Elysian observed the night tooth intently. It was a small, canine creature, roughly the size of a small dog. Its dark, sleek fur blended seamlessly with the shadows of the forest, making it difficult to spot unless it moved. Though its small stature might seem unimpressive, he could see its sharp fangs and claws were quite lethal to ordinary people without the protection of leather armor that the soldiers wore. Even in this dark night, their ferocious eyes, glinting in the moonlight, stared at them without fear, instilling a sense of unease in even these hardened men.

  'So that's a night tooth.Just as the captain said earlier, it's small, but the ferocity in its eyes seems to scream not to take it lightly. Even without its formidable ability, if thousands attacked in waves, I don't think I could even dream of escaping my doom. Hopefully, what the captain had said earlier held true, that only a few of these wander off from Grimwold.

  Interestingly, it seems the Eye has recognized this creature. I've never encountered them before in the desert or even the eastern continent. Does this mean that Eye was originally from the northern continent, or did its previous master visit Northcrest?

  Hmm... What's this about delicacy? Eldron are f*cking poisonous, you b*stard. Are you trying to kill me?'

  "Fascinating," Elysian murmured, his mind already analyzing the creature's features and possible weaknesses.

  Hugo raised an eyebrow at the boy's calm demeanor. "Most people's first reaction isn't 'fascinating' when they see a night tooth up close."

  Elysian smirked. "I'm not most people, Captain."

  "Clearly," Hugo chuckled. "Alright, let's see what these two brats can do. Bran, Osric, you're up!"

  Bran and Osric stepped forward, their faces set with determination. Elysian felt a swell of pride seeing his companions ready to face this challenge.

  "Remember," Elysian said to them, "they can shift into mist. So, hit them with aura-imbued attacks. Also, always stay alert and trust in your training."

  The two nodded, drawing their weapons. Bran hefted his massive iron staff as if it were nothing.

  Elysian was surprised. His mind had been elsewhere, and he hadn't noticed it before. He knew that Bran had been slowly favoring using a staff, and he actually endorsed it. Elysian believed that a person must choose their own preferred weapon and not force others' opinions because they themselves know best. But looking at the weapon up close, it still surprised him to see something so massive and heavy. He was wondering if it was a wise decision to choose such a weapon. "When did you get that?"

  "I wanted to surprise you, young master," Bran gave a boyish grin. "I wanted to show you how much I have improved."

  Elysian couldn't help but smile at Bran's enthusiasm. "Well, consider me surprised. Now let's see how well you can wield it."

  As the battle approached, the eerie howls of the night tooths echoed through the darkness. Elysian watched intently, his keen eyes missing nothing. This was more than just a test for Bran and Osric; it was an opportunity to observe these creatures in action.

  "Begin," Hugo commanded, a grin spreading across his face at the prospect of an entertaining fight.

  Osric charged forward, his short swords glowing faintly enveloped by his aura. As a night tooth lunged at him, he swung his blade in a wide arc. The creature attempted to shift into mist, but Osric's aura-imbued swords disrupted its transformation, instantly killing it.

  Bran quickly followed suit, letting out a beastial roar that attracted the night tooths in his direction. They swarmed towards him like moths to a flame, but Bran stood his ground undeterred. His iron staff pulsed brightly with aura, undulating with terrifying power. In that moment, he seemed like a titan gladly meeting the challenge.

  Elysian's lips curved into a wide smile, realizing the servant was no longer the anxious youth from that morning. It seemed all his inhibitions and fears had dissolved, replaced by a warrior's focus as he faced the fight head-on.

  'Though he's always anxious and worries a lot, when it's time to fight, I've noticed that he seems to relish it. Seems I was right. The brat was born to be a warrior.'

  Meanwhile, Osric continued his assault with precision and finesse. While Bran stood his ground like an immovable fortress, Osric danced around the battlefield, masterfully evading attacks while dispatching foes with lethal efficiency. Though their fighting styles differed greatly, both their performances were undeniably impressive.

  Elysian observed closely, mentally noting areas for any improvement in their next training session. However, his analytical mind didn't stop there; he also studied the night tooths' movements, attack patterns, and potential weaknesses he could exploit in future encounters.

  As the skirmish continued, Elysian felt a mix of emotions: pride in his companions' skills and dread at the possibility of facing thousands of these creatures. While he could see plenty of weaknesses in individual night tooths, he knew that the tyranny of numbers could overwhelm even the strongest warriors. Such a threat could only be countered with similar numbers or devastating area attacks.

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  "Impressive," Hugo muttered, watching Bran and Osric work in tandem to slaughter the night tooths. "You've trained them well."

  Elysian nodded, his eyes never leaving the battle. "They've worked hard," he acknowledged before turning to the captain. "But you've also helped in training Bran. I can see his improvement from your teaching." He inclined his head in appreciation. "Thank you."

  "No need for that," Hugo responded, his eyes never leaving the fight. "I didn't do it for you. I'm a friend of that boy's father."

  "Rodger," Elysian muttered softly, almost absently.

  Hugo suddenly glanced at him, narrowing his eyes. "What?"

