Finding himself once more on a path heading east Hiroki followed it to see where it would lead him. He hadn't seen many people since he began exploring these lands and the ones that he had seen weren't the fighting type, mostly commoners and farmers. What he was looking for was a challenge. A person who could put his skills as a swordsman to the test. As he continued along the path he took the time to look around at his sroundings. Coming to a hill he found that the road lead to a lake up ahead. Looking behind him he could see some mountains to the west. The area itself however was pretty clear. The were several spots of trees here and there but mostly it was open fields.

As he neared the lake he found the trees were becoming more dense. Though not like it would be in a massive forest but enough to block the view ahead. As he continued to keep an eye out on area he began to feel an odd sense. As he continued he ran into no other signs of life. He would understand other people not being around but there was no animals as well. No birds, or any other types of animals you would expect to find. Keeping his guard up he reached for his katana. He wasn't sure way their was no animals but he didn't want to be caught off guard by some larger animal that might have scared them all off.

Reaching the water front he bent down to cupped some of the water in his hands. Trying it he found that it was clean enough to drink. With that in mind he refilled his a few of his bottles with water and continued along his way. Keeping close to the water he continued to walk in silence. He found it odd that there were no other sounds from the trees as well not even a gentle breeze or anything. Who knows perhaps he would find another by the lake looking for freash water. It wasn't too long however when he began to hear something off in the distance. Though he couldn't see whatever it was he was sure it had to be rather large from the noise it was making. Keeping his katana close he stood waiting for whatever it might be.