The Top Fishing
Chapter 676 - 287: First Combat_3

Chapter 676: Chapter 287: First Combat_3

The sparse grassland and lichens were becoming increasingly scarce, with low bushes growing more prevalent instead. Looking out into the distance, the bushes gradually merged with the pine forest, making the wilderness environment even more complex.

Seeing this, Lin Yang hesitated a bit. A complex environment meant higher risks, which wasn’t a favorable condition for a falcon on its first day of actual combat.

However, since there weren’t significant obstructions around the area, he still found it somewhat acceptable.

While he was pondering this, a pine stick struck the bushes, and suddenly, a white figure burst out like lightning, darting swiftly into the distance.

Little White had achieved victory in its first real hunting battle, and it was a moment of high spirits. Seeing the situation, it immediately took off.

Lin Yang reflexively released his clinched hands, and Little White took advantage of the force to chase after it.

As expected, what should have followed was another popular and exciting "hare-falcon" hunt, but this time, the performance of Little White in the encounter made him frown.

Why say that? Because this rabbit’s response was much more agile than the previous one.

In the prior attacks, the prey merely adjusted its stride subconsciously to dodge, but this rabbit, facing Little White’s assault, did not panic at all. As Little White dove in for an attack, the rabbit just stopped on the ground, confidently moving a step within a small area, easily dodging Little White’s dive.

Dodging attacks was common for Lin Yang, but such composure was unusual.

He made a judgment immediately.

This rabbit must have had experience facing predators before; it did not panic and run recklessly like the smaller rabbits.

With each successive dive attack, this older rabbit’s escape responses were excellent; it managed sharp turns with control much better than the previous one, not too wide, yet precise and effective. Unnoticed, it had moved towards the zone where the bushes met the pine forest, escaping with very calculated moves throughout.

Seeing this, Lin Yang knew that Little White had met a real challenger this time.

He immediately made a decision, throwing his long legs into motion, waving the pine stick and whistling quickly as he ran.

Lads, wild predators fight solo, but eagle hunting is a teamwork of one person and one eagle; humans can also assist in battle.

Hearing the whistle, Little White intensified its attacks, and with the sound of Lin Yang running towards it, the old rabbit turned and fled. After several dashes through the bushes, Little White’s diving attacks were obstructed, and it was exhausted. It settled on a nearby pine tree, giving up the assault.

The white falcon perched on the pine tree was very conspicuous. Lin Yang didn’t rush over hastily but maintained a steady pace as he approached. Standing under the tree, he pulled out a lure and whistled, easily coaxing Little White down.

"It’s so strange, what’s happening here? Little White doesn’t seem to be a match for this rabbit."

"This rabbit is white and appears to be much larger. The way it dodged attacks felt so rational, not panicky like the first rabbit."

"The advantage of training with a lure has come in handy, just flashed the fake bait, blew the whistle, and it came down from the tree, so slick and smooth."

"Victory and defeat are common in warfare; take a little rest, continue the fight, the host shouldn’t be too discouraged. There are times in fishing when the slingshot comes off too."

Lin Yang gasped and nodded, "Everyone’s analysis is quite right, this rabbit indeed has a lot of experience.

As you all saw in the close-up just now, it has turned pure white after molting, which indicates one thing. As we know, the fur of prey helps in camouflage to avoid natural predators, and after molting, the snow rabbit’s new winter fur becomes warmer.

Besides being affected by the seasons, molting is also related to the ability to forage. A well-fed rabbit can molt more efficiently. The rabbit we have only has a small part of its fur changed to grayish-white, while the one that escaped has completed its molting, indicating it lives better in this region.

Also, seeing how it skillfully dodged Little White’s attacks, it shows that it has had experiences escaping from falcon’s hunting before. If compared to fishing, this would be considered an old, cunning fish who matches wits and bravery with the angler.

Today was our first official hunting day, and we restricted Little White’s food quite harshly, which greatly affected its energy reserves. It’s normal that it couldn’t catch the rabbit. I’ve already memorized this area. We’ll improve Little White’s condition a bit more and then come back to challenge it. There’s always a chance to catch it."

When successful, Lin Yang shared the joy of victory with the water friends; when failed, he wasn’t discouraged but summarized the experiences of failure with everyone.

His words still won unanimous approval from everyone.

Holding Little White, he rested on the spot for another five minutes before setting off again.

But this time, Lin Yang no longer hesitated, he turned around and walked back to the familiar area. If hunting fails repeatedly, it can affect the falcon’s confidence in hunting. At this stage, what’s needed most is to catch those inexperienced rabbits to accumulate experience before moving on.

Lin Yang’s thoughts were absolutely mature and rational, but often times, things do not always go as one wishes. No sooner had he turned around and walked less than thirty meters, Little White sprang into action again.

He hadn’t noticed any trace of prey when Little White surged forward and reflexively, he released his hold.

Following the direction Little White pursued, the drone quickly provided a clear shot.

Incredible, the white rabbit that had escaped pursuit just now boldly came back.

The place Little White chased to was an area mixed with bushes and pine trees. A little further east, there was sparse pine forest.

Seemingly entertained by the idea of mocking Little White, the old rabbit didn’t turn into the woods to flee for its life but kept running south along the boundary of the area.

As a proud Spear Falcon, it certainly wouldn’t lose its fighting spirit due to one failure. On the contrary, after several failures, Little White seemed to have found a trick. Its diving attacks were becoming increasingly threatening to the rabbit.

It’s a simple principle, similar to dodging abilities in LoL. Moving perpendicularly can largely avoid certain abilities.

But what if the trajectory of the ability itself includes some prediction? You might stand still and be fine, but trying to dodge might lead you right into the line of fire.

Little White’s attacks included such predictive elements. Several times, its strikes grazed just over the old rabbit’s scalp, getting very close to success.

Feeling the lethal danger, the rabbit quickly chose to change its escape strategy, clearly moving toward the wooded area.

Seeing this, Lin Yang thought to himself that this was a good opportunity.