Eye to core.

Core to eye.

Cassien was focused on one thing and one thing only.

The guards took their positions, strong and steady.

It was obvious that the guards protecting Cassien could handle the situation easily. However, he wanted the rewards that would come after.

Cassien wanted that beast’s core.

"A little closer..."

The creature slithered toward them, now only inches away from landing a proper hit.

Slam!

It slammed its mouth onto the ground. Both guards easily dodged the attack and began circling it from the sides.

"AHHHHH!" one of them screamed, raising his sword high. "Take this!"

Stab!

The creature moved too erratically for Cassien to pinpoint the exact location of its core.

So, he waited patiently.

But was he being too patient?

The other guard rushed from the left, slicing the creature’s tail completely off and finishing the remaining cuts needed to sever it from its body.

The worm-like creature collapsed, letting out a final cry with what little life it had left.

"Collect the beast core. It will sell for a reasonable price."

"Got it."

One guard began walking back while the other stayed behind.

The one returning approached Cassien and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You see, kid?" he said arrogantly. "Good thing you stayed back and did not get in our way. Royal brats like you should watch from the sidelines. You will never face real danger, aside from some low-level assassins. Even then, you always have top-level guards protecting you. Of course, there are exceptions, but I doubt you are one of them."

Cassien thought about his words for a moment.

Then, he smiled.

As the guard walked back toward his horse, Cassien kept his gaze forward.

"Did you forget something?" Cassien asked without looking away.

"What? Trust me, kid, I know more than you ever will." The guard shrugged, tapping his sword against his armor three times.

"Well, there is something you are missing," Cassien said quietly. "Turn around and see for yourself."

"For God’s sake, boy, I have told you already," the guard said as he slowly turned. "I sliced that creature apart. Once the tail is gone, it is paralyzed."

Cassien let out a light laugh. "Right, right. Then what do you say about that?"

Slam!

The guard tightened his grip on his weapon.

His nerves began to shake.

His gaze faltered.

Everything about him became unstable.

The creature let out a terrifying scream, as if it had returned from the dead.

And just then, the armored individual standing beside Cassien witnessed it.

His own friend was being devoured by the vile worm. Everything his human body had to offer was being ripped apart.

Blood poured in all directions.

"B-but. I cut off the tail..." the other guard stammered, trying to justify himself.

Cassien raised his pistol, now able to pinpoint the exact location of the core.

"Have you forgotten that we are traveling through the Thieving Forest? Strangely, you never considered the effect this place has on its creatures. As long as the beast’s core remains intact, it will continue to regenerate." Cassien spoke without a trace of hesitation.

"Why did you not say anything? Now he is dead because of you. This is your fault. What is wrong with you?"

His expression darkened.

Cassien despised how people shifted blame when they were afraid.

"Do not speak to me as if this were my doing." He walked over to the guard, who had now fallen to his knees. "This is entirely your fault. I tried to warn you, but I was just the ’princess’ of the group, so I did not bother."

He paused for a moment.

"But look at the bright side. Your partner may be dead, but because the beast was focused on him, I was able to locate its core. So do not be too hard on yourself."

The guard’s breathing grew unstable.

"You... you bastard!"

The creature finished consuming the remains of the other guard, leaving nothing behind.

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

The massive worm charged toward Cassien at high speed.

But he had already found the core.

Boom. Boom.

Two bullets Cassien formed using mana pierced through the creature’s core.

A silver jewel sat to the right of its chest, similar to where a human heart would be.

But unlike a heart, it did not beat. You had to assume its location or expose it to be sure.

And when the guards had sliced it open earlier, Cassien had noticed.

Slam!

The beast collapsed onto the ground.

"Is... is it dead?" the guard asked, his voice trembling.

Cassien walked over to the shattered, hand-sized jewel and gathered the fragments.

------------------------

[Successfully Acquired D Rank Beast Core]

[Transferred To Inventory]

------------------------

The fragments dissolved into a bright white light and transferred into his inventory.

"Yes. It is gone for good now."

’These should sell well at the marketplace. Finally, some money to spend.’

The guard stood up slowly, breathing unevenly as only the creature’s remains remained.

He walked toward Cassien, blinking repeatedly, trying to process everything.

Tears streamed down his face as he placed his mask back on.

"So... Maxwell is really gone?"

Cassien crouched slightly, assuming he meant the fallen guard. "Hold your head high. Yes, he is gone. But let this be a lesson. Do not look down on others again."

Tears hit the ground.

"So," he sniffed, struggling to speak, "what should I do now?"

"Now?" Cassien thought for a moment. "First, I still need to get home. It is already ten. Second, report everything to Victoria exactly as it happened. And tell her that man, Maxwell...

Died as a warrior."

The guard straightened his posture and wiped away his tears.

"Thank you, young master. I will do exactly that."

Cassien smiled.

But then, a sense of guilt crept in.

If Maxwell had not died, all three of them might have been killed.

But Cassien had not tried to save him.

Because he chose to save himself.