'Holy shit! A magic beast!' Rastel exclaimed in his head.
Apart from the berserk alpha wolf that had attacked Baluu which didn't really count as a magic beast since it was only using magic under the influence of the blood moon, old Ferud was the second magic beast he had seen.
And compared to the leader of the bulee herd, old Ferud left a more awe-inspiring impression. This was a magic beast!
No player at this point in the game would dare to hunt a magic beast. All the theories about large well-balanced groups of players being able to take them on were just at that, theories!
Who would dare to test them out? Do you want to die? Do you want to lose your account and all your progress for a test?
No high leveled player would be willing to take that risk. Getting that strong had taken them years of in-game time coupled with their own efforts and good luck.
Rastel looked at old Ferud all over with fascination!
'I wonder what kind of magic he uses.' He thought silently to himself.
"Eeeeek!" Myra suddenly let out a short scream.
She was floating high up in the air towards old Ferud and was giggling to herself as she waved her stick around trying to smack his beak.
"Let me down you valiant warrior eagle. I will not reduce your portion again!" she pleaded her case with the mischievous old eagle.
"Kriek! Ah well, I don't know about that ma'am. How can I be sure that you won't go back on your word eh?" old Ferud screeched softly as he had her do flips in the air.
"I promise! I never go back on my word!" Myra giggled loudly.
Although she was still trying to get down and was swinging her stick to try and smack him, her laughter showed she was having fun so Rastel wasn't alarmed.
Looking at the gentle gusts of air that was surrounding her, Rastel could easily guess the magic beast's ability.
'So it is wind then?'
When magic beasts awakened, they would have an affinity with only one type of magic. These could be a form of elemental magic or something more unorthodox.
Rastel had once heard of a magic beast that was an insect with such weird powers from Natsu before. This beast could apparently meld into shadows like an assassin, completely disappearing from sight.
It was very hard to find and was highly sought after by beast tamers. Such an ability was truly overpowered.
There were also other examples he had heard of like fish that had healing abilities or snakes that could create illusions to trap their prey.
Magic beasts had varying powers and were usually very adept at using them. Of an ordinary person should meet even the weakest type of magic beasts, the result would most likely end in their death.
Old Ferud gently dropped Myra on top of his large head where she started rampaging to vent her frustration, hitting him numerous times with the stick.
The eagle acted out well, pretending to be hurt by her attacks, and was begging her for mercy.
Satisfied with the act, Myra nodded haughtily and sat down comfortably on his head. Now that she was done with her assault, she took on a gentle tone and started comforting the magic beast while rubbing his head softly.
Seeing this scene play out lit a warm fire in Rastel's heart, although he was a little put off by Myra's stick and carrot scheme.
'This girl can be cunning too, I thought she was just a sweet little girl all this while!'
He shook his head a little before turning to Vars.
He hadn't forgotten the B ranked quest to defend the town. This was a big opportunity for him to increase his strength quickly and couldn't miss the chance.
The quicker he became stronger, the quicker he would be able to walk around freely.
But he was still confused about the course of events. Why would a berserk beast horde suddenly attack? Did it have anything to do with the beasts that had rampaged outside just earlier?
"There is news that a magic beast horde is about to attack the town, what is that all about?" he asked Vars who was busy with attending to the meat.
Turning back to face him, Vars wiped off sweat accumulating on his brows and tossed a metal poker away to the side.
"We are still not sure yet but it is to be expected. Those two berserk beasts caused too much of a commotion and spilled a lot of blood, the reaction from other beasts can only be imagined." Vars was still speaking in his usual dry tone.
"The sounds of the battle and the blood would attract various beasts, berserk or not and it is still during the night so the risk of them going berserk would be higher." Vars had a grave look on his face.
Rastel slowly took off the thick hooded cloak from his body and waved his tail around relaxingly, it was a bit stuffy wearing it.
"This beast horde, how many beasts do you think would appear?" this was what he was most curious about. The quest was ranked B so he prepared his mind to hear something outrageous.
"Considering the commotion made, this beast horde should be considerably large. But the areas around Kurn are constantly patrolled by the city's soldiers and most of the larger potential threats are taken care of. Eadon is one of the towns around so it naturally enjoys the safety the city provides."
Vars spoke but there was still a frown on his face.
"The problem has never been how many beasts there are. The level of the town's guards is more than enough to take care of a normal beast horde. Plus the presence of organizations like the mercenary association and the mage's association, we would have enough manpower to deal with the numbers."
Eadon was still a town in a powerful kingdom with backing from a major city. There were many powers and influences at play so it would be hard to take it down so easily.
"What is the problem then?" Rastel didn't miss his expression.
"The main problem is the power of the beasts that are attracted over." Vars spoke with a solemn tone.
Although Rastel could understand the problem, he still didn't understand how bad it was. With people like the town lord and grandmaster Vulcan around, the town could still be in danger?
As if Vars could understand his thoughts, he spoke again.
"Although the town lord and my old man are very strong, that doesn't mean they are invincible. We live very close to the Epilus canyons and there are many powerful magic beasts out there with various powers. If a beast with wide destructive powers appeared, even if they take it down eventually, there might end up being heavy losses on our side."
Vars's amber eyes reflected great solemnity. Considering the level of beasts that appeared this time, the attracted danger might be very high if they were unlucky.
