CHAPTER 172: CLASS MISSION COMPLETE [1]

Arriving at the water source that Elen had led us to, we were greeted by an unexpected sight - a group of four mid-Elite rank monsters gathered near the creek’s edge, drinking and resting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

We maintained a safe distance behind thick vegetation, observing without alerting them to our presence.

Elen looked at me with concern. "What should we do? They outnumber us. There are four of them."

I smiled confidently. "Don’t worry. This is actually a good opportunity to finish forty percent of the examination at once. Four kills means we’re almost halfway done already."

Before committing to engagement, I wanted more information about what we were facing. The creatures looked like some kind of horned cattle, but I couldn’t identify the specific species from this distance.

Elen, however, immediately recognized them. Her academic knowledge proved valuable as she began explaining in a hushed voice.

"I recognize these - they’re Bicorns. Dangerous cattle-like magical creatures that possess two prominent horns." She pointed carefully at the distinctive paired horns jutting from each creature’s skull. "Those horns shed annually and are highly valuable as potion ingredients, particularly for vitality increase concoctions."

"So they’re hunted primarily for materials?" I asked.

"Exactly. Weaker awakeners typically wait until the horns shed naturally and gather them when the Bicorns aren’t looking, avoiding direct combat. Stronger awakeners subdue them and establish farming operations, harvesting the horns annually without killing the creatures."

That explained why these beasts were valuable beyond just soul power - they represented renewable resource generation if managed properly. Of course, for someone like me, their monetary value was low considering my background and sources of income, but to others they were indeed valuable.

"What about combat capabilities and weaknesses?" I pressed, wanting more information. I was helping Elen establish a reasoning before attacking, to help her in combat.

I could kill the beasts with a single hit, but the two with me couldn’t so they needed to establish weak points and a plan before engaging.

Elen’s expression grew more serious. "Their primary weakness is their belly - it’s not well-protected compared to the rest of their thick hide. The horns themselves are extremely powerful weapons capable of goring through metal armor. Some evolved Bicorns can even channel elemental magic through their horns if they have appropriate affinities."

Loko leaned in to listen, clearly appreciating the detailed briefing.

"Their bloodline rank is Uncommon," Elen continued, "and their maximum potential is usually peak-Elite if they’re exceptionally lucky. Most specimens like these are low to mid-Elite rank, which matches what we’re seeing."

I assessed the four Bicorns more carefully with this information. They were roughly the size of large bulls, with muscular builds and those distinctive paired horns that could easily impale an unwary opponent. Their thick hides would resist casual strikes, but targeting their vulnerable underbellies provided clear tactical approach.

"Good intel," I acknowledged.

"Here’s the plan," I said, studying the four Bicorns while formulating our approach. "We’ll use coordinated tactics that play to each of our strengths rather than trying to overwhelm them with brute force."

I pointed at the creatures systematically. "Elen, your water manipulation gives us excellent crowd control capabilities. Once we engage, I want you to use the creek water to create barriers and obstacles that separate the herd. Bicorns are herd animals - they’ll be more dangerous if they can coordinate charges together. If you can isolate them into pairs or individuals, we dramatically reduce the threat."

Elen nodded, already focusing on the abundant water source nearby.

"Loko, maintain your buff enchantments on both of us throughout the engagement. More importantly, I need you watching for injuries. If either of us takes a hit from those horns, immediate healing response. Don’t wait for us to call for help - use your judgment."

"Understood," Loko confirmed.

"I’ll serve as frontline attacker and support," I continued. "My role is subduing the beasts and ensuring neither of you gets seriously injured, but I won’t be delivering killing blows. This is about you two gaining combat experience and soul power, not me rushing through for quick completion."

Both teammates looked surprised at that declaration.

"You’re... not going to kill them yourself?" Elen asked with confusion.

"Mid-Elite beasts won’t give me meaningful advancement," I explained honestly. "I’m already high-Elite rank. But you two can benefit significantly from these kills. So I’ll create openings, protect you from counterattacks, and handle battlefield control - but the actual elimination strikes are yours to make."

Understanding dawned on both their faces, followed by determination.

"Here’s the detailed execution," I continued. "Elen, once I engage the first Bicorn and draw its attention, immediately raise water barriers to cut off the other three from supporting it. Doesn’t need to be walls - even ankle-deep flowing water will disrupt their charging momentum and make them hesitate."

"I can do that," she confirmed.

