cave, Ragna tended to Woffu's wounds with practiced care. He washed the torn flesh with water from a nearby stream, then pressed damp leaves against the injuries to staunch the bleeding. Satisfied with his work, he placed a portion of the fresh meat next to Woffu and watched as the wolf hesitated before eating, his body still trembling.

Ragna sighed, his frustration softening slightly. "You'll learn," he muttered, brushing his hand against Woffu's fur.

When the wolf finally fell asleep, Ragna prepared to leave again. There was no time to waste; the day was young, and there was still much to learn.

This time, Ragna ventured toward the chaotic front of the forest. This was the direction he would ultimately need to take to follow the North Star—the ancestors' path, as his tribe called it. But to traverse it safely, he needed more experience.

The forest was alive with sound: the distant roars of predators, the cries of prey, the rustling of leaves under unseen movements. Ragna closed his eyes, his senses straining to isolate each noise, to pinpoint their sources.

The cacophony painted a map in his mind. Predators feasted deeper in the forest, while smaller creatures darted nervously through the undergrowth closer to him. The deeper he ventured, the louder and more violent the sounds became.

Carrying two spears and four knives he had crafted, Ragna moved with deliberate caution. This hunt wasn't for meat but for knowledge.

Ragna had been taught by his elders that predators were the best teachers. To understand their tactics—how they stalked prey, waited for the right moment, and struck with precision—was to become one with the hunt.

As he crept deeper into unfamiliar territory, he crouched low, weaving through the thick brush. Every step was measured, every sound analyzed.

Then he heard it—a low growl.

The sound was close, closer than he had anticipated. Before he could react, a shadow burst from the foliage, teeth bared and claws extended.

"RAAOOORR!"

The beast lunged, its powerful jaws snapping shut.

Chomp!

To Be Continued...