The defenders had done everything within their power to gain an advantageous position. With limited time, they harnessed their deep knowledge of the terrain of their territory, their skills as hunters, and the significant wisdom shared by Garba, the village's seasoned swordsman. It was his discovery after facing three of those creatures solely by himself that had allowed them to lay a series of hastily crafted traps, in consideration of the invaders weakness and strength in particular, giving them a decisive edge against their otherworldly adversaries.

The Hunters had studied the invaders patterns, understanding their methods of tracking prey. The scent trails had been deliberately manipulated to lead the creatures along a predictable path—one riddled with sinister rope and strategically placed hazards. Against any ordinary beast, the traps would have been devastating, perhaps even fatally crushing. However, despite receiving the full blow of all that, they remained on their elongated feet. Having only suffered minor injuries, scarred, bruised, wounded and a few limping. But nothing fatal to the point it rendered any of them severely incapable, let alone dead.

Which goes to show that the white-furred hounds, tempered by the merciless conditions of their alien origin, were unlike anything that roamed the forests of Greenland. Though some bore wounds deep enough to slow them, none had fallen. Their resilience was unnatural. Too unnatural in Kaiser's view, perhaps their evolution in an environment where only the strongest could endure had tempered them to this level, perhaps Leveling had something to do with this?

Then again, other creatures had always been stronger than humans, made tougher, swifter and deadlier... Kai can only accept the fact that this won't be an easy battle.

Now, wary but undeterred, the twelve monstrosities continued their advance towards the tantalizing scents of annoying humans, but surely delicious. Their slavering maws and long tongues betrayed their insatiable hunger, and their primal instincts strained against the tenuous leash of caution. Though they moved more carefully, it was clear they struggled to suppress their urge to tear into their prey. If not for the instinctive fear of steeping onto another painful trap, they would have charged frantically.

The hidden Hunters in the distance watched grimly from their backing positions. Thinking that maybe, if they had been granted more time, they could have devised deadlier traps—crafted strategies with greater precision, and maybe, just maybe, slain even one of the abominations, lessening the pressure. But time was a luxury they did not have. What's worse, is that, their village location was remote and isolated from other settlements, so they could not expect any reinforcements anytime soon even though a request was sent with the knights and mercenaries, who declined in fear of facing otherworldly creatures, added, their assigned mission only covered protecting the migrating villagers, nothing more.

Alone and helpless, the higher-ups decided to stay firm here for the sake of others, following Garba's decision in accordance with the nature of their enemies. If only a nearby settlement stood close enough to aid them, but expect a wide stretch of forestry, there's nothing that could help them on this one. It was this very remoteness that had driven the villagers to migrate, seeking safety and opportunity in larger communities elsewhere.

But fate had been cruel, striking them with misfortune at the last moment.

With their traps exhausted and the beasts closing in, the defenders could do little but tighten their grips on their weapons and brace themselves. Despite the dire situation, they weren’t without hope. Their cunning had brought them this far, and they were not yet ready to surrender.

Unbeknownst to the pack of monstrous hounds, the Hunters were not on their wits end yet.

Eventually, guided by the laid scent trails led the creatures into a wide clearing. As they entered, jaws slavering and noses twitching, the air erupted with the sharp twang of bowstrings.

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A rain of arrows descended from the sky.

Caught off guard, the creatures reeled. Unable to see the projectiles, they were helpless to dodge. Dozens of arrows and crossbow bolts slammed into their gaunt bodies, some missing due to the considerable distance where the archers had fired it from. But fortunately, some luckily found its mark. Hitting the creatures hides but only managed to be embedded shallowly in their flesh. Once again, agonized shrieks erupted from the gaping maws, a sound both alien and harrowing.

"Really irritating, too." Kaiser grumbled under his breath, grimacing as he covered his ear. Sometimes, having superior senses than most isn't that great, especially when his stalking Invaders that screams scraping glasses.

