Night passed without any signs of the monsters emerging from the cave. Taking turns on watch, Elias and his group welcomed the dawn with no interruptions.
After confirming that everyone was in good condition, Elias decided to proceed with the planned monster extermination.
“The plan remains the same. Today, we put an end to this.”
With that declaration, Elias led Luke, Reina, and Jemmy back up the mountain.
Upon reaching the cave entrance, they found the barrier still intact, sealing the passage both inside and out. There was no sign of any damage or disturbance from within, nor were there any monsters lurking outside.
“The barrier has held, which means the monsters must have retreated deeper into the cave. Let’s begin with reconnaissance.”
Following Elias’s order, they conducted a magical search of the cave’s interior. The results confirmed that the number of monsters had not increased.
“So the Monster Chief doesn’t have the ability to spawn new minions instantly… That means we can proceed with the extermination.”
“If we lift the barrier, do you think it will come charging out?” Reina asked.
Elias glanced at her before responding.
“We’ll start by removing the barrier. If it doesn’t come out, we’ll lure it by releasing magic into the cave.”
With that, Elias dispelled the barrier.
Immediately, the presence within the cave stirred.
“…It’s making its move. Same strategy as before—we take down the minions first before confronting the Monster Chief.”
“Understood!”
Luke drew his sword as Elias reconstructed the barrier, leaving only a small opening. Jemmy, anticipating his plan, reinforced it.
From within the darkness, the monsters emerged once more—this time, far more aggressive than before. The moment they spotted the opening, they rushed forward with reckless abandon.
“They’re more aggressive than yesterday. Stay sharp!”
Elias’s warning rang out as Luke and Reina engaged. The first monster lunged, only to be met with Reina’s blade, slicing clean through its carapace.
A second followed, but Luke closed the distance first, cutting it down before it could attack. The next came in a pair—this time, the two knights struck together, their blades moving in unison to fell the creatures.
Watching their synchronized movements, Elias narrowed his eyes.
(…They must have coordinated during last night’s discussions.)
Their teamwork was evident. The efficiency of their strikes rapidly thinned the monster horde, until only one remained near the entrance.
Standing just beyond the cave’s opening, watching—was the Monster Chief.
Unlike the others, it did not charge recklessly. Instead, it observed.
Was it assessing the battle? Or hesitating after seeing its minions fall so easily?
(Either way, the fight is nearly over.)
Luke finished off the last remaining minion, leaving only the Monster Chief.
Elias turned his attention to the cave’s depths, confirming that no other significant presence remained.
“…The only large magical presence left is the Monster Chief. That means we’ve eliminated its entire horde.”
“Then all that’s left is to take it down,” Luke stated, gripping his sword tightly. His eagerness was clear, but Elias raised a hand to halt him.
“Hold on. There’s no need to rush—take a moment to steady yourselves.”
Luke exhaled sharply and nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Elias’s words. Despite the short battle, both he and Reina had been pushing themselves at full strength.
(Their movements have improved significantly since yesterday… They’re no longer struggling against rank-one monsters.)
“Alright, I’m lifting the barrier.”
Both knights readied their stances.
“Jemmy, your role remains the same—provide support. If you have a spell that can weaken it before the fight begins, use it now.”
“I’ll focus on support. From what I’ve observed, its outer shell is resistant to magic.”
“Because of its hardened carapace?”
“Exactly. I got a closer look earlier—it doesn’t absorb magic, but it disperses heat and force evenly. Elemental magic won’t be very effective against it.”
“I see… Then we’ll rely on physical attacks. Maintain your support from the rear.”
Elias focused his attention back on the Monster Chief.
It remained motionless, yet its presence radiated hostility.
(It understands that it can’t pass through the barrier’s small opening. It’s assessing us.)
“Alright, on my signal, I’ll remove the barrier. Be ready—it’s likely to charge immediately.”
Luke and Reina nodded in unison. Jemmy, having prepared a spell, channeled her magic into her staff.
“Alright… here we go—!!”
At his command, Elias lifted the barrier.
Instantly, the Monster Chief lunged forward.
A spell shot past Elias—Jemmy’s magic. A wave of fire engulfed the creature, not in a violent explosion, but in a steady blaze, designed to burn through its defenses.
The Monster Chief barreled through the flames, unfazed—but noticeably slower.
“It’s resisting the heat, but its movements have dulled!”
Jemmy’s tactic worked. The flames had not inflicted significant damage, but they had disrupted the creature’s coordination—giving Luke and Reina the perfect opening to strike.
They rushed forward.
And in that moment, the decisive battle against the Monster Chief began.