Drake and the convoy arrived at the western border.
The moment they were spotted, the soldiers immediately greeted Lord Rudious and saluted Knight Master Jorald. They welcomed Young Master Drake with deep bows and escorted them inside the fort to discuss the situation.
They talked about the corrupted attacks and the clearing of the monster corpses. After a brief discussion, Rudious turned to the fort's commander.
"Commander Cont. How deep do we need to go for Drake's hunt?"
"Sir," Cont replied respectfully. "Because of Sir Jorald, more than half the monsters in the jungle are already dead. But there are still a few lingering around the lake, right in the center of the forest."
"Good," Rudious nodded.
---
Taking some supplies and a few guards, they headed into the jungle, following the path where the corrupted beasts had been purged.
Slashed tree trunks and faint markings were the only signs of battle left; the bodies had already been cleared.
Drake remained completely silent the whole way, his hand resting tightly on the hilt of his sword.
---
Soon, the convoy reached the center of the jungle.
A crystal-clear lake sat quietly, surrounded by towering trees. The guards set up a small tent by the water. The sun wasn't too harsh, and a cool breeze blew across the water.
Two guards went deep into the woods to scout for monsters.
Drake looked around, amazed. "There's a place like this in the jungle?"
The water rippled gently. It was hard to imagine this peaceful place was part of a monster-infested forest.
He stood up, drew his sword, and began swinging it in the air. He could feel the weight of the steel. It wasn't like the wooden practice swords. This blade demanded blood.
*Slash*. *Whoosh*.
"Yes, son," Rudious said, sitting comfortably by the tent. "This is part of our territory. We have many types of trees here, which helps our trade."
"I see," Drake muttered, still swinging.
---
Jorald walked over carrying a thick wooden log. "Young Master. Try your sword on this."
"Alright." Drake gripped his sword with both hands and struck the log three or four times.
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the trees.
"My Lord! Goblins are coming!"
The two scouting guards came running back.
"Young Master," Jorald asked, his voice calm. "Are you ready?"
Drake swallowed hard, his nervousness showing. "Yes."
Jorald didn't say anything. He just gave a faint smile.
The two guards reached the tent, panting. "My Lord, we baited the goblins. We brought them this way."
"Good," Rudious said. "Jorald, Drake. Get ready."
"Yes, My Lord."
"Yes, Father."
---
Jorald motioned with his head. "Young Master, we need to hide in those bushes. They won't just walk out into the open."
"Understood." Drake nodded and quietly followed Jorald into the thick brush.
As soon as they settled, Jorald pointed ahead. "Look, Young Master. Goblins."
Drake peeked through the leaves. He saw a small, green creature about his height. It had a large, oversized head, pointed ears, terrifyingly sharp teeth, and clawed hands. It held no weapons. Its eyes were completely black and brown, filled with malice.
*Grrrrr.
Drake hesitated, stepping back slightly.
Seeing this, Jorald didn't waste a second. He grabbed Drake by the collar and literally threw him out of the bushes, straight in front of the monsters.
---
The goblins were completely stunned. Where did this human come from? But their shock quickly turned to rage. There were four of them. They shrieked and charged at Drake all at once, baring their teeth and claws.
"Watch closely, Young Master," Jorald's voice came from behind.
*Shhhk.
Jorald drew his sword.
*Slash*.
In one fluid motion, he sliced clean through a goblin's neck.
*Thud.
Its head hit the ground. The remaining three goblins froze mid-charge. Panic instantly took over, and they turned to run.
But Jorald stepped in front of them. With a quick punch and a strike from the blunt side of his sword, he knocked the remaining three goblins right back toward Drake.
---
Drake wasn't entirely ready, but as the goblins lunged at him, instincts took over.
*Grrrrr!
Drake swung the hilt of his sword, smashing one goblin squarely in the throat. Then, he spun the blade.
*Slash*.
He swung again.
*Slash*.
*Thud.
A goblin's head rolled to the dirt. Another's severed leg fell beside it.
It was his first time experiencing the feeling of cutting through flesh. The sickening sound of meat tearing, the vibration of bones hitting the steel of his sword—it sent a violent tremor through his entire body.
Warm blood splattered across his cheek. The sharp, metallic smell of copper hit his nose. For a normal twelve-year-old, this would be a nightmare.
But for Drake...
A strange, twisted smile crept onto his face.
---
The last goblin tried to crawl away in sheer terror.
*Slash*.* Slash*.
Drake didn't just kill it. He hacked at its arms and legs, ending its life with brutal efficiency.
His smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming. His body began releasing an entirely different, crazy intent. Faint smoke began rising from his skin once again. The Red Monster was waking up.
"Young Master."
Hearing the voice, Drake's bloodlust spiked. He spun around, swinging his sword blindly at the sound.
Jorald casually caught the blade with his bare hand. With his other hand, he gave Drake a sharp smack on the back of his head.
*Smack*.
Drake stumbled and fell to the ground. "Ouch!"
"Are you alright, Young Master?" Jorald asked calmly.
"Yes, Sir Jorald. I'm fine." Drake shook his head, dusting himself off as he stood up. The smoke was gone. "Is that it? Are there more?"
Jorald stared at the boy. Just a moment ago, he was too nervous to even draw his sword... and now he's asking for more?
"Unfortunately, Young Master, due to the corrupted beast attacks, many normal monsters fled," Jorald lied smoothly. "Only these few were left. I apologize."
"Oh. I understand." Drake seemed genuinely disappointed as they walked back out of the bushes.
---
Rudious was still sitting comfortably by the tent, looking as if he already knew exactly what had happened.
"So? How was the hunt, Drake?"
"It was fine, Father," Drake smiled. "It was fun. But there were too few monsters."
Fun? Rudious raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Well, we can't hunt every single monster today. You can hunt more later. And when you go to the Academy, you'll find plenty there."
"Really?" Drake's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yes. Now go eat." Rudious gestured toward the John. John quickly took Drake aside to serve him food.
---
Once the boy was out of earshot, Rudious walked over to Jorald.
"I don't think we need to worry about the duel," Rudious said softly.
Jorald crossed his arms, looking at the fresh blood on Drake's clothes. "I'm not worried about the duel, My Lord. I'm worried about the kid who has to fight the Young Master."
A moment of silence passed between them.
Then, both men burst out laughing.
---
"You and I won't attend the duel," Rudious said, wiping a tear. "We will send someone else."
"Don't worry, My Lord. I'll make the arrangements. I'll send for Clad and Leo. They can go with him."
"No," Rudious interrupted smoothly. "I've already sent them somewhere else on a mission."
Jorald paused, confused. "Where?"
A cold breeze blew past them, rustling the leaves.
Rudious just smiled, his eyes looking far beyond the forest.
---
[Chapter 30 — End]