[h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
[color=ed1c24][i]That could have gone better.[/i][/color]

Novak's attack struck true, his sword stabbing into the creature's neck. It didn't slow the Kyrinth down, but it definitely drew its attention, and Novak found himself on the receiving end of a powerful headbutt which knocked him to the ground.  Panic set in as he strained to breathe and simultaneously tried to pull himself to his feet through the considerable pain.  Being unable to draw breath was harrowing enough, but his proximity to an enraged, man-eating beast was a much more pressing matter.

Fortunately, the Kyrinth never got a chance to follow up on its attack.  Nobunaga struck a disemboweling blow on the creature's vulnerable underside while it was distracted, finally putting it down.  The fight was over, and the beast was finally dead. From the look of it, they had gotten off pretty lightly.  Novak's injuries didn't seem too serious, and Nobunaga didn't seemed to be slowed down by the blow she had suffered.  The lead hunter approached to commend them on the feat, and gave out orders to the villagers.  Novak, still winded from the Kyrinth's attack, wasn't exactly in a position to come up with or give a reply.

[color=ed1c24][i]First chance I get I'm learning to dodge.[/i][/color]

While everyone got to work, Lazhira dashed away, leaving the three of them to be addressed by the lead hunter.  At this point, Novak was breathing semi-consistently again, and was once again able to think clearly.  The hunter introduced himself as Akando, and invited the group to meet someone named Enli.  Was that the chief that Lazhira had mentioned before running off?  Either way, it didn't feel like they had much of a choice, since Lazhira and Akando were so far to be their only contacts in the town.

[color=ed1c24]"Sure, we're not busy,"[/color] Novak finally replied.  [color=ed1c24]"Who is Enli?"[/color]

[@VitaVitaAR][@Rune_Alchemist][@PKMNB0Y]