The forest was alive with the hum of insects and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Rose crouched low, her sharp eyes scanning the muddy ground for signs of their prey. The Nukap tracks were fresh. deep, wide prints pressed into the earth, with the occasional smear of uprooted plants marking the creature's passing.

"Over here," Rose whispered, motioning to Reckon and Reach, who were close behind her.

Reckon, nodded in acknowledgment, her sturdy frame moving silently through the undergrowth. Rose followed closely behind, her spear, worn but reliable, was gripped tightly in her hand. "Looks like it veered left toward the creek," she said, inspecting the tracks. "It's trying to keep cool. Smart beast."

Reach, fidgeted with the string of her bow. Her eyes darted between the prints and the surrounding trees. "We're close, aren't we? I can feel it."

Rose chuckled softly, noticing the Tsabhua's excitement. her voice a low hum. "Patience, Reach. A Nukap is dangerous when cornered. We can't rush this."

The trio moved as a unit, their steps light and delibarate. The Nukap they were tracking was a large male, notorious for raiding nearby settlements and trampling through cultivated mushroom fields. The creature wasn't just a nuisance- it was also a threat to their, and other nearby, community's food supply.

The creek came into view, its clear waters glinting under the filtered sunlight. Rose raised a hand, signaling the others to stop. She pointed to a cluster of shrubs by the water's edge, where the Nukap's massive form was partially concealed. The creature was rooting through the damp earth, snuffling loudly.

Reckon leaned closer to Rose, her voice barely audible. "We need to get it away from the water. If it charges, it'll have the upper hand in that mud."

Rose nodded and gestured to Reach. The Tsabhua stepped back quietly, moving to higher ground with her bow. She drew an arrow, her focus narrowing on the Nukap. With a deep breath, she loosed the shot.

The arrow struck the ground near the Nukap's feet, startling it. The massive boar-like creature snorted angrily, its red eyes locking onto the trio. With a bellowing roar, it charged away from the creek and toward the hunters, its hooves thundering against the ground.

"Now!" Rose shouted, darting to the side as Reckon braced herself, spear ready.

The Nukap barrelled forward. Just as it reached Rose, she lunged, driving her weapon into the beast's shoulder. The creature roared in pain, veering to the side where Reckon was waiting with her blades. She moved with precision, slashing at its exposed flank.

Reach's arrows rained down, striking the Nukap's thick hide and slowing its movements. Finally, with a deafening cry, the creature stumbled and collapsed, its massive form crashing to the ground.

The hunters stood panting, their weapons at the ready in case it tried to rise. But the Nukap lay still, its eyes closing for the last time.

"Good work," Reckon said, clapping Reach on the shoulder.

Reckon wiped her blades clean and nodded. "The settlement will be relieved. This one won't bother them anymore."