Chapter 11:Shadows in the Fog

The warlord saw their retreat into the village and smirked—no block, just a gap. Archers trailed, arrows nipping heels.

“Lost an arm to carelessness last time. Now I know your tricks. Stay out of magic range—see how long that cursed shell holds!”

From the rear, he clutched his stump, snarling.

But a scream shattered his glee.

One scout clutched a gut wound, writhing.

Cosette and Walt hidden—Alicia, unburdened, cloaked in [Moon Dust], struck from shadows.

These beastmen learned—not scripted mobs.

Plan B: risky, but no choice.

“Hmph. Another card.”

Warlord’s grin: all according to keikaku.

Alicia slashed a scout’s leg—cripple, bog them down.

Target suddenly flushed crimson, eyes bloodshot.

Boom!

Blood mist engulfed her.

[Moon Dust] hid her perfectly—even blood-splattered—but feet left prints.

“There!”

Sticky ground rippled—position locked.

Arrows whistled.

Thnk!

Right shoulder pierced—Alicia stumbled from shadow, routes sealed.

“Dirty—using your own to bait.”

Face twisted in pain.

“Worthy of you!”

Warlord, victory sure, kept distance.

“Like this… still wary?”

Alicia half-crouched, weak.

“Of course! Wanted you alive—but head’s fine trophy.”

Javelin raised—Alicia head low, resigned… lips curled.

Cosette watched, trembling—could she?

But trust steadied her hands.

Eyes steeled—she knew her role.

“Wha—!!?”

Dazzling white orb burst above Alicia.

Flashbang!

Beastmen blinded—tears, some full debuff combo.

“Not bad, kid. Real support talent.”

Head low, Alicia grinned.

[Falling Shadow]!

Vanished—reappeared slashing warlord.

He squinted, thrust javelin at throat.

But [True World] materialized, spear-like from glow—clang!—knocked weapon away.

“Guh—!!!”

Defenseless—starlight flashed.

Blood rained; warlord’s head soared.

No breath—Alicia bolted, beastmen still blind.

But—

Village awoke.

Ground quaked; fog churned—something emerging.

“Another boss?!”

Composure shattered—Alicia screamed despair.

Thought beastmen endgame—this scale? No normal boss.

Quake floored her—blood loss, dizziness, cold sweat.

“You’re bad! Healing now!”

Cosette scrambled over.

But fog wailed—inhuman, mournful roar.

All faces paled—primal prey fear.

Suddenly—black-white flames snaked out, reaping beastmen.

Recovered beastmen burned—frost, terror, down.

“What is that!?”