Chapter 59: Confrontation with High Beast

The saber-toothed tiger, an immense creature measuring 3.7 meters in length retreated slowly. Its piercing green eyes brimming with primal intelligence, remained fixed on Gilbert who had impressively blocked the beast's brutal attack.

Beside the tiger stood a white furred gorilla slightly shorter at 1.76 meters but no less imposing. It pounded the ground with its massive fists, its deafening roars echoing through the cool night air.

The children, trembling with fear, appeared paralyzed by the terrifying sight.

Assessing the situation swiftly, Jonady addressed Gilbert in a calm yet commanding tone: "Gilbert, stay back and protect the children. We can't risk their safety."

Without hesitation,Gilbert nodded and positioned himself as a shield in front of the two little ones, enveloping them with his strong arms.

Meanwhile Raelia stepped forward, her determined gaze highlighted by her fiery orange eyes. 

"No one lowers their guard for any reason" she said her voice carrying a restrained tension.

Jonady raised a hand to assign roles quickly: "Raelia, Kaylen, Nilyna, you'll handle the white gorilla."

Raelia frowned, ready to protest, but Jonady silenced her with a confident smile as he approached.

Gently placing a hand on her face to reassure her, he said: "Trust me. I can handle the tiger on my own."

After a brief hesitation, Raelia nodded reluctantly.

She joined Kaylen and Nilyna, preparing to face the gorilla the battle erupted instantly.

Nilyna, dressed in her maid's uniform, was the first to act.

Her fiery red hair flowed behind her as she darted toward the creature with incredible speed, like an elusive shadow.

The gorilla noticed her approach and let out a feral roar, raising its massive fists high and charging at her bellowing: "WAAAA!"

Yet Nilyna dodged every strike effortlessly, her movements almost surreal in their fluidity as she danced around the beast like a feather in the wind.

With the gorilla's focus entirely on Nilyna, Kaylen seized the opportunity swift and silent, he maneuvered behind the creature.

His sword gleamed under the moonlight as he delivered a precise slash, deeply cutting into the beast's back.

The gorilla's roar of pain reverberated through the forest: "WAAAA!"

Seizing the opening Raelia summoned her fiery magic, enveloping her sword in blazing flames.

Moving with grace she targeted the gorilla's eyes, slashing and blinding the creature in one swift strike.

The monster, now panicked and enraged, lashed out blindly unable to hit its agile opponents.

Smirking cruelly Nilyna, closed in with calculated precision the blinded beast failed to sense her approach until it was too late. Her dagger plunged straight into its heart. The white gorilla let out one final, agonized cry before collapsing heavily onto its back lifeless.

Meanwhile, Jonady faced off against the saber-toothed tiger. The majestic creature's golden fur shimmered under the moonlight, making it appear almost otherworldly. Every movement of its powerful muscles radiated raw strength. Its razor-sharp claws and massive fangs made every attack it launched terrifyingly lethal.

Holding his defensive stance, Jonady thought: Such a creature... It's fascinating. If only I could capture it alive. But its fierce aura... I wouldn't be surprised if it's stronger than the demon general Giyard. This tiger is too dangerous; I can't let it roam free.

The tiger observed him with its piercing green eyes before suddenly leaping, its claws slashing toward Jonady's throat with deadly precision.

Jonady nimbly evaded the attack, fully aware that one mistake could be fatal.

Channeling his lightning magic into his sword, the blade crackled with energy as he struck with precision, shattering one of the tiger's massive canines.

The beast's howl of pain echoed through the forest. Despite its injury, the tiger, driven by rage, launched a desperate final attack, swiping its massive left paw in a ferocious arc.

Swift as lightning, Jonady severed the paw cleanly with his blade.

Weakened and defeated, the tiger let out a harrowing roar before attempting to flee into the bushes of the Izulte Forest. Jonady, mercilessly, cried out: "You're not going anywhere!"

With a precise leap, he closed the distance and delivered a powerful strike, decapitating the beast with a single blow. The fight was over.

Jonady approached the tiger's lifeless body cautiously to confirm its death. When he turned back to his companions, their battle had also concluded.

Nilyna crouched near the gorilla, calmly removing her dagger and wiping it clean before sheathing it. Kaylen his clothing stained with blood, kept a watchful eye on the still-shaken children. Raelia breathing heavily knelt to comfort the two little ones who clung to Gilbert.

Kaylen broke the silence, addressing Jonady with a relieved tone: "Good thing we arrived in time. Who knows what might've happened if we were late."

Raelia nodded in agreement, her gaze soft as it lingered on the children.

Back in the village, the residents greeted the returning group with tears of relief as they embraced the rescued children. A little girl Lucia accompanied by her peers, timidly approached Raelia holding a bouquet of wildflowers.

Kneeling to her height with a gentle smile, Raelia asked: "Is this for me?"

Lucia, her face lighting up, replied:"Y-yes! When you fought the monster, you were so brave. I want to be like you when I grow up, big sister Raelia!"

Moved, Raelia patted the child's head gently."You'll grow into a strong woman, Lucia. I'm sure of it."

As she stood Jonady approached her. Without warning he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently.

Raelia taken aback yet elated felt her long-restrained emotions flood over her. Her cheeks turned crimson as memories of their past together their encounter and fight against the coalition surfaced vividly in her mind. When the kiss ended she opened her orange eyes meeting Jonady's steady gaze.

In a soft voice, he whispered:"Raelia, I love you. I'll will always stand on your side no matter what."

Shyly resting her head against his chest, she murmured just loud enough for him to hear:

"I-idiot... I love you too Jonady. So don't ever think to leave me."

The children witnessing the tender moment smile .

Shortly after Gilbert returned in his armor, reporting after speaking with the village chief: "Everything is in order. We shouldn't hear of any more nocturnal attacks for a while."

The group climbed into the carriage, ready to leave. Raelia exhausted rested her head on Jonady's shoulder, a serene smile gracing her lips.

Across from them Nilyna with her arms folded behind her head, observed the pair with a sly smile."She must be really worn out after this mission" Nilyna teased.

Jonady smiled and nodded."Yes... Let's head back to Regalia Castle."

Under the fading light of the moon, crows flew across the night sky, marking the end of a tumultuous day.