As they venture into the night, Zyro strangely feels at peace. Traversing this feral land at night was dangerous, but he had done it as an everyday basis to the point if felt natural. He did not even fear the woods anymore, because he was so used to it. Furthermore, Scarlet was with them now. Her addition was highly beneficial for the team's survival in the wild, ensuring their safety further.
However, her involvement also cause a sudden shift in the group structure. Originally, in their two man team, Zyro was held as senior, therefore lead his sole follower, Pert. Now, that position was passed down to Scarlet in this journey of three without need for discussion.
After all, Scarlet had proven herself capable and was still unaware that the slaves she brought were no slave at all! Her view of them remain servants to be protected, rather than reliable warriors. Zyro had no plan to clear this huge misunderstanding either, due to the advantage it brings.
He didn't even like the rule of a leader in the first place, anyway. It's an uncomfortable burden he don't want to bear. Truthfully speaking, when Scarlet took that rule, he felt as if an invisible burden was lifted from his chest.
Besides, the princess seems capable of leading an army, let alone, a group of three.
Scarlet leads the way as they walk, looking like a lost fairy in the forsaken dark woods followed by two loyal servants, carrying luggage on their backs.
It's been quite long since they started traveling, after a while. Scarlet came to an abrupt stop,
"Dawn is coming, I think we should rest here."
As per her highness suggestion, the cohort began raising tent. Their camp had changed to a smaller size, consisting only with one tent for the princess without campfire to give some warmth. Not like they campfire in the morning. While Zyro and Pert sleep above the tree, Scarlet didn't make them do it. They requested it in their own volition with the excuse that they survive all along in the jungle by doing so. In their point of view, resting in trees is much safer.
Their logic was convincing, but Scarlet had to maintain her grace as she chose her lovely tent on the ground. Or perhaps she's simply not afraid of bestial creatures in this woods.
They quickly went to sleep in their own perspective spots. The princess slumber comfortably in her lodging below a tree while her two unassuming servants rested above, shrouded by the crown of leafs as the early sun rises.
That night, rather, that day. Zyro's consciousness was disturbed by an approaching danger, it's an instinctive perception of his surrounding. Informing him something shifted around him, breaking the previous peace his enjoying.
The subtle sound of slithering limbs on the grass and dried leafs began getting louder, as the danger close in.
Without moving above the tree, Zyro slightly opened one eye and looked at the creature below in the corner of his eye.
It was a reptilian beast, with long body similar to a snake but having numerous tiny legs beneath its green scaled body. Three eyes can be seen on its arch head, each burning red with malice.
However, there's something on its forehead... An tribal 'B' drawn so explicitly devoid of flaws.
'A Mark?'
More specifically, it was the mark of the second, Beta. Meaning, the monster was strength greater than any alpha's alive. For it's rank surpassed them by one, making it a Warrior of the second tier.
Marked monsters was unnatural, after all, every being are blessed by the gift of marks as long as they climb in life. Those beings could control whether to show the eerie marks or not, including beasts. But their deranged sentience disabled them from fully understanding that feature, so not showed marks on their body. Only those who subconsciously do so have.
By now, Zyro was confident in defeating Alpha's. But Beta, his not sure because he haven't tested them yet. However, despite having one came towards them with harmful intentions. Zyro wasn't worried, after all, they're above ground while the creature gaze are focused on the lonesome tent below them where Scarlet rested.
The walking snake got closer to its prey as seconds past. While the tent remains still, with no signs of its owner moving.
He had been wondering how strong Scarlet truly are, surely, a Beta can't match her might, right?
Although, he will likely enjoy their clash to satisfy his curiosity. Zyro won't intentionally risk the princess safety. After all, the fact remains that she saved them from the hunters. Even though they don't need it. Besides, Scarlet has to aid them escape their place with her authority, so she can't die.
Zyro was just about to snap a stick and trow it to Scarlets lodging to alarm her of the impending danger. However, when the monster was just a few meters away, a red projectile shot out from the tent. Producing a crimson blur as it darted to the reptilian creature. It's fast, but lacks precision and power as it hit the monster hive, causing dent's on one of its many scale. However, Scarlet attack didn't stop there. Quickly after, another projectile darted out, then another.
