Starting

Anyi's words gave everyone a new perspective.

That's right! Who said humans stole the Elf?

It must have been other Elves!

What did humans have to do with it?!

The still-dazed Miruku remained worried, whispering to Anyi, "Mr. Anyi…

What if the monsters can track her mana and find us through her…?"

"Don't worry, if that happens, she'll kill any pursuers," Anyi said.

"Ah…" Miruku hesitated, then cautiously probed, "I think…

It's better not to trust a stranger we've never met…"

Do you believe she'll kill the pursuers, or do you believe I'm the Demon Lord himself?

"Don't forget, she's been hunted for hundreds of years.

If she couldn't handle pursuers, she would have died long ago," Anyi added.

"Um…" Miruku nodded, falling silent.

Because they had never met, she harbored unfounded distrust and suspicion.

But Anyi was different.

He understood Audrey, knew her current strength, and understood her actions and choices.

Having learned her identity and strength, the next day was dedicated to planning the rescue operation.

Hilo, Miruku, Eira, and Sisrine went out to scout escape routes and recruit personnel.

Since Hilo and Miruku, with their high Agility, would be the main force in the escape, the route would be chosen by them.

Eira and Sisrine, with their high Prana stats, would provide support during reconnaissance.

Anyi, Ariana, Layton, and Sephie would plan the rescue operation itself.

Conveniently, except for Eira, the other three who offered little to the planning were outside.

Hilo rarely spoke; Sisrine was mostly silent; Miruku's thoughts were consistently pessimistic. If she participated in planning, she'd likely deem any plan impossible.

Anyi analyzed: "We don't know the enemy's size, but if they're escorting a high-value prisoner, we can assume the number of enemies falls into three categories.

Large, medium, and small.

A larger number suggests weaker units among the enemy forces.

A medium number suggests a large number of elite soldiers.

With a small number, we assume all enemies are top-tier combat units."

"What if it's a large number, but all top-tier units?" Layton asked, confused.

Before Anyi could answer, Sephie spoke: "If they had that many top-tier units, they wouldn't be deterred by a single assassin for over half a month, afraid to enter the city."

"So that's it!" Layton exclaimed, understanding.

"Exactly!" Ariana also looked surprised.

Their reluctance to enter the city likely stemmed from significant losses during the capture.

Judging from this, the enemy must have suffered heavy losses among their top-tier units to act so cautiously.

Therefore, the possibility of a large number of high-strength enemies could be considered, but the priority level should be lower.

Anyi's three scenarios were the most likely possibilities.

...

After a full day, the plan of action and battle tactics were finalized.

Even the ambush locations had been selected.

Since they didn't know which gate the enemy would enter, they had to prepare a comprehensive plan.

Failing to decide after a whole day would be unacceptable.

The anticipated scenario was that the enemy, having built such anticipation, would make a grand, ostentatious entrance with the prisoner.

Their movement speed would be slow, eager to display their captive to the public.

Therefore, regardless of the gate they entered, the eight Heroes could quickly reach the scene.

They also considered the possibility of the enemy rushing the prisoner to the prison, but the local lords weren't fools and wouldn't do that.

Secretly rushing the prisoner to prison without the populace seeing anything would defeat the purpose of the display.

Wouldn't that be broadcasting their fear?

Why bother with appearances?

By predicting the enemy's actions, many improbable scenarios could be eliminated.

There was no need to worry about the enemy secretly transporting the prisoner or switching routes.

The enemy wouldn't be that shameless.

The inner city had numerous escape tunnels, painstakingly dug over countless nights and days.

Initially, each discovered tunnel led to the digging of another.

Then, when a new tunnel was found, another was dug.

After numerous tunnels were created, the previously discovered ones were left unguarded. Even if the entrances were sealed, they could simply be reopened.

This resulted in dozens of tunnels of varying sizes beneath [Moonwish City].

Therefore, they could separate the attention-grabbing aspect of the operation from the actual rescue, using multiple escape routes. Once the enemy was lured into the tunnels, they could escape the city, finally emerging at a designated point in the forest and returning to the human city.

