Deep in the jungle, concealed beneath a thick cloud of bushes "How long do we have to wait?" I complained, growing impatient. I haven't eaten since I've come to this world.
"As long as it takes- Hey, what do I call you? I'm tired of calling you prisoner." He said.
"…Stephen." I replied, after hesitating for a few moments. There's no point in concealing my identity any longer. If I continue to use a fake name eventually I'll slip up and their mistrust will only grow.
"Redan." He introduced himself.
"Do you guys hunt for food everyday?" I asked.
He cast a puzzled expression my way. "Yes,how else would we eat? Are your people some type of beast that can go weeks without eating! How frightening!" Redan said, looking at me in wonder.
"No." I replied, unable to contain my laughter. "We have refrigeration as a way to preserve our food for weeks, sometimes months."
"So your people use magic as well then." He said, nodding as if he had come to some sort of understanding.
I shook my head. "Not really it's powered by electricity."
"Sounds like magic to me though I suppose such a power would be detrimental to our land." Redan said.
"Why?" I questioned.
"Our land would be overrun by the beast of the jungle. They already outnumber us three to one, I can't imagine how many they'll be if we stopped hunting everyday." Redan explained.
"Three to one? How's that even possible!" I said,shocked.
"Used to be four the one- shhh" Suddenly Redan put his hand up. A serious expression possessed him. "It's here it must've picked up on the mana I emitted earlier."
"Where?" I inquired, my eyes darting every which way.
He pointed east, after a few seconds I finally saw it. "We're going to eat that?" I asked, disappointed.
"Yes, looks good right!." Redan said excitedly, drool hanging from his mouth.
Are we looking at the same thing? I looked around just in case, hopeful I was mistaken. Unfortunately, there wasn't another animal in the area. I watched the massive beast slither across the grass. The slime it left behind only warranting my disgust. Its scales were flaky and it had four small fins on the top of its back. It looked like a walrus and shark mixed together.
"I'm going in for the kill!" Redan announced, grabbing his spear.
"Hey, wait? What should I do?"
"Just stay here." He ordered.
I felt a little embarrassed being told to stay put like some sort of child but he's right I would only get in his way. The tiny sword I have won't do much against a creature that ginormous. I doubt I'd even be able to pierce its skin.
Redan leapt into action. Jumping 10 feet in the air, striking his spear into the back of the beast. A thunderous shriek echoed throughout the land.
Even with a spear lodged into its back the Kotai spun around and swung its tail in the direction of Redan. Thankfully he was able to evade the attack, skillfully maneuvering to its flank. He grabbed the sword from his hip and unleashed a flurry of attacks on the back of the beast. This time the Kotai was unable to react in time as it was at the mercy of Redan's ruthless aggression.
"Keeeechhhh!" Suddenly another animal's shriek echoed in my head. Redan didn't notice as he was too focused on the Kotai, who was just a few more strikes from falling.
I looked around in a panic then after a few moments of terror I located the culprit. It was black and green. It stood on two legs like a human but the top of its head looked like a giant squid. It had sharp yellow nails that were as long as my arms. I followed its line of sight landing on the back of Redan who was oblivious.
I picked up the sword Redan had given me, preparing to cut off its route but it took off before I could get to it. I'm not going to make it in time! "Redan!"