The feeling came strangely. After keeping watch here for most of the day, it had already exceeded the time the ghost-headed crocodile could lurk underwater. In theory, this lake should be free of ghost-headed crocodiles now.
But why does my heart instinctively sense a great danger beneath the calm lake surface?
Is there truly danger, or is it just a deceptive shadow cast by the mind?
Austin stared at the serene lake surface, bowing his head in contemplation.
Next to him, the Kobold leader Vini remained silent, obediently waiting for any orders from Lord Austin. Through the experiences of recent days, Vini had developed unprecedented admiration and obedience towards his patron.
Initially, when Austin was training them, the kobolds, though they dared not express it openly, were somewhat disgruntled in heart. These seemingly pointless training sessions occupied much of their time for finding food, leading them to think of Blue Young Dragon Austin as someone who simply liked to trifle unnecessarily. Yet, they accepted it considering the benefits of companionship and exemption from certain dues during training.
However, the moment they managed to effortlessly kill the fierce ghost-headed crocodile, which once could easily chew them up in an instant, through trained cooperation, all dissatisfaction within the kobolds vanished immediately.
It turned out that even naturally weak kobolds like them could kill beasts far stronger than themselves!
It turned out the power they could harness was far beyond their imagination!
And towards the Blue Dragon Austin, who brought about this change, all the kobolds now held him in the highest reverence, as if he were a deity.
"It would be great if the ghost-headed crocodiles here could never be fully killed!" Vini silently mused while looking at the undisturbed lake surface before him.
The feeling of weak defeating strong through easy hunts over these past few days had deeply enchanted him.
Moreover, within just three days of encircling, the ghost-headed crocodile meat obtained was already enough to last them a month.
This was despite having handed over a portion to His Highness.
The kobolds felt nothing but immense gratitude for handing over the spoils, rather than discontent.
After Austin generously waved it aside, only taking fifty percent of the harvest, the kobolds couldn't help but admire His Highness Blue Dragon Austin greatly, considering him the best and most benevolent lord in the world. If the kobolds' loyalty was measured at 100, after these days of developments, it had likely surpassed the limit, reaching 110.
If possible, Vini hoped the ghost-headed crocodiles within this lake could never be entirely eradicated.
"This year's cold winter will probably pass without experiencing hunger, and maybe a few more newborns could be added to the tribe during the freeze..."
Just as Kobold leader Vini's thoughts spread and envisioned a bright future, Blue Dragon Austin suddenly instructed solemnly:
"Go catch some live prey, such as earthy-gray rabbits or pheasants, bring them over."
"Yes, Your Highness Austin."
Vini took the order and left, although unaware of the purpose; he only needed to implement the orders.
Even with the kobold resettlement affecting nearby animals to some extent, extinction had not occurred. Shortly, two kobolds approached, holding a fluttering wild chicken and a leg-kicking earthy-gray rabbit.
"Tie their feet with vines and throw them into the lake."
Vini followed Austin's instruction without questioning the reason.
The two animals were soon thrown into the lake, not sinking, struggling fiercely on the water surface, causing splashes.
On the shore, everyone held their breath with anticipation.
Soon, as if exhausted, the small animals struggled weakly, seemingly about to sink. Just as Kobold leader Vini contemplated asking Austin if they should pull the prey back up.
At that moment,
BOOM!!!
Suddenly, a massive wave erupted on the water surface, and a ghost-headed crocodile, twice the size of an average one, with leathery skin glistening darkly like steel armor, ferociously burst out from underwater. Its gaping mouth with saw-like fangs gleamed coldly, swallowing both small animals in one bite.
SPLASH!!!
Huge water streams surged and rolled, as the giant ghost-headed crocodile sank back into the depths, disappearing once more. The muddy water below billowed up, churning the entire lake reservoir into murkiness.
The kobolds on the shore gazed in horror at it all, feeling their minds go blank. This colossal size far exceeded any ghost-headed crocodile they had previously slain, rendering it even more ferocious.
Kobold leader Vini felt cold sweat streaming down his back, regretting his earlier belief that all ghost-headed crocodiles in the lake had been eradicated, unaware of a more terrifying one hiding beneath.
Vini glanced at Austin in admiration.
Austin remained oblivious to the thoughts of the kobolds behind him, his heart had already sunk into a pit.
"Magic Beast! This is definitely a true Magic Beast!"
Throughout three days, Austin had never seen this ghost-headed crocodile appear, meaning it had been lurking underwater for at least three days!
If not a Magic Beast infused with magic power, it couldn't possibly break the biological limits, surviving underwater for such a long time like a true aquatic species.
"Should I give up..."
Austin pondered internally.
This ghost-headed crocodile was likely a leader within its pack, akin to an elite in a game, with a size slightly larger than Austin himself. Austin was not entirely confident in defeating it.
Yet, Austin's original intention of clearing this lake reservoir, besides seeking revenge and hunting for winter food, was mainly to establish a fishing site for a continual source of fish meat. Having spent so much effort, Austin was reluctant to abandon it.
After weighing the gains and losses in his heart, Austin quickly made a decision.
"Take the gamble!"
The ghost-headed crocodile's strength was immense, the force of this leader one presumably greater. Even if Austin was bitten, he might survive only after a layer of skin peeled off. Considering its size, Austin's chance of winning in a direct confrontation was likely less than thirty percent.
However, as the saying goes, the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
This was a Magic Beast, not like any of the fierce beasts Austin had hunted before. In recent days, Austin clearly felt his body's magic power beginning to grow, needing more material containing magical power.
Should he devour this ghost-headed crocodile, Austin believed his own power would achieve higher levels, possibly unlocking a second magical technique.
Moreover, this ghost-headed crocodile was not invulnerable. The difference between humans and beasts truly lies in wisdom, doesn't it?