chapter 14 The beast!!!

"If once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem." - Abraham Lincoln

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"Who else, if not me? How is his wound?" the prince inquired of the physician, concern evident in his voice.

"Your highness, it will take him three days to heal. The wound is quite deep," the physician replied, organizing his equipment.

"Did you know, I observed something while fighting the beasts?" the prince revealed, his expression pensive.

"What did you notice, my prince?" the general's elder son asked, intrigued by the prince's insights.

"Follow me, and let's carry out an experiment based on my observation. Soldiers, help him up," the prince commanded. Without hesitation, they assisted the wounded Akin, guiding him as they made their way straight to where the defeated beasts were tied. Their monstrous forms had reverted to a less imposing state, bearing a resemblance to humans, albeit with distinct characteristics such as their eyes of varying colors, like a chameleon's changing hues, and their elongated ears.

The prince unsheathed his sword, positioning it precisely on the beast's leg, targeting the lateral malleolus. With a swift yet powerful strike, he broke the bone. The soldiers and even Akin himself looked on in astonishment. The beast let out a pained cry, his voice mingling with a mix of agony and surprise. The prince continued, meticulously breaking the lateral malleolus in both of the beast's legs.

"Ha-ha... ouchhh..." the beast's voice echoed in the air as he writhed in pain. The prince's calculated strategy had dealt a severe blow to the creature's power.

"Release him!" the prince commanded. As the soldiers followed his orders, the beast attempted to rise, but his legs failed him. He struggled to crawl, his strength waning, and even his attempt to transform into a snake yielded no success. Eventually, he returned to his normal form.

"Look at this helpless, lifeless creature. We have found a way to defeat them. Breaking their legs significantly reduces their power," the prince declared with conviction, his words resonating with the cheering army.

"Secure him and his companions tightly. They'll recover on their own in a few days," the prince ordered, his authority unquestioned.

"You are a remarkable and courageous prince," Akin praised, his hand resting on the prince's shoulder. Just then, a flash of light streaked towards a dense forest.

"Beast!" one of the soldiers shouted.

"Chase him!" the prince commanded, his voice ringing with determination. The soldiers, spurred by his leadership, rushed into action, embarking on a pursuit into the heart of the forest.