22:The Predator[II]

The atmosphere became solemn the moment the question surfaced. The members of the Purple Hyacinth held their breath. Even the wind seemed to hesitate.

The Flaming Saber Tiger was still out there, lurking.

After all, it's easy to be a thief for a thousand days, but it's hard to guard against a thief for a thousand days.

Everyone was now on edge, nerves drawn tight like bowstrings. But this tension wouldn't last. Fatigue would settle in. Alertness would be dull.

If the Flaming Saber Tiger launched another attack at that moment… it could spell disaster.

"Draw the snake out of its hole."

Freya's voice was quiet, but each word was heavy.

"Advanced magical beasts usually have a strong sense of revenge. After suffering a heavy loss at our hands, that Flaming Saber Tiger definitely won't let it go easily."

"We'll feign weakness. Give it something tempting to strike. When it takes the bait—we strike back."

Everyone listened intently as Freya laid out the plan again.

"This idea is good," murmured Barn, his hand resting on the hilt of his right-hand sword. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Others nodded, their earlier doubts silenced. The recent battle had changed their view of Roland completely. He was no longer a burden in their eyes—he was a pillar.

Yet Freya's plan had one major obstacle.

To lure out the cunning and vengeful Flaming Saber Tiger, someone had to be the bait.

A dangerous role that almost suicidal.

Roland instinctively looked down at his hand. The memory of his last strike still throbbed through his muscles. The Flaming Saber Tiger would recognize him. It wouldn't fall for the trap if he took center stage.

And frankly, Roland didn't intend to tempt fate again unless absolutely necessary.Before any argument could erupt, a figure stepped forward.

"I'll do it," Adonis said, voice deep and steady.

Roland turned sharply.

Adonis. The deputy captain. A mountain of a man with a weather-beaten face and a massive war axe strapped across his back. But what shocked Roland was his expression—calm, without a hint of fear.

"Those who are ignorant are truly fearless," Roland muttered, though deep down he respected the man's courage.

Adonis wasn't reckless. As a seasoned warrior with unmatched defense and brutal offense, he had every right to trust in his own strength.

The plan was set.

Everyone dispersed, pretending to relax, laying low with swords seemingly at rest, but in truth, they were sharper than ever. Their eyes never left Adonis.

He placed his axe lazily on his shoulder and walked away from the group with loud, careless strides.

10 meters...

20 meters…

70 meters...

The forest held its breath. Leaves stopped rustling. The insects fell silent.

By the time Adonis had reached more than 100 meters out, the trap was too perfect.

The Flaming Saber Tiger took the bait.

With a blood-curdling roar, it emerged from the underbrush, moving faster than lightning. It summoned a gust of wind beneath its feet and launched itself like a missile.

Its amber eyes glowed with bloodlust. Its massive jaws opened wide, fangs dripping with magical heat.

But Adonis had been waiting.

The moment he heard the shift in wind behind him, his battle instincts surged.

In one fluid motion, he spun around, planted his feet, and raised his axe like a fortress.

[Stonebreak Guard!] he bellowed.

An earthy, bronze aura enveloped him, reinforcing his body and weapon. He swung upward, clashing directly against the tiger's wind-charged claws.

BOOOOM!

The force of impact was tremendous.

Adonis was hurled backward like a battering ram, crashing through a boulder and skidding across the ground, armor ringing. Dust and debris exploded around him.

But he didn't go down.

Grunting, he flipped onto his feet, blood trailing from his lip, and slammed the butt of his axe onto the ground.

"You'll have to do better than that, kitten."

Provoked by the taunt, the Flaming Saber Tiger shrieked in rage and unleashed a flurry of spells.

Flamethrower… Wind Blade! Explosive Fireflash!

Infernos erupted and wind scythes shredded through trees.

Adonis, armor steaming and battered, braced himself with [Earth Shield Form], enduring hit after hit, using his axe like a barrier.

But he was being pushed back.

His boots tore trenches in the dirt as each spell exploded around him.

And still he stood.Yet it wasn't enough.The tiger's eyes narrowed with lethal intent.

With a thunderous roar, it summoned its ultimate move.

A ten-meter wide, blazing azure fireball coalesced above its head. The very air burned. The grass below wilted.

[Flame Burst].

The heat distorted the world. If it hit Adonis, there would be nothing left but charred ash.

"ADONIS!!" Roland shouted.

He moved.

Activating Storm Slash footwork, Roland became a streak of wind. His greatsword glimmered as he cut through the air with explosive speed.

But he wasn't the only one who moved.

Barn had been waiting.

Eyes fierce and calculating, Barn surged forward from the shadows, right-hand sword already drawn. He muttered under his breath, "

[Quickdraw Severance!]

With incredible speed, he slashed the air, sending out a crescent-shaped sword wave that clashed with the fireball midair.

It wavered—but didn't break.

"Too strong!" Barn cursed, sweat streaking down his brow.

"ROLAND, GO!"

Roland leapt into the fireball's path. With a massive upward slash, he invoked a wind barrier that protected him while his greatsword slicing through the heat with a spiraling vortex of wind.

The fireball cracked, exploded mid-air with a deafening boom, scattering blue flames across the forest canopy.

Shockwaves rocked the earth.Smoke and fire curled into the sky

Adonis coughed once, then stood straighter.

Barn landed beside him, panting.

Roland raised his blade, eyes locked on the stunned Flaming Saber Tiger.

"Now," he said coldly. "It's time to go all out and end this."