Approached by a veteran

I continued to train my hit-and-run tactic against the monsters on the field, reading the timing of their attack and reacting to it. I heard that a top rogue would be able to even read the aura and intent of the enemy. If I ever want to reach that kind of skill, then I need practice....

It is during one of the battle against a Horned Lynx that it happens. I has manages to deal several wounds on it, I thought I manages to get its attack timing down when the unexpected happens. It leaps for a bite but I evades it to the side, making it miss entirely but... I trips over a stray pebble.

I yelps in pain as I falls on my butt, before I manages to catch my bearing, I hear a growl. I turns toward the monster and sees it crouch for another leap bite. I quickly tries to stand up but it's too late as the creature jumps toward me with its jaw wide open with its rows of teeth ready as it aims for my neck.

Knowing that it is inevitable, I closes my eyes in fear to prepare myself. However, the pain never comes... instead, I hears the sound of something sharp ripping through flesh before it is followed by silence.

I slowly opens my eyes and before me is a young human with dark red hair in spikes. In his arm is a bloody long sword with its blade half-entered the Horned Lynx's jaw before jutting out of its cranium. It doesn't take a genius to know that he has saved me just in time.

He pushes the creature's body to the side before pulling out his blade out of the carcass. Taking out a piece of cloth, he wipes the blood off the blade before turning to me, "That was close... are you alright?"

I nods silently before answering, "I'm... fine... thank you." The human smiles as he nods, "You're welcome." He sheathes his weapon and helps me up before speaking again . "My name is Edward... as you can see, I'm a swordsman... I... I mean, my party and I noticed that you seem to be hunting alone and... we're looking for another member to for a party in order to hunt stronger monsters..." He clears his throat before continuing, "If you like... would you be interested into joining?"

I scratches my cheek as I considers his offer. It is a rather tempting offer since knife users like me actually has a harder time hunting solo... but joining a group with total stranger isn't to be taken lightly either. After a while, I finally speaks, "What monster are you planning to hunt anyway?"

I haven't given him a positive answer but the man seems relieved enough on the fact that I shows an interest in his offer. With a much clearer voice than before, he speaks again, "We're planning to hunt the night wolves. Apparently, a pack of them has made the plain not far from here as their habitat and they has been harassing the people making their way from this town and the next, there has been no human fatalities but it is still a matter of concern. There's a reward for their extermination and their pelts supposedly fetch quite a price in the market. We wouldn't mind sharing it with you if you join us."