Before completely losing consciousness, Arla suddenly remembered something told to her long ago by adventurers from the Dusk Region — that even though Dusk was the most remote western territory, known for its outdated weapons and weak mana, it had one major advantage: incredible resistance against both physical and magical attacks.
However, that strength came with a limit — if one's endurance was pushed too far, the body would begin to collapse from within.
And there was only one reliable way to bypass that resistance… poison.
Barely managing to stay on her feet, Arla staggered backward toward Valeria, deflecting the half-human monster's brutal attacks as best as she could.
Ha... ha... Commander Valeria!!! Can you still hear me?!
Valeria groaned, her eyes fluttering open slightly.
Arla... do you... have a plan?
Arla shouted with all her might, her voice cracking,
YEEEEESSSSS!!! I WANT YOU TO USE THE 99-4-1 METHOD!!!
The monster flinched and covered its ears — Arla's scream was so piercing it shook the air itself. It wasn't magic; it was pure, raw sound, loud enough to make even a monster's hearing falter.
Taking that moment of distraction, Arla hurled a vial of poison she had been keeping in her pocket. The liquid splashed across the creature's body, sizzling as smoke rose from its cracked skin.
Valeria's eyes snapped open as she pushed herself upright.
I don't know what you're planning, Arla—but let's give it a shot! 99-4-1 METHOD!!!
99 BASIC ATTACKS—4 SKILLS—1 ULTIMATE!!!
SSYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
The air exploded with energy.
Each slash, each strike, each blow landed one after another in a relentless rhythm — 99 basic attacks, 4 chained skills, and finally, Valeria's ultimate blast that detonated like a collapsing star.
At first, the half-human monster didn't react. It stood motionless… until its body began to tremble. The combined effects of poison, the relentless physical combo, and the devastating final strike overwhelmed it. Finally, the creature collapsed, crashing into the ground and falling unconscious.
Breathing heavily, Arla approached it cautiously.
Valeria frowned in confusion.
What are you doing, Arla? Are you… trying to kill it? We can't! We need to take this half-human to the Adventurer's Council! These things were once human — they might still be saved!
Arla shook her head with a faint smile.
No… I don't want to kill it. I just want to observe… analyze it.
Because… this monster's traits — its skin, its aura — they're too similar to people from the Dusk Region.
But… it's been so long… and I still haven't found any of them… (her voice trembled)
Valeria's tone softened.
I understand, Arla. You've lost people you love, haven't you?
Arla nodded faintly.
Valeria… please tell the researchers to mark every half-human male with Dusk Region traits.
Maybe one day… they can be saved — my father, my husband, and everyone from Dusk…
Valeria looked down sadly but nodded.
Alright. I'll make sure of it. For today, I'll report that you defeated this creature — that way you'll have the authority to decide what happens next.
But remember, Arla, for future missions involving the squad, I can't make decisions alone. If you're not the one who lands the final blow, we'll go with a team vote — that's the rule.
Arla straightened up, her tone determined.
Then… will there be a time I can take solo missions? Especially if they involve sightings of Dusk Region half-monsters?
Valeria smiled knowingly.
Of course there will. I'll make sure to notify you if something like that comes up. But remember — solo missions come with risks and consequences. Don't forget, Arla… you're a Knight. You know what that means.
Arla raised her chin, resolute.
Yes. I know. And I'll face it head-on!
As they spoke, a group of Royal Special Forces arrived, cleaning up the battlefield and healing the injured with recovery magic.
One of them, a young healer, approached Arla.
Hey… you must be Arla. You're badly hurt… but wow, the rumors were true — you're really a Knight, huh? Impressive!
Arla gave a weak laugh.
Haha, yeah… that's me. And I'm not ashamed of it at all.
The healer smiled warmly.
Haha, no reason to be! Anyway, I'm Dea, Royal Forces healer — sent here by the Adventurer's Council.
Arla smiled back.
Nice to meet you, Dea.
Alright, I've patched up most of your wounds. I'll go take care of the others now. Bye!
With that, Dea moved on to heal the rest of the squad.
Arla, feeling her strength slowly returning, stood up and began looking around for her missing teammates — Jian, Beni, and Hera.
Before she could start searching, the three of them appeared, walking toward Valeria with guilty faces.
Jian, representing the others, spoke nervously,
Commander Valeria… we're sorry. We were… cowards.
Valeria crossed her arms, her voice sharp and commanding.
I hope this serves as a lesson to all of you. Every decision comes with risk and consequence.
As punishment, you'll temporarily surrender your Aegis badges, and from now on, 80% of your mission rewards will go to the UNDERDEVELOPED AREAS, ESPECIALLY THE DUSK REGION! ISN'T THAT THE IMPOVERISHED AREA LOCATED NEAR THE WESTERN TERRITORY?! AND COINCIDENTALLY, THE THREE OF YOU ARE FROM THE WEST!!!
Jian, Beni, and Hera looked shocked but didn't argue. They bowed deeply.
Understood, Commander Valeria. We'll do it — and also we'll be transparent with everything what we do
Valeria sighed but smiled faintly.
Good. Let's hope this time, you'll act not just as Adventurer… but as people who fight for something greater.
Arla looked at the monster lying unconscious nearby — a flicker of determination burning in her tired eyes.
"One day," she whispered to herself,
"I'll find the truth … no matter what it takes."