The next morning they set out ever forward, the snow crunching beneath their bare feet. The wind was howling and the visibility was poor as they ran along the stream, the only visible mark on the landscape. It was hard to notice the passage of time in the white expanse and before long, the day had turned to night.


    “I guess it’s good we ate last night.”  Noah said as they found a spot to settle for the evening. Ta’Ku grunted


    “I don’t know about humans, but orcs eat more than one meal a day.” Ta’Ku replied. Noah’s head tilted.


    “No, humans also eat multiple meals a day.” He said. Ta’Ku frowned, his mouth opening only to close again.


    “Shall we spar?” Noah asked. They spent the evening in their usual fashion, Ta’Ku walked Noah through martial forms and then they practiced on each other. Hammers made for poor sparring weapons, so they often made use of long femurs they had harvested for that purpose. They practiced well past nightfall, enjoying the routine they had established. Ta’Ku found it therapeutic to bash Noah across the head, and Noah just appreciated the practice.


    After their third day without a meal, they started to grow concerned. Should we go back? Noah wondered. They would need to eat at some point, and the further they went, the harder it would be to turn around. One more day.


    On the morning of their fourth day they caught a break. In the distance was a large form, and the two of them sprinted toward their prey. As they approached, they could make out its features: It looked like a large moose, but instead of antlers it had three narwhal-like tusks rutting from its head. When it saw them it snorted, sending a white cloud into the air. Like starved animals, they charged each other, Noah and Ta’Ku going to either side of the beast. Before he could land a blow, the moose turned and kicked Noah in the chest, sending him to the ground. Ta’Ku managed to catch its hind knee with the blunt end of his hammer, but the beast barely responded. Noah scrambled to his feet, narrowly avoiding being speared by its horn. He swung his hammer at the beast’s head but it deflected the blow with the side of its horn. Ta’Ku continued to hammer away at its knees, in the tried and true tactic they had worked out over their many fights.


    The moose seemed to focus all its attention on Noah, and he frantically dodged the spears, finding it impossible to manage anything more. This isn’t going anywhere. Noah ran to the side of the beast and grabbed ahold of its leg. It tried to shake him off but couldn’t angle its horns to reach him. He clutched the leg with one hand and grabbed a knife from his pack. He rarely used the blades in a fight, but this seemed like the right moment. He dug the blade into the moose, aiming for its heart, but the blade stopped a couple of inches into the muscle. The beast lost it, bucking wildly and throwing Noah into the snow. He rolled desperately, but failed to avoid a hoof to the leg. He grit his teeth. Ta’Ku yelled a battle cry as he charged forward, swinging the sharp of his weapon. His attack finally had its intended effect and the knee buckled under the blow. Noah crawled away from the beast before testing his weight on the injured leg. Ouch. He could still move on it, but it would protest every step. He re-engaged in the fight, taking the opportunity to land blows on its downed form.


    The moose suddenly jolted to its feet and moved erratically about, swinging its head in a threatening pattern. It caught Ta’ku in the arm, its spear running straight through his forearm. Noah launched forward, slamming the point of his hammer into the beast’s skull. It continued to thrash, bringing Ta’Ku along for a ride. After another blow to the temple, it finally stilled, crashing to the ground. Noah ran to his companion, helping him separate from the beast.


    [500 XP Gained.]


    “Are you okay?” He asked. Ta’Ku nodded.


    “I will be once we eat.” He responded, a pained grin spreading across his face. They scanned the area, looking for their next opponent, but for the first time, there were no beasts on the horizon. That’s odd. After waiting for a few more minutes they realized nothing was coming. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Noah started on the fire while Ta’ku procured dinner, they worked with silent efficiency both desperate for the warm meal. They were getting low on firewood and hadn’t seen a tree in a long while. Noah sighed. They would find a way to make things work, it just might entail some cold and hungry nights. Ta’Ku plopped down beside him and set the meat out over the fire.


