Chapter 103: Sacred Animal

Apparently, the trappers managed to catch one of the sacred animals - the Divine Stag. 

Serene had seen the mutilated corpse of the stag in the cart. Hence, the reason for her rage. Furthermore, there were also indications that the poor female stag must have carried a fawn with her, but in reality the fawn was nowhere to be seen.

The elven soldiers had found the possible clue of another trapper group, but the problem was there were three sets of tracks leaving this place. Serene needs to know exactly which path the other trappers went - the one who took the fawn.

Therefore, just like Tristan guessed, they wanted him to use his [Blood Seal] skill to make the captured trappers divulge the information.

"I am sorry, captain. I don't understand. How do you expect me to help in this matter? Please elaborate." Tristan said with a faint smile.

As if she couldn't notice the hidden intent in Tristan's words, Captain Raika explained her intention, "Sir Tristan, I hope you can help us with your unique ability. We need the trapper to tell us the right information."

"Ohhh.. No, captain! The king strictly forbids me from using that evil spell! Especially to his people! Did you forget? Or are you saying that these trappers aren't his people, then?"

Of course Tristan knew exactly what they wanted, but he just wanted to make a point that the king's order might not always be right. He could clearly see Captain Raika's expression gradually became stoic.

"Sir elf, this is not the time for jokes. They need your assistance right away."

"Do they?" said Tristan as he stared at the beautiful golden haired beauty. It was apparent that he wanted to hear the answer from Serene directly.

Looking at his expression, Serene realized that he would not help her if she did not answer. The female elf forced herself, but before words could come out from her mouth, Tristan threw the curveball.

"Alright, say no more. I will definitely help you, Lady Serene."

The bright smile that Tristan showed strangely made Serene want to beat the former into oblivion.

Without further ado, and a little bit more teasing for the female elf, Tristan proceeded to approach the dozen captured trappers. He scanned each of them, one by one, before finally choosing the weakest among them.

This was not because of any tactical reason. Rather, the weakest would cost less Blood Essence to put [Blood Seal] on. After all, if one was given the option to buy cheaper goods which had the same quality as the normal and expensive ones, they would definitely take it any day.

As always, the moment Tristan willed the [Blood Seal], the familiar notification appeared in his mind.

[Blood Seal would take 50 Blood Essence to take effect]

[Proceed?]

"Yes!"

In an instant, the familiar red mist diffused out of Tristan's body before it flew towards its target. The other captured trappers watched in curiosity as the mist entered their associate's body. 

Then, their expressions quickly turned horrified when they saw the trapper squirm and scream loudly before falling silent again. The blood-sealed trapper was eerily quiet, as he looked up into the air blankly.

The sight sent chills to the other trappers, as well as the Kingsblade and elven soldiers who watched the entire process.

Upon seeing the successful notification in his mind, Tristan stretched his hand in the air and pointed his finger at Serene while speaking to the blood-sealed trapper, "Now you can explain whatever you know to this pretty lady here, alright?"

While the man was being questioned, Tristan made his way towards the cart where they lay the poor stag carcass.

Tristan couldn't help to click his tongue as he saw the said sacred animal. Even though it was already mutilated, he could still see the remnant of its beauty. Its glistening silver skin that was almost painted in its own blood and the awkward emptiness on its head - where its antler should be

Then, Tristan noticed the carcass was still dripping with blood - a unique silvery blood. An idea popped into his mind, and he was tempted to give it a try.

Tristan finally made up his mind and swiftly used his [Blood Extraction] skill.

[A mix of 100 high quality blood cell were found]

[The stale condition of blood cell has decreased the blood quality]

[Extracting and filtering the blood cell..]

[500 blood essence gained]

As he read through the series of notifications, he was startled. It was a shocking matter for him to gain 500 Blood Essence from one creature. That was the equivalent of 100 barbarian or orc corpses!

Moreover, this amount of Blood Essence was of decreasing quality!

Tristan's eyes gleamed with wonder as his thoughts wandered around.

How much of the Blood Essence he would get from the fresh one if the stale one already gave him this much?

Tristan involuntarily gulped his own saliva as he thought about this.

He realized that he probably was more compatible with these trappers than with the elves. 

Although He would find no joy in killing elegant-looking animals like a stag, if they were able to give him this amount of Blood Essence? He would be happy to do so at any opportunity.

When the female elf already knew the right path - courtesy of the blood-sealed trapper, they immediately set out to pursue the other group of trappers. Tristan heard that they should only be three hours behind the other group.

Knowing the value of the sacred animal, Tristan immediately volunteered to track down the trappers along with the elves.

Arguing that he was the fastest elf of them all, Captain Raika decided to let him be. After all, she believes the elf wouldn't be making any trouble while his sister was held at the capital. 

Naturally, the Kingsblade would follow the elves group in order to make sure a mishap did not happen.

A few minutes later, the elves were already prepared to set off. 

Captain Raika looked Tristan straight in the eye and said, "We stick together and do not stray away! Do you understand?"

Tristan nodded his head in nonchalant manner, "Of course."

Serene decided to split up the elven soldiers, ordering the first half to follow her in pursuit while the rest would follow at the back with the captured trappers.

The female elf appeared to be extremely serious about this sacred animal stuff as Tristan could clearly see the stern expression on her face.

Serene, being the strongest among them, decided to head out first while ordering her men to follow her as fast as they could. 

The female elf was extremely fast as she shot through the forest terrain, where only Tristan and the Kingsblade member were able to match her speed.

Thanks to the right direction, exceptional tracking ability, and high physical strength, the group of 7 people managed to catch up with the trappers in half an hour.

Through enhanced vision, Tristan could see a cage being lifted by several figures, with two dozen trappers escorting and guarding it.

"There they are!" exclaimed Serene in suppressed voice.

The group was trying to once more ambush the trapper, but apparently this particular group of trappers managed to notice their arrival and prepared to fight. 

However, Tristan's surprise did not stop there!

Seeing their arrival, three of the trappers suddenly scream and transformed as the clothes on their bodies ripped apart. Their bodies gradually grew thick yellow furs, their nails turned into sharp claws, while their teeth became fangs. They turned into half human, half tiger-like creatures.

Tristan was surprised by the sight, while Serene shouted

"It's the hybrids!"

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