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Whether the disturbance was the worst-case scenario was something to be determined, but for the moment, Anlesa was moving towards the edge of town, assuming the worst.

The large brigade of birds and, eventually, other animal howls grabbed the attention of a few people, but most chose to ignore it. Maybe a fire broke out in the forest, or a gathering party did something stupid–not the first time that had happened.

Syrus used her Blood attribute to enhance her hearing, and she tried to make sense of all the noises.

[Syrus, have you noticed anything?] (Luna)

Luna and Eva could hear all the additional sounds coming into their head, but like usual, neither were able to make sense of what they were hearing.

[I’m hearing something stomping… well multiple creatures, but there are a few loud steps of stomps which are the most audible.] (Syrus)

Some people called out to her, asking where she was going, but Syrus ignored them and continued to sprint until she reached the western edge of town.

Luna and Eva couldn’t even properly understand what the people around them were saying. Syrus' hearing made all the voices around them connect into a blurry cloud.

[So… we can expect another large mutated beast, and likely some small ones as well.] (Luna)

Luna figured there would be another creature the same size as the deer they faced and likely a hoard of slightly bigger than normal mutated animals.

[I wish that is the case, but there is the possibility there is one extra large mutated animal dampening the sounds of the rest.] (Syrus)

Syrus knew the larger mutated animals were a rare breed, as even normal mutated animals were not commonly seen. However, these were beasts from a demon territory, and that wasn’t a land she knew much about, but she was fearful based on rumours that whatever environment it was, it made larger mutated creatures more common.

[How… likely do you think that is the case?] (Eva)

[Not sure. You are good at probability, right? Based on what we know and what we heard from the demon, what do you think?] (Syrus)

[...] Eva didn’t want to answer. Not that it was an easy question; whatever she said was likely some amount of bullshit anyway, but Syrus was asking, so she wanted to answer. On the other side, Syrus was hoping this might push Eva away to rest; she needed it the most out of the three of them. [Around… 90% of multiple creatures the size of that mutated deer.]

[Sounds right.] (Syrus)

Finally, they made it towards the edge of town.

[I can’t see anything yet.] (Syrus)

[Syrus, can you stop the hearing or tone it down? It’s bringing along a headache.] (Luna)

[Sure, not much of a point to keep it up.] Syrus released the enhancement on her hearing, which caused her eyes to sting as they lightly healed.

They stood staring towards the forest as they moved to see past it. There were no creatures in the plains, and even without the strengthened hearing, they could hear the sound of trees falling.

[What is the plan?] (Luna)

[Fighting however many that show up while possible is not going to be the best idea.] (Syrus)

[You're confident.] (Luna)

[Maybe, but there is still the chance that any of the creatures can get past us and attack the city.] (Syrus)

Even with no mutated monsters in sight, they were sticking firm with their decision. Syrus pulled out her longsword from its sheath, and a light flame emerged from it.

Mana from their body flowed out and concentrated on the sword, and a violent heat slowly emerged as she began to cast a magic spell.

[You're using the sword as a medium for your magic..?] Eva felt what Syrus was doing and was amazed. She had seen her use the sword to launch for Fire before, but this time the sword itself was storing the energy as the magic was being cast with the blade. She had heard stories that magicians would use a staff to manifest their attributes and wondered if this was similar. Her curiosity was heightened, which made her negative emotions calm down.

[With an ordinary sword?] Luna understood the theory behind what Syrus was doing a lot more but was still amazed. She had seen artefacts made by artificers designed to amplify certain spells, and a couple of the holy artefacts to strengthen all magic, but those were still specialised items. This was just a simple sword, and its body was being used as a chamber that forged the spell.

[Haha. Honestly, I didn't expect such a reaction from either of you, should’ve shown it off sooner and thought it was common-ish knowledge, but I guess my country bumpkin arse was wrong again.] (Syrus)

Graghoooooooooooooooowl!

The creatures howled from within the Amber Forest, this time grabbing their attention with a bloodcurdling scream. Syrus could see the beast through the cracks as they charged at the town.

[Can the sword handle it?] Luna asked. She was deeply worried what Syrus was doing would destroy the sword beyond a usable condition.

[Trust me, I’ve done this enough times. The sword should be fine if I’m only doing this once. Though, Eva I would like it if you got your wire ready.] Replied Syrus. While she said the sword would be fine, she would rather let it rest for a moment before swinging it into hard monster flesh. She also had a small regret about not talking about this technique sooner, thinking back on it, if she did, she could have Eva work with her to either strengthen the effect or lower the damage on the sword. But a combination of just forgetting about the importance and difficulty of the technique and the constant want to keep Eva away from danger made sure the thought never came to her head.

A large blob crumbled the woods in front of it as it charged.

[What the hell is that?] (Syrus)

It broke through the outer forest wall, along with an army of other mutated creatures that ran besides it and behind it. There were many large mutated animals and even a few the same size as the deer. A large mutated wolf and snake were standouts in that size group.

However, the truest standout was a creature that stood over even them. With a large grey body, four legs that were the size of tree trunks, a long nose, and horns growing out of everywhere.

[I don’t know?!] (Eva)

[It’s a mutated elephant. Now, Syrus, proceed with your attack!] (Luna)

Syrus's grip on her sword tightened as she swung her blade in an arc.

“Release!” Syrus yelled.

The sword erupted red, and a torrent of flames vomited out in a glorious wall of crimson flames that stole the breath of everyone outside as it soared high into the sky.