The dense forest buzzed with the quiet hum of insects, the distant calls of birds, and the rustling of leaves underfoot as Reach, Reckon, and Owe moved cautiously through the undergrowth.

"Tracks lead this way," Reach whispered, crouching to examine a fresh set of hoofprints in the damp soil. The print was large and deep, indicating a fully-grown Nukap. She gestured toward the north. "It's heading toward the river."

Reckon nodded. "Good. If we're lucky, we'll catch it while it's distracted by the water."

Owe, being the youngest of the group, adjusted the blaster that sat in a holster on his side and gave a nervous smile. "Distracted or not, it's still a Nukap. I just hope I can actually be of help this time."

"That's why we stick to the plan," Reach said firmly, her spear balanced effortlessly in her hand. "I'll flank it from the right. Reckon, you take the left. Owe, stay back and cover us with the blaster. Don't fire until I call you, alright?"

"Got it," Owe replied, though his grip on the weapon tightened.

The trio moved in near silence, each step careful as they closed in on the riverbank.The sound of water rushing over stones grew louder, and soon they caught sight of their target.

The Nukap was massive, its mud-streaked hide glistening in the sunlight. It stood knee-deep in the river, snorting as it rooted through the water, searching for something hidden beneath the surface. Its tail flicked lazily, unaware of the hunters closing in. Exactly as how Reckon liked to see it.

Reach signaled to the other two with her hand, and the three split up to take their positions. She moved with practiced stealth, her knives glinting faintly as she melted into the shadows of the trees. Reach circled wide, her spear poised and ready, while Owe found a vantage point on a small rise overlooking the riverbank.

Reckon was the first to act. With a sharp whistle, she drew the Nukap's attention, its head snapping up as it snorted aggressively. The beast splashed in the water, trying to reach the river bank to get a steadier footing.

Her spear flew through the air with precision, lodging itself in the Nukap's shoulder. The creature bellowed in rage, turning toward Reach with murderous intent.

"Now, Owe!" Reckon shouted, sprinting forward with her knives drawn.

Owe hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking aim. His blaster fired a bright blue bolt that struck the Nukap in the side, searing its tough hide and slowing its charge.

Reckon darted in, her knives flashing as she aimed for the beast's legs, trying to make sure it couldn't charge at them. The Nukap roared, swinging its massive head to try and bite at her, but she was too quick, dodging out of the way with practiced ease.

Reach retrieved her spear and thrust it again, this time driving it deep into the Nukap's flank. The beast staggered, its likely wouldn't hold out for much longer.

"Finish it!" Reach shouted.

Owe fired another shot, this one aimed at the Nukap's chest. The blaster bolt struck true, and the creature let out one final roar before collapsing into the river with a big splash.

The trio stood still for a moment, catching their breath as the water around the Nukap's body began to settle.

"That was... intense," Owe said, his voice shaky but triumphant.

"Good work," Reach said, patting him on the back.

Reckon crouched by the Nukap, inspecting the carcass with a critical eye. "Big one," she said, wiping mud from her knives. "We should get ready to carry it back. Doesn't look like a light one."