Chapter 24: Manticore

Chapter 24: Manticore

Early morning.

The reclamation of Reichardt resumed its advance.

They still had over a days worth of walking to reach their destination.

Princess Lea, leading the charge at the front, wore a less-than-pleasant expression.

Others shared the same concerns, plagued by thoughts of facing the Fire Dragon King and the fate of their loved ones within Reichardt.

However, worrying wouldnt solve anything.

They had no choice but to move quickly and make their way to Reichardt.

Meanwhile, at the rear of the reclamation force.

Eh? Werent you called by the princess? Why are you here?

Surprised to see Ethan there, whom he thought would not be present, Murine opened his mouth in astonishment.

Ethan smiled faintly and replied,

Yes, I went there. The princess gave me a reward.

But why did you come back?

Murine asked with a puzzled expression. Murine thought surely the princess would have placed him at the front lines alongside the generous reward.

Ethan quickly explained Murines confusion.

I said I would stay here.

What!? You said you would stay here?

Murine asked, unable to believe what he was hearing.

Why, why would you do that? With someone as strong as you at the front, we could quickly break through the monsters blocking our way!Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

What if they come from behind like yesterday? Everyone will die. We need someone to hold them off.

W-well

Those who heard him nearby stuttered and asked.

Are you staying here for our sake?

Youre staying for us!

I cant thank you enough.

The members of the reclamation force looked at Ethan with teary eyes.

Of course, he wasnt staying here solely to save them, but there was no need to mention that. Ethan simply smiled and nodded.

I consider it my duty.

At that moment, one of the Royal Knights, Yatro, applauded.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

What a true knight!

A true embodiment of a knight!

As the applause spread, everyone in the back started clapping as well.

-The members of the reclamation force trust you!

-The members are ready to follow whatever you say.

Im embarrassed. Please stop.

Then, it became eerily quiet.

They really have become obedient.

How much longer did they have to walk?

Then, a loud noise came from the front.

Kieeeek!

It had a much deeper and ear-piercing tone than the usual monster cries, causing pain in the eardrums as if they were about to be torn apart.

N-no way!

Yatro quickly glanced ahead and was astonished.

M-Manticore!

In front of them stood a group of Manticore, composite monsters with the head of a lion, the tail of a snake, and wings.

S-stop them!

We must stop them!

The Manticores were flying low and charging toward them, but the knights who had tried to intercept them from the front were clinging onto the Manticores back.

O-oh no, its Manticores, how do we deal with them?

Why are such monsters appearing now?

Is the Fire Dragon King controlling even the Manticore?

The Manticore was a monster with no weaknesses.

This strange creature, created by combining various monsters, possessed incredible resilience and powerful attacks that could withstand numerous assaults.

There are over ten Manticores in front of us!

One of the knights shouted.

Yes! Dozens of Manticores are currently attacking us!

The knights hanging on the Manticores back desperately swung their swords down.

However, the Manticores skin was tougher than most steel armor.

Kkangg!

That was why everyone was still searching for the mages.

And Royal Knights, please follow my instructions!

The Royal Knights paused for a moment.

Royal Knights were typically of noble lineage, while Ethan, a commoner of unknown origin, commanded them.

Normally, it would be unimaginable for them to obey his orders, but the current Ethan possessed the ability to make it happen.

I understand!

Give the command!

Moreover, given the situation, they had no choice but to trust Ethan.

However, two of the Royal Knights still wore skeptical expressions.

Could they really defeat these Manticores?

No matter how much recognition Ethan had received from the princess, it was impossible to defeat the Manticores without the mages.

That was why, as a last resort, they had considered retreat and, inevitably, joining forces with the mages.

Kieeeek!

Due to the rampaging Manticore, it was impossible to regain balance properly, but Ethan stood up.

And he aimed precisely near the head.

Look here!

The Royal Knights looked at Ethan.

If you look closely at the back of its head, there should be one reverse-direction fur. Stab it there!

Ethan said so and raised Dinalychus, aiming directly at that spot.

Stab-!

Kieeekk!

Upon being struck, the Manticore let out another scream, different from before. It was a scream filled with genuine pain and agony.

!

H-How!

The Royal Knights couldnt help but be astonished.

He really knew the Manticores weakness.

Quickly!

Un-understood.

At Ethans urging, the two Royal Knights swiftly moved to the back of the Manticores head.

There.

There, barely visible, was one reverse-direction fur.

Without hesitation, they stabbed right at that spot.

And then, the Manticore began to scream. They had landed a solid blow.

How?

How did he know the Manticores weakness? They never thought they would be able to inflict any damage on the Manticore.

As the Manticore writhed in agony, Ethan shouted to the people below.

Get ready!

The Manticores movements had slowed down compared to before, allowing them to hit it accurately.

Thwack-.

Following Ethans signal, the archers drew their bows.

Fire!

Several arrows bounced off the claws as they hit them head-on, but a few managed to hit exactly where Ethan told them to aim.

Kiiieeeekkk!

The Manticores, struck twice in their vulnerable spot, spread their wings, and flew briefly before crumbling and falling.

Bang!

The sight of three Manticores falling simultaneously was quite spectacular.

Kiiiing-.

As the dust settled from the fallen Manticores, the defeated creatures could do nothing but writhe helplessly.

This is unbelievable.

We we managed to defeat the Manticore

To kill a Manticore without the help of mages.

All eyes turned to Ethan simultaneously.

Emerging from the dust, Ethan met their gazes head-on and gestured to the Royal Knights.

We must finish it.

Approaching the back of the Manticores head, Ethan thrust his sword forcefully.

-You have slain a Manticore!

-An extraordinary achievement has been accomplished!

-Rewards for slaying the Manticore have been obtained!

The Royal Knights no longer doubted Ethan.

Their gaze toward him had completely changed.