Wynhaven

Category: Webnovel

  • Training and Challenges

    Following the extermination of the monsters, the fort was filled with renewed vigor. Training sessions became more rigorous, and the overall combat strength steadily increased.

    At the center of this progress were Luke and Reina. Their firsthand experience in defeating monsters had accelerated their growth, which in turn inspired the other knights. Seeing their peers improve spurred them on, making their swordsmanship training all the more intense.

    Similarly, Jemmy’s presence had a profound impact on the fort’s mages. Under her guidance, their prowess in magic improved at a pace even Elias had not anticipated—in just ten days, they had already shown remarkable progress.

    Watching this unfold, Elias reflected on their development.

    (They were already training to become Holy Knights and Court Mages. The potential was always there—what they lacked was merely the opportunity to grow.)

    By the time they had been stationed in the North, they must have already possessed significant talent. Elias merely provided the catalyst for their advancement.

    He continued to spar with them, observing their techniques and gauging their growth. In one-on-one duels, he still remained undefeated, but there was no denying that they had sharpened their skills significantly since before the monster hunt.

    “The knights are getting stronger—anyone can see that.”

    Jemmy remarked when she encountered Elias within the fort.

    “The mages as well. Their fundamentals are solid, and they learn quickly.”

    Elias nodded.

    “Agreed.”

    “The remaining issue is coordination.”

    “Right. In an actual monster hunt, knights and mages must work in tandem. It might be time to start joint exercises.”

    Jemmy folded her arms.

    “I wouldn’t be much help in that department. Tactics aren’t exactly my specialty.”

    “I know. That’s something I’ll have to discuss with Lord Nork.”

    A few days later, the fort’s troops were divided into two groups to conduct training in coordinated combat.

    Nork personally devised the strategy scenarios, and although the first few simulations were clumsy, they revealed several key areas for improvement.

    One unexpected outcome of this exercise was Elias gaining a newfound appreciation for Nork’s strategic expertise.

    “I can only contribute by drafting battle plans on paper.”

    Nork said modestly, analyzing the results of the drills. Since the fort’s role was mostly logistical support, there had been little chance for his tactical acumen to shine. But it was clear that he possessed a keen mind for military strategy.

    “The soldiers’ coordination is still lacking… we have a long way to go.”

    Elias commented as they reviewed the results.

    “Improving individual combat ability was our first priority,” Nork responded. “Now that we’ve achieved that, we can focus on teamwork.”

    Elias nodded before changing the subject.

    “How are the other forts perceiving our efforts?”

    Nork scoffed lightly.

    “They don’t seem particularly concerned. Since the extermination of the Elder Monster, they’ve assumed that our fort is simply training in response to past threats. No one suspects we’re preparing for a major frontline campaign.”

    “What about the capital?”

    “No major interest there either. And frankly, I have no intention of moving to the front lines myself.”

    Nork leaned forward slightly.

    “That said… I’ve noticed you’ve continued your investigations, even during training.”

    Elias nodded.

    “Yes. Since we found a monster nest near Nanan Mountain—despite it being away from major settlement routes—I expanded the search to other areas.

    So far, I’ve only come across low-threat monsters—nothing that would pose an immediate danger. I also found no major deposits of miasma.”

    Nork exhaled in mild relief.

    “So there’s nothing to be concerned about…?”

    Elias hesitated for a moment before responding.

    “There is one thing.”

    Nork’s gaze sharpened.

    “Go on.”

    “Some of the developed areas—places that have already been cleared and settled—are showing small traces of miasma.”

    “Any idea what’s causing it?”

    “At this point, I can’t say for sure. It could be a lingering effect of the Elder Monster… but it’s strange for miasma to suddenly appear in safe zones. There might be a monster involved that we haven’t detected yet.”

    Nork folded his arms thoughtfully.

    “The other forts should be aware of this already, but we should issue a formal warning nonetheless.”

    “Is development still progressing as planned?”

    “Yes, but at a cautious pace. However, as I mentioned before, certain nobles are pushing to eliminate all major threats so they can claim territories before the kingdom officially secures them. It’s causing some… complications.”

    Nork’s expression turned grim.

    “Will the miasma dissipate on its own?”

    Elias shook his head.

    “There are no surrounding sources for it to continue accumulating, so yes, it should fade over time. However, if miasma keeps reappearing, that means something—or someone—is generating it. In that case, we’d need to launch another investigation.”

    Nork’s brow furrowed.

    “Alright. Then I’ll issue a formal order for a miasma survey. You will lead the investigation. Choose your team as you see fit.”

    “Understood.”

    With that, Elias left the meeting, already planning his next move.

    Elias muttered to himself as he walked.

    “If we’re dealing with miasma, I should bring Jemmy… and probably some of the fort’s mages as well.”

    The battle against monsters had been a crucial turning point, but the mystery of the miasma suggested that their challenges were far from over.

    With that in mind, Elias began assembling his next expedition team.

