"Cassian!" someone shouted in panic.

The knights reacted immediately when they saw what happened to Cassian.

"Move!" one of them yelled. "Save him!"

A group of 8 knights quickly charged forward to help Cassian. They ran at full speed and surrounded the monster. One slammed his shield into the monster’s side, and another followed with a strong slash at its leg.

The monster roared in anger, but the attacks looked like it didn’t seem to make a dent on him.

Cassian gritted his teeth and pushed himself up, even as a knight grabbed his arm.

"It’s fine, I can stand on my own," Cassian muttered.

The knight looked hesitantly at him before moving away.

"Tch," Cassian clicked his tongue. He bent down to get his sword. Before he could even move, the monster attacked them again.

It lunged forward, faster than before. Its claws tore through the dirt, causing the knights to helplessly spread out.

"Surround it!"

"Don’t let it reach the nobles!"

The knights attacked all out once. Their swords struck the beast’s thick fur. However, even with their sharp sword, they barely cut through it. The monster just swung its body to knock off everyone who blocked it.

The nobles were terrified by what they saw. They could only cling to their swords. They no longer have any arrows because they had already used them earlier.

Without a choice, Rufus and Lionel looked at each other. They both nodded in understanding of what they should do.

Rufus gritted his teeth as he lunged forward. Nearby, Lionel moved too. The two ran at the monster at full speed.

Rufus swung his sword low, slicing through the thick fur near the monster’s leg. Lionel moved beside him. He made forceful blows that made the beast take a step back.

Seeing their coordinated attack, the knights quickly stood up and followed their lead. They held up their shields and swords, pushing forward in a tight formation. Each knight trusted the set by Rufus and Lionel.

They made their attacks carefully and deliberately. They avoided reckless swings while keeping the monster contained.

Cassian stood a few feet away from them, his chest heaving. His pride was damaged, and what irritated him more was the fact that he could feel the nobles watching him.

"No... this should be mine," Cassian muttered to himself with gritted teeth. Without second thoughts, he charged forward. He swung his sword with exaggerated force. Each strike was meant to be flashy to catch attention, but it wasn’t helping.

Even as he talked and commanded, the knights ignored him. They focused entirely on Rufus and Lionel’s lead. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The monster roared again, thrashing violently. Its movement sent dirt and small rocks flying in the air.

The monster swung its massive claw with terrifying speed. Lionel tried to dodge when he saw that it was on his way, but the force of the blow caught him off guard.

*Swishhh

He was swept away and the impact sent him rolling on the ground.

"Fuck." Lionel cursed out loud.

"Lionel!" one of the knights shouted, "Are you—"

Lionel groaned but slowly raised his arm, giving a small thumbs-up. "I’m fine," he called out, even though he could feel every fiber of his being screaming in pain.

Cassian’s eyes brightened toward the momentary opening. A sly grin tugged at his lips.

"Finally... my chance," he whispered. His chest rose as he stepped forward, seizing the lead. The knights eventually followed him after making sure Lionel was fine.

Meanwhile, Lionel pressed his hands to his side. There was blood running through it. He winced as a wave of pain shot through him. He staggered slightly, but he tried his best to stand up.

He held onto the ground with his hand. That’s when his gaze also fell to the ground near where he had fallen.

In there, he saw a small pouch. It was the one he had been looking for since yesterday. They were covered in dirt as if they have gotten thrown out accidentally.

Lionel’s heart skipped a beat.

"It’s here," he whispered under his breath.

Just then, it clicked for him. His location was the place where Cassian was thrown earlier.

Don’t tell me...

Lionel pressed his lips together. No. He didn’t need anyone to tell him. He already understood it.

His cousin was truly wicked.

Frustration made his chest heavy, but it was not yet time to dwell on it.

Lionel slowly moved closer to the pouch, ignoring the pain in his side. He reached to it and gently brushed away the dirt, bringing it fully into view. His eyes widened as he took in the details.

The pouch wasn’t just any pouch. The fabric was made of the highest-quality of silk, and the stitching was done with delicate golden threads. This was no ordinary item. One look and you would alredy know that this pouch was meant only for the royal family.

A slow and playful smile spread across Lionel’s face.

"Cassian... you really made a big mistake," he whispered, shaking his head with amused disbelief. His cousin may be wicked, but he was also stupid at the same time.

Instead of taking it, he carefully lifted the pouch and moved it a few feet to the side, tucking it behind a cluster of broken branches and leaves. It was hidden enough that no one would spot it immediately, but anyone searching the area thoroughly would find it.

After doing that, Lionel straightened up slightly. He was still in pain, but he was deeply satisfied. He knew that this little trick would teach Cassian a lesson about scheming.

Lionel’s eyes swept over the battlefield. That’s when saw that the knights, Rufus, and Cassian were already struggling. A few of the nobles also tried to help, now that they’ve calmed down.

But it wasn’t enough. The knights were falling one by one and the everyone was getting injjured.

Shit... he muttered under his breath. We can’t take that thing down with just this. Even with Rufus and the knights giving it their all, it was clear.

They didn’t have the strength or the skill to kill this monster.

Lionel took a deep breath. He thought of what could they do? That’s when his mind snapped.

Right... my mission.

He only had to kill one more monster to get the reward.

Lionel’s eyes darted to the side. He squinted and tried to look for something to kill.

On the far side, under the bush was a small wolf hiding.

Perfect, Lionel thought. He walked slowly and carefully, trying not to alert it. The beast was small and looked like a baby, so he knew killing it would be easier.

When he got close, he sprinted to it. The wolf sensed the danger and tried to attack him, but somehow, Lionel was faster. With one clean strike, his blade sank into its chest. The wolf yelped and collapsed, twitching briefly before lying still.

[Ding!]

Lionel exhaled, the tension in his body releasing slightly.

[Mission complete!]

A soft chime rang in his mind.

[+1 stat gained]

[The host has gained the skill <Light of Purification>]

[This skill will require the use of mana depending on the size of the corrupted beast.]

"Finally..."