Not-So an Extra

"Set the trap!" bellowed Mathias.

Responding to the command, the Knights and Squires retrieved barrels brimming with fresh blood from boars, cascading the scarlet liquid onto the ground. As the earth soaked in the crimson hues, a metallic and fishy aroma permeated the area.

For the final step, the Knights placed pieces of boar meat. With that, the group dispersed, each member finding a hiding spot. Archers scaled trees for a strategic vantage point, while others concealed themselves behind foliage, weapons at the ready.

After a few minutes of waiting, the distant shrieks of monsters resounded throughout the woods, accompanied by the ominous rustling of leaves and the steady approach of heavy footsteps. This sight prompted the knights to grip their weapons tightly and ready their spells for the impending confrontation.

—Rustle!

Six Uxings emerged from behind the bushes and cautiously approached the trap. However, their advance halted when the bushes on the opposite side shook, revealing another six Uxings.

"Grrr!" The Uxings let out a guttural growl in response to the newcomers' appearance, vividly expressing their hostility.

"Grrr!" The newcomers mirrored their actions, responding with equal aggression.

With neither side willing to back down, they lunged toward each other, their razor-sharp claws poised to attack.

"Rooaarr!!"

When their distance diminished, they swung their paws before colliding in mid-air. With a resounding thud, they crashed to the bloodied ground, crimson painting their fur as they locked in a fierce struggle.

Wrestling furiously, each sought to sink their jaws into the other's neck in a primal battle for dominance. Just like real-life animal behavior, some monsters exhibit territorial tendencies.

Amid the fierce combat, a massive mace burst out from behind the tree, slamming into four Uxings in the clearing's center, eliciting howls of agony as they flung backward.

Pausing their battle, the Uxings watched their comrade crash to the ground, their bodies contorted and twisted upon impact, green blood oozing from their wounds.

As the ground trembled with heavy thuds, the startled Uxings swiftly redirected their attention to the source, only to find four towering green humanoid creatures advancing toward them, carrying a mace in their grasp.

"Grrr!!" The Uxings let out a collective guttural growl, baring their fangs. Wasting no time, they rushed toward the Orcs.

Once the distance drew closer, a Uxing lunged forward, claws extended. However, the Orcs swiftly swung their maces, striking the Uxings and hurtling them to the side.

While the Orcs busily brandished their weapons, the other Uxings seized the opportunity and climbed the Orcs' figures, sinking their fangs into their skin.

Growling in pain, the Orcs halted their attacks and forcefully pulled a Uxing from their bodies. Slamming it onto the ground, the creature wailed upon impact, and without giving it a chance to rise, the Orcs immediately stomped on its head.

—Splat!

With a sickening crack, green blood and chunks of flesh spurted out like fireworks, staining the Orcs' feet and the ground below.

Adrian, perched on a tree branch, couldn't suppress a sneer upon observing the carnage below. Shifting his gaze to 10 o'clock, he spotted an Elementalist Orc hiding behind a bush, its green skin nearly blending into the foliage.

The fact that the Orcs openly engaged in combat against the Uxings while the Elementalist Orcs remained hidden indicated their awareness of the knights' trap. He deduced that they anticipated the knights to reveal themselves so the Elementalist Orcs could launch a surprise attack on them. 'Quite cunning, aren't they?'

Truthfully, conducting daily patrols was far from enjoyable, especially when facing monsters of C rank or higher. Given their intelligence, it was no different from playing deadly games, and those who fell for the monsters' schemes would ultimately meet a grim fate.

As Adrian's Telesphere vibrated, he instinctively raised his hand to check the incoming message. Opening it, he saw the other knights shared information about the Elementalist Orcs' hiding locations in the knight's group chat.

== Team 1 Group Chat ==

Ron || Spectacular Sword Bearer

:: Reporting, Sir! I've spotted an Elementalist Orc concealed at 1 o'clock!

Ilyas || Dashing Gallant Glare

:: Reporting, Sir! I've spotted two Elementalist Orcs concealed at 3 o'clock!

Sean || Radiant Iron Clad

:: Reporting, Sir! I've spotted an Elementalist Orc concealed at 4 o'clock!

And so, Adrian decided to send the same message regarding his findings.

A year ago, the Tower introduced a new feature on the Telesphere, enabling users to type and send messages similar to modern-day chatting apps. This addition proved incredibly helpful, especially during missions at hand.

After ensuring they had discovered all the Elementalist Orcs and careful strategy planning, they agreed to commence the operation.

Closing the group chat, Adrian fixed his gaze on the Elementalist Orc and began chanting inwardly. Immediately, a Magic Circle materialized before him, and with a flick of his fingers, a barrage of wind bullets shot out, rushing toward the distant Elementalist Orc.

—Splat! —Splat! —Splat!

"Rooaarr!"

With a roar of agony, the Elementalist Orc staggered sideways when the bullets pelted on its flank, splintering green blood everywhere. Shortly, the area was filled with wails, accompanied by a clash of metal as the other knights launched their attacks.

Since the Orcs plotted a surprise attack, the group opted to turn the tables and surprise them instead.

Reacting swiftly, the Elementalist Orc summoned five transparent barriers around itself, effectively blocking every projectile.

Witnessing that, Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance. The crack in his Mana Pool caused his magical ranks to decrease significantly, rendering it almost useless.

Brushing his thoughts away, Adrian conjured a series of earth plates and leaped onto them, propelling himself toward the Orc. Drawing his sword from the Magical Sphere, he unleashed a barrage of wind blades.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

The ground burst as the shield deflected his attacks, sending dust dancing around. Amidst the swirling dirt obscuring the Orc, a barrage of wind bullets surged toward Adrian, prompting him to dismiss his earth plate, allowing them to pass by his head as he descended.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

The trees behind him erupted into splinters upon impact, showering Adrian with fragments of wood as he landed. Quickly sprang to his feet, he commenced sprinting.