  • Strengthening the Forces

    Elias and his team returned to the campsite, where Frenn awaited them.
    “The extermination was a success.”
    Upon hearing the report, Frenn nodded in satisfaction. With no further delays, the team began packing up, and by midday, they departed from the mountain.
    Their journey back to the fort was uneventful, and upon arrival, Elias immediately reported to Lord Nork.
    After reviewing the details, Nork acknowledged their success and then asked,
    “The two knights who fought in this operation… the ones you’ve taken an interest in.”
    “Yes?”
    “How did they perform?”
    “Both of them gained invaluable experience. More importantly, I believe it has bolstered their confidence.”
    Nork mused for a moment before continuing,
    “I see… I intend to use them as the foundation for a broader training initiative to strengthen the entire garrison.”
    “Understood. I’ll prioritize their training within the fort.”
    “Good. I’m counting on you… Now, regarding the magician, Jemmy.”
    “I brought her along since the mission was completed, but…”
    “If possible, I’d like her to remain here—indefinitely, if necessary—to provide magical instruction to our soldiers.”
    This unexpected proposal took Elias by surprise.
    “Wouldn’t it be possible to summon a court magician from the capital?”
    “That’s a luxury reserved for the frontlines. The best we can do is rely on whatever talent we can secure ourselves.”
    “I see… I believe she would be open to the idea, but is it viable within the fort’s operational framework?”
    “Funding is not an issue. Strengthening not just our knights but also our magic corps is crucial for increasing our overall combat readiness.”
    Nork’s tone was heavy, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
    Elias nodded.
    “Understood. I’ll speak with Jemmy. I doubt she’ll object, so we can proceed under the assumption that she and I will oversee the training together.”
    “Excellent. I’ll leave it in your hands.”
    After leaving Nork’s chambers, Elias immediately sought out Jemmy.
    “Looks like you’ve got a job offer—this time, from Lord Nork himself.”
    Jemmy raised an eyebrow.
    “Oh? What kind of job?”
    “He wants you to train the fort’s mages for an unspecified period. And since it’s officially requested by command, you’ll be able to work freely.”
    Jemmy smirked.
    “Sounds like a good deal. While I’m at it, I’ll use this opportunity to gather information on the northern region.”
    “Frenn has already begun compiling relevant data. We can’t disclose military-sensitive information, but you’ll receive whatever aligns with your pay.”
    “That works for me. Having access to solid intel will keep me motivated.”
    Satisfied with the arrangement, Jemmy readily accepted the proposal.
    With that settled, Elias met up with Frenn in the strategy room to discuss their next steps.
    “The foundation for strengthening our forces is now in place,” Elias said.
    “Luke and Reina gained valuable real-world combat experience, and using them as a central pillar to train others will significantly bolster our defenses.”
    Frenn nodded in agreement but then hesitated.
    “That said… will you continue with investigations as well?”
    “When I have time, yes.”
    “Between ongoing reconnaissance and training new knights… it will put an increasing burden on you. Perhaps it’s time to recruit additional personnel from the eastern territories?”
    Elias frowned thoughtfully.
    “Would Nork even approve of that?”
    Frenn tapped the table lightly, considering the political angle.
    “If you frame it right, I believe he might. Instead of requesting a high-ranking officer, why not ask for a skilled but lower-ranked knight? Someone experienced in battle but without the authority to disrupt command structures.”
    Elias chuckled knowingly.
    “Frenn… You already have someone in mind, don’t you?”
    Frenn feigned innocence.
    “Do I?”
    “There’s only one knight in the eastern territories who fits that description perfectly. You’re talking about Gauche, aren’t you?”
    Frenn smiled slightly.
    “Gauche has the skills, no question. He’s incredibly strong in combat, but completely useless when it comes to strategic planning. He wouldn’t pose a threat to command, and he’s not one to scheme or play politics.”
    Elias leaned back, thinking it over.
    “The real question is—can this garrison handle his… personality?”
    The fort’s soldiers were mostly reserved and disciplined. By contrast, Gauche was… wild.
    “I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Frenn countered.
    Elias sighed.
    “The bigger concern is whether Nork will approve the request… and whether Gauche himself will agree.”
    Frenn folded his arms.
    “If he comes, it will drastically change our ability to engage monsters in direct combat.”
    “True. Having Gauche in future operations would be a massive asset.”
    Elias scratched the back of his head, already mentally preparing for the bureaucratic nightmare of getting approval.
    “Alright… I’ll see what I can do.”
    Frenn nodded.
    “In the meantime, I’ll resume information gathering. And I’ll prepare a filtered version of that data for Jemmy as well.”
    “Thanks. That’ll help.”
    With that, their strategy was set.
    Elias would focus on securing additional reinforcements and training the knights.
    Frenn would oversee intelligence operations.
    For now, they could afford to take things slowly.
    After all—
    The next major battle was still on the horizon.

