Chapter 1001 - 20: Searching for the Brown Bear

Chen Wen waved his hand, signaling Roland and Fred to remain vigilant.

He then took a few steps toward the bushes with his spear.

The creature spying on the camp seemed to realize Chen Wen was not to be trifled with, and it made some noise before moving away into the distance.

It fled.

Chen Wen scratched his head, wondering if his aura was really that intimidating.

But it’s also normal; in most cases, animals encountered in the wilderness instinctively avoid humans.

Of course, the ones that don’t want to avoid humans are the kind that humans should steer clear of, though they are rare.

This little thing spying in the dark is likely a Wolf Mink or a fox-like animal.

It was probably attracted by the scent of the prey brought back by the Eagle and Wolf Mink.

For the camp, especially for Chen Wen, it posed no danger at all.

But soon Chen Wen will be hunting, and the camp needs to start stockpiling prey. If a camp predator like a Wolf Mink approaches during such a time, it’s best to be cautious.

As Chen Wen was thinking.

A faint sound of wings flapping was heard.

The Snowy Owl silently landed on Chen Wen’s shoulder.

Chen Wen asked in a low voice, "Did you find anything?"

In response, the Snowy Owl whispered, "It’s a Wolf Mink, attracted by the prey brought back by the Eagle, and it’s very hungry!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen frowned and asked, "Can you catch up to it?"

The Snowy Owl hesitated for a moment and said, "It’s difficult, this creature is very fast, much smaller than our Wolf Mink, and it’s very quick-witted. In the few breaths since I discovered it, it found me just as quickly."

Chen Wen was taken aback, surprised by the Wolf Mink’s sharp perception.

It’s worth noting that while the Snowy Owl hasn’t chosen any traits to enhance perception, it is wise and naturally has increased perception ability.

Yet this Wolf Mink managed to detect the Snowy Owl in a short span of time, demonstrating its strong perception capability.

"Alright, keep an eye on it. Whether it’s a single Wolf Mink or a group, we can handle them." Chen Wen calmly said.

The Snowy Owl nodded, flapped its wings again, and vanished silently into the darkness.

Chen Wen tapped into his perception.

He couldn’t help but acknowledge the Snowy Owl’s impressive stealth ability.

The creature’s flight was almost soundless, and its feathering was pure white—visible only when there’s no snow. Once it snows, it’s virtually undetectable.

Chen Wen contemplated for a moment, then went to check the place where the Wolf Mink had recently been active.

There weren’t many traces here.

After pausing for a while, Chen Wen returned to the camp.

"How was it? What was it?"

Seeing Chen Wen return, Roland immediately stood up to ask.

Chen Wen shook his head, "Nothing dangerous, just a Wolf Mink."

Wolf Mink, huh.

Roland frowned and gestured cutting forcefully, indicating whether to kill the Wolf Mink.

Chen Wen sat down beside the campfire, lazily saying, "It’s hard to kill. This Wolf Mink is somewhat special, with exaggerated perception abilities. As soon as I approached, it immediately sensed my presence—it’s very smart."

Upon hearing this, Roland was amazed.

It was his first time encountering such an alert Wolf Mink.

After all, through his past survival experiences, Wolf Minks often appeared with a somewhat reckless image.

"Maybe it’s a relatively special Wolf Mink."

"Nature surprises us in many ways," Fred added.

Hearing this, Chen Wen nodded in agreement.

The three chatted for a few sentences, and Hua Yun woke up. She came over and sent Roland and Fred to rest.

...

Thus peacefully arriving at the second day.

Everyone got up, boiled water, and reheated some of the chicken stew with mushrooms from the previous night.

Roland and Gaston didn’t have much appetite; they just drank a bit of pine needle water.

After breakfast, everyone picked up their weapons, waiting for Chen Wen’s instructions.

During this time, Chen Wen and Hua Yun were busy sharpening two wooden sticks, making weapons for Gaston and Adam.

After about ten minutes.

Chen Wen looked at the wooden sticks, tied the dagger onto one, and later handed it to Gaston.

Hua Yun also finished making a weapon and tossed it to Adam.

The two tried them out, feeling satisfied with them.

"Are they alright?"

Seeing the two using them well, Chen Wen asked, "Any adjustments needed?"

The two shook their heads.

This time, the two weren’t the main attackers, just supporting roles, so the weapons just needed to be serviceable.

"Alright, let’s prepare. We’ll move out in five minutes!"

Chen Wen picked up his spear, eyes shining brightly.

The group responded, each holding their weapon in hand.

...

Five minutes later.

The Wolf Mink, Snowy Owl, and Eagle stayed to guard the camp.

This trio working together meant that, unless faced with a large predator, most animals approaching are unknowingly delivering themselves.

So Chen Wen felt assured leaving the camp under the care of these three animals.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eagle accompanied Chen Wen and his group as they headed to the place where the brown bear was spotted.

On the way, Chen Wen discussed his plan: "Like we talked about last night, I’ll go find the brown bear first. You all stay alert."

"If while scouting you come across the brown bear, don’t confront it head-on. Climb a tree; though brown bears can climb trees, occupying the high ground allows us to use weapons to deter the bear, and then we can wait for others to assist."

Fred nodded worriedly.

The group kept their conversations brief, checking their weapons again.

...

Chen Wen left the group, prepared to find the brown bear on his own.

Of course, searching alone isn’t out of arrogance, but because he plans to use his unique abilities.

After moving about several hundred meters away, ensuring the team couldn’t hear any movements from where he was.

Chen Wen quickly said, "Golden Eagle, ascend and scout for the bear’s location."

The Golden Eagle swiftly took to the sky, beginning its surveillance of the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Chen Wen wasn’t idle.

While waiting for news from the Golden Eagle, Chen Wen also started searching for any signs of the brown bear on the ground.

Brown bears are large and roam freely; finding their tracks is relatively easy.

After covering only a few dozen meters in the forest, Chen Wen noticed something unusual.

Ahead of him, between some bushes, was a wide path.

This path had formed naturally and extended between the bushes, reaching deep into the forest.

Animal trail!

In general, forest animals have a very special habit.

Each day, they follow a routine path to drink, forage, and patrol their territory.

This behavior stems from their daily activities, through which animals create a track.

Once proven to be the most efficient, safest, and quickest route, individuals tend to repeatedly choose it.

Thus forming animal trails.

Now, the location where Chen Wen stood was the brown bear’s trail!