Chapter 31: Revenge

Two days later, Elan stood by the village gate, watching as the villagers began to gather and prepare for their departure. He was waiting for them to come out so that Arion could scan everyone to detect if any of his clansmen had a unique constitution and also to count the total number of villagers.

Elan reflected on the whirlwind of activity over the past two days. The first day was spent in deep consultation with Arion, meticulously planning the essentials they would need for their departure. Relocating in this world was vastly different from what he knew. In his past life, water and food were just a convenience store away, meals were easily found at fast-food restaurants, and any illness could be remedied with a quick trip to the pharmacy. But here, in this new reality, every detail had to be carefully considered and planned, with no stores to fall back on.

Traveling in his past life had been vastly different, too. The convenience of modern transportation and the ease of finding accommodations were just around the corner. In contrast, his life now was a stark departure from those comforts. The wilderness posed constant threats, and they had to be self-sufficient, carrying everything they might need. Each step had to be carefully considered, every resource accounted for, and the potential dangers meticulously planned for. The comparison made him appreciate the resilience and resourcefulness required in this world. The meticulous planning and preparation over the past two days underscored how drastically different his current reality was from the conveniences of his previous life.

Arion advised Elan on what to bring for the journey, highlighting several crucial items. First, he emphasized the need for medicinal herbs, which would be essential for treating injuries and illnesses during their travel. Without modern medical facilities, these herbs would be their only means of ensuring health and recovery.

Weapons were another necessity, serving not only for protection against potential threats in the wilderness but also for practical tasks such as cutting materials to make temporary shelters. The journey would be fraught with dangers, and having adequate weaponry would be their first line of defense.

Arion also pointed out the importance of bringing vines to use as ropes, recommending at least 70 meters or more. This was particularly critical because they would need to navigate a deep hole to reach the secluded area. These vines would provide the necessary support for climbing and ensure everyone's safety during the descent.

For the younger children and babies, baskets would be indispensable. These would allow the adults to carry them safely and easily down the hole, ensuring that the little ones were not put at risk.

While the new location was abundant with food and water, Arion suggested bringing a small amount of provisions to prevent hunger and dehydration during the initial walk. This would cover any immediate needs and provide a buffer until they could settle into the new area and start utilizing its resources.

Additionally, Arion stressed the importance of bringing the essential documents stored in the Clan Hall. These documents likely contained vital information about the clan's history, lineage, and perhaps even strategies for survival and governance. Preserving these records was crucial for maintaining the clan's identity and continuity.

Lastly, Arion advised that each family should bring their important possessions, such as heirlooms and other valuable items. These possessions held sentimental value and were a link to their past, providing a sense of comfort as they embarked on this new chapter in their lives.

After Arion advised him on what to bring, Elan immediately went to the Clan Hall to inform the seven elders about the necessary items for their journey. The elders listened attentively as Elan listed the medicinal herbs, weapons, vines, baskets, minimal food and water, important documents, and family heirlooms.

The elders were puzzled as to why they should bring only a small amount of food and water. Elan explained that their destination was not far, and they would reach it within a day. Understanding this, the elders nodded in agreement and called the hunters to inform the villagers about what to bring.

With nothing else to do and the sun still high in the sky, Elan decided to put his time to good use. He went out to scout the route they would take for their journey. His mind was focused on ensuring the path was safe for his clansmen, but there was another reason for his venture. The memory of the Sabreclaw that had attacked them still lingered, and he was determined to confront it if he had the chance.

Elan carefully watched the route they would take, noting that the path was not wide enough for the entire clan to travel easily. He decided to clear the way by cutting down trees using the Scarlet Reaper. This time, he didn't forget to use his spiritual energy, mindful of Arion's previous complaints.

The forest was thick with towering trees, their branches intertwined like a dense canopy above. Each swing of the Scarlet Reaper was deliberate and powerful, the blade humming with the infused spiritual energy. The path was becoming more navigable, and he could already envision his clansmen walking safely through this newly cleared route.

For hours, Elan worked tirelessly, cutting down trees on either side of the path. The Scarlet Reaper, empowered by his spiritual energy, made quick work of the task. He could feel the enhanced power coursing through him, making each swing of the blade precise and efficient.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Elan finally stopped and assessed his progress. He had cleared a formidable stretch of over five miles, forging a wide and accessible path for his clan. Satisfied with his monumental efforts, he reflected on the profound benefits of the widened route. This expansive pathway would allow for a more organized and efficient march, significantly reducing the time it would take for everyone to reach their new home.

Just as Elan was about to head back to the village, a loud, familiar roar reverberated through the forest. His heart raced, and a broad smile spread across his face. The sound was unmistakable—it was the Sabreclaw that had attacked them before. That roar was imprinted in his brain—a sound he could never forget. Excitement and determination surged through him like a tidal wave. Without a moment's hesitation, Elan dashed toward the source of the roar, ready to confront the beast with unyielding resolve.

