*Creak*
As the iron bars slowly opened, the body of the Hellhound came into full view. Several chains restrained its neck, and if those chains were released, it would undoubtedly rush at me without hesitation.
"Now, the creature before you is known as a Hellhound, a being from the demon realm. Ruthless and driven solely by the instinct to kill. However, the frontline is overflowing with even more powerful and dangerous beast like this."
I know that. Furthermore, among the beasts inhabiting the Lemea Valley, hellhounds were among the lowest ranks.
"So, if you defeat that hellhound , I'll allow you to accompany us to the frontline."
I think he personally captured a creature from the demon realm for me.
Honestly, it's quite touching. Eulken's insight was on point.
As the guardian of the continent, my father is a person of discernment, wo
He knows what kind of people to employ in frontline and what qualities one must possess to join the frontline as a member/ soldier of the Duke's family.
Creatures from another realm don't exist anywhere on this continent.
Humans feel the greatest fear when they encounter the unknown.
An ordinary person would likely feel their legs weaken or even wet themselves just by seeing a monster.
I was the same at first, and it took quite some time to adjust.
But what about now?
It's just a rampaging mutt.
Just a bit bigger, a bit more agile, with sharper and stronger teeth, that's all?
Besides, for frontline knights, these kinds of dogs can be swept away with a single stroke of the sword, dozens at a time.
But if I were to encounter this monster for the first time, it would be a tougher trial than facing ten senior knights.
It's through this trial that one can see how difficult it is to overcome the fear of these unknown creatures, and that only by doing so can one truly qualify.
I drew my sword without hesitation.
The knights kept a close distance as a precaution.
They might serve as the last line of defense to prevent an irreversible situation.
Even if my safety is ensured, if those knights were to move, my frontline journey would be doomed.
Of course, it's highly unlikely to happen, but...
*Clang*
Simultaneously with the signal, the chains restraining the Hellhound were released.
"Growl!"
It rushed forward, bellowing as if to assert its dominance.
*Thunk!*
I thrust my sword upward, striking its fangs with force.
Despite recent strength training, I'm still no match for the Hellhound's power.
Twisting my body slightly to dodge, it lunged forward.
"Grrrr…"
Despite the presence of other knights nearby, their gaze was fixed on me.
Instinctively recognizing me as the weakest link among them.
That might be the limit of such a lowly creature.
But I don't want to show any signs of weakness.
Age doesn't matter, nor does being a monster.
Proving myself to the fullest extent possible within my capabilities is the purpose of this trial.
I will end its breath with the next strike.
"Growl!"
I moved my body a step faster than the hellhound.
With my sword lowered, I dashed forward, and as I approached, its mouth widened even more.
Finally, as the distance between us closed to one meter, I sidestepped and changed direction.
At the same time, I swung my sword diagonally, slashing across the Hellhound's face.
*Squelch*
A deep cut appeared from its jaw to its nose.
"Kuaaah!"
It thrashed on the ground, screaming as if its throat would tear.
It must be agonizing, but it won't last long.
*Thud*
I stabbed my sword into its throat as it attempted to rise again.
Despite its desperate struggles and loud cries, it didn't last.
Blood gushed from between its mouth and throat, and soon its body slumped.
As soon as it was confirmed that its breath had ceased, I withdrew my sword.
After wiping the splattered blood from my face, I couldn't help want too taste it.
As expected, it's fresh, probably because I just caught it.
***