Even if the enemy found a tunnel, they would likely already be back at their base.

A foolproof plan was in place; all that remained was…

The rescue!

...

Finally, the night passed.

Day three arrived.

The Heroes didn't know when the prisoner would arrive; they planned to continue familiarizing themselves with the routes and simulating various scenarios.

But that didn't matter.

The lord would announce it.

"Today! The monster prisoner [Audrey Celeste] will be brought into the city!!

Please proceed to the East Gate in an orderly manner!

Please proceed to the East Gate in an orderly manner!"

In the morning, a massive monster, its head alone a meter long, with a gaping maw, roared through the streets.

The sound was like a massive sonic boom, causing the entire street to shake.

"Today! The monster prisoner [Audrey Celeste] will be brought into the city!!

Please proceed to the East Gate in an orderly manner!

Please proceed to the East Gate in an orderly manner!"

At the human underground base.

"Did you hear? The prisoner will be brought in today!" Hilo shouted towards the exit.

"Great!" Layton exclaimed excitedly.

"It's a pity we didn't have more time to train," Eira sighed.

"Follow the plan," Anyi said calmly.

"Let's go! To the East Gate!"

Hilo laughed and shouted.

"Operation Commence!!"

Hilo was the type of person who acted immediately upon making a decision.

So, starting the day after the plan was finalized filled her with excitement.

In contrast, the others were nervous.

The insufficient training time left them lacking confidence.

Before they left, Anyi asked them to wait, then said:

"Everyone, remember our initial objective.

We unlocked the Bestiary, obtained monster intelligence, learned monster languages, and even their writing.

Our mission is complete.

Rescuing the Elf wasn't our mission; it's just an unexpected bonus.

From the start, saving this prisoner wasn't mandatory; it only offered potential gains.

Therefore, prioritize your own safety, and approach this calmly.

Unexpected mistakes are acceptable; just ensure survival.

For us, it's merely forfeiting something we never possessed.

If we don't succeed, so be it."

After hearing Anyi's words, everyone felt a sense of relief.

That's right, the Elf's appearance was merely a bonus.

Like finding a pie in the sky; getting it was good luck; not getting it wouldn't mean losing anything.

Good luck rescuing her; if not, they would simply continue as planned.

A weight lifted.

Failure wasn't a problem; doing their best was enough.

"Thanks!" Hilo clapped Anyi on the shoulder. "Although I never intended to fail!

So… Let's do this again!

Operation commence! Let's go!!"

"Woohoo!!" Layton replied excitedly.

Everyone donned cloaks and hoods, heading towards the exit.

Watching their backs, Anyi followed.

That's right, no need for excessive pressure.

Rescuing his Master was his responsibility; if the others failed, they shouldn't risk their lives.

Since the team was splitting up, even Anyi couldn't watch over everyone during combat.

Therefore, he had told the others…

If they couldn't fight, run. Whatever it takes.

As long as he rescued Audrey, everything would be over.

Anyi didn't think the city held a stronger monster than the Sword Demon.

If it was only the Sword Demon, he and Audrey could handle it.

If he couldn't win, he'd use [One Sword].

The Sword Demon wasn't an Immortal Bird; severing it in two would kill it.

Anyi was prepared to give his all.

In this life, he would make amends for everything!

He would never again lose his family or his Master!

This was something he'd decided from birth.

"Anyi, you seem really eager for this operation," Ariana walked beside Anyi, smiling faintly.

"Why do you say that?" Anyi asked.

"Because Anyi usually walks slowly at the back of the group, but today, your steps are quicker, and you're closer to the front," Ariana said.

"Is that so? Perhaps I am a little eager.

After all, the opponent is one of the twelve Royal Elves, a powerful Elf," Anyi replied.

"I'm wondering if, being so strong, she's the type who's aloof, and might turn hostile after being rescued.

…Elves, right?" Ariana mused.

"Who knows," Anyi said.

"I feel everyone implicitly assumes she'll help us, even though we don't know her.

Personality is important, right?" Ariana said.

"Yeah, she might be a fierce Elf," Anyi nodded.

