Some undisclosed location on earth
A gathering of individuals clad in white robes adorned with black porcelain masks that concealed all but the narrow slits of their eyes congregated in a chamber constructed from a mysterious metallic alloy. One of the figures, distinguished by a mask embellished with an azure trim along its edges, stepped forward to address the group in a stern and solemn manner.
"An irregularity has been identified in the Gumpfrey region within a village known as the Kline village. Have the deployment of Archmage Duke Dennis effected immediately to investigate this issue promptly. Inform him he is to use the teleportation array at the church to shorten his journey and expected to produce results in as timely a manner as possible. The area is to be surveilled comprehensively, and all particulars, irrespective of their significance, are to be duly documented. Depart!
"Yes Commander," the group replied in unison before vanishing from sight.
In a secluded chamber, Archmage Duke Dennis was deep in meditation. The room was devoid of any furniture, with pristine white walls bathing the space in a bright light.
Suddenly, a shadow materialized in the far corner of the room.
From the shadow emerged a voice, conveying with authority, "You have been dispatched to the Gumpfrey region, specifically to a quaint village known as Kline Village. Your prompt arrival is imperative, utilizing the teleportation array situated at the church. Upon reaching your destination, it is expected that you promptly relay any discoveries back. A dossier has been meticulously prepared and will be awaiting your perusal at the teleportation array. Such is the decree of the Grand Commander." The shadow dissipated after delivering its message.
Archmage Duke Dennis rose from his seat with a disdainful huff. "Hopefully this new task proves to be more stimulating than the previous one. It has been far too long since I had the chance to unleash and demonstrate the full extent of my magical prowess." And with a sudden swirl of mist, the room was engulfed in darkness, and the Archmage vanished into thin air.
***
Back in Jacob's room
Jacob was preparing to retire for the night before his father rose to tend to the crops at dawn. After an hour of sleep, he was roused by the sound of furniture being rearranged outside his room. Hastily, he sprang out of bed and hurried downstairs to find his father adjusting his suspenders over his khaki trousers, paired with a crimson button-down shirt. "Father, is it possible that I can offer my assistance to the hunting party today?" Jacob inquired hopefully.
"Oh ho, it seems someone is eager to work. First, tending to the sheep, and now showing interest in joining the neighbors on a hunt. A diligent and hardworker is bound to achieve greatness, much like your esteemed father here," Andrew remarked with a grin. "I will certainly inquire with Jimmy about the possibility of you joining the hunting expedition under his guidance and supervision," he added.
Jacob gazed at his father with anticipation before swiftly ascending the stairs to freshen up. After completing his shower and dental routine, Jacob descended back to the ground floor to discover their neighbor, Jimmy, in the living room conversing with his father. Jimmy, a compact and muscular individual standing at approximately 5'5 in height, laughed as he warmly greeted Jacob and roughly patted Andrew on the back.
"Don't worry about a thing neighbor, I'll return the boy in one piece and make a man out of him in the fields." Jimmy said as he stopped laughing. "Well come on then, don't want to hold the guys up any longer."
Jimmy gestured for Jacob to follow him, and Jacob complied. They departed from Jacob's residence, strolling through the village towards the main gateway. Positioned at the village entrance were five other individuals, all fixing their gaze on Jimmy as he approached. One of the men called out, "What's the matter, Jimmy? Is old age finally catching up to you?" This elicited laughter from the rest of the group.
Jimmy also laughed and exclaimed "It will be a cold day in hell before you youngsters manage to surpass me". As they reached the entrance, the five men gazed at Jacob with curiosity when a particularly slender individual inquired "Hey Jimmy, why have you brought Drew's kid with you? Need assistance carrying your load do ya?"
Jimmy gazed at the individual who addressed him and responded, "Well Greg, I must inform you that Drew inquired about our willingness to include the young lad in our activities this morning, perhaps even imparting some knowledge onto him. The young boy is nearing the age where he is nearly ready to become a real man."
