CHAPTER 39: It's a bit more usable now (2)

Despite using his knowledge from his previous life to prepare, Ghislain knew not everything would go exactly as planned.

'I can't die here.'

He wasn't a stranger to retreat. In fact, he didn't even have a particular aversion to it. Fleeing to fight another day was often the best strategy.

If he died here, his family and estate would eventually suffer the same tragic fate as in his past life. He'd entered the Forest of Demonic Beasts, enduring all these hardships, precisely to prevent that dark future.

Only he knew what lay ahead for the Perdium estate.

'But…'

There are times when you simply cannot run. If he retreated now, there would be no second chance, only a steady decline into ruin.

Even when considering his family's situation, his current strength, outside threats, and all he knew, pressing forward to the destination was the only solution. If he missed this chance, his family and estate were destined for the same end.

Opening his eyes, Ghislain looked around at the faces of those waiting anxiously for his command. He knew many of them would die in the coming moments.

He had no illusions about sparing everyone. In his past life, he had also lost countless comrades while moving forward.

'But… that's no excuse to let them all die here.'

Just as Ghislain made up his mind, a man burst out from among the mercenaries, shouting.

"You idiots! It's over! The boss doesn't have a plan! Why aren't we running?"

It was Manus.

Manus shouted, repeatedly taking steps backwards.

"We need to run now! There's no reason for all of us to die! Do you really think we can beat that thing? If we scatter, some of us might survive!"

Unease spread across the faces of the mercenaries, and Manus seized the opportunity, yelling even louder.

The more people ran, the higher his chance of survival.

"Hurry, let's go! There's no reason for us to risk our lives for some noble's insane game! We should never have come into this cursed forest!"

At that moment, Kaor swung his sword in one hand, rolling his eyes.

"Ah, that coward. We should kill him before we run."

Just as Kaor was about to throw his weapon at Manus, Ghislain raised his hand, stopping him.

"Let him be. It's unnecessary."

Turning to Manus, Ghislain said, "Go on. Thanks for your hard work."

"What? Just go…?"

Manus was taken aback.

In this kind of situation, most employers would rant and threaten death. Ghislain himself had once sworn to kill anyone who tried to flee.

But here he was, letting him leave without fuss.

Before Manus could fully process his surprise, Ghislain added something even more shocking.

"Anyone who wants to leave, feel free to go."

The mercenaries were taken aback. Was he saying he would face the beast alone?

One of them cautiously asked, "What are you planning to do, boss?"

Without a hint of hesitation, Ghislain replied, "I'm going to kill that thing."

"Young master!"

"Young lord!"

Belinda and Gillian, both furious, moved to block him. But Ghislain remained silent, drawing his sword.

The others didn't understand, but he knew he had to succeed here, or everything would be lost.

The only one who seemed thrilled by this was Manus. Grinning, he gestured to the others.

"What are you doing? The boss said to run! Let's get out of here!"

Yet the mercenaries glanced between Ghislain and Manus, reluctant to move.

Ghislain had fought alongside them, risking his life to save them time and again. Abandoning him now felt impossible.

Seeing their hesitation, Manus grew frustrated and yelled again.

"Hurry up! Do you all want to die here? What are you waiting for?"

Amid Manus's frantic urging, Toran stepped forward and asked, "If we kill that thing, will it really be over?"

"Yes, the destination is just ahead," Ghislain answered firmly.

Taking a deep breath, Toran responded, "I'll fight alongside you."

"Toran! Are you crazy? Do you want to die?" Manus shouted, but Gordon turned to him, his voice shaking.

"If… if I run now, I don't think I'll be able to eat or sleep from the guilt. It'd mess with my gains."

"What?"

"So I'm staying!"

"You muscle-headed idiot! Are you out of your mind?"

Voices started rising from all around.

"If I run now, I'll never be able to call myself a mercenary again."

"The boss saved my life more than once. I'd be a scumbag to just run."

"You're the coward, Manus! If you want to go, then go! This guy even patched you up!"

"With the boss here, we'll make it. Let's give it a shot!"

Ghislain glanced around in surprise. Determination shone in their eyes.

These were faces he had seen countless times before.

The look of comrades facing seemingly impossible battles with unwavering resolve.

'Just like…'

The loyal soldiers he had fought alongside in his past life.

While their skills fell far short of his former comrades, the spirit was the same.

A grin spread across Ghislain's face as he murmured, "You're finally starting to look like real fighters."

Kaor watched in disbelief, looking at the mercenaries.

'Are these the same guys?'

Unlike the Cerberus Mercenary Corps, known for taking on high-risk jobs, the mercenaries here had always been lazy, rarely taking on dangerous tasks.

But after following Ghislain, they had changed completely in just a few days.

'Incredible. He's got them fully rallied.'

Kaor found himself admiring Ghislain's leadership skills.

Even Gillian, a former mercenary leader, couldn't hide his respect for what was happening.