In his previous life, during Audrey's last month, she had been very aggressive, exhibiting a strong reproductive desire.

Not just multiple times a month, but multiple times a day.

It seems that once an Elf identifies a partner, they'll initiate mating rituals upon reaching reproductive age.

Elven pregnancy is difficult.

However, this aggression would cease once pregnancy was confirmed, returning to their usual apathetic state.

It's rather extreme; apathetic as still water at times, a raging flood at others.

It makes sense; in the previous life, Audrey had been in constant peril, her internal injuries preventing a full recovery.

The urge to quickly reproduce offspring in such desperate circumstances is an instinct?

Therefore, in this life, if she's healed and focused on monster extermination, she might achieve a state similar to [Lustlessness].

Even without the system.

...

The streets were unusually solemn.

Oddly shaped monsters lined the streets; many fell, crushed by others, while those trying to scavenge were killed.

This didn't dampen their enthusiasm.

Everyone wanted to see what [Audrey Celeste], who could rival the seventy-two Demon Lord Servants, looked like.

Outside the city, two giant monsters pulled a carriage, making the cart look like a toy pulled by children.

Inside the wooden cage, a blonde Elven beauty, in tattered prison clothes, her hands bound, hung from the ceiling.

Strapped into the carriage, her legs swung loosely with every jolt, her eyes vacant, expressionless.

Audrey hadn't eaten in a long time, hadn't drunk water, couldn't replenish mana, couldn't feel or control it.

This was akin to having her senses sealed and being deprived of water.

Who wouldn't be numb?

After hundreds of years of escape, she was finally imprisoned in this cage, hanging daily, unable to struggle, with no chance of escape.

It seemed…

This was the end.

But even if she continued to flee, what could she do?

She'd reached the monster's border; the monsters here were weak.

Fleeing further, to weaker monsters, would achieve what?

Starting by slaying weaker monsters, then aiming to destroy them?

It would be lucky to avoid being dragged into a goblin nest.

Of course, she could still defeat goblins easily.

But what good would slaying weak monsters do?

The Elves were gone.

After a thousand years, no other race could resist the monsters?

Eventually, the entire world would be ruled by monsters.

No hope of resistance remained.

So, being captured, she would simply accept her fate…

Surrounding the carriage were four Class 6 monsters and eight Class 5 monsters, fully equipped and armed, guarding the prisoner.

Two of the Class 5 monsters flew high above, keeping watch.

"Roar Roar Roar——"

Unexpectedly, the carriage reached the city safely.

"Open—the—Gate——!!"

The guard roared, the massive iron gate slowly descending into the ground.

The two giant beasts pulled the carriage into the city.

The monsters lining the streets erupted in cheers and excitement!!

...

[Thorn Hero: Entering.

The prisoner is in a wooden cage, 2 meters long and wide; the prisoner is suspended by chains.

The guards are four Class 6 monsters and eight Class 5 monsters; two Class 5 monsters are airborne, all armed and armored.]

Miruku hid in a high place, observing the city gate from afar.

During the mid-stage of this plan, she was responsible for observation, not combat.

She would only appear in the final stage, mainly using her high Agility to lead the escape.

She was currently in a hollowed-out wooden barrel placed in a high-rise building, undetected.

"Four Class 6 monsters…?" Sephie frowned, "And eight Class 5 monsters."

"Sister… it feels dangerous," Sisrine worried.

They had anticipated strong enemies, but not this many Class 5 and 6 monsters!

The highest-level monster slain by the Silver Moon base team was only Class 3.

Only the Holy Maiden team had experience fighting Class 5 monsters.

As for Class 6 monsters…

No one had ever won against them!

「Should we continue?」

This doubt arose in everyone's mind except Anyi's.

But doubt didn't mean immediate surrender.

[Blade Hero: Don't worry, don't worry!!

There are no Agility over 40 units inside!]

Unexpectedly, Hilo was the first to grasp the situation.

Carefully examining the Bestiary data, they found it was true!

The two Class 6 monsters had high Strength and Durability, but their Agility was only 25.