"Loko, position yourself where you have clear sightlines to both of us but aren’t directly in the beasts’ path. Your buffs and healing are more valuable than trying to contribute damage."

"Got it."

"Once Elen has isolated the first target, I’ll force it to expose its vulnerable belly. Elen, that’s when you strike with concentrated water pressure - aim for penetration rather than blunt impact. Think water jet cutting through the unprotected hide."

Her eyes widened slightly at the tactical specificity, but she nodded with growing confidence.

"After the first kill, we repeat the pattern with the remaining three. Each time, I create the opening, Elen delivers the finishing strike, and Loko maintains our combat effectiveness. We work as a coordinated team rather than three individuals fighting separately."

I looked between them seriously. "The reasoning behind this approach is simple: good teamwork multiplies effectiveness far beyond individual capabilities. One strong fighter supported by two specialists can accomplish more than three decent fighters acting independently. You’re learning to leverage synergy - using each member’s strengths to cover others’ weaknesses."

"That makes sense," Loko said thoughtfully. "Most teams just... attack together without real coordination."

"Which is why most teams are inefficient," I confirmed. "Questions about the plan?"

Both shook their heads, their expressions showing focus and readiness.

"Then let’s begin. Elen, be ready with that water manipulation the moment I engage. Loko, buffs active. On my signal."

I drew my sword and prepared to initiate contact with the nearest Bicorn, my teammates positioned strategically behind me.

This would be good experience for both of them - learning how coordinated tactics and clear role assignment created overwhelming advantages even against numerically superior opponents.

"Now," I commanded, surging forward from our concealed position.

My movement drew immediate attention from the nearest Bicorn. Its head snapped up from drinking, water dripping from its muzzle as it registered the threat. The creature bellowed - a deep, resonant sound that alerted the entire herd.

STOMP! CHARGE!

The first Bicorn lowered its twin horns and charged directly at me with surprising speed for something its size. The ground trembled under its hooves as it built momentum.

I sidestepped at the last moment using my enhanced footwork, my blade flashing out to strike its flank - not to kill, but to redirect its momentum and create an opening.

SPLASH! RISE!

Behind me, Elen executed perfectly. Water from the creek surged upward in response to her manipulation, forming flowing barriers that cut between the charging Bicorn and its three companions. The barriers weren’t solid walls, but the rushing water and sudden obstacles disrupted the other beasts’ attempts to support their herdmate.

"Good control!" I called out while keeping the first Bicorn’s attention focused on me.

The isolated creature wheeled around for another charge, frustrated and aggressive. I could see Loko’s buffs working - my reaction speed felt sharper, my movements more fluid as the enhancement magic took effect.

CHARGE! DEFLECT!

I met the second charge head-on this time, using my sword to deflect the dangerous horns away from my body while simultaneously forcing the Bicorn to rear up slightly, exposing its vulnerable underbelly.

"Elen, now! Target the belly!"

WHOOSH! PIERCE!

Elen’s water manipulation concentrated into a high-pressure jet that lanced forward like a spear. The technique struck the exposed underbelly with devastating precision, the pressurized water cutting through the unprotected hide and penetrating deep into vital organs.

The Bicorn collapsed with a final bellow, its life already fading.

"One down! Maintain the barriers!" I directed.

But as I moved toward the second target, I noticed Loko’s positioning had drifted too far forward in his excitement. He was nearly in the path of one of the separated Bicorns, which had noticed the vulnerable support member.

"Loko, fall back ten meters! You’re too exposed!" I called sharply.

"Sorry!" He immediately retreated to safer distance, realizing his mistake.

The second Bicorn had broken through part of Elen’s water barrier and was charging toward her position now, recognizing her as the primary threat.

INTERCEPT!

I moved with blood-enhanced speed, positioning myself between Elen and the charging beast. My blade struck its horn at an angle, redirecting the momentum enough that it stumbled past us rather than connecting with full force.

"Elen, barrier to your left! Third one’s flanking!"

She responded instantly, raising a wall of churning water that stopped the third Bicorn’s attempted surprise attack from the side. Her battlefield awareness was improving rapidly.

The second Bicorn recovered and charged again. This time I didn’t just deflect - I used my superior strength to actually grapple one of its horns mid-charge, using the beast’s own momentum to flip it partially onto its side.

"Exposed! Strike now!"

SLASH! PIERCE!

Elen’s water jet combined with a direct sword strike from her backup weapon, targeting the vulnerable belly with lethal precision. The second Bicorn went down, and her soul power increase again through the successful kill.