Belinda, however, wasn't moved in the slightest by this foolish display.

"Young master, here's what we do. Send the mercenaries forward as a distraction, and you can escape," she whispered.

Ignoring her, Ghislain untied the scabbard at his waist, dropping it to the ground.

"Young lord! Really?"

Casting away the scabbard was a sign of fighting to the death.

Belinda scowled in frustration, while Kaor chuckled.

"No fear. I like it. Reminds me of myself in the old days."

Without responding, Ghislain stepped forward.

In his past life, monster hunts had been the most common missions for his mercenary corps.

The beasts that had once ravaged the continent were far more terrifying than a Blood Python.

Although he didn't have the same strength now, his experience would help him make up the difference.

"Let's fight."

As Ghislain gave the command, the mercenaries set their faces in grim determination, gripping their weapons and forming ranks.

"Ugh, I am getting old. If I get any more wrinkles, it's all your fault," Belinda muttered, resigning herself.

"You idiots! You're all going to die!" Manus cursed one last time before fleeing into the forest.

But no one looked his way.

The Blood Python was slowly advancing on them, its massive maw opening as it let out a screech of delight.

Kraaa!

"Scatter!"

At Ghislain's shout, the mercenaries quickly dispersed.

Crash!

The Blood Python, mouth wide open, slammed its head into the ground, momentarily dazed.

Kraaa!

The snake, now furious, lunged at the nearest mercenary. Just before it could strike, Ghislain leapt up, slashing across the python's head as he shouted.

"Gillian, Kaor, draw its attention with me! Belinda, cover us! Everyone else, attack the body!"

A small cut appeared on the python's head. Though its scales were nearly impenetrable, Ghislain's blade, infused with mana, had left a mark.

Kraaaa!

Realizing it had been injured, the Blood Python roared in fury, its blood-red eyes locking onto Ghislain.

It seemed determined to make him pay for the insult, lunging at him with terrifying speed.

Crash!

Ghislain rolled out of the way just as the snake's head smashed into the ground, kicking up dust.

At that moment, Gillian charged in, pouring mana into his axe and swinging it down on the python's head.

Boom!

A thunderous impact echoed as the python's massive head was briefly knocked back.

In terms of raw mana, Gillian was the strongest among them, and the sheer force of his attack visibly shook the python.

Kraaaa!

The python let out another enraged scream, lifting its head, now visibly marked by the blow.

However, the wound wasn't deep, serving only to further provoke the beast.

Whoosh!

Its enormous head whipped toward Gillian.

Caught off guard, Gillian hastily raised his shield, pouring mana into it as the snake struck.

Crash!

"Urgh!"

The shield buckled, and Gillian was thrown backward.

Meanwhile, Kaor managed to get behind the python, driving his sword into its side as he shouted, "Close in!"

Thud!

As Kaor's blade sank into the snake's body, the python twisted, retaliating.

"Damn it!"

Kaor released his sword and rolled away, allowing the other mercenaries to attack the python's body.

Thunk! Thunk!

But their weapons bounced off the python's scales, unable to penetrate its iron-like hide.

Only weapons imbued with mana could pierce the python's defenses.

Thus, Ghislain, Gillian, and Kaor took turns inflicting minor wounds on the snake.

"Belinda! Distract it while you attack its wounds! If you get a chance, aim for its eyes!"

"Understood! Ugh, this is frustrating!"

Following Ghislain's command, Belinda hurled her daggers at the Blood Python's open wounds. Her precise aim made her attacks perfect for widening the cuts inflicted by the others.

As she focused on prying open the existing wounds, Belinda also kept aiming for the python's eyes, adding pressure to their assault.

The coordinated attacks seemed to have some effect; the Blood Python shook its head in irritation, clearly unsettled. With its attention divided between Ghislain's group, the snake's attacks on the other mercenaries decreased.

"Now! Attack the wounds!"

Seizing the opportunity, the mercenaries thrust their weapons into the snake's open wounds, but the python's tough muscles were difficult to penetrate fully, making their efforts frustratingly ineffective.

Hisssssss!

Annoyed by the humans clinging to it like insects, the Blood Python let out a furious screech and swung its massive tail.

Crash!

"Ugh!"

"Argh!"

Several mercenaries near its tail were flung backward by the force. Just as the python prepared to crush the fallen mercenaries with its tail, Ghislain darted toward its head, pulling the creature's focus back onto himself.

"Everyone, switch to blunt weapons! Keep pounding until the flesh softens! Make those small wounds bigger! Gillian, Kaor, keep distracting it! Belinda, continue providing cover!"

Hearing Ghislain's orders, the mercenaries' eyes widened, nodding in understanding.

"Yes, of course!"

"Get the maces! Where's my mace?"

"Grab anything from the cart if you don't have one! Let's go!"

The mercenaries quickly swapped their weapons for blunt instruments and latched onto the python's body.

With all their might, they pounded against the Blood Python's scales.

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