Confronting the Beast

Elias kept his senses sharp, tracking the movement of the monstrous Alder, while issuing directives to Frenn, who in turn relayed them to their allies to set the traps. At the same time, Alder itself was growing more active. Having already clashed once with the knights, the beast now sought to break free from the encirclement. The surrounding knights, receiving urgent orders, scrambled to ensure that the creature did not escape.

With the traps set, Elias took a final survey of their placements.

“We’ve managed to set the traps in the locations where Alder is most likely to pass.”

“Still, with the knights constantly moving around to prevent its escape, there’s no guarantee it’ll come exactly where we want it to,” Misheana noted.

Elias nodded in agreement.

“True, but the likelihood of our plan succeeding has increased. Now then, we should move. The knights are on the move as well, meaning the risk of anyone noticing us slipping away is low.”

At that moment, Frenn spoke up.

“Elias, I have confirmation of the battle details from the frontline. The knights attempted to overwhelm Alder with concentrated magical attacks, but its thick hide withstood the assault. They managed to slow it down, but ultimately, it escaped.”

“…They were likely trying to immobilize it with magic first, then finish it off in close combat,” Elias surmised.

“That would seem to be the case.”

“The kingdom’s strategy was clearly centered on how best to stop its movement long enough to land a killing blow. It’s a sound approach. My own traps are also designed to bind its movement, so in the end, our thought process wasn’t so different.”

“Do you think the trap will work?” Misheana murmured.

Elias gave a faint smirk.

“It better work… If not, we might have to cut our losses and flee.”

“Understood.”

Without further delay, Elias and his companions set off, making their way toward the designated trap zone where Alder was most likely to pass.

“We’ll have to remain adaptable. If Alder changes course, we’ll need to reposition the traps.”

“Got it.”

“Frenn, stay ready in case that happens.”

“Yes.”

With their responses secured, Elias arrived at the prepared location—a clearing where the trees had been burned down, perhaps by a past lightning strike. Fallen trunks lined the perimeter, providing a natural boundary.

Elias took a quick look around. That was when he sensed a malevolent presence emerging from the depths of the forest.

“…Right on target.”

“Alder,” Misheana muttered under her breath.

Not long after, voices of knights and warriors could be heard in the distance.

The other knights and heroes were converging on their location—an encouraging sign. However, it seemed Alder had no intention of changing its course.

“The knights from the frontlines haven’t caught up yet… It must believe it can break through before reinforcements arrive.”

“Elias, do we engage it here?”

“Aye. Misheana, how do you plan to fight?”

“I’ll hang back at first. I haven’t seen Alder’s true strength firsthand yet, so I’d like to observe.”

“Understood… In that case, I should warn you of one thing.”

“What is it?”

Elias gave a confident grin as he spoke.

“If I kill it before you get your chance to analyze it, don’t complain.”

“I won’t. Let’s see if you can manage it.”

With that exchange, they steeled themselves for battle.

Knights and warriors rushed forth from the surrounding forest, readying their weapons as they sensed the growing malice in the air.

(The traps will activate the moment Alder’s magic touches them. They are attuned specifically to creatures with magical properties—no matter how much the battlefield is disturbed, so long as Alder steps into one, it will trigger.)

Elias reaffirmed this in his mind as he honed in on Alder’s approach.

(The real question is—how long will the trap hold it? A few seconds would be enough… but if it fails entirely—)

Even as these thoughts ran through his mind, Alder came into view.

The moment its form became visible, the knights and warriors around them stopped in their tracks, weapons raised.

Despite the obvious ambush, Alder did not alter its course. It was pressing forward with unwavering determination.

(It must have determined that this path is the weakest in terms of defenses. Reinforcements are coming, but perhaps not quickly enough. In that case… my presence here is an unexpected obstacle for it.)

“Prepare for battle!” a knight bellowed.

At once, a surge of magic filled the battlefield as combatants readied themselves for the decisive clash.

Elias silently observed, refining his strategy.

(Will Alder attempt a brute-force breakthrough? If so, the trap should stop it. But if the trap fails, I’ll need to step in to defend the others.)

Weighing his options, Elias saw a sudden shift—Alder was accelerating.

In that instant, he spotted the surge of magic accumulating in its legs.

(It’s coming—!)

Without hesitation, Elias gathered magic into his blade, preparing himself.

He understood exactly where Alder was heading.

Right into the trap they had prepared.

With his final thought, he steadied his stance.

(Victory rests upon but a fleeting moment!)

And in that instant, Alder entered their battlefield.