Duke then ventured deeper into the forest, carefully observing his surroundings.
During this process, his hunting skills improved slowly, as performing any hunting-related activities increased proficiency.
Duke held a concise map outlining parts of the Moonlight Forest's periphery, noting terrain and key locations like water sources.
These were accumulated from predecessors' experiences; deeper areas are uncharted, as few venture into the heart of the Moonlight Forest.
Duke wouldn't go deeper, only attempting to locate traces of the Twilight Deer in these outer areas.
He planned that finding the Twilight Deer would be excellent, but even if unsuccessful, hunting other game could also earn some money.
Duke mainly headed to crucial water sources, attempting to find clues around them.
Since Twilight Deer have high demands for water, their activity usually centers around these sources.
Duke spent the morning exploring three water points but still discovered nothing.
He planned to explore the remaining two in the afternoon; if nothing showed up, he would have to give up.
Duke wouldn't spend the night in the Moonlight Forest; it's too dangerous at night.
He ate some simple dry food and drank some clean water before continuing.
Duke arrived below a waterfall, cascading down a mountain like a heavenly river falling.
Below the waterfall was a pool, clear and bottomless, with several green fish swimming beneath.
Duke crouched in the grass by the pool, observing intently.
Generally, water sources attract many beasts for drinking, often carrying certain dangers.
Duke observed for a while, finding only two elk but no predators, and began exploring the area.
He soon discovered some droppings, identifying them as left by the Twilight Deer through their shape.
Duke immediately got excited, the droppings were relatively fresh, indicating the deer was nearby.
He looked around, found some footprints, which were indeed Twilight Deer's tracks.
Following the tracks forward, Duke finally saw the Twilight Deer munching grass under a tree ahead.
Without making a move, he began adjusting his breathing, slowing his rate to meld seamlessly with the environment.
Twilight Deer is a mid-tier magical beast, lacking offensive and defensive prowess, but extremely fast.
It's very alert; once startled, it flees instantly - Duke's current speed wouldn't catch up.
Humans are inherently hindered in forests, unlike these beasts.
Duke lowered his body, every step was premeditated, almost silent on landing.
He synchronized his breathing with the wind, camouflaging his breaths within it.
Duke's stealth was perfect, even the perception-wise Twilight Deer remained oblivious to his presence.
The process lasted about half an hour, Duke gradually reached his shooting range while the deer grazed leisurely.
Duke squatted, waiting; he was within shooting range, needing a mountain breeze next.
He would shoot while the wind blew, concealing his movements within its sound.
Duke remained patient, knowing opportunities were scarce.
Rushing would stun the deer into alertness, making reapproach difficult.
A mountain breeze swept through, the forest rippling like a sea of green.
The Twilight Deer sensed the breeze, slightly raised its head, squinting, savoring the peaceful moment.
From afar, Duke had already drawn his bow and notched an arrow, its tip glinting coldly.
He was completely at one with his surroundings, barely detectable without careful observation.
Duke's bowstring was taut; he didn't rush his shot, still waiting for the wind to sheath the arrow for perfect execution.
For about ten minutes, Duke finally released the bowstring.
The arrow shot forth, guided by the wind towards the Twilight Deer, silent and camouflaged within it.
The arrow grazed the deer's back, leaving a wound from which blood seeped.
The Twilight Deer immediately let out a soft cry, leaping over ten meters away, vanishing from sight.
Duke's shot wasn't off-target but intentional.
The arrow was poisoned, capable of paralyzing a bear within moments.
The mission demanded capture, not killing, so Duke resorted to this method.
He put away his bow and followed closely.
The Twilight Deer was quick; Duke couldn't match its pace in the short term, its speed exceptional among mid-tier magical beasts.
Due to its injury, Duke easily tracked it with hints.
After tracking for a while, Duke noted the deer's traces growing denser, likely paralyzed, slowing down.
Half an hour later, the Twilight Deer was completely incapacitated, lying on the ground struggling to rise.
It looked fearfully at Duke approaching, its hooves clawing the ground weakly, unable to stand.
Duke didn't hastily approach; it's a mid-tier beast, a charged kick could still hurt.
He waited for it to lose consciousness entirely before going over to hoist it onto his shoulder.
"Done, heading home." Duke was in high spirits; this deer was worth a hundred gold coins, a significant haul.
As he carried the deer out, sensing an anomaly behind him, he leapt a few meters away, an arrow stood where he originally was.
Duke turned to see two leather-armored men looking at him maliciously.
A man with a facial scar spoke: "Friend, we first spotted this wounded Twilight Deer and tracked it for a long time, you taking it isn't right."
This amused Duke: "Why do you think the deer was injured? You were later arrivals based on who spotted it first."
The scarred man sneered: "You Nightingale folks are domineering; this is Moonlight Forest, killing you would go unnoticed. If you're smart, leave the deer and spare your life."
"Knowing I'm from Nightingale and still saying this, today won't end peacefully." Duke sighed.
He certainly wouldn't comply; wearing Nightingale armor had them threatening, clearly not planning to let him live, whether he left the deer or not.