Chapter 223: The Peculiar Hunt
Chapter 223: The Peculiar Hunt
Mary confidently patted her chest and grinned, "With George and me here, we got this! Plus, Thomas is such a great shot, we're definitely coming back loaded."
George let out a few cheerful barks, nodding his head, and bounced around Mary, getting hyped for the upcoming hunt.
They had eaten Deer Fruit, which made them different from before; catching prey was now a breeze.
The trio and their animal companion walked along the winding path, the fallen leaves crunching under their feet.
Thomas held his crossbow, his eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly, not missing a single movement.
He moved with agility and steadiness, each step firm and powerful, always ready to face any potential prey.
Amanda followed closely behind Thomas, curiously observing the flowers and trees around them, occasionally stopping to gently touch the fresh leaves.
Her face radiated a love for nature. "Thomas, look at this flower, it's so beautiful!" she said softly, pointing to a vibrant wildflower.
Thomas stopped at her words, turning back to look at Amanda with a gentle smile, his eyes full of affection. "If you like it, I'll pick a bunch for you later."
Mary and George were playing nearby, with George moving much faster than before, darting around Mary.
Mary wasn't one to be outdone; she moved gracefully, her steps light as she chased after George, creating a gentle breeze wherever they went.
"George, let's see if you can catch me!" Mary laughed, then sped up, sprinting ahead.
George barked in response and chased after her.
Soon, they heard a bleating sound from the bushes ahead. Thomas immediately became alert, signaling everyone to stop.
"Sounds like sheep. Be careful not to scare them away," Thomas whispered, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
Mary and George stopped their play, standing quietly by, waiting for Thomas's instructions.
Thomas crouched and carefully approached the source of the sound. Through the dense bushes, he saw a few sheep grazing leisurely.
He slowly raised his crossbow, aimed at one of the sheep, and gently pulled the trigger.
With a soft sound, a tranquilizer dart shot out, hitting the sheep's leg precisely.
The sheep struggled for a moment before slowly collapsing to the ground.
"Nice shot, Thomas!" Mary couldn't help but cheer softly.
At that moment, the other sheep sensed something was wrong and started to scatter in panic.
"Quick, chase them!" Mary shouted, and she and George sprinted after the fleeing sheep.
George, as fast as the wind, quickly overtook Mary and pounced on one of the sheep.
The sheep ran desperately, but with George's enhanced speed, it had no chance of escape.
George bit the sheep's tail and yanked it back, tripping it to the ground. George's strength had also increased after eating the Deer Fruit.
If George were human, he would be the strongest here.
Mary sped up and caught up, grabbing the sheep's horns and subduing it.
"Got another one!" Mary exclaimed, her face beaming with victory.
Amanda stood by, watching Thomas's precise archery and Mary and George's agility, marveling at how much stronger they had become.
After a bit of chasing, they caught three sheep in total. Thomas and Mary tied them up, ready to take them back.
"We did pretty well today!" Thomas said with a smile, his face full of accomplishment.
"Yeah, we can have a feast of lamb chops tonight!" Mary replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Back at the camp, everyone got busy preparing the lamb.
Thomas handled the butchering and processing of the sheep with skill and efficiency, quickly cutting the meat into evenly sized lamb chops.
Amanda helped gather firewood, carefully selecting dry branches and stacking them neatly.
George also helped, carrying small branches to Amanda's pile, looking adorable as he did so.
Mary mixed some spices, preparing to marinate the lamb chops.
As Amanda helped, she said to Mary, "Now that you guys are so strong because of the Deer Fruit, I want to eat one too someday."
"That way, I can be as strong as you guys."
Mary frowned slightly and said, "Amanda, you know the side effects of the Deer Fruit. It's painful to eat, and you'll be unconscious for a whole day."
"It's not just any pain. Unless it's absolutely necessary, I don't recommend it."
"But I don't want to be a burden. I want to be stronger so I can face dangers with you," Amanda said firmly.
Mary was touched by Amanda's determination.
She gently patted Amanda's shoulder and said, "Alright, but if you decide to eat it, make sure to discuss it with Thomas first."
Amanda nodded obediently, "I will."
Her eyes still showed a strong desire to become stronger, not wanting to fall too far behind. Thomas and Mary were much stronger now, and she didn't want to be left behind.
But at that moment, the enticing aroma of lamb chops quickly drew everyone's attention.
With everything ready, Thomas crouched by the makeshift stove and expertly started a fire. It had been a long time since he cooked for Amanda and the others, and George too.
He piled some dry twigs and grass into a small heap and struck a flint, creating sparks that ignited the dry grass.
Soon, the fire was burning brightly, crackling joyfully.
As the fire grew stronger, Thomas placed the prepared lamb chops and legs over the flames.
The lamb chops sizzled as the fat melted, dripping into the fire and creating bursts of colorful sparks, making the fire burn even hotter.
The lamb chops sizzled on the fire, their surfaces turning golden brown as the fat bubbled and sizzled.
The rich, mouth-watering aroma quickly filled the air, making everyone's mouths water.
"Smells amazing!" Amanda exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the lamb chops and legs on the grill, filled with desire and delight.
She licked her lips unconsciously, looking like a cute, hungry kitten. Only with Thomas and the others did her adorable side show.
Mary's stomach growled at the smell, and she laughed, "Yeah, Thomas's cooking is always amazing."
"This smell is irresistible," Mary said, her eyes never leaving the grill.