Minutes later, Elan found himself crouching beside a bush at the edge of a small clearing. From his hidden vantage point, he observed two Sabreclaws feasting on three lifeless Cowbulls. His gaze locked onto one of them, a colossal beast three times the size of the other. It loomed as large as an adult elephant, the biggest predator Elan had ever encountered in both his lives. The sight of this immense creature sent a chill down his spine, heightening his awareness of the formidable danger he was about to confront.

"Whoa! Look at the size of that thing," Elan whispered, his voice tinged with awe and trepidation.

"Don't tell me you're afraid," Arion retorted.

"Who wouldn't be scared of that? Just look at it. It's like an elephant, but instead of tusks, it has those incredibly sharp teeth."

"Good. It's better that you're afraid. Overconfidence has killed many people. It's wiser to be cautious," Arion replied.

"You're right, but I don't have a choice. I have to kill both of them. We might encounter them tomorrow during our travel," Elan said, his eyes fixed on the two Sabreclaws. "But the problem is, I don't know how powerful that giant Sabreclaw is."

"We'll find out if you get within five meters, so I can scan it," Arion suggested.

"You just said not to be overconfident, and now you're asking me to get within five meters of them?" Elan replied, incredulous.

"What else can we do? Just stand here and watch them. You yourself said we need to kill them to avoid encountering them tomorrow," Arion countered.

Arion was right. Elan realized he had no other choice but to confront the two Sabreclaws head-on.

"Touché," Elan conceded.

Arion chuckled. "You just have to be super focused when you fight them. But you won't have much trouble with the smaller Sabreclaw."

Elan sighed and steeled himself for the impending confrontation. Rising from his spot, he began to walk deliberately toward the clearing, his eyes locked onto the two Sabreclaws, who were nearly finished devouring the three Cowbulls.

Sensing Elan's presence, the giant Sabreclaw snapped its head to the right, its gaze locking onto him as he approached. The smaller Sabreclaw, also alerted, turned to face Elan. Recognizing him as the one who had previously injured it and chased it for hours, the smaller beast's eyes blazed with fury.

Enraged, the smaller Sabreclaw's body tensed, clearly eager to launch an attack. The giant Sabreclaw sensed its subordinate's anger and turned to look at it, as if they were communicating. The air was thick with tension as Elan prepared for the inevitable clash.

Seeing the two Sabreclaws' actions, Arion remarked, "It looks like they're communicating."

"Whatever it is, it's not something good," Elan replied, closing the distance between himself and the two beasts.

As Elan approached, the giant Sabreclaw let out a thunderous roar that reverberated through the forest, causing Elan to halt about twenty meters away. The colossal beast then glanced at its subordinate and gestured its head toward Elan, as if commanding, "Go." Without a moment's hesitation, the smaller Sabreclaw bolted toward Elan, fangs bared and eyes blazing with fury. The ground trembled beneath its powerful strides, the air thick with impending conflict, as Elan prepared to face the charging predator.

Elan watched the Sabreclaw that had attacked them charge toward him. Seeing this, he laughed with satisfaction and said, "Finally, I can avenge Father and Torin."

When the Sabreclaw was about seven meters away, it leaped, swinging its massive claws toward a smirking Elan. In that split second, the Sabreclaw felt a sudden sense of confusion and realized something was wrong. It wanted to stop, but it was too late. It was airborne, its momentum carrying it forward too quickly to halt.

Channeling his spiritual energy, Elan harnessed the power of the Scarlet Reaper and leaped to meet the beast's attack. As their paths converged, the outcome was decisive. The Scarlet Reaper sliced through the Sabreclaw's paws and continued upward, effortlessly cutting through its neck as if it were butter. The once-ferocious predator was cut down in an instant, a testament to Elan's unyielding resolve and the deadly precision of his blade.

Elan landed gracefully on the ground, his feet firmly planted, as the decapitated body of the Sabreclaw crashed to the earth behind him. He turned and looked back, his eyes meeting the lifeless form of the beast he had just slain. The sight of the fallen predator, its massive head severed cleanly from its body, filled him with a sense of grim satisfaction. This victory was a small yet significant step toward avenging Torin and his father.

Elan turned his gaze toward the giant Sabreclaw still standing in the clearing. This beast, three times the size of the one he had just defeated, exuded an aura of raw power and dominance. Elan's heart pounded in his chest as he considered the challenge before him. This would be his first truly formidable fight—a test of his strength, skill, and courage. The giant Sabreclaw's menacing presence made it clear that this battle would not be easily won. But Elan was ready. He tightened his grip on the Scarlet Reaper, his resolve hardening as he prepared to face this ultimate test of his abilities.