  • The Value of Extermination

    The Monster Chief was undeniably stronger than its underlings, yet Luke and Reina stepped forward without hesitation.
    The moment the slowed Monster Chief moved, both of them struck simultaneously. Their swords, infused with powerful magic, landed with crushing force. The monster’s body convulsed violently from the damage.
    “Don’t stop now—press the attack!”
    Elias’s command rang out. Sensing an opportunity, Luke and Reina pushed forward with relentless strikes, further carving into the monster’s massive form.
    And then—the final blow came from Reina.
    With a single, decisive slash, she poured even more magic into her blade than before.
    Elias instinctively knew—it was over.
    Her sword struck deep, and as she completed the motion, the Monster Chief’s body began to crumble. Luke and Reina stepped back, watching as the massive creature collapsed into dust before their eyes.
    “…It’s over, right?”
    Luke’s cautious voice broke the silence.
    Elias nodded.
    “Yeah, it’s completely destroyed… I just checked the cave—there are no remaining hostiles. The extermination is complete.”
    He paused before adding,
    “But just to be thorough, let’s investigate the cave one last time.”
    Both Luke and Reina nodded.
    It was then that Jemmy, who had been quietly observing, spoke up.
    “Now that the monsters are gone, I can sense something else inside the cave.”
    “Something else?” Elias turned to her, frowning.
    “Yes. It’s not a monster, but I’d say… it’s the reason they were in this cave to begin with.”
    Elias exhaled.
    “I see… That makes sense.”
    Luke, who still looked puzzled, glanced at Elias.
    “Wait—what do you mean?”
    “Ah, right. I should explain. Let’s head inside. There’s nothing dangerous left, but stay alert just in case.”
    The interior of the cave was shrouded in darkness, but Elias and Jemmy quickly cast light spells to illuminate their surroundings. Their footsteps echoed as they ventured deeper inside.
    Although the cave extended further than expected, it didn’t take long before they found what they were looking for.
    “…What is this?”
    Reina murmured as she stared at something embedded in the cave wall.
    It was a pulsing red vein-like pattern, writhing across the rock like a living entity.
    Elias narrowed his eyes.
    “That’s what’s known as a ‘Root of Miasma.’”
    He stepped closer and continued his explanation.
    “Miasma, when it lingers above ground, eventually manifests as monsters. But when it accumulates underground, it seeps into surfaces, transforming them over time. This phenomenon is what you’re seeing now—miasma that has taken root in the stone.”
    “So this is… miasma?” Luke asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
    “Yeah. It doesn’t look like the usual swirling mist you might imagine, does it? But this is something I’ve seen many times in the eastern territories. When left unchecked, these roots absorb underground magical energy, slowly increasing the overall level of miasma in the area.”
    Jemmy, who had been analyzing the root with sharp eyes, added,
    “The cave was sealed off, and there wasn’t an abundance of magical energy here. That’s probably why this root never spread too far. However, when a monster was born by chance, its presence gradually fed the root, strengthening the miasma concentration over time.”
    “So if the root had been bigger, the monsters would have been stronger?” Reina mused.
    Elias nodded.
    “Exactly. If this cave had been overrun with miasma roots, we’d have encountered far more—and much stronger—monsters. The fact that there were no prior casualties in the area means the root’s influence was still relatively minor.”
    Luke furrowed his brows.
    “But if we had left it alone, it could’ve gotten worse over time.”
    “Absolutely. Given enough time, this miasma would’ve started affecting the entire Nanan Mountain region. In that sense, this extermination had significant value. We prevented a potential disaster before it could happen.”
    Reina nodded, a newfound understanding settling over her.
    Elias, meanwhile, turned his gaze back to the pulsating root.
    “Leaving this thing alone would be a mistake. If we don’t destroy it now, more monsters could emerge in the future.”
    He then glanced at Luke and Reina.
    “Want to give it a try?”
    Luke hesitated.
    “Could you show us how first?”
    Elias smiled slightly.
    “Fair enough. I’ll handle this one. Jemmy, do you sense any other roots?”
    She shook her head.
    “No. This is the only one. Which explains why the monsters weren’t too powerful.”
    “Got it. Then watch carefully, Luke, Reina.”
    Elias drew his sword. With a practiced motion, he channeled his magic into the blade before swiftly slashing the air.
    In an instant—
    The miasma root shattered.
    Its eerie glow flickered before disappearing entirely, as if the corruption had been erased from existence.
    “And that’s that.”
    Luke and Reina stared in awe at the now-purified stone wall.
    “That was… fast,” Reina muttered.
    “It’s all about delivering magic efficiently to the weak points of the root. With enough force, you can purge it instantly,” Elias explained.
    Jemmy placed a hand on the now-clean rock.
    “Caves are enclosed spaces, so over time, miasma may still accumulate again. But it would take decades before reaching a dangerous level again.”
    “That’s something the kingdom can deal with later,” Jemmy added.
    Elias exhaled.
    “Yeah… That’s beyond our job. All we need to do now is report back to Lord Nork and wrap this up.”
    He turned to his team.
    “Luke, Reina, Jemmy—you all did well. We’re heading back to camp.”
    His words were met with satisfied nods.
    The battle was over.
    And the land was safe.
    For now.

  • Confronting the Monster Chief

    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.

  • A Conversation at Night

    As night fell, Elias and his group gathered around the fire for a meal. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, and with no sign of monsters, they engaged in lighthearted conversations.

     

    Elias observed his companions. Jemie was deep in discussion with the other female mage, while Luke and Reina seemed to be strategizing for tomorrow. The knights and soldiers shared laughter, indicating that their camaraderie was strong.

     

    Meanwhile, Frenn ate quietly, though she occasionally paused when Jemie or someone else engaged her in conversation.

     

    (…This expedition turned out to be beneficial in more ways than one.)

     

    Elias considered their next steps. The battle was going well—there was little doubt that they could eliminate the remaining monsters tomorrow. But what then?

     

    Would they continue hunting monsters with Luke and Reina now that they had gained confidence?

     

    (Or should I expand the search for similar monster nests…?)

     

    The idea was tempting, but perhaps it was too ambitious for now.

     

    (I’ll figure it out after we’re done here.)

     

    “Elias.”