    “That was a rough fight.” Ta’Ku grunted.


    “It was. Worryingly so.” Noah responded


    “What do you mean?” He asked.


    “If we were swarmed by monsters of that caliber, I’m not sure that we would make it out on top. At the very least we would have to change our approach.” Noah said.


    “Where do you think the other beasts are? This was the only one we’ve seen in days.” Ta’Ku asked. Noah shrugged.


    “I don’t know. Perhaps we are in a new ecosystem, or maybe we aren’t the only ones trying to level.” He ventured. Their conversation stilled as they began their meal, neither willing to interrupt the feast.


    “I think we should stay here for a few days and catch up on calories.” Noah said, after they had downed the first portions of meat. Ta’Ku nodded vigorously.


    “That is a great idea.” He agreed. They ate happily into the afternoon, their spirits soaring with each bite. A few hours later, as the snow fell in flurries, a silhouette came into view some ways in the distance. At first, it appeared to be passing them, then it stopped for a moment and turned in their direction. Noah roused Ta’Ku from his sleep and the pair readied themselves for battle. He narrowed his eyes as the familiar shape became clear, it was humanoid with a crown of horns jutting from its head. Drakon.


    Noah raised his hand in greeting, hoping to have a peaceful exchange.


    “Hello! Are you hungry?” He yelled. The drakon twitched, drawing a spear from its back. Then it launched itself toward them, spear extended.


    “Wait! Wait!” Noah yelled, grabbing his hammer and dropping into a stance, Ta’Ku right beside him. The drakon closed the distance in a heartbeat, thrusting the spear at Noah’s head. Noah sidestepped the thrust and swung his hammer on instinct, just missing the drakon’s chest.


    “Good” The drakon hissed, stepping back to block Ta’Ku’s attack. He then struck Ta’Ku in the ribs with the butt of his spear, seemingly surprised when he remained standing. Noah pressed the attack, alternating blunt and sharp strikes. The drakon retreated, managing to avoid or block both of their strikes but not landing any further hits. Noah was tempted to draw his daggers but couldn’t find a safe window to do so. The exchange continued until Noah slipped a strike past the drakon’s guard landing a heavy blow on his dominant arm. The drakon threw back his head and roared in laughter.


    “Very good! Now we can eat.” He cackled, his eyes bright with laughter. He dropped his weapon and approached. Noah blinked, at a loss at the exchange. Ta’Ku scowled, not ready to accept the change.


    “Is it typical to assault your dinner mates?” Noah asked. The drakon tilted his head.


    “Of course. How else would you know I was worthy to share your meal?” He responded. Noah laid his weapon down but remained vigilant as he walked back to the fire.


    “It appears that our cultures are a bit different.” Noah said, offering an olive branch for Ta’Ku to grab onto. The drakon bobbed his head.


    “Ah. I see. Do you eat before you test each other’s worthiness?” He asked, head tilted.


    “Something like that, though we tend to spar with words before weapons.” Noah responded.


    “We fight in scheduled matches. Not spontaneous brawls.” Ta’Ku said, rubbing his ribs.


    “Hmm.” The drakon hummed, rubbing his scaly chin. “There is much to consider. Will you still share your meal with me? Food has become scarce of late.”


    “Of course.” Noah said, finally sitting by the fire. Ta’Ku appeased, joined him. Noah threw a few more slabs on the fire, passing around the already-cooked pieces. The drakon bowed his head shallowly before accepting the meat.


    “It’s an honor to share meat with worthy companions!” He exclaimed. Noah laughed.


    “Indeed. I am Noah, and this is Ta’Ku. What are you called?” He asked.


    “I am Recter Jandon.” He answered, the name ringing a bell.


    “You are on the rankings!” Ta’Ku shouted, excited. Recter nodded.


    “Yes, I am.” He hissed, a big grin on his face. “The most worthy are all on the list.”