Currently, his blending with the volunteers that wore makeshift clads, poorly made, old, or cheap armors or whatever combat related item they managed to find. Weapons were not much of a problem because everyone had large or long knives in their houses, some even invested in swords for protection. Although, the blacksmith had literally given all products for free, it wasn't enough to armed everyone. Sadly, Kai wasn't there when free things were being given. Not like his lacking in equipment, but shrouding, yes.

Knowing Alfred, Garba and the Chief... Once they found out that he actually stayed, chances are, they would shift their attention on forcefully pulling him to safety. After all, a Player's value is just too much to waste in a losing battle. The best they could achieve if they can't stop the invaders from chasing after the caravan, was save someone who had the potential of striving for greatness, perhaps becoming a king, but surely become strong enough to stop such monstrosities like this white-furred abominations from destroying another village. To not repeat the past...

However, Kaiser can't possibly run and bear another tragic backstory, right? He already has one.

'Heck, I'll become a hero right away.'

No need for backstory to inspire his determination, immortality is enough.

But Alfred can't possibly know that, who knows what will happen if his miraculous, undying existence is revealed? Therefore, he hid after knocking down the driver on the road. Now, shrouded in a blanket found from the Inn, Kaiser was ready to join in the battle without being recognized... Though, it's really annoying to listen to the volunteers making fun of his war attire.

Saying; "What are you doing here, sleep?"

And.

"Oh, so mysterious, are you a traveling sorcerer by any chance? Or simply looking for your bed?"

"Why didn't you bring a pillow, too? Scratch that, I'll even help bring the bed with you!"

And many more sarcastic remarks.

He can't blame them, though. I mean, who's sick enough to freaking go on a grim battlefield wrapped in a blanket? That guy must have just woken up in the middle of a cold night, oblivious that a war is happening.

Ah, how he would have loved to secretly knock one of these Hunters for their cloaks. But no, his a changed man... Still, the smirking bastard glancing at him with a nice hunters attire was really alluring. Perhaps one bad deed wouldn't hurt?

Mentally slapping himself, Kai focused on the enemies. His recognizable attire was cooler than that guy, anyway. A shame Kai couldn't show it off, or else the hunters around him would scream "the brave Player has come to join us!" Something like that.

'At least it's comfy and warm.' he knew others were envying him secretly.

Disregarding that they're currently at war against otherworldly creatures from a different Realm, wrapping in a blanket kinda feels like participating in an odd hide and seek in the middle of the woods.

In any case, everything is going according to the plan shared to everyone. After leading the monstrosities to the traps, they are expected to fall back to make the invaders follow the next wave of attack, namely, ambush on the clearing.

Right now, his hidden in the bushes far away from the invaders, along with the focused group of people responsible for drawing the invaders, holding a lantern.

Kaiser's vision was exceptionally sharp and capable of observing through greater distance. Allowing him to watch the white-furred abominations being assaulted by hails of arrows, helpless to dodge, pathetically being abused...

Which boosted the hunters morals once more, but Kai knew better. Even though the invaders had been on the receiving end all this time, constantly suffering humanity's cruelty in the games of strategic battle. Kai wasn't feeling so good, rather, his expression are becoming darker.

Because despite it all, the invaders endured. Though wounded and bleeding, their monstrous resilience held strong. The clearing became a scene of chaos, the beasts writhing and snarling as the defenders unleashed their barrage. Once again, the cunning of humans had plunged these unrelenting predators into another torturous assault.

Finally, the nearby archers raised their bow, lit their arrows with flames, took aim... Then, released.

Kaiser sighed.

Understanding why they would do that. Because, beasts were gifted with their own terrifying weapons, as well. And that is savagery.

When abused to a certain degree, they'll forget all reasons and simply act on instincts, bare their fangs, reveal their claws, and charge...

That's when their moves become unpredictable.

'I guess that's why there was no further mention of acting as bait...'

Why bother putting bait if there's no more traps or ambushes.

This is where their passiveness ends.