     

    Luke’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

     

    “After we finish this mission, I wanted to ask you something.”

     

    “Go on.”

     

    “This battle has been an invaluable experience. I was hoping you could continue training us after this.”

     

    “That’s fine by me,” Elias agreed without hesitation. “But first… you should set a clear goal.”

     

    “A goal?”

     

    “I mean, what kind of knight do you want to become?” Elias clarified. “Do you see yourself fighting on the front lines of the northern frontier? Or do you want to become someone like Lord Nork, leading battles through strategy and command?”

     

    Luke fell silent, seemingly caught off guard by the question.

     

    It was clear that, up until now, his only focus had been improving his combat skills—he hadn’t considered his long-term aspirations.

     

    “…That’s a difficult question,” he admitted after some thought. “But after experiencing battle firsthand, I feel that I should wield my sword for peace and order.”

     

    Elias nodded.

     

    “Figuring out your ultimate path will take time,” he said. “For now, you should focus on strengthening your skills. If you can prove your ability to defeat monsters, your chances for advancement in the northern forces will increase. That will give you more options in the future.”

     

    “I understand. Thank you.”

     

    “No need to thank me,” Elias shrugged. “Advancing the frontier is the kingdom’s goal. That requires strong knights. I’m just doing my part to follow that directive.”

     

    However, he knew there was more to it than that.

     

    Politics played a significant role.

     

    No matter how skilled a knight was, political maneuvering could limit their opportunities. It wasn’t something Elias could change, but he could at least warn Luke and Reina about it.

     

    “…I’d like to train as well,” Reina suddenly spoke up.

     

    Elias turned to her.

     

    “You too, huh?”

     

    “I don’t know what my long-term path will be either,” she admitted. “But right now, I know that strength is what matters most.”

     

    Elias smiled.

     

    “Alright. Once we’re back at the fortress, we’ll intensify your training.”

     

    “If that’s the case—”

     

    This time, one of the younger knights raised his hand.

     

    “We’re not strong enough to fight monsters, but… we’d like to train too!”

     

    “…I don’t mind, but if too many people join, it’ll be harder to manage.”

     

    “The real issue is manpower,” Frenn pointed out.

     

    “Elias, you can’t handle all of this alone. Maybe you should bring in another knight from the Eastern Front.”

     

    “…That’s an idea,” Elias muttered.

     

    (There are plenty of skilled fighters in the East who might be willing to help…)

     

    At that moment, everyone finished their meal. Elias glanced toward the mountain, then nodded.

     

    “There’s no sign of monster activity. We’ll stick to the original plan—we take turns on watch.”

     

    Then, looking at Jemie, he added,

     

    “You’re a hired mage, not a soldier. You should rest.”

     

    “I can keep watch too,” Jemie offered.

     

    “Well, as long as you do your part in battle tomorrow, that’ll be enough.” Elias smirked. “I expect you to have Luke and Reina’s backs.”

     

    “Fair enough. I’ll take you up on that.”

     

    She paused, then fixed him with an inquisitive look.

     

    “One more thing—do you have any plans after this job?”

     

    “You mean monster investigations?” Elias frowned. “Right now, there’s no set plan.”

     

    “I see…”

     

    “Why do you ask?”

     

    “I’m interested in your magic. Your detection spells, combat techniques… I’d like to learn more about them.”

     

    “…Hmm. That’s tricky,” Elias admitted. “Since this is a military fortress, I can’t just let you in freely.”

     

    “Instructor,” Frenn suddenly interjected.

     

    Elias turned toward her, puzzled.

     

    “If our goal is to strengthen the mages at the fortress, wouldn’t she be an ideal candidate?”

     

    “Oh? You’re acknowledging my skills?” Jemie smirked.

     

    “The issue,” Frenn continued, ignoring her, “is whether Lord Nork would approve.”

     

    Elias sighed.

     

    “I’ll have to run it by him first…”

     

    Looking at Jemie, he added,

     

    “It sounds like you have a lot you want to learn too.”

     

    “I do.”

     

    “…Alright, I’ll consider it,” Elias said. “But don’t get your hopes up too much.”

     

    Jemie chuckled.

     

    “That’s fine. I appreciate the consideration.”

  • The Roles of the Two

    After reinforcing the barrier at the cave entrance, Elias and his team retreated down the mountain. With the campsite fully prepared, they could maintain vigilance while ending the day’s combat operations.

     

    “This was a solid victory,” Frenn commented after hearing Elias’s report, her gaze shifting toward the mountain.

     

    “The monsters will likely become more active at night. If their leader realizes humans are nearby after losing so many of its subordinates, it might attempt an attack…”

     

    “We can’t rule out the possibility of a monster that evades detection, either. That’s why—” Elias glanced at the ground.

     

    “…We’ve set some traps in place.”

     

    “Yes. If anything approaches, we’ll know immediately,” Frenn confirmed.

     

    The magic she had cast was one she had used on the Eastern Front—likely with the help of the other mage accompanying them. Unlike traditional mana detection, which only sensed magical energy, her magic monitored footsteps, movement, and even the slightest disturbances. It was a fail-safe in case they encountered monsters capable of suppressing their mana signatures.

     

    “With this, we won’t need as many sentries,” Elias noted. “We should be able to get some decent sleep.”

     

    “We could return to the fortress, given the distance,” Frenn pointed out.

