To update him on their plans.

Begrudgingly getting up from my spot in the shade, I questioned why they were calling for me. 'There can't be too much more of any interest here. I have a feeling that Dread was quite thorough in his extermination aside from the coward. Other than that, there is very little here that I would have interest in that they would show to me.'

Despite my conclusion that there couldn't be a good reason to be bringing me over, I investigated, nonetheless. I had to keep up appearances at the least, and I could not deny I was a tad bit curious as to why I was being summoned.

This curiosity was stalled as I rounded the corner and could see them again. Against my expectations, there did not seem to be anything of note around. They were all simply standing in a loose group.

As I approached, I could not hide my confusion, something that I was quick to voice. "I was summoned, yes? Was something noteworthy found? I don't see anything around that we didn't find before."

Taking a quick look around, I was confident in my statement. I could of course still see the shattered hole in the wall, as well as Lycus dry-sobbing on the ground from my position. Aside from that, it was simply the corpses and the normal encampment things.

Isabell was the one to respond to my questions, "Ah, sir priest! Yes, you were requested, though there have been no new discoveries." Looking around, it seemed I had been delegated to Isabell as Karen did not wish to speak to me, Lana was not allowed to by Karen, and Millana was still deeply shaken.

I raised my eyebrow at her, making no sign that I cared who was speaking to me. "Is that so? Then I hope it is not rude to ask for what purpose I have been requested." Part of me was a little annoyed that my first chance at a restful moment for a while had been interrupted. While it was not their fault directly that I lacked chances to rest, it was still not a lovely feeling.

She gave an apologetic smile before she responded, "Of course, not at all. I believe the others simply wished to confer and share the plan that has been made." She gave a slight bow, clearly trying to seem as cooperative and passive as possible.

Looking around, I did a sweep of the others with an expectant expression. After they displayed they were no more willing to speak than before, I resorted to prompting them. "Well then, what is the plan?" I tried to keep my tone soft yet assertive, encouraging them to share but displaying that I wanted one of them to speak to me directly.

Lana looked cautiously to Karen, who gave a begrudging nod. Given permission, Lana explained the situation to me. "Judging by the events here, that monster is extremely dangerous. Therefore, we cannot allow it to only likely be dead. We need to make absolutely certain."

I scratched my beard in slight disapproval, "You all want to chase after the creature that caused this?" I gestured at the blood soaked and body covered ground around us. "I agree that it must be dealt with, but I am not certain we have the proper power or equipment."

Karen rolled her eyes at me, "Just shows your cowardice. I killed it before, I can kill it again." After getting a few glares from the others, she begrudgingly continued. "Regardless, we sent a message back to the town for immediate support. We will not be alone."

Taking a minute to consider it, I thought about what I should do in this situation. 'Arguing not to hunt it further would seem suspicious, however I do not want to waste a bunch of time trying to track down a near immortal creature in the forest. Especially one that serves me...'

Clicking my tongue a few times, I asked some questions with the hope of potentially dissuading them. "Do we have any idea where it may be? I don't know if we will be able to find it if it has been running through the forest this entire time. And how are we going to be certain it dies this time?"

Clearly not enjoying my response, Karen snapped at me. "Why are you so quick to stop the hunt? Afraid of actually putting in some effort and having to work for something?" I stared her dead in the eyes for a few moments.

It was not long before I could not hold in my laughter. All of them looked at me in confusion as I regained myself, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just unbelievable that a noble-born would be accusing someone born into poverty of not knowing proper work. I didn't think I would ever hear that in my lifetime." I allowed my laughter to die down to a few chuckles.

Redness overtook Karen's face, a mixture of rage and a slight hint of embarrassment. Isabell was looking between the two of us with a nervous look, and Lana was grimacing. Millana was looking subtly at Karen, a surprising amount of disgust readable from her.

Before Karen could say anything else I could twist against her, Lana spoke up. "I understand that it could be a fruitless endeavor, but we must at least make an effort. If for nothing else, so that we may have a proper case to send to the higher ups in my order."

I looked to her consideringly. She was being surprisingly accepting and passive towards me as of late, and I could not figure out why. I didn't feel like it was some form of trap, yet nothing I could think of could explain it. I hadn't been explicitly kind to her, and Karen most certainly didn't seem the type to reign in Lana's behavior.

While I was lost in thought, I failed to notice a slight windy feeling, as mana was used nearby. Soon after, the sound of metal rustling about could be heard, steadily getting closer. I looked to the others, shrugging before looking to see what could be coming.

It seemed too early for their reinforcements to be here, yet I could think of nothing else. Regardless, I prepared myself for whatever it could be.