Aureil and David had no concept of what a ninja truly was. After witnessing Aaron manipulate earth burying the corpses with precise control they assumed his abilities resembled those of a magician.
Yet they realized Aaron had only mentioned two techniques deliberately withholding any others. One was the basic kunai throw, capable of striking a target within 30 meters. The other was the Gale Fang Cleave Jutsu, an overwhelming attack with a staggering 300-meter range.
Their expressions froze in shock. The contrast between the two abilities was unnerving, but what unsettled them more was the realization that Aaron among them all was the true enigma. Just how much was he still hiding?
Auriel narrowed her eyes at Aaron before speaking in a cold, measured tone. "Let's decide on our tactics to eliminate the Swift Wolves."
She crossed her arms, her voice steady but firm. "They operate in packs. If we engage them head-on, we'll be overwhelmed."
Her gaze shifted to David. "Have you studied the map of the Blueish Forest?"
David smirked, his grip tightening on the reins. "Of course. I know exactly where those wolves reside."
Auriel narrowed her eyes in thought. "Then we can use bait to poison the Swift Wolves."
David shook his head, his voice firm. "Miss, that won't work. Their noses are too sharp. Unless they're starving, they won't touch the bait."
Auriel frowned, considering their options. "Then we need another approach."
David leaned forward, his expression confident. "We use the terrain. The Swift Wolves reside near the Gale Mountain Range I can manipulate our movement to lure them into a disadvantageous position. Once they're exposed, you and Aaron can strike from a distance before they have a chance to regroup."
Aaron listened in silence, his expression thoughtful as he processed their discussion. He suddenly spoke, his voice calm but deliberate. "Auriel, how many Swift Wolves do we need to eliminate to complete the task?"
Without hesitation, Auriel retrieved the parchment, unfolding it with practiced ease before handing it to him. "The quest requires us to clear out the Swift Wolves attacking travelers near Gale Mountain," she explained.
Her tone grew more serious, eyes narrowing slightly. "The adventurers reported their numbers at twenty. But we don't know if there's another pack lurking nearby so we need to stay sharp."
Aaron's gaze flickered over the parchment, absorbing the details. Twenty wolves was manageable but only if they didn't let the battle spiral into chaos. If another pack emerged mid-fight, their strategy could quickly fall apart.
"Then we strike fast and decisively," Aaron said, lifting his eyes to meet theirs. "If we drag this out, we risk facing more than just twenty."
Aaron turned to David. "Can you drive the carriage near Gale Mountain, or do we need to proceed on foot?"
David answered without hesitation, confidence lacing his words. "No need to walk. The road beyond Gale Mountain has been carefully built I can drive us there without issue."
A flicker of relief crossed Aaron's face, though another concern remained. He turned to David, voice firm. "Will the Big Horse be able to outperform the Swift Wolves?"
Auriel furrowed her brows, her expression thoughtful. This time, David was quick to respond, a smirk playing on his lips. "Of course."
Yet, despite his certainty, Auriel couldn't shake the unease creeping into her thoughts. The Swift Wolves weren't ordinary beasts speed was their greatest weapon. And if reports were accurate, they could run faster than even the strongest warhorses under the right conditions.
Aaron gave a firm nod, his tone decisive. "David, you'll handle the carriage. As for the Swift Wolves leave them to us."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sharpening. "Against true strength, resistance is meaningless. And what those adventurers reported?" His voice turned colder. "It might not reflect the real danger waiting beneath the surface."
Auriel's voice carried a hint of concern. "But without a solid strategy, we could be walking into danger."
Aaron met her gaze, his tone calm but resolute. "The situation is constantly changing. Tactics only work when you have complete intel on the enemy. In unpredictable battles like this, the only real option is to face them head-on."
He paused briefly before adding, "What are the weak points of the Swift Wolves?"
Auriel took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was overthinking it. That wouldn't do any good. Aaron's suggestion was sound.
"The Swift Wolves' weak points are their throat, belly, eyes, nose, behind the ears and, of course, their tails."
Aaron turned to David, his tone firm. "Let's head toward Gale Mountain."
David took the whip and snapped it through the air three times. "Hold onto the handrails unless you want to be thrown from the carriage when I pick up speed."
Half an hour later.
The Blueish Forest was a realm of enchantment. As the carriage sped along the winding path, Aaron caught fleeting glimpses of vibrant birds and small woodland creatures, their forms blurring into streaks of color and motion. Though the rapid pace allowed only brief moments of admiration, the beauty of the forest left an undeniable impression.
Just as he was absorbing the fleeting magic of the landscape, David's voice cut through the wind.
"Get ready we're entering the Gale Mountain Range."
"Howl!!"
The eerie cry sliced through the air.
David's voice rang out sharply, urgency lacing his words. "Aaron, Miss brace yourselves! Swift Wolves incoming!"
David kept a firm grip on the reins as the carriage barreled forward, wheels kicking up dirt and debris. Aaron and Auriel sprang to their feet. Auriel secured a rope around her waist, bracing against the relentless momentum, while Aaron anchored himself with chakra, ensuring his stance remained unshaken.
Then, he saw them.
One Swift Wolf. Then another. Soon, an entire pack emerged from the dense foliage, their sleek forms cutting through the terrain with lethal speed.
Auriel's face paled she hadn't expected an encounter this soon. There was no time to strategize, no chance to prepare.
Aaron's voice rang out, steady and commanding.
"David, keep driving. Auriel ready your magic and target the nearest Swift Wolf. The rest... leave to me."
As he spoke, chakra surged through his palm, condensing into a fierce, pressurized blade the Gale Fang Cleave Jutsu. A mere 100 units of chakra, yet devastating in precision. Without hesitation, he locked onto his target and struck.