Even the two airborne Class 5 monsters only had around 35 Agility.

Furthermore, they were in the air; the escape route passed through numerous buildings, requiring time for pursuit.

Among the Heroes, there were [Encourage] and [Lightness]; Miruku and Hilo could significantly boost their speed.

A perfect and swift escape was possible!

[Sword Hero: Ms. Hilo is correct.

Now is not the time to give up; let's finalize our battle plan.

First…]

First, excluding Miruku, the other seven were divided into three teams.

Hilo, Layton, and Eira formed one team.

Sisrine and Sephie formed another.

Anyi and Ariana formed the last.

Each team had at least one member with high Prana.

Hilo's team acted as a decoy.

According to the plan, Eira would initiate the attack using fire magic on the carriage.

This initial "magic" attack would make the enemy believe they were Elves, drawing their attention.

When the monsters targeted Eira, Hilo and Layton would provide support and protection.

Sisrine and Sephie wouldn't be directly on the battlefield but at the edge of their skill range.

They would be just within the skill range, not directly on the battlefield.

Once combat commenced, Sisrine would use buff skills on the decoy team.

Simultaneously, Ariana would activate [Encourage].

First, to enhance the team's stats.

Second, to increase Anyi's speed.

Because Anyi and Ariana were the actual rescue team!

When the monsters' attention was drawn to the decoy team and combat began, Anyi would destroy the carriage.

Their positions differed from the others.

The others would maintain some distance from the main road, moving among the crowd.

But Anyi and Ariana would stand directly at the front of the crowd.

Once the carriage reached them, it would be less than 3 meters away!

The rescue team's action would begin on Anyi's signal.

Their task was to destroy the carriage, rescue Audrey, and have Ariana use [Holy Healing] and [Purification].

Since her injuries and status effects were unknown, they'd treat her first.

Ideally, Audrey would be able to fight immediately, assisting Anyi and Ariana in breaking through the encirclement.

If not, and Audrey was too weak to fight, that was fine too.

Because then, it would be Miruku's turn to act.

Ariana would use a barrier to buy time, while Miruku would reach them at top speed, leading them to the tunnels.

With [Encourage] and her Goblin equipment, Miruku's Agility could reach 49.

She also had skills to further boost her speed. The Class 5 monsters, with their maximum Agility of 35, wouldn't even see Miruku's backside.

As planned, a golden barrier appeared, then a flash of darkness—the two and the Elf vanished.

No reaction time.

Meanwhile, after the decoy team withstood the initial attack, the rescue team had already rescued Audrey.

At this point, the other monsters would likely return to defend, and Hilo would promptly retreat with Layton and Eira.

They retreated to Sisrine and Sephie, and with [Encourage] and [Lightness] boosting Hilo's Agility to 35+, even the monsters couldn't catch up.

By this point, everyone had successfully retreated into the tunnels.

No casualties, minimal losses, and the successful rescue of the monster prisoner.

Now, they only needed to pray for a smooth return.

...

Meanwhile, Sword Demon Ferdinand had left his mansion but wasn't with the prisoner's escort.

As the lord, even if this prisoner was important, he shouldn't be in the front escort.

Wouldn't that make him just another guard?

The showmanship would be saved for presenting the prisoner to the Servant in the square.

Ferdinand stood in the shadows, his dark robes concealing his figure.

He didn't need to follow the carriage constantly; arriving promptly when necessary sufficed.

He could respond from his mansion, but on the streets, he could provide more timely assistance.

"Roar——!!"

He heard the cheers of the populace.

The carriage was entering!

「Excellent!」

He'd expected an ambush outside the city, mentally preparing for a hard fight.

But it entered the city unexpectedly smoothly!

Once inside the city…

His territory!

He'd deployed numerous defenses within the city.

Dozens of Class 5 monsters and ten Class 6 monsters, his equal, a mercenary force costing him a great deal.

The territorial losses were significant, and he had to hire mercenaries; it was truly painful!

But… compared to the potential gains from this operation, it was insignificant!

「Come then… let me see who dares to ruin my plans!」 Ferdinand smiled coldly.