The southern forest was quiet except for the rustle of leaves. JP crouched low, fingers brushing the damp earth where paw prints pressed deep into the soil.
Wolf Tracks – Fresh. Count: 3–4. Direction: South-East.
His Appraisal skill whispered results into his mind. He grinned. That's handy. It's like having a guidebook in my head.
Lyra knelt beside him, eyes narrowing. "You read tracks well for someone new."
JP smirked, shrugging. "Let's just say I've got a good eye for details."
As they stalked deeper, JP planted two of his Pulse Stakes discreetly. A faint shimmer of mana laced the undergrowth, forming a weak barrier trap.
"Bait them into this," he whispered.
When the first wolf lunged from the brush, fangs bared, JP tossed a Glow Pebble at its feet. The flare of amber light stunned it mid-charge, and Lyra's blade finished the job cleanly.
The second wolf leapt at JP—but the Pulse Stakes activated, crackling arcs of lightning that drove the beast back with a yelp.
JP's heart pounded, exhilarated. It works! My traps actually work in a real fight!
Lyra dispatched the wounded creature with practiced ease. She glanced at JP, faint approval flickering across her face. "You fight differently. But it's effective."
JP grinned. "I'm not built for swinging swords. This is my way."