Kaiser didn’t waste any time, launching into his findings without waiting for their permission to speak. Although, his speech lacked the polished tone of an experienced speaker, sounding casual and rough. But the urgency and directness it had in regards to their topic made up for it. His words were a bit rude, perhaps even abrasive to those who attempted stopping him, yet they slowly began capturing genuine attention of the room. Gradually, the Hunters’ skeptical glances softened, and their irritation faded as they absorbed his theory. By the time he was done, most of them were listening intently, some even nodding in reluctant agreement—though a few held onto their reservations.

One of the senior Hunters finally spoke up, crossing his arms as he voiced his doubts. “Your findings make sense, I’ll give you that. But it’s still speculation, not a guarantee. You don’t expect us to go all-in on a hunch, do you? What if we’re wrong, and the creature strikes from behind again?”

Kaiser scoffed.

“Then you can keep blabbering sh*ts all day on the same topic while the number of victims rises again tomorrow. Let's see where your what if gets you. There's a freaking clear lead now, all we need to do is devise an ambush and make sure it's killed. Or what? Do you Hunters rather play safe? Let many more be killed and that thing then escape again? Aren't you Hunters? It's your freaking job to kill dangerous beasts so that innocent lives are spared! Man up."

The room bristled, some of the men visibly annoyed at the boldness of his words. But as much as his tone grated on them, no one could deny the truth of what he had said. Kaiser presented a real possibility, a means to uncover the monster’s secret and give them an upper hand against it. That is, if his words turn out to be true. Still, it's partially a gamble. Every Hunter here understood that certainty wasn’t always an option. They were trained to make tough calls in the face of the unknown. However, it was the life of their men that's always at stake, they can't make careless decisions.

After a tense silence, it was Alfred who broke the deadlock, nodding in acknowledgment of Kaiser’s point.

"I must admit, the young man isn't wrong. There's nothing certain in life, we of all people knew that. It's either take the risk or fail, if we do fail, it's still better than sitting idle while more lives are lost. Besides, as Hunters, we knew it to ourselves that we would rather die fighting than being Hunted by a Beast, let's give ourselves that least honor."

Alfred turned to the room, his voice rising with conviction. “Those who agree, let’s take a stand. If you’re ready to fight, let’s bring this creature down together!”

For a moment, the Hunters hesitated, the weight of Alfred’s words settling on them. Then, one of the veterans, a grizzled man with a face full of scars, smirked at Kaiser with a look of reluctant respect.

“I really don’t like the kid’s mouth, but I like his head for once. I’m in.” He said, crossing his arms.

Another Hunter laughed, clapping a hand on his comrade’s shoulder. “The boy makes sense. Better to try and fail than sit here and wait for our turn to be monster chow. I’m in too!”

One by one, the Hunters voiced their agreement, pulled by the others. Their initial reluctance faded as each man vowed to put an end to the creature’s terror—even if it cost them everything. In no time, the entire room was on board, united under Alfred’s command.

With the decision made, the atmosphere shifted. The discussion turned from figuring out the monster identity to tactical maneuver on killing it, and Kaiser found himself surrounded by experienced Hunters in a passive role, speaking only when asked and listening as they formulated a plan, accounting for every detail Kaiser knew about the creature, as well as their fair share of information. By then, he barely got anything to say, which his glad to, running his mouth earlier had drained his energy. Furthermore, for some reason, his actually learning by listening to these rowdy Hunters even though they're simply spouting their own opinions, rebuking those they think are wrong and supporting good ideas. Their way of conversation was rough and rowdy, littered with curses and spatting, sometimes, the poor round table is slammed, no wonder it was made exceptionally sturdy. Compared to professional explanations of professors with vivid visual aids on large screens, their gathering is more like a messy argument that they somehow understand.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

'The F? My brain is actually working!?'

In contrast, these crude meeting are feeding his mind more than proper presentations could ever do, even though it's not meant for teaching. Kaiser's brain cells are actively consuming insights from their informal blabbering. Well, it does greatly concern killing, which Kaiser found interesting, rather, crucial in a world where danger lurks in every corner. Here, he would rather learn how to kill better than solve numbers, past events and theories of some old dudes. Added, Kai does have talent in the aspect of combat, in academic... His average.

As the plan came together, Kaiser realized how much he still had to learn. He came here to make his case, but what he found was a reminder of the depth of expertise these men had, and for once, he was glad to be in their company. Mostly because they'll be aiding him in slaying a treat to his goddess. Although, he says that, Kaiser was partially doing this in seek of the thrill of battle, give a deserving death to the monster, and ease his conscience.

Sharing their invaluable insights, the plan was gradually refined with the knowledge and precision only seasoned Hunters could offer. They discussed ambush positions, potential escape routes, contingencies for every outcome, making the strategy as seamless as possible to assure success. However, as the saying goes, nothing is certain, but reviewing the crafted strategy, it's excellent enough in their view. Whether it'll really succeed or not depends on their adaptability.

By late afternoon, they began their move.

Their target was the hound shed near the lodge. The shed housed the Hounds, a place where they were fed, sheltered, and kept when off-duty. Its location though made it problematic, because the sturdy lodge was the main base of the Hunters, making these area the main gathering point for the Hunters.

It was bustling with activity—men going about various tasks, so making their move without causing suspicion would be difficult. They couldn’t afford to alert the assumed monster in disguise hiding among the Hounds. If only it wasn't so smart, things would be easier. One wrong step and they would lose the advantageous upper hand - the element of surprise.

So, they moved carefully. First, a few of the higher-ranking Hunters quietly left the gathering to spread the word, informing only those with the best sense of discretion. The command spread like fire to the seasoned Hunters, each understanding the need for secrecy. Rowdy Hunters and new interns were discreetly ushered away, sent on minor tasks under reasonable excuses. Their absence was subtle but effective. Any gaps left in the shed’s vicinity were filled in with Hunters posing as workers—just enough to maintain a convincing atmosphere without causing alarm. In this way, they moved to the second stage. The majority slowly form an encirclement around the shed, multiple Hunters sneak from various routes, through the abandoned streets and houses, acting normal as they position themselves, some cover the forests silently, crawling on the bushes and archers climbed on trees. Their move was slow and silent, hiding their approach intentions as they gradually formed a thick circulation around a certain shed with three layers, tightening on the target.

Due to the need to keep things unsuspicious, the entire process took time. By the moment they finished, the sun was dipping low on the horizon. Darkness would soon fall, bringing with it the risk of losing sight of their quarry. The timing is bad, in all honesty, because the hunt would be active by night in their estimation. However, Kaiser can't do anything about it for the majority of superiors voted for the operation to be launched as soon as possible. Because delay, even by a single night, meant losing another life, perhaps the monster might even flee. Most refuse that to happen and were confident in the three layers of seasoned Hunters now encircling the shed. Few even claimed it was overkill.

As dusk settled, the air grew tense, even as Hunters maintained the façade of a typical evening. Some chopped wood, others called to each other in low voices, and a few walked by carrying torches, lighting the camp for the approaching night. However, the surrounding warriors hearts were ready, gripping the handle of their weapons, determination and desire for retribution evident in their eyes.

In that seemingly normal evening. A young man strode towards the closed shed, his hair dark, his eyes akin to two pools of darkness, staring at his distention calmly, pulling a small cart laden carrying leftover food for the hounds behind him. His steps were calm, his eyes steady, though his mind simmered with irritation.

He stopped at the doors, hesitating for a brief moment.

All the while, cursing silently. 'Why did it have to be me?'

With a reluctant sigh, he pushed open the doors and stepped into the dark shed.