     

    “No, we need to observe how the monsters react after today’s battle. The barrier and reinforcements should hold, but we need to stay close and confirm.”

     

    “Interesting magic,” Jemie remarked, stepping closer to them.

     

    “You can analyze it?”

     

    “As someone who’s studied magic, I can at least understand the logic behind it. It’s an intriguing concept—sensing creatures through multiple factors, not just mana.”

     

    “It’s a technique I developed in the East,” Frenn explained.

     

    “Hmm…”

     

    Jemie crouched down, studying the magic with keen interest.

     

    Elias, meanwhile, turned back to Frenn.

     

    “The camp looks well-prepared. Do I need to do anything?”

     

    “Everything is set, including the meal preparations. You should just focus on tomorrow’s battle.”

     

    Elias nodded, then turned his attention to Luke and Reina.

     

    They were talking amongst themselves, possibly reviewing their performance in today’s fight.

     

    “…They’ll have to step up again tomorrow,” he muttered.

     

    “How did they perform today?” Frenn asked.

     

    “They were even better than expected. Their technique was already solid, but now they just need more combat experience.”

     

    With that, Elias approached the two knights.

     

    “Luke, Reina. What are your thoughts on today’s battle?”

     

    Luke was the first to respond.

     

    “…I’m honestly surprised by how well I fought.”

     

    “At first, I was putting full force into every strike,” he admitted. “But as I got used to the fights, I started gauging the monsters’ mana levels. I realized I didn’t need to go all out every time.”

     

    “You have a good sense for reading mana,” Elias noted. “But be careful—if you rely too much on that, you might struggle against enemies that mask their presence.”

     

    “I understand.”

     

    Elias then turned to Reina.

     

    “What about you?”

     

    “I… was worried about the hard exoskeleton at first,” she admitted. “But it turned out I could handle it better than I expected.”

     

    “Your swordsmanship leans heavily on mana infusion. You concentrate mana into your strikes more effectively than most knights, which is why your attacks hit harder despite the same speed.”

     

    “Is that so…?” Reina murmured, glancing down at her hands.

     

    “If you refine that, you’ll be able to deliver even more devastating blows,” Elias continued. “Mana control isn’t just for sword strikes—it’s also essential for enhancing your body. You have the potential to fight much stronger monsters than Luke, purely due to how well you handle mana.”

     

    Reina’s expression was a mix of disbelief and contemplation. While she didn’t outright reject his words, she was clearly trying to process them.

     

    Elias then shifted the conversation.

     

    “Based on today’s battle, I’ve decided on your roles for tomorrow.”

     

    Luke and Reina both turned their attention to him.

     

    “If nothing unexpected happens overnight… you two will fight the leader of the monsters.”

     

    Their eyes widened in shock.

     

    “I’ll be focusing on the cave itself—monitoring for any hidden threats. Jemie will provide backup if necessary. But the two of you will take on the monster.”

     

    Luke hesitated before asking,

     

    “…How dangerous is it?”

     

    Elias recalled the fight from earlier before answering.

     

    “It’s stronger than a rank-one threat, but it hasn’t fully reached rank-two. Its exoskeleton and structure are similar to the other monsters, so if you fight as well as you did today, you should be able to defeat it.”

     

    The two knights fell silent, but there was no fear in their eyes.

     

    Today’s battle had strengthened their resolve.

     

    Elias crossed his arms.

     

    “I’ll make the final call based on the situation tomorrow—but for now, assume that this is your mission.”

     

    After a moment, Luke and Reina nodded firmly.

  • Advice for the Knights

    The leader of the monsters was visibly larger than the rest, and its heavy footfalls echoed ominously.

     

    Elias kept a sharp eye on its movements, analyzing its behavior. The barrier was too narrow for something of its size to pass through.

     

    (Will it try to break the barrier? Or will it create more minions?)

     

    As he observed, the creature made its decision—it let out a piercing screech and charged straight at the barrier.

     

    A resounding impact shook the air, but the barrier held firm.

     

    “This barrier won’t break under brute force,” Elias murmured.

     

    “No structural weaknesses so far,” Jemie added, reinforcing it further with her mana infusion.

     

    “What’s the plan for that thing?” she asked.

     

    “We deal with the other monsters first,” Elias replied.

     

    Meanwhile, Luke and Reina continued their battle, their strikes growing more efficient. Their confidence and battle experience were now reflecting their true potential.

     

    Before long, the lesser monsters had all been slain.

     

    Elias had been concerned that the monsters might retreat once their numbers dwindled, but their simple instincts worked against them. They were driven by a primal urge to attack anything nearby, rather than any strategic thought.

     

    This allowed Luke and Reina to systematically exterminate them.

     

    Now, only the leader remained.

     

    Elias prepared to dispel the barrier and finish the fight—but before he could, the monster suddenly retreated, vanishing into the cave’s darkness.

     

    “…Do we pursue?” Jemie asked.

     

    Elias paused for a moment before answering.

     

    “No. First, we assess the situation. I’ll cast another detection spell to count how many monsters are left.”

     

    The spell quickly revealed the remaining count—around a dozen.

     

    “That monster—if we had slain it immediately, the remaining ones might have gone berserk. Even with the barrier in place, an uncontrolled frenzy could have been dangerous. It’s better to proceed carefully.”

     

    “…Are we setting up camp, then?” Luke asked.

