Knights and Magic Wand
Chapter 530 - 530 253 It's Decided It's You!

530: Chapter 253: It’s Decided, It’s You!

530: Chapter 253: It’s Decided, It’s You!

Although he had roughly guessed the sequence of events, Leon had no intention of abandoning the plan to hunt the Bear Monster.

Indeed, it might be the abrupt changes in ecological balance that led to this fierce conflict between humans and giant beasts.

But regardless, this Horror Mountain Bear had already caused hundreds of deaths, and that was just the countable casualties from Leding Castle.

If left unchecked, who knows how many massacres would follow along its migration path.

The Horror Mountain Bear is part of nature, but humans living on this land are as well.

Both have the right to survive here.

Man eats beast; beast eats man.

The struggle for survival is not a matter of right or wrong.

Leon did not want to arrogantly place himself above nature.

High-intelligence creatures like the Griffin are a different matter, but if coexistence cannot be learned—even as the Barbarian Giants did—any conflict between humans and the Horror Mountain Bear would invariably end in a fight to the death.

Just like the countless ancient demons and monsters that once vanished in conflicts like this, entities must either adapt to find a survival path or cease to exist the moment one side can no longer “threaten” the other.

…

The group camped in the woods overnight, with no ignorant beasts daring to attack.

After all, among their party was a Horror Wolf from Loman Territory, as large as a horse.

In the forests of Mamor County, such a “giant wolf” was already considered to occupy a high ecological niche.

In the central wilderness of the continent, aside from wild Griffins, a few large tiger beasts, and the Horror Mountain Bear they were currently hunting, there were few creatures that could pose a threat to the Horror Wolf.

Leon heard Knight Derek explain that these loyal “big dogs” were far less numerous in ancient times within the “Hectorwa Wilderness” than the tens of thousands now kept within human kingdoms.

It wasn’t until hundreds of years ago when the rulers of what is now Loman Territory—then unconquered by Orland—learned the techniques for taming and breeding Horror Wolves from the barbarians of the wilderness.

That’s when these giant wolves became a unique War Beast found in relatively large numbers in the northern lands.

The Horror Wolf’s excellent family recognition and sense of social hierarchy allowed them to take a survival path unlike natural wild beasts like the Horror Mountain Bear, despite lacking the high intelligence of Griffins.

If their carnivorous diet, danger level, and handling difficulties didn’t far exceed that of horses, these giant wolves would likely have become even more prolific.

Using the extraordinary sense of smell of Derek’s Horror Wolf companion, Dak, the group continued their tracking in the forest, markedly increasing their efficiency.

Following the trail for several hours, they purposefully arrived at a mountain ravine and discovered a large cave partially concealed by fallen trees.

On the tree trunks, faint discernible claw marks suggested the cave had been occupied by the Horror Mountain Bear.

Covering its nest with toppled tree trunks might seem futile, but considering the possibility of cubs inside, the mother bear’s instinctual choice was understandable.

Smelling danger in the wind, Dak crouched slightly and let out a deep growl toward the cave.

The knights gazed at the dark, deep cavern barely visible through the gaps in the tree trunks, pondering their next move.

Although they couldn’t confirm whether the Horror Mountain Bear was currently inside, Glenn Soren still surveyed the surrounding terrain and, lowering his voice, proposed to the group: “Whether or not the Horror Mountain Bear is inside, we should dig traps outside first.”

A Northland Ranger carrying a round shield and a one-handed sword climbed up the tilted tree trunks disguising the bear’s nest, peering inside before turning back to whisper, “Afterward, let me go in to check if the Horror Mountain Bear is inside.

If I find it, I can lure it out.”

Derek comforted the Horror Wolf before approaching the gap between the trees, peering into the dark and deep cave beyond.

After taking a closer look, he shook his head at the ranger.

“That’s not a good idea.

In the cave, our mobility will be limited, and no one could likely withstand a few strikes from that giant beast’s claws and teeth.

It’s too risky to send someone inside.

Instead, we should prepare here and then ignite the trees to smoke the Horror Mountain Bear out.”

“Everyone…

could you settle down for a moment?” Leon suddenly interjected near the cave’s entrance.

The rangers turned their eyes toward him.

They noticed that while the Baron was signaling for silence, the fierce Knight Girl was crouched by the gap between the tree trunks, closing her eyes and tilting her ear as if listening to noises within the cave.

The knights immediately obeyed, ceasing their conversations.

Although they didn’t know what abilities the girl possessed, the rangers had encountered many strange and talented individuals in their past travels through these lands.

They wouldn’t rashly question her.

After a long while, Olivia opened her eyes, stepped back, and nodded to Leon.

“….A significant distance below, there are chaotic breaths, one of which is exceptionally heavy and extended.

It cannot be the sound of a typical wild animal; it’s much larger than Derek’s wolf.”

As she spoke, the girl turned to the rangers and hesitated before saying, “Knight Derek, I suspect the smoke won’t be very effective.

I can hear air currents within the cave; it may have more than one entry-point to the outside.”

The rangers were somewhat stunned.

“You can tell all that just from listening at the entrance?” Derek asked in shock.

“Please trust Olivia’s judgment.

Her ears have never failed her,” Leon assured, having witnessed his small lion’s acute hearing on multiple occasions before.

He retreated from the cave entrance, gazing at the surrounding mountain terrain.

With such a wide area, locating other cave entrances could take quite some time, but he couldn’t afford any delays now.

Derek and the rangers turned to Larian, who nodded to them.

The rangers slowly recovered from their surprise, with Glenn Soren stroking his beard and sighing, “Alright…

If Miss Olivia’s hearing is indeed reliable, then we must send someone to risk entering the bear’s den.”

“Can’t we use noise and shouting to lure the Horror Mountain Bear out instead?” Leon asked, puzzled.

Glenn Soren shook his head.

“While that giant beast doesn’t possess intelligence comparable to your Griffin, it’s far craftier than ordinary wild animals.

Intentional noise would easily arouse its suspicion.

Once it chooses to stay hidden, we might be stuck in a prolonged stalemate.

Furthermore, if Olivia is correct that there’s more than one entry to this cave system, the beast could seize the chance to escape, making things even more challenging for us.

At this point, entering the cave and provoking the Horror Mountain Bear into a frenzy—especially if it’s protecting its cubs—is the only way to force it out without hesitation.”

The ranger who had previously volunteered as bait gracefully jumped down from the pile of tree trunks, dusting off his leather gloves, and once more offered, “If quick resolution is the goal, leave it to me.

When hunting Wild Goblins in North County, I often ventured into underground caverns and caves.

I’m experienced in such environments.”

Leon observed the Northland Ranger, noting his equipment—a sheathed one-handed sword paired with a round steel shield—suggested frequent ventures into caves.

However, Leon touched his pouch and suddenly had a better idea.

“No need.

Sir Ork, you can remain outside and prepare alongside everyone else,” Leon said with a grin.

“I am a mage, and I happen to have a ‘spell’ that can serve as bait for the quarry instead.”

If someone must take the risk, it’s best to send someone who can’t die.

The decision is made—

Canis!