CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34

From a distance, the city management team could be seen approaching, with Brother Tiger leading the way. Judging by their disheveled state, it was clear they had just come from a fierce battle.

As they arrived, Arthur—the group’s leader—stepped forward.

"What happened, Brother Tiger? You all look pretty roughed up."

Tiger replied with a dismissive tone.

"Nothing major. We were just a bit careless during patrol and ran into a pack of unusually aggressive wild boars."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "How are you holding up?"

"Well, you know how it is..."

Tiger went on to describe the encounter in more detail—how the wild boars were inexplicably hostile, attacking with relentless aggression.

Fortunately, being a mid-level apprentice mage, Tiger had managed to fend off the low-tier one-star boars. Still, the fight had yielded no rewards—just exhaustion and frustration.

Arthur asked further questions, trying to assess whether those boars were worth targeting or better left alone.

As they rested, Tiger described everything at length. But the more Arthur listened, the deeper his frown became. Tiger noticed the change.

"What’s wrong, Arthur? Something bothering you?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Arthur replied quickly, "Ah, no, not at all, Brother. Just thinking about the best way to bring those monsters down."

But in truth, his mind was elsewhere—replaying their own recent encounter with aggressive boars, which had been triggered by Bravus’s carelessness. The way Tiger described them... they sounded too familiar.

Soon, Tiger’s team had recovered enough to move out again. They planned to track down those same boars and finish the job.

"Alright, Arthur. Gather a few men to come with us—including yourself. If we come across another group, we’ll take them along too. This time, we have to take those things down for the city report."

Arthur hesitated. Deep down, he didn’t want to join a hunt for such dangerous creatures.

Tiger noticed the pause and frowned.

"What’s the matter, Arthur? Got a problem with how I run things?"

Arthur immediately responded, "No, Brother Tiger. I’m just worried about my team’s safety."

"I don’t care. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes. Be ready."

Arthur had no choice but to nod. Tiger outranked him.

He quickly began organizing the team, deliberately leaving behind Bravus and a few other troublemakers. He knew their incompetence could cost lives—and if something happened under Tiger’s command, the consequences would be severe.

Among those selected was Clayton, who moved quietly, not drawing any attention.

But Tiger still noticed him. His expression hardened.

"That one stays behind," he barked.

Arthur looked surprised. "What? Brother Tiger—is there a problem?"

"Don’t ask questions. Just do as I say," Tiger snapped.

Troubled, Arthur relayed the order. Clayton simply nodded, feeling more relieved than disappointed. From the earlier description alone, he could tell how dangerous those boars were.

Meanwhile, Bravus—furious at being excluded while Clayton was initially chosen—sneered. He had wanted to show off in front of Tiger, but seeing Clayton left behind too soothed his bruised ego.

After Tiger’s group departed, the remaining members relaxed slightly, continuing the patrol with less energy and discipline.

At the rear, Bravus was surrounded by Xylas and his little clique, who paid more attention to stroking egos than doing actual work.

Though Bravus seemed to enjoy the flattery, Xylas, ever observant, noticed something off.

"What’s wrong, Brother Bravus? You seem... distracted."

Bravus tried to brush it off. "It’s nothing. I’m fine."

Xylas raised an eyebrow. "Come on, Brother. You don’t need to hide anything from me. We’re like family—we share everything, good or bad."

Finally, Bravus sighed and spoke gloomily.

"I’m just still upset about Clayton... and everything that happened before. It’s been eating at me."

Xylas nodded, thinking how he might cheer Bravus up and strengthen their bond.

Just then, a deep, guttural grunt echoed in the distance.

Curious, Xylas climbed a tree to scout ahead—without telling the others.

When he finally saw the source, his eyes widened in horror. His entire body froze.

Bravus grew suspicious and nudged him.

"What is it, Xylas? What did you see?"

Xylas turned pale.

"It’s... it’s that massive wild boar! I swear it’s the same one we fought before—the one Brother Tiger’s team was after!"

Bravus panicked. That monster had nearly killed him before—and back then, they’d had far more people.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I checked several times."

Bravus turned pale. Without Arthur’s leadership and a full team, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

They stood frozen, unsure what to do.

Just then, another group—patrolling nearby—noticed the delay and approached.

Bravus was about to warn them, but Xylas quickly cut in.

"Ahahaha, it’s fine. We’re just a bit tired."

"In that case, let’s rest up. Brother Tiger didn’t ask for a full-time patrol anyway."

Xylas nodded, and the group settled down.

Bravus shot Xylas a suspicious look.

"Why’d you stop me?"

Xylas responded in a low voice, "We can’t tell them. If word gets out, everyone will panic and do something reckless. That’ll just make things worse."

Bravus nodded reluctantly, but his anxiety lingered.

"Then what do we do? Just sit here and wait for that thing to kill us all?"

Xylas fell silent. Then, with a heavy sigh, he shook his head.

"What is it?" Bravus pressed.

"I’m calculating our odds of survival. And... they’re slim. Unless..." Xylas trailed off, his voice full of dread.

Bravus, now growing agitated, snapped,

"Unless what?!"

His outburst drew glances. Xylas quickly forced a laugh. "We’re just joking around!"

Once things settled again, Bravus leaned in, whispering,

"Unless what, Xylas?"

Xylas hesitated, then finally muttered,

"Unless... we use someone as bait. Lure the boar away."

Bravus went silent. He wasn’t exactly a good person—but the thought of sacrificing someone still made him uneasy.

"There’s no other way?"

"Realistically? No. We can’t save everyone. Someone has to be sacrificed... to save the rest."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Then suddenly, Bravus’s eyes landed on Clayton.

And in that moment, time seemed to stop.

His previously troubled face twisted into a sinister smile—his mind suddenly clear.

"I know... who we should sacrifice."