     

    “We established a forward camp in case of a prolonged engagement,” Elias confirmed. “But this won’t take long. If things go as expected, we’ll be done by tomorrow. Unless that creature spawns more minions.”

     

    He turned his gaze toward Luke and Reina.

     

    “For now, we’re pulling back. You both need rest.”

     

    “I can still fight,” Reina countered, her mana reserves still abundant.

     

    Elias, however, had a different perspective.

     

    “You may have mana left, but your body is feeling the strain, whether you realize it or not.”

     

    “…What?”

     

    “You’ve gained experience, and you’re executing your techniques flawlessly. But I noticed slight instability in how you channel your mana into your sword.”

     

    “You… noticed that?”

     

    Elias nodded.

     

    “A small deviation like that might seem insignificant now, but in battle, even the slightest flaw can be fatal.”

     

    Reina swallowed hard.

     

    “…Fatal?”

     

    “You think you’re in control. You think you’re maintaining the same level of performance. But the moment your body betrays you—when exhaustion dulls your reflexes—you won’t realize it until it’s too late.”

     

    He let the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

     

    “Maybe you’ll miscalculate a strike. Maybe your mana won’t fully coat your blade. Maybe you fail to kill a monster in one blow. And if that happens, you might take a hit—a wound, or worse.”

     

    Reina exhaled slowly.

     

    “…I get it now.”

     

    “Good. Recognizing exhaustion is a skill in itself, and you’re still learning. That’s why we stop here for now.”

     

    Elias then turned to Jemie.

     

    “But we’re not leaving things to chance. I’ll be sealing the cave entrance again—can you assist me in reinforcing it?”

     

    “Of course. But honestly, with its size, that creature doesn’t seem like it can break through as things are now.”

     

    “It’s not just about strength,” Elias replied. “We must always prepare for the worst-case scenario.”

     

    Jemie raised an eyebrow.

     

    “You think something worse might be lurking in there?”

     

    “I wouldn’t rule it out.”

     

    “…Even after all that detection magic?”

     

    Elias exhaled.

     

    “In the Eastern Front, we encountered monsters that could deliberately suppress their presence. Creatures that our detection spells couldn’t pick up.”

     

    “…That’s possible?”

     

    “It’s rare,” Elias admitted. “And these creatures don’t seem particularly intelligent. But I’ve spent over two decades fighting monsters, and I’ve learned one thing: never assume you’ve seen everything.”

     

    Jemie crossed her arms, deep in thought.

     

    “So you’re saying even a weak monster could be dangerous if it has the right abilities.”

     

    “Exactly. I’ve seen low-ranked creatures with paralysis venom, acidic blood, or even telepathic coordination with their pack. The danger level of a monster isn’t just about how much mana it holds.

     

    “That’s why we prepare for every possibility—even the unlikely ones.”

  • Battle Against the Monsters

    As the monstrous creatures began to crawl out of the cave, Elias could sense Luke and Reina’s tension through their shifting mana flow.
    Their momentary fear was understandable—the sight of a swarming horde would be enough to shake anyone. But they recovered quickly, their mana stabilizing along with their expressions.
    (Good.)
    Elias nodded internally as the first creature lunged toward the cave entrance—only to slam into the barrier he had set.
    The second and third monsters, blindly following, collided into the first. Though their hardened exoskeletons prevented them from being crushed, the impact left them momentarily dazed before they started readjusting.
    “So, one at a time, huh?” Jemie commented, turning to Elias.
    “How do we handle them? Are you taking the lead?”
    “I’ll maintain the barrier and keep watch on the deeper part of the cave. You three will handle the monsters.”
    At that moment, one of the creatures discovered the gap in the barrier—the opening Elias had left intentionally. Realizing it could escape, it pushed through, emerging from the cave.
    “Luke, Reina,” Elias called. “Remember your training. If you fight as you were taught, you can take them down.”
    At his words, Luke and Reina stepped forward, weapons ready.
    The first monster lunged at Luke, its movements quick but predictable. He sidestepped effortlessly, creating an opening.
    At the same time, both Luke and Reina struck—their mana-infused swords cleaving through the hardened shell, splitting the monster apart.
    For a moment, they stared in slight disbelief.
    “…That wasn’t as hard as I thought,” Luke murmured.
    “Yeah,” Reina agreed, her grip on her sword steadying.
    Their fear had faded.
    The next creature emerged. This time, Luke advanced first, closing the gap before it could react. His blade came down cleanly, cutting through the head with a single strike.
    Reina did the same to the third, her sword slicing effortlessly through its form.
    They were handling the battle well.
    “Jemie,” Elias called.
    She glanced over, already anticipating his next order.
    “Support them. Even though we’re limiting the number of monsters coming out, the pace may increase. If that happens, they’ll have trouble keeping up.”
    “Got it,” she replied.
    Elias turned his gaze back to the cave.
    (These creatures are all weak individually… but that’s not the issue.)
    The real problem was the presence lurking deeper inside.
    It wasn’t massively larger than the others, but its mana signature was significantly stronger.
    (A leader. A stronger variant.)
    Luke and Reina continued to slay the emerging monsters, though one barely survived Reina’s strike, forcing her to adjust.
    At that moment, another monster attacked, attempting to overwhelm them.
    But their movements were coordinated—Luke instinctively covered Reina’s back, intercepting the second creature while she finished off the first.
    Both monsters fell simultaneously.
    Then, Jemie intervened.
    Lightning flashed across the battlefield. The next creature was instantly reduced to ash, blackened by the magical energy.
    “You’re breathing too hard,” Jemie noted, her voice calm but firm.
    Luke blinked in surprise, suddenly aware of his ragged breathing.
    “S-Sorry,” he said, regaining his posture. “I’ll control it.”
    “It’s good to focus, but if you let your body wear out too quickly, you’ll slow down and make a mistake,” Jemie advised.
    “Understood. Thank you.”
    He adjusted his breathing, and Reina followed suit.
    Elias watched silently, evaluating their progress.
    (They’re fine. Even if they get surrounded by a few more, they’ll manage.)
    But then—he felt it.
    From deep within the cave, a different presence was approaching.
    Larger. Stronger.
    (Here it comes… the leader?)
    Unlike the others, this one was not rushing forward blindly.
    It was calculating.
    And the problem was…
    (It might be too big to fit through the barrier’s gap—but what if it’s strong enough to break through?)
    “…Something big is coming,” Jemie muttered, confirming what Elias already sensed.
    “How do you want to handle it? Those two seem fine now, they don’t really need my support anymore.”
    “…Strengthen the barrier,” Elias ordered.
    Jemie didn’t question it.
    She raised her staff, channeling mana into the barrier, reinforcing it.
    At the same time, the incoming presence reacted.
    It stopped, as if reevaluating the situation.
    (So it recognizes the barrier? Interesting.)
    Elias narrowed his eyes.
    (Is it trying to figure out how to get through?)
    Regardless, it was still moving toward the entrance.
    He turned to Luke and Reina.
    “The number of enemies is thinning. Can you keep handling the stragglers?”
    “Yes, we’ve got this!” Luke called.
    “I’m fine, too!” Reina confirmed.
    “Good. Jemie, keep your focus on that thing.”
    “…Understood,” she said, gripping her staff tighter.
    Then—the leader finally emerged from the darkness.

