Wallace's promise of safety filled the three soldiers with even more dread, intensifying their fear.
After all, the seven Mana Knights and the lone mage in front of them might get back at them in the future, that's what they are afraid of.
Feeling powerless and inexperienced in such situations, Wallace knew he had to attempt something, even if he lacked skill.
"And if you three can come up with a good idea, I'll reward you with a title..."
It was the only solution he could think of. Wallace had no alternative but to make a promise. Although he wasn't sure about the specific pledge yet, he would think it over later.
The soldiers widened their eyes upon hearing the promise, as if something struck their back, they suddenly locked their gaze fixed on Wallace as they nodded in agreement.
"Yes, sir Baron, we'll give you some suggestions..."
Their words trailed off, and they shifted their attention to the seven Mana Knights and the lone mage.
After a few seconds of watching them, the trio exchanged glances, silently conveying their accord.
"Sir, it's best for them to continue their usual task on why they are here—hunting the creatures filled with magical radiation, not quite magical beasts yet."
The mention of "radiation" sent a shiver down Wallace's spine.
Images of devastating nuclear events flashed in his mind where people children, mothers, adults, and old people would meet by the radiation alone, but thankfully, they added the word "magical," leaving him uncertain of whatever that was.
"What are they?"
Wallace asked eagerly, his curiosity piqued.
The three soldiers exchanged glances, a hint of surprise flickering in their eyes. They hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up.
"Sir, the Radioactive Beasts are extraordinary creatures transformed by a potent combination of radiation and magic. Their bodies shimmer with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, emanating an ethereal glow. Adapted to the radiation, they possess heightened strength, agility, and senses.
"These creatures, infused with radioactive magical particles, have the ability to manipulate magical radiation, unleashing powerful invisible pressures that yield various effects based on the attributes they contain. Encountering these awe-inspiring beasts is both captivating and perilous for us ordinary humans, as only Mana users possess the skills to hunt them..." they explained, their words filled with a sense of wonder.
Wallace's eyes widened in astonishment. "I had no idea... Thank you for enlightening me," he said, quickly jotting down the information.
Meanwhile, the Mana Knights stared at Wallace with a mixture of fear and suspicion.
They thought Wallace was the one who conducted a sinister plot that claimed the lives of his entire Toraz family.
As they observed him, the new Baron, they tried to decipher his true nature.
Was he a cunning mastermind, disguising his true intentions?
Or
Was he simply an ordinary person, unaware of the darkness that surrounded him?
The uncertainty weighed on their heads as heavy as a mountain boulder, but ultimately, it didn't matter, they thought their head was a mountain.
Whether Wallace was a master manipulator or an unwitting pawn, both scenarios held their own dangers, and they were prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
Wallace's fingers danced across the holographic keypad, typing out his first plan in the hopes of finding a solution.
However, the hologram system's response dashed his hopes, displaying the words,
[ Trial is too weak!
[ It's their job, they are used to doing that, it's too weak… ]
A sense of frustration rose within his mind, but he quickly realized the truth in the hologram's message.
After all, if it truly was their duty, their everyday task, and the reason why they came here in this small Toraz town, then for these Mana Users, it would be like nothing.
It had to be something more.
Turning his attention to the three soldiers, Wallace spoke with determination.
"I believe that plan is too weak. It's their job, something they're accustomed to. I need more suggestions… I need a harder one."
The soldiers exchanged glances, their faces reflecting the weight of the situation. A brief silence between the three soldiers, thinking deeply, and then, finally, one of them broke it.
"What if they were to hunt magical beasts, Sir Baron?"
The words sparked curiosity within Wallace. He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the soldier who had spoken.
"Magical beasts? How do they differ from radioactive beasts?"
Although he had a vague understanding, he wanted to grasp the distinction these creatures held in this world.
The soldiers' eyes widened once again, but like earlier, they maintained their composure.
They knew they had to provide the Baron with the answers he sought.
"As radioactive beasts reach a critical threshold, they undergo a transformative shift, evolving into magic beasts," one of the soldiers began, his voice laced with a mix of wonder and caution.
"These creatures embody the fusion of radiation and magic, emanating an ethereal brilliance that captivates all who lay eyes upon them. With heightened strength, agility, and senses, magic beasts wield the power of magic effortlessly.
"Their abilities range from elemental manipulation to illusionary enchantments, rendering them both captivating and formidable. Encountering a magic beast evokes a sense of wonder and caution, as their presence commands respect and poses a significant challenge, especially for low-level Mana Users, Sir Baron."
Wallace absorbed the information, and then nodded.
Wallace typed the "second plan" or the "plan B" on the hologram, sending it with his fingers trembling.
A few seconds later, the hologram flickered to life, displaying a message that sent shivers down his spine:
[ Too dangerous, even a group of highly skilled magic users won't survive against the starting stage of magical creatures...
[ Please don't make it too difficult for the Mana Users.
[ Have some heart. ]
Wallace stood there, shocked, his mind searching for an alternative.
He turned to the three soldiers standing beside him, their eyes filled with worry.
"Aren't they too risky?" he voiced his fear, his words hanging in the air.
The trio's astonishment was clear, their widened eyes reflecting their shared dread.
They were about to kneel before their young Baron when Wallace stopped them with a gesture.
"Don't kneel, just help me think of a solution..."
His voice trailed off, despair creeping into his tone.
The trio exchanged glances, their faces burdened with powerlessness too as they couldn't help and come up with a solution.
Just as hope was about to fade completely, a voice broke the desolate silence.
"Young Baron, sir, are you talking about creatures? Why not try 'True Beasts'?'"
The unexpected suggestion pierced their ears, and Wallace turned his head to see Butler Mendez approaching, carrying a tray of hot food.
The tempting smell of meat reached his nostril down to his throat, momentarily diverting his attention from his dire situation.