IHDOE Ch 59
[Satina] "Good, I know how to handle this."
She closed the beast encyclopedia window displayed by the system.
Sreans were spider-like magical beasts that typically hunted in packs. Furthermore, they were known to drain bodily fluids from captured prey, feeding over three days to a week.
Considering their behavioral traits, habitat location, and the beast mechanics learned from the game, formulating a strategy took little time.
Her plan was straightforward.
Sreans lacked intelligence but possessed strong pack loyalty. If Katan captured one beast and used the scent of its blood as bait, the rest would swarm out to rescue their fallen comrade. While he lured the pack away, she would infiltrate the cave and rescue the knights.
[Satina] "You don't need to fight them directly. Just running is enough, as long as you lure them all out of the cave."
The crux of this plan hinged on how long Katan could endure against the swarm. If he succumbed immediately, the returning beasts would slaughter Satina next.
[Katan] "If anything goes wrong, you could end up in danger, My Lady."
[Satina] "It won't be dangerous if you do your job well. If you think you can't handle it, you may back out now."
Given his abilities, even if slaying the swarm single-handedly was impossible, using the forest terrain to evade them was well within his power.
He stared at her silently, contemplating her words, before nodding smoothly.
[Katan] "...Very well. If you insist, I have no choice but to obey."
Execution proceeded smoothly. Katan crept toward a solitary Srean that had wandered outside to drink water and slashed its carapace. Blood seeped from the creature's cracked shell.
[Srean] "Kieeeek!"
The wounded beast screeched for help before falling to Katan's blade. Smearing the creature's blood onto his sword, he waited.
A commotion erupted inside the cave as the pack caught the scent of blood. Dozens of Sreans poured out from the entrance.
Katan watched the approaching swarm before turning to flee.
[Srean] "Kyaaaak!"
Blinded by rage and the scent of blood, the beasts pursued him relentlessly without regard for where they were heading.
Heavy, thudding footsteps echoed from a distance. A massive, lizard-like beast emerged from the thickets, a black bird hovering overhead.
While formulating her strategy, Satina had recalled a knight's offhand remark from earlier:
[Knight] "Judging by these footprints, this seems to be Leptan territory. We had better avoid this area."
Seizing on this information, Satina had instructed Lekan to provoke the creature. Following her orders, he kicked sand into the Leptan's eyes and pelted its head with mud, driving it into a frenzy.
The Sreans, enraged and pursuing Katan, reacted with immediate hostility toward this new enemy.
[Srean] "Kieeeek!"
As a beast, the Leptan was hardly gentle either. The sudden intrusion of Sreans into its domain provoked its immediate rage.
[Leptan] "Kararararak!"
Seeing the beasts clash, Lekan flapped his wings and retreated far into the distance.
By Satina's plan, Katan should have fled from the creatures as well. But there was no need. To him, these beasts were inherently weak, incapable of causing him any harm.
A heavy pressure descended upon the air.
Instantly, the beasts froze stiff. Time hadn't stopped—leaves still rustled in the breeze, and distant birds chirped in the trees—yet the monsters stood completely paralyzed.
Katan strolled casually toward the frozen beasts, swinging his sword. Blood spurted from severed necks, staining his clothes.
Using power like this might draw his attention.
Yet, he had no alternative. If a Srean returned to the cave and harmed Satina, the consequences would be catastrophic. Though she likely had rescued the knights by now, he refused to leave even a single variable to chance.
You can't die yet.
Hiding nearby, Satina had watched Katan draw the Sreans away.
I instructed Lekan as well, so he should be fine.
She had strictly ordered Lekan to assist if Katan fell into danger, so his life was secure.
Waiting until the remaining Sreans emptied out, she slipped inside the cave. Deep within, she found the knights tightly bound in thick webbing. Using flint, she burned away the webs and slapped the poison-dazed knights awake.
[Satina] "Wake up! We have to escape before they return!"
[Knight] "Ugh... Who... Lady Satina?"
[Knight] "How are you here, My Lady..."
[Satina] "There's no time. Move quickly."
There was no telling how long Katan could stall them, and the knights were in no condition to fight. If the beasts returned before they cleared out, they would be captured all over again.
She led the emaciated knights out of the cave.
[Kellin] "B-But My Lady... How did you... How did you deal with the Sreans...?"
As Knight Commander, Kellin was the first to grasp the situation despite his grogginess.
[Satina] "Katan lured them all away."
[Kellin] "W-What? No! We must go help him immediately—ugh!"
He dragged his weak legs out of the cave, only to trip over a protruding rock.
[Satina] "Don't push yourself. Let's focus on escaping this forest first."
[Kellin] "But My Lady, I know the slave can wield a sword, but he will die at this rate! How can a single slave handle so many beasts...?! It's too dangerous!"
A rustling sound came from the thicket. Kellin dragged his heavy body forward, shielding Satina.
Did they return already?
Seeing Kellin's reaction, Satina stared tensely at the bushes. A small, rat-like beast poked its head out from the greenery.
[Kellin] "Watch out!"
Before he could swing his sword, the beast's head split in two.
Katan stepped out from the bushes.
[Satina] "You... How are you back?"
He was supposed to lure the Sreans away and meet elsewhere, yet here he stood.
[Katan] "I disposed of all the beasts."
Clutching the severed head of the Leptan in one hand, he was clearly telling the truth. Dropping the head like a predator returning from a hunt, he spoke calmly.
[Katan] "So please praise me."
Kellin scanned their surroundings, watching Katan walk ahead.
[Kellin] "I understand now why you favor that slave, My Lady. I heard he only recently began learning the sword, yet his skill and audacity are remarkable. Recognizing his talent and putting a blade in his hand... Your foresight marvels me."
[Satina] "Katan is indeed impressive."
[Kellin] "Impressive is an understatement. If he weren't a slave, my position would be in jeopardy. At any rate, our knights will no longer mock him as a mere slave or provoke him. We owe him our lives."
[Satina] "That's a relief."
Satina spoke with genuine sincerity. The tension between Katan and the knights had been a lingering concern, so resolving it this way was a welcome outcome.
[Kellin] "Your strategy of utilizing another beast was equally astonishing. Researching beast habits and formulating a tactic in such a short time is no small feat. No matter how brilliant a swordsman he is, he couldn't have saved us without your strategy."
He bowed low, expressing profound gratitude.
[Satina] "It was nothing. You are under my command, so it was only natural. What kind of lord abandons living subordinates while there's still breath in them?"
[Kellin] "My Lady..."
He looked at her, visibly moved. To think such a paragon of nobility existed! Even if she had abandoned them, no one would have blamed her. Yet, she had personally rushed into danger to save them despite never wielding a sword. What immense courage that required!
[The Knight Commander offers endless praise for your courage and strategy.]
[The Knight Commander places deep trust in the player for saving their lives.]
[Fame has increased by 5.]
With this, I've secured a faction within the house that views me favorably.
The more allies she gained, the stronger her backing would be when she eventually brought up breaking the engagement.
Anyway, it's about time...
[A human presence is detected nearby.]
Satina turned toward the direction indicated by the system. Through the foliage, a figure glided into view. Recognizing the familiar face, she narrowed her eyes.
Is that... Tyron? What is he doing here?
Normally, she would avoid him even if he stood right in front of her, but seeing him lurking secretly sparked an urge to tease him.
Parting the bushes, Satina carefully crept toward his location.
[Tyron] "Damn it. So..."
Stepping behind him as he issued orders to his subordinates, she poked him in the ribs.
[Satina] "What are you doing here?"
[Tyron] "Argh!"
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