  Elysian, surprised by the reaction, asked, "What's wrong?"

  "I'm just surprised you know his name," Hugo smirked. "I thought you were a snob, boy."

  Elysian snorted at the jab. "I thought you knew me better than that by now."

  "I do," Hugo nodded with a smile. "As I've said before, you've changed."

  Shifting the conversation, Elysian said, "I've heard that you're one of Rodger's drinking buddies."

  "Yes," the captain replied, a fond smile crossing his face. "He's a good man."

  "He is," Elysian agreed.

  Hugo's gaze returned to the battle. "I didn't just train the boy because Rodger's my friend you know. That boy has talent."

  "I agree."

  "He's more talented than you," Hugo added, unable to resist another jab.

  "I agree. Both of them are," Elysian readily admitted without hesitation. This candid response surprised the captain, who glanced at the young noble. Elysian, seizing the moment, countered with his own playful barb, "But Captain, are you shameless enough to think you're more talented than them?"

  That earned a hearty laugh from the officer. "Aren't you afraid? These two boys will surprise you sooner or later."

  "I hope they do," Elysian responded, welcoming the thought with open arms. "I pay them. They work for me, so wouldn't it be in my best interest for my people to be reliable enough that I can easily lean on them?"

  "Nobles are truly shameless," Hugo snorted in mock derision. "Most are only good at using people."

  "I disagree, my dear captain," Elysian countered, his tone growing more serious. "Each individual has their place and talent. Some excel in fighting, others in leading. Nobles should be adept at leadership, but the problem is that most inherit their positions without an ounce of aptitude for it." He paused, his expression grave. "Worse still, power corrupts. What do you think happens when an incompetent noble, with no inclination towards leadership, is given absolute power on a silver platter?"

  Hugo remained silent, meeting the young noble's piercing gaze.

  "Tragedy," Elysian said, a solemn smile devoid of humor crossing his face. "The result, my Captain, is tragedy."

  "So, you think you have the talent for leading?" Hugo asked, his tone now genuinely curious rather than challenging.

  Elysian's gaze returned to the battlefield, where Bran and Osric continued to demonstrate their prowess against the night tooths. He took a moment before responding, his voice quiet but firm.

  "I don't just think it, Captain. I know it. But more importantly, I understand the weight of that responsibility," he answered truthfully, without reservation.

  Hugo chuckled, shaking his head. "You seem pretty confident, boy. I can read in your words that you have your eyes on your father's title. Many believe your older brother will certainly be the heir to the barony. That he's more deserving than you, much better."

  "I agree with them that he's a much better fighter than me, more talented," Elysian nodded. "A better human too. He's kind and intelligent."

  "That I agree with," Hugo nodded, giving the boy a knowing smile while the young noble's eyes never wandered from the fight before them. "Doesn't he have the qualities of a future Baron? Maybe even a Count? We're very lucky to have him. I bet the others are quite envious," he stressed the last part, another subtle jab at the boy.

  Elysian's expression remained impassive. "I beg to differ. Being a leader isn't about being better than others or wielding power. It's about making decisions that benefit not just yourself, but everyone under your care. It means a leader shouldn't devour all the fruits of everyone's hard work. He should take his portion while letting the majority trickle down to his people."

  He turned back to the captain, his eyes reflecting a maturity beyond his years. "I admit my brother has those qualities. However, it also means a leader must know how to be ruthless when necessary. A leader who is always kind but doesn't have the stomach to use a heavy hand will only lead to anarchy. Generosity and respect should go hand in hand, but at certain times, instead of respect, a leader should know how to use fear."

  Hugo's eyebrows rose, surprise evident in his features. "Are you saying that Alric is too kind to inherit your father's position?" he asked, as if he hadn't heard such absurdity before.

  "I am," Elysian answered succinctly, his gaze determined and confident.

  The captain defiantly met the boy's eyes, but instead of a response, he answered with silence. After a long, searching look, he followed it with a nod before turning back to the fight before them.

  A calm, comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the sounds of battle. In the distance, Bran let out a fierce cry as he felled another night tooth, while Osric's blades flashed in the moonlight, leaving streaks of silvery mist in their wake. This continued for a while until the number of their enemies dwindled noticeably.

  "Seems it's about to end," Hugo commented, nodding in satisfaction. "I'm impressed. They killed the night tooths with just the two of them, and quite quickly too."

  "Not the end," Elysian said softly, "but just the beginning."

  Hugo glanced at the boy with a questioning look, trying to ascertain if he was joking. But before he could ask, he noticed more night tooths approaching, their numbers tripled. "What did you—" He was surprised by the young noble's perceptiveness.

  Even Bran and Osric noticed the new wave, glancing back at Elysian with anxiety etched on their faces.

  "Face them all with just the two of you," Elysian commanded, his tone serious and unyielding. "Bite them, claw their eyes out, I don't care—but you must survive and win. We won't interfere unless you're close to dying. So, fight as if your lives depend on it."

  Both Bran and Osric's eyes widened at their liege's words. Even the soldiers around them froze at the young noble's command.

  "Boy, are you mad?!" Hugo scowled at Elysian, disbelief coloring his voice.

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