  • A Unique Evolution

    Elias and his party arrived at Mount Nanan, where the soldiers and Frenn immediately began setting up camp. The two novice knights and the supporting mage were stationed to guard the area, while Elias led Luke, Reina, and Jemie deeper into the mountain.

    (Coordination will be key.)

    “…Let’s go over how we handle combat encounters,” Elias began, turning toward Luke and Reina.

    “You two don’t have much experience fighting monsters, do you?”

    Luke responded first. “I’ve fought low-level monsters before, but only with a group.”

    Reina followed, “Same here.”

    “Understood. When fighting monsters, the most important thing is to not succumb to fear. Fear will slow your movements and cloud your judgment. Monsters use their miasma as a form of intimidation, trying to break your resolve before the battle even begins.”

    Luke and Reina nodded—they seemed familiar with the concept.

    “I have no doubt in your technical skills. If you fight exactly as you were trained, you will win against these monsters.”

    “…Are you sure?” Reina asked, sounding doubtful.

    Elias nodded firmly. “Yes, I guarantee it. But only in one-on-one combat. The real danger comes if we get surrounded.”

    “That’s bound to happen, isn’t it?” Reina countered.

    “Yes, which is why you two will watch each other’s backs. You may not have trained together, but this won’t require perfect coordination—just cover each other.”

    Luke and Reina exchanged surprised glances.

    “You two haven’t fought together before, but that doesn’t matter. Just don’t let an enemy attack your partner’s blind spot. Jemie, I need you to provide support for them.”

    “I don’t mind,” Jemie replied, then narrowed her eyes. “But that means you’ll be fighting alone.”

    “Don’t worry about me,” Elias reassured her. “For this battle, I won’t be doing much anyway.”

    “…So you have a plan,” Jemie mused.

    Their conversation ended as the cave came into view.

    “First, we assess the entrance.”

    Elias led the way, stopping in front of the gaping black void nestled between the trees. The opening was wide enough for three people to walk through side by side.

    “Seeing it in person, it’s larger than I expected…” Elias murmured. Then, his gaze sharpened.

    The miasma was dense around the entrance, a clear sign that the cave was rejecting outsiders.

    “…The monsters aren’t coming out.”

    “They might have noticed us and are staying inside,” Luke suggested.

    “Should we lure them out?”

    Elias shook his head. “Let’s observe first—”

    But before he could finish, he sensed movement.

    “…Something’s coming. Step back and stay alert.”

    Luke and Reina immediately retreated, drawing their swords. Jemie raised her staff, preparing her magic.

    Elias stood firm, watching the darkness—and then, the first creature emerged.

    It crawled on four legs, resembling a spider, yet its shape was unnatural.

    “…A unique evolutionary strain,” Jemie remarked.

    Her earlier theory about a shell-covered creature was correct. The monster’s exoskeleton was thick, its body unfamiliar—no eyes, no visible mouth. Its biology was entirely alien.

    The way it crawled out of the cave, slow and methodical, sent a shiver through Luke. He gripped his sword tighter and asked,

    “What’s the plan?”

    “…It’s watching us,” Elias noted.

    The creature had stopped moving, studying them. Its body was tense, as if gauging whether they were a threat.

    “If it attacks, I’ll handle it,” Elias said calmly.

    Then, a sound echoed from the cave—a dry, clicking noise.

    Reina flinched. “Is it… calling for backup?”

