Seeker 174

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Chapter 174. Mutants

The monsters quickly appeared within sight. 

Several Ogres emerged from the depths of the forests on the right and left sides, a few at a time. 

In addition to that, there was a 'unique being' that appeared ahead on the road. 

It resembled an Ogre, but it was at least one size larger. 

The regular Ogres were already fifty percent taller than us, but this one was even bigger, almost like a giant. 

Its skin color was also different. 

While Ogres had a reddish-bronze color, this unique being had an eerie purple hue. 

As this single entity, mutant Ogre, appeared on the road, Black Wolf Knight Order's members showed signs of tension.

"Damn, that's a tough one. What's  about [Monster Appraisal]?"

"The monster's name is Ogre Warlord. It's strong. Not quite as powerful as a dragon, but its stats are on par with wyverns and chimeras."

"Seriously? And we have to deal with that along with this many ogres at the same time? Geez, I've heard there have been a lot of irregularities lately, but this is overdoing it. Hey, miss, I mean, Captain. And Daichi. Your point was right on the mark. It seems having extra firepower was a good call. But how do we fight this?"

Vice Captain Jacob asked me for advice on how to fight. 

This was the first time something like this had happened since I joined the Black Wolf Knight Order. 

Was it because of my conversation with Jacob, or was it just proof of how dangerous the enemy was?

"We need to protect our employers, Eslyn-san, and others, so I guess we'll handle Ogre grunts on the left and right sides. Are you okay leaving the mutant in front of the Black Wolf Knight Order?"

"That'll be a lifesaver. If you can deal with the grunts, taking down one of those mutants should be a piece of cake."

"Alright, then."

"Captain, Daichi, Kazane, and Hotaru, sorry to bother you, but I'm counting on you."

"Okay. Vice Captain mentioned it too, but don't overexert yourselves."

"There are three ogres on the right and four on the left. Is that okay, Senpai? Should we leave the boss to them?"

"Yeah. I think this time it's better if we play a supporting role. Plus, the mission is to cooperate with the Black Wolf Knight Order to defeat the mutant Ogres. Even if they take it down, I believe we'll still accomplish the mission. And if not, we can use that as a reference for future missions."

"Alright, you guys, let's go!"

"Roger!"

The 6 Black Wolf Knight Order's members began their battle against the mutant Ogre, the Ogre Warlord. 

Those in the vanguard rushed forward, while those using ranged attacks or magic provided support from behind. 

Black Wolf Knight Order was a group of professionals. They had confirmed with [Monster Appraisal] that it should be okay. So we could leave it to them. 

Our job was to protect Eslyn-san and the others and take down Ogre's grunts.

By the way, the griffin, which the Black Wolf Knight Order members didn't know was tamed by me, was left out of the fight to prevent further chaos and was handed over to Eslyn-san for safekeeping.

"[Rock Bazooka]!"

"[Wind Slash]!"

"Fenrir Arrow!"

We began by using magic attacks and ice arrows from Fenrir Bow to damage the Ogre group charging at us from both sides. 

Fenrir Bow was a one-hit kill against ogres, so I took down one on the left side after that.

"Kazane-san, I'll take care of this side!"

"Okay, understood!"

Kazane-san and I split up to handle Ogres on the left and right sides, using our weapon attacks to defeat one more each. 

Now, there were 2 Ogres left on each side. 

With our current abilities, Kazane-san and I could handle 1 Ogre in close combat without any problems, especially with Yuzuki's support.

We dodged Ogres' attacks, blocked them with our shields, and occasionally took minor damage from direct hits.

However, we managed to turn all Ogres into magic stones without taking too much time.

On the other side, Black Wolf Knight Order continued their battle against the Ogre Warlord. 

Although some of them were wounded, they fought steadily with the help of healing magic. 

Ogre Warlord, on the other hand, continued to wreak havoc despite being outnumbered, but black mist seeped from the various wounds all over its body.

It was only a matter of time before Black Wolf Knight Order achieved victory, but accidents could still happen.

I, along with Kazane-san and Yumizuki, rushed to the battlefield and approached Vice Captain Jacob.

"Jacob-san, can we help too?"

"What?! You're done already!? Taking down those magic stones would have been a bonus for us. Well, never mind. If you're free, please do!"

"Understood. We'll hand over the magic stones then. Kazane-san, Yumizuki!"

"Yeah!"

"Got it! Freeze, Fenrir Arrow!"

"All right. Take this, [Three Strikes]!"

Kazane-san, Yumizuki, and I launched a series of attacks that hit Ogre Warlord one after another. 

My [Three Strikes] was the finishing blow, and the mutant monster turned into black mist and disappeared.

I leveled up from defeating Ogre Warlord, reaching level 35. 

After Ogre Warlord disappeared, a magic stone dropped, which I picked up and handed over to Jacob.

"Here you go. This is thanks to the Black Wolf Knight Order's efforts."

"Is it okay? Well, I'll gladly accept it as today's drink fund."

"Sure, if you'd like, include the Captain too."

"That's right. I don't know if the miss will want to drink with the likes of us, though."

Jacob glanced briefly at Tia. 

Tia, who was excited about her achievement in defeating Ogre, looked puzzled as she turned her gaze in their direction.

Meanwhile, Black Wolf Knight Order's monster appraisal specialist stared in astonishment at where the Ogre Warlord had disappeared.

"Hey, wait a minute... Are you kidding me...? Its HP was still close to 300. And you guys, with just 3 moves. What kind of attack power do you have?"

"Uh, well... let's call that a trade secret."

I smiled vaguely and brushed off the question. 

It was partly because our equipment and skills were top-notch, and I was already level 35.

The mission was, of course, a success.

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Special Mission Cooperate with the Black Wolf Knight Order to defeat the Ogre Mutants has been completed!

All party members gain 10,000 experience points!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi: 28,0924/30,3707 (Next level: 22,783)

Kodachi Kazane: 28,1296/30,3707 (Next level: 22,411)

Yuzuki Hotaru: 28,9041/30,3707 (Next level: 14,666)

───────────────────────

Defeating the Ogre Warlord yielded significant experience points, which helped narrow the experience gap among party members.

Now that we had defeated our target, it was time to say goodbye to the Black Wolf Knight Order. 

The order returned to Luxberry, while we continued on the road with Eslyn-san and the others.

I shook hands with the Captain and Vice Captain of the Black Wolf Knight Order.

"Take care, Daichi, and those young ladies of yours."

"Yeah, you guys helped us out. Thanks a lot. See you later, Daichi. And those young ladies from your side, too."

And with that, the Black Wolf Knight Order departed.

The armor-clad girl on horseback, who had been merely decorative, now shone brightly surrounded by robust men. 

They chatted amicably, a stark contrast to their initial meeting.

"All right, let's go."

"Yes, let's."

With Eslyn-san's voice, we turned away from the Black Wolf Knight Order and continued down the road. 

The griffin, who had no role to play today, chirped innocently.