One may not be effective, but a dozen... The monster was forced to stop due to the barrage of bloody projectiles sent by the princess. The multiple dents being made by the darting bloods hurted the monster hive, causing it to step back involuntarily. However, it quickly recovered from the surprise attack and let it's wildness run loss. The walking snake charged forward without fear, facing the projectiles head on as it let its beastial hunger drive it's frenzid mind. Typical monsters don't really think much, for their mind doesn't operate like humans. Once their prey began fighting back, it's either run or persist. Apparently, Scarlet projectiles firepower wasn't that strong. Giving the beast ideas of winning against her if it keep going until it reach her.
Weak projectiles doesn't define her power though. Actually, her ability to solidify and send blood flying with enough speed to threaten a normal person's life is already astonishing beyond belief. Because Vampire's racial talent to manipulate their blood are as said. Controlling blood to stay within their body was the most basic utilization, solidifying it hard enough to be used are another level. However, making it assume dart form and sending it flying means having no physical contact with the crimson liquid they control, making the stunt astronomically difficult.
Then again, she's the vampire who manage to cast magic with blood instead of mana. Even the sealed sage would be surprised by her potential.
Seeing that long range battle were ineffective, Scarlet began raising our of her tent. She had a beautiful sleepy expression, as if the matter at hand wasn't life threatening at all. But her eyes are full of irritation for the intruder presence.
The monstrosity hiss at her sight as it charge without care of pain, knowing only hunger.
Scarlet saber was just about to manifest, but in the next moment. An arrow flew by, faster than her projectiles despite being made of mundane materials. But the lack of quality did not matter, because what's important is the accuracy. When the arrow arrives at its mark, the tip precisely hit the moving snake's third eye, located between the other two. Piercing its brain and robbing the monstrosity of life instantly.
Scarlet frown, then quickly look at where the arrow had come from.
Only to see one of her follower. Pert was standing on a thick branch, holding his wooden bow as if he had just lunch an arrow. Despite his young slaved appearance, the blonde archer looks like a dignified hunter in this moment. But his eyes were still half asleep.
Apparently, Pert had just woken up by the sound of Scarlet projectiles hitting an enemy. Alarmed by the sudden attack, he quickly drew his bow and fired at the approaching monster without thinking much. After all, in times of ambush, the utmost priority is eliminating the enemy. So Zyro can't blame him for exposing his ability.
When Scarlet got rid of the malicious hunters, Pert and Zyro were able to retrieve their belongings, the hand-made bow included . The princess didn't think much of it, because it's normal for wanderers to possess means of self defense items.
What she didn't expect was how well could the young servant handle his bow.
Finally, Scarlet break the tense silence. She asked with some doubt:
"You made that shot?"
Pert was jolted fully awake by her question. Knowing she's asking the obvious, he didn't deny.
"Yes, your highness."
Scarlet smiled, then praised.
"Impressive!"
Hitting a moving target from such distance was indeed impressive. Added, he specifically targeted the most lethal area, instantly killing the monster. That monster, was a Beta, a creature mightier than Alpha's. Having a skilled archer on the team was a big boon. Scarlet felt slightly relieved knowing that.
Meanwhile, Zyro was pretending to be asleep. After witnessing the battle, he deemed his involvement unnecessary and decided to rest instead. Still, he can't help but ponder about the short battle just now.
The walking snake, despite being stronger than the eyeless hound lost without even touching it's intended prey. Due to Scarlet ability to lunch bloody projectiles and Pert's arrow.
'Long range attack, huh... Not bad.'
Range fighting was an advantageous type of combat against melee foes. Which most beastial creatures is. It would have been great to have means of harming enemies from long distances, instead of directly brawling with them in this world. It would offer Zyro a great advantage.
Thinking this, one of humanity's greatest and most distractive inventions crossed his mind.
Guns.
Then, an idea sparked within him.
Zyro subconsciously grinned, like a mad scientist who just solved a world, shattering invention.
Because, he just thought of a way to create this world first ever firearms.