    The moment she spoke, the monster lunged forward.

    (It’s coming!)

    Elias anticipated the attack, his grip on his sword tightening.

    The creature leaped toward him, attempting either a body slam or a leg strike—it didn’t matter.

    Elias swung vertically, cutting through the center of its body.

    The bisected monster collapsed onto the ground, unmoving.

    (One down… but the real problem starts now.)

    More movements echoed from within the cave.

    The first monster had signaled the others.

    “…They’re swarming,” Jemie muttered.

    “If we fight them here, we’ll be overrun,” she warned.

    Elias agreed. “We need a strategy.”

    Raising his left hand, he quickly began casting a spell.

    “I’m going to seal off the entrance, but not completely. I’ll leave just enough space for one monster to exit at a time. That way, we can control the battle and take them down one by one.”

    “…That’s a good plan,” Jemie admitted.

    As she nodded in approval, Elias completed his magic.

    A semi-transparent barrier formed over the entrance, allowing only a small gap to remain open.

    Then—the real battle began.

    From the darkness of the cave, a horde of identical creatures came surging toward them.

  • Heading for the Subjugation

    “We should not be reckless, as Lord Noque has said. However, this is an ideal opportunity to strengthen the garrison’s forces.”

    “That may be true, but there are risks involved,” Noque cautioned.

    “Yes. The subjugation must be approached with caution. Fortunately, from what we have observed, the monsters do not appear to leave their nest all at once. If we gradually reduce their numbers, we can eliminate them without suffering casualties.”

    At Elias’s reasoning, Noque let out a thoughtful hum, nodding in approval.

    “Preparations must be made to account for unexpected situations… Lord Noque, I would like to select the personnel myself.”

    “Judging by your selection of knights for the prior investigation, I take it you already have an idea of who you wish to bring?”

    “Yes.”

    At Noque’s words, Elias nodded in confirmation.

    “Very well. I shall leave it to your judgment… How many will you require?”

    “To ensure we are prepared for any contingencies, I estimate that ten men should suffice.”

    “That is a rather modest number. Are you certain that will be enough?”

    “Yes, it will not be an issue.”

    “Very well. I shall entrust this to you.”

    Noque placed his faith in Elias’s experience as a veteran knight who had fought numerous monsters. He had no objections regarding the personnel selection.

    Without wasting time, Elias departed from Noque’s office and began assembling the team. Along the way, he ran into Jemie.

    “This garrison will be handling the subjugation ourselves. Would you be willing to join the battle?”

    “You mean I’ll actually be fighting?”

    “That’s right.”

    “…Fine by me.”

    She agreed without hesitation. If she truly wished to become active in the North, combat was an unavoidable reality.

    “Good. Then, I’ll gather Frenn and begin the preparations.”

    “When are we leaving?”

    “Within a few days.”

    “In that case, there shouldn’t be an issue.”

    Her response caught Elias’s attention.

    He narrowed his eyes. “Is something bothering you?”

    “The monsters in that cave seem to be in a defensive state. For now, they’re merely observing the outside world. But the real issue is their numbers. The cave doesn’t connect to any deeper passageways, does it? That means that as their population grows, they will eventually overflow.”

    “That is a valid concern.”

    “We don’t know when that will happen, but even if the cave still has space now, that decision is not ours to make—it’s up to them. If they feel their nest is too small, they will begin to emerge.”

    “So while they have remained inside thus far, there is a possibility that they could suddenly start moving out?”

    “Exactly. And the monsters I detected outside before… what were they doing? That was the first time I had sensed them. They may have been scouting for a new habitat.”

    “…If we assume the worst, then the sooner we subjugate them, the better.”

    Elias nodded and came to a decision.

    “Gather your supplies. If you need anything, let me or Frenn know.”

    “Understood. I’ll be ready.”

    “Good. I’m counting on you.”

    Without further delay, Elias began mobilizing the unit.

     

    Two days later, the preparations were complete.

    Elias and a total of ten personnel set out from the garrison.

    Combat Unit:

    Elias (Frontline Commander)
    Jemie (Magic Support & Combat)
    Luke & Reina (Knights-in-Training, Frontline Fighters)

    Support Unit:

    Frenn (Logistics & Coordination)
    Two soldiers (Carrying supplies)
    Two novice knights (Reinforcement & Base Guard)
    One mage (The female magician who had been training in detection magic)

    As they marched, Elias addressed the group.

    “I will now go over our strategy.”

    “The frontline will consist of me, Jemie, Luke, and Reina. The two soldiers will set up camp near Mount Nanan alongside Frenn. This may turn into a prolonged battle, so we need a staging ground.”

    “I would prefer we avoid a prolonged engagement,” Frenn noted.

    Elias nodded.

    “Everyone else will guard the base camp. If anything unexpected occurs, remain on high alert.”

    “Are four attackers enough?” Jemie asked.

    “The cave’s narrow structure means that a large force will be difficult to maneuver. If the situation escalates, we will retreat and reassess.”

    “…That does little to ease my nerves,” Reina admitted.

    Her unease was understandable. She lacked experience in monster combat, and they were up against a large horde.

    But Elias remained resolute.

    “Don’t worry. Some of the monsters may be formidable, but you two can handle this.”

    “Are you certain?” Reina asked skeptically.

    “I am. You’ll understand why once the battle begins.”

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