Chapter 10:Tracking

Beastman scouts on wolfback darted through the trees, noses low, tracking Alicia’s trail.

“Anything?”

The lead scout growled.

“Tracks split—south and west. Numbers unclear. No other signs.”

“You—report to the warlord. Rest follow me!”

“Understood!”

They melted into the forest, silent—not even startling foraging deer.

Moments later, light rippled atop a thick tree—Alicia appeared.

“Good thing [Moon Dust] blocks all detection. Otherwise, wolf noses would’ve sniffed us out.”

She folded the translucent navy-blue cloak, face darkening toward the beastmen’s departure.

[Name: Moon Dust]
[Type: Bound Armor]
[Quality: Legendary]
[Description: High magic-resistance cloak perfectly conceals wearer and blocks all detection. Self-repairs via absorbed magic.]
[A cold, dark mystery moon—concept-woven cloak grants lunar shelter. “Though far apart… may you never forget this moonlight.”]

Familiar flavor text brought a nostalgic smile.

That hidden quest chain nearly killed her.

But worth it—[Moon Dust] trivialized later runs. Old friend.

Early game, she used it for scouting.

Post-[Spirit Tuner] build, ethereal summons became eyes.

Now? Back to basics.

She’d erased their traces, but paranoia demanded a check.

Good call—complex terrain, they’d be caught unaware.

No lingering.

She rejoined Cosette and Walt.

“Miss Alicia, what now?”

Cosette whispered after the report.

“South. Abandoned village—underground mine links to Lugton main shaft. Escape route.”

Game logic: beastmen this deep—border army should mobilize. Hide and wait.

Reality? No gamble. Safer path.

Wipe the hundred-strong warband? Not that arrogant—sequential or not, exhaustion would kill her.

Cosette nodded—trusted Alicia’s calm.

Soon, abandoned village outskirts.

Lugton Mine—once vital element stone hub, now depleted ghost.

Fog-shrouded ruins—hazy shapes, gray sky, alien plane.

“Danger here?”

Walt shivered.

“Memory says no. Southeast—mine entrance.”

“Only risk: old tunnels might collapse.”

“Eh?!”

“Joke.”

Cosette and Walt spooked—Alicia waved off.

Path safe for versions; pre-beta, definitely.

Leisure shattered—shrill whistle.

Wolf-riders emerged behind.

“—!!!”

Alicia threw up magic shield.

Clang! Clang!

Arrows ricocheted.

More beastmen circled—escape sealed.

“Waited long, humans!”

One-armed warlord on wolf, broken Common dripping murder.

“Oh? Confident. How’d you know we’d be here?”

Alicia smirked, unfazed.

“No words for dead!”

Warlord signaled—javelins, arrows rained.

“Merciful Ancestor, shield Your children—Stollek!”

Cosette’s golden wall shattered under barrage.

“Miss Alicia—plan?!”

“Too open! Into village—negate range!”

Quick scan—decision.

“Cosette! Take Walt, hide in a house. I’ll hold them. Time it—give me a counterattack opening!”