Rastel was also thinking deeply about it. It seems it was really a serious problem after all!
"Krieek! What are you moping for little Vulcan? Have you forgotten this bird is here?" Old Ferud suddenly called out from his perch on the furnace.
Feeling the billowing heat from the furnace mouth, Rastel couldn't help but think.
'He really isn't affected by this much heat? By normal logic, his foot claws should be smoldering shouldn't they?'
Leaning his head lower with Myra still on top, old Ferud looked at Vars closely with his large yellow eyes.
"You were much better when you were younger. Now you are all grown and annoying! Krieek! You disappoint this bird greatly!"
Rastel really wanted to speak out against this bird but kept his mouth shut for fear of having his head pecked clean off.
'I know more than a few organizations that would want to lock up such a suspicious bird with such weird inclinations.' His eyes were squinted tightly.
"Krieek! With me around, there is no one who can threaten these town's walls. You can bet your life on it!" old Ferud spoke out valiantly as he looked at the both of them with fierce eyes!
Standing straight on his back, Myra raised her stick upwards and also yelled out.
"With me and Hero around, there is no one who can threaten these town's walls! You can bet your life on it!" she screamed with much enthusiasm.
'Young lady, why am I being dragged into this?' Rastel really felt aggrieved this time.
Old Ferud eyed Rastel up and down before snorting loudly.
"This sneaky muan? So weak! Is this really your hero?" he questioned Myra apparently very dissatisfied.
"Don't look down on Hero, he is very strong! He can even beat you down easily!" Myra looked down on old Ferud haughtily.
'Young lady!!!!!' Rastel screamed in his mind.
Vars was busy murmuring to himself by the side.
"That's true. With archmage Sacha on the side, we would have a much easier time defending against the beast horde. It might not be as bad as it seems."
Old Ferud snapped his head to the side when he heard that.
"Krieek! What do you mean with Sacha on your side? Is Sacha stronger than me!?" he screeched loudly.
Vars was suddenly at a loss as he saw the indignant magic beast and didn't know how to respond.
Rastel felt that old Ferud was giving out dangerous vibes and understood what Lolo meant by saying he had a fickle temper.
Who was archmage Sacha anyway? That mustachio mage he met talking to the grandmaster?
At this time, an amused voice suddenly came out.
"Of course you are not stronger than me old friend, you have beaten me in a duel many times remember?"
Everyone turned back and saw four figures approaching.
Grandmaster Vulcan was heading over together with the yellow-robed mage and the long-haired town lord with feminine features. Lolo was following behind them and was absentmindedly chewing on ores.
Looking at this assemble of powerful figures, Rastel's green eyes flashed with a bit of admiration and awe.
Archmage Sacha stepped forward as he rubbed his mustache with a smile.
"At most I would have 80 percent of your strength."
"Krieek! You heard that didn't you little Vulcan? I am the strongest!" old Ferud screeched triumphantly.
Grandmaster Vulcan snorted derisively at the bird and walked towards Vars.
"A beast horde is approaching, I would tell you to stay back in safety but I know you are stubborn and think you know better so I am having you follow Sacha. You make sure you are not a burden and put your best effort, don't disgrace me!" Vulcan's words thundered in his ears.
Although Vars was more than a head taller than his father, he still seemed to automatically shrink in front of the grandmaster.
But his face still had a deep frown on it that showed his rebellious attitude.
"Don't be so harsh on him sir." Sacha smiled wryly.
The town lord, Alera Tarmal just stood quietly by the side and didn't say a word. His golden sword hanging by his side.
Grandmaster Vulcan snorted and handed over a small ring to Vars.
"Here take this, it should prove some use to you." He said before turning over to the archmage.
"Sacha, he is all yours now, if he proves useless just send him back down to me."
Sacha just smiled and didn't reply.
"Let's go Vars, old friend." He called out to the two of them.
Old Ferud gently let down Myra with a bit of regret and she ran towards Rastel.
Grandmaster Vulcan finally turned to Rastel as if he just noticed him.
"What are you still standing there for, summoned? You still aren't done yet. Quickly get up that old bird and look over that fool. If Sacha has no use for him, you are in charge of bringing him back!"
"Ah..." Rastel was perplexed.
DING!
A notification sound came out and he quickly checked it. The grandmaster's quest was updated!
"Come here little girl, keep this old man company for a while." He called out to Myra.
Myra looked up at Rastel and he nodded to her. He was definitely going to the battle and he couldn't take her there. There was no place safer than the grandmaster's side.
With Myra safe, he went up to old Ferud who lifted him onto his back with a gust of wind and he landed just behind archmage Sacha and Vars.
"Let's go old friend." Sacha called out.
"KRIEEEK!!!!" old Ferud screeched out.
Leaning low, his head went into the furnace under him and his beak clamped down on the hot tray within. Dragging it out, he flicked it upward with his beak, sending the numerous large pieces of meat into the air.
Instead of flying about, the delicious-looking golden brown pieces of meat swirled around like a tornado with the tip coming down towards his beak.
They entered into his belly in one go and he burped loudly in satisfaction, the tray landing gently on the ground under his control.
Spreading his large wings, he took off high into the sky in one flap, screeching as he went.
"Kriieek! What strong magic beasts? Nobody can stop this bird after a good meal!"