𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨
The cart rattled along the highway as it progressed.
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“Once we get through this forest, we’ll be in Mercapolis.”
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Just as Sicily said, they were surrounded by a deep forest.
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Above them, the blue sky peeked through the green canopy like a single line drawn on canvas.
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“At this rate, we should arrive by mid-afternoon, right?”
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“…Wait a minute.”
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However, contrary to Sicily’s words, Luke, who was on the driver’s seat, pulled the reins and stopped the running dragon.
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“What’s wrong? Need a bathroom break?”
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“I haven’t heard birds chirping for a while. Something’s not right.”
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A roar thundered from the depths of the forest, as if in response to Luke’s suspicion.
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“What was that?”
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“It’s coming this way!”
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With that warning, Luke jumped down from the driver’s seat, and a shadow burst forth amidst the sound of snapping trees.
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“A person?!”
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To Sicily’s surprise, it was indeed a person, a swordsman to be precise.
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The swordsman was clad in armor, tarnished from battle, wielding a sword.
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Soon, more people emerged.
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A strong man with a shield and war hammer, and two female mages.
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“What are you doing? Run away quickly!”
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The swordsman shouted upon noticing Luke and the others.
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Simultaneously, a massive shadow appeared from deep within the forest.
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“A spike bear?!”
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It was a giant bear-like demon beast, about five meters long.
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True to its name, its body was covered in dense, spike-like fur.
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This demon beast, with its ferocious nature and spikes serving both defense and offense, was so formidable that even experienced adventurer parties sometimes faced annihilation.
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Startled by the sight of the spike bear, the running dragon panicked, causing the wooden crates in the cart to rattle violently.
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“Eeeek, my cargo! My goods!”
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Sicily screamed, her face pale.
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“Sicily, stay back with the cargo!”
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Luke and Alma approached the spike bear.
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The four-member party emerged from the forest to battle the spike bear.
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“Flame grenade!”
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The mage in black robes launched a flame bullet.
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The spike bear reeled back as it took a flame bullet to the face.
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“Enhance attack power!”
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The white-robed mage’s magic enveloped the two warriors in light.
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The man swung his war hammer at the bear’s feet.
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The swordsman leapt at the bear, seizing the moment of its stagger.
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He sliced through its unspiked side, and bright red blood gushed out.
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“Nice teamwork.”
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Luke muttered, impressed.
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The four fought the spike bear with remarkable teamwork.
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Though Luke and his group seemed to have no role, a wounded demon beast can sometimes exhibit unexpected strength.
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“GROOOAR!”
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With a furious roar, the spike bear wildly swung its arms.
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The shield of the man with the war hammer was blown away, and a single swipe of the bear’s massive limb sent him flying.
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The mere graze of its arm tore the man apart.
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“Gustav!”
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The swordsman exclaimed.
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“Heal, heal!”
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The white-robed mage hurriedly cast a healing spell.
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It seemed there was no threat to life, but this halved their combat strength.
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The relentless attack of the spike bear descended upon the swordsman.
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“Damn!”
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He hastily readied his sword, but it was clear to anyone that he couldn’t withstand it.
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“Runker!”
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The black-robed mage screamed.
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However, it was the spike bear that was blown away.
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It vanished into the forest, breaking giant trees in its path.
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“Are you okay?”
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Luke rushed to the swordsman.
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“Y, Yes… but what about you guys?”
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The swordsman looked up at Luke in surprise.
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His eyes widened in astonishment.
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“Not yet! That thing is still alive!”
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Behind Luke, the spike bear slowly emerged from the depths of the forest.
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“Ah, don’t worry about that anymore.”
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True to his words, the spike bear slowly fell forward.
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It collapsed with a thud and eventually dissipated into magical essence.
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“Luke, are you alright?”
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Alma, in armor, appeared behind him.
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“No problem. Good job.”
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Luke and Alma high-fived after defeating the spike bear.
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“Who… Who are you guys? To take down that spike bear just the two of you…”
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The swordsman stared at them as if he couldn’t believe it.
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“May I introduce myself? I’m Runker Bernick. Thanks for the help.”
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The swordsman, Runker, said this and extended his right hand.
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“I’m Luke, glad everyone is safe.”
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Luke shook his hand.
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“I’m Gustav Red. Much appreciated.”
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The man with the war hammer grinned, showing his teeth.
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“I’m Ethel Macnil, nice to meet you.”
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The red-haired, black-robed female mage smiled.
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“I’m Leslie Saints, thank you for your assistance.”
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The platinum-blond man in white mage robes bowed.
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Runker vigorously shook Luke’s hand up and down.
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“We’re part of 《Blue Sky Hawk》. We were struggling with a demon beast hunt, but thanks to you, we managed it. Can’t thank you enough.”
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“No, we help each other in times of need.”
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“I’m Alma Bastille, an adventurer with Luke.”
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“I’m Sicily Windsor, a merchant on my way to Mercapolis. These two are my friends and escorts.”
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“You’re heading to Mercapolis? Great! We’re adventurers based there. May we guide you as a way to express our gratitude for your help?”
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Runker’s eyes sparkled at Sicily’s words.
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