Chapter 39 : Recognition
**Back at the Village:**
After returning to the village, Synoh and the other knights received necessary treatment for their injuries. Once they were settled, Synoh wasted no time in reporting their findings to Captain Elara.
**Synoh:** (reporting) Captain Elara, we encountered the humanoid centipede in the tunnel. It was unlike anything we've seen before—fast, powerful, and capable of merging with the dead centipedes. There were no remains of the missing villagers in its nest, not even bones. It's as if they vanished without a trace.
**Captain Elara:** (contemplative) Hmm, that's indeed peculiar. If the giant centipede had been responsible for the disappearances, we would expect to find some evidence. And you mentioned the tunnels weren't fully explored?
**Synoh:** Yes, Captain. We only scratched the surface. There might be more to uncover.
**Captain Elara:** Very well. Tonight, we'll explore the tunnels together. I want a detailed report on this humanoid centipede.
**Synoh:** Understood, Captain.
After leaving Captain Elara's tent, the other knights couldn't help but commend Synoh for his bravery and leadership.
**Knight 1:** Synoh, you truly deserve the title of vice captain.
**Knight 2:** Now I understand why Captain Elara chose you.
Their words of praise echoed through the camp, a testament to Synoh's growing reputation among his peers. As night fell over the village, anticipation and apprehension mingled in the air, knowing they would soon delve back into the depths of the mysterious tunnels.
**Nightfall at the Village:**
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows across the village, Captain Elara gathered her knights for an important decision.
**Captain Elara:** (firmly) Synoh and I will head to the tunnel to retrieve the humanoid centipede's corpse. Dred, you'll be in charge here.
**Dred:** (concerned) Captain, going alone at night seems risky. Synoh just fought a tough battle. What if you encounter an ambush? Let's wait until tomorrow morning when the rest of us can accompany you.
**Meth:** (nodding in agreement) Dred's right. It's dangerous to venture out at night, especially after today's events.
The other knights murmured in support, voicing their concerns about the night expedition.
**Captain Elara:** (decisively) No, waiting until morning poses a risk of the corpse disappearing. There may be someone manipulating the situation. Besides, Synoh and I are more than capable of handling any threat.
There was a tense silence as the knights contemplated Captain Elara's words. To lighten the mood, Synoh decided to interject with a bit of humor.
**Synoh:** (smirking) Actually, Captain Elara and I were planning to have a romantic date in the forest.
The announcement caught everyone off guard, followed by laughter and teasing among the knights. Captain Elara blushed slightly at Synoh's remark, but she couldn't help but smile at the camaraderie.
**Captain Elara:** (playfully) Well, I suppose the secret's out. We'll depart now.
The knights cheered for Synoh and Captain Elara, their teasing and laughter echoing through the village. With a nod of reassurance to Dred and the others, Synoh and Captain Elara set off into the night, determined to uncover the mysteries lurking in the dark tunnels.