The man known as Greg nodded in approval, and all the other individuals gave Jacob a pat on the shoulder. "Given the wait, I presume the wagon is all loaded up and prepared for departure," remarked Jimmy as he inspected the wagon. Turning to Jacob, Jimmy handed him a dagger, advising him to wield it for self-defense in case he encountered any danger.
With that, the crew embarked on the wagon, and a robust black horse neighed as it commenced pulling the wagon while the lanky man Greg skillfully handled its reins. Approximately an hour later, Jacob caught sight of a vast stretch of woodland emerging before him. He was struck with awe, for this marked his first departure from the village since his youth, since his father had adeptly organized affairs at the ranch, ensuring their family's self-sufficiency. Jacob gazed at the verdant canopy of trees, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he turned to Jimmy, seeking insights into the mysteries that lay within the forest. Jimmy reassured him, mentioning that their quarry consisted mainly of wild boar, urging Jacob not to fret as he and his companions were well-equipped to handle any challenges that arose. He emphasized that Jacob's role was to observe and absorb the expertise demonstrated by the seasoned professionals.
Deep within the forest, the wildlife was in the midst of migration, with the more predatory creatures such as wolves and bears seeking out new territories to conquer. The commotion had gradually subsided, yet the previous day, an anomaly during Jacob's trial had triggered a surge of mana in the vicinity, rousing a dormant beast. This event led to a widespread movement of creatures throughout the forest.
The beast remained motionless, yet its awakened state emanated a predatory aura that cleared the area of all other creatures, establishing its territorial dominance. Unbeknownst to them, Jacob's group of seven ventured into the disturbed domain of numerous agitated wild beings, setting the stage for an expedition far from ordinary.
As the group neared the edge of the forest, they gradually came to a stop beneath the shelter of a colossal tree. Without hesitation, each member alighted from the wagon and commenced the arrangement of their gear, including tents, cooking utensils, and various other necessities. These hunting expeditions typically spanned from two to three days, prompting the crew to equip themselves thoroughly for a potential journey deeper into the forest in pursuit of prey.
Jacob perched on a weathered log, clearly repurposed as a makeshift bench, and gazed admiringly at the dagger bestowed upon him by Jimmy. The intricately crafted weapon boasted a sturdy wooden handle enveloped in supple leather, adorned with intricate stitching depicting a wolf's howl towards the starry skies. The blade, starting slender at the hilt, gradually widened towards a pronounced curve near its tip, exuding a keen edge that shimmered under the midday sun, casting a radiant glint as they reached the forest's edge.
Just as the crew completed the establishment of their encampment, or base as they preferred to refer to it, Jimmy began issuing directives. It appeared that all the other individuals were accustomed to his leadership, as each one already understood their assigned tasks. Jimmy then turned to Jacob, instructing him to exert his utmost effort in maintaining absolute silence, and to attentively observe and absorb knowledge during the upcoming hunting expedition.
Jacob nodded in understanding, a grave expression settling upon his countenance. Yet, inwardly, he harbored the resolve to separate himself from the group, intent on hunting his own prey to strengthen himself, just as L had described.
Speaking of L, Jacob realized he had not heard from the old man all morning. As soon as he entertained this notion, L materialized before him with a grin. "Already missing me kiddo?" L quipped, a chuckle escaping him. Jacob pondered the eccentric nature of the man and attempted to dismiss him, hoping perhaps he would simply vanish.
"You know I can perceive your thoughts, right?" L remarked with a subtle twitch of his lips. Jacob, feeling a flush of embarrassment, mentally extended his apologies, insisting that it was merely a jest. Dismissing the matter with a shake of his head, L vanished, deciding to just observe the unfolding events through Jacob's mind.
Jacob was filled with an overwhelming sense of anticipation, convinced that this day held immense promise and nothing could possibly go wrong. However, as if in a direct challenge to that notion, a resounding series of thuds reverberated towards them, accompanied by the haunting howls of approaching wolves in the distance.
"STAMPEDE!!" Jimmy shouted.