"Kaiser," the Guard Captain started. "We'll be having someone the king sends tag along with us for the expedition. They won't fight unless needed nor will they take rewards, but watch what you say."
"Yes, Captain," Kaiser said, unsure what someone tagging along would get out of this.
"Oh and I hope you like to walk because this will take a while." the Guard Captain said with a smirk, leading the troops outside the estate.
Kaiser only nodded, walking slightly behind and to the right.
He didn't care to talk to any of the expedition team. His mission was to kill the demons and gain some information on devils. If he was lucky, his ring would show improvement. The evolution was stuck at 1/50.
'I'm sure I can ask my teacher, but we never seem to have time to discuss other matters.'
This wasn't a complaint as he would only hear things he needed to learn, skipping meaningless conversation altogether.
It was rather convenient.
The morning had gone smoothly. He ate breakfast and then the Branch Head saw him off, wishing him luck.
Apparently, they were skipping the city demons as other groups were dealing with them. They were headed straight for the forest located away from the city. A three-day walk.
"We will not be using any other forms of movement. Our bodies will be enough." the Guard Captain said aloud.
The expedition then began with the Guard Captain setting a brisk pace that left little room for conversation.
The sun was high, beating down on the group as they moved steadily away from the estate and into the city. They were passing by to leave.
Kaiser kept his mind mostly blank, only looking at his surroundings occasionally for an unlikely demon. He also secretly liked the look of the city.
After all, this was his first time seeing it.
They exited the city that was bustling with traffic and started walking the plains. During this time, Kaiser adjusted his pace, matching with the other soldiers.
They were well-trained, moving with a quiet discipline. But Kaiser could feel their eyes on him. He understood why.
He was only a young 10-star fighter with basic combat experience.
'Let's not think about them. I'll show them I can fight soon enough.'
The day slowly passed with the group taking rare, but necessary breaks.
As the sun started to set, the expedition party set up camp and slept through the night. Come morning time, they took off at the same brisk walking speed.
--Two Days Later--
The group had started walking that day with the forest in far view. All the land had been flat terrain, so it wasn't hard to find.
"Okay men, we're coming upon the forest. From this point on, expect a battle. We know not where they are but what they want."
Kaiser listened to the Guard Captain silently. He was eager to kill the demons.
To test his strength would bring great relief to him.
How weak was he? How strong?
What were specific weaknesses he needed to work on?
These would be answered if he fought.
They walked closer and closer to the forest. The trees became larger, being taller than even the estate.
The leaves were a luscious green with parts of it converting to fall.
It was a pretty sight but also one that held many disturbing creatures.
As they entered the forest they noticed it was quiet. Unusual for a forest that had thrived for millennia.
The Guard Captain spoke in a hushed voice, "Dead ahead. 1."
However, he mainly said that for Kaiser.
The rest of them were capable enough on their own.
"I'll take care of it," Kaiser said with a resolute tone.
The Guard Captain looked at him, contemplating. To risk the Branch Head's disciple dying or have the kid stay safe.
"You need to know how strong I am so that I can be helpful," Kaiser added.
The Guard Captain only sighed deeply, "Fine, but since you brought this on yourself. Kill it completely by yourself."
He also hoped to see this boy grow into a fighter. There were a lot of expectations placed upon Kaiser for the people who knew at least.
With the plan set in stone, they continued forward.
Soon enough, they spotted a dark red creature.
'Is that a cow? Weird.' Kaiser thought to himself incredulously.
Regardless of what it looked like, he pressed forward.
The cow was much larger than a normal one and it had deadly horns. The last characteristic that stood out to him was the third eye it had.
"So creepy," he said to himself.
The Guard Captain stopped walking, falling behind Kaiser. While that happened, the other guards came to a stop, along with the observer the king sent.
This wasn't their fight.
"Good luck," the Guard Captain yelled out, simultaneously notifying the cow of their presence
'So much for a sneak attack.'
Kaiser approached the enraged cow. He was trying to plan out an attack. The forest was somewhat dense, but this location was cleared out.
A perfect arena for a 1v1.
However, before he could think of a plan the cow raged forward, picking up speeds that defied Kaiser's imagination. He dodged to the side, barely missing the two horns atop the cow's head.
Finding its target not impaled, it turned around quickly attempting it again. Kaiser promptly got back up and dashed to the side, once again missing the horns.
'I have to fight back.'
With that, he transformed his ring into a spear, hoping to gain an advantage with its range.
Kaiser gripped the spear tightly, feeling the familiar transformation occur. The cool metal pulsed with eagerness, responding to his will and almost yearning for something
'Does it want the demon?'
Disregarding his useless thoughts, he had to act fast. The cow demon was already charging again, its third eye glowing faintly.
This time, Kaiser didn't wait for it to come to him. He charged forward. As the demon lowered its horns, he sidestepped at the last second, thrusting the spear toward its exposed side.
The tip of the spear pierced the thick hide, but not deeply. A simple flesh wound.
The creature let out a deafening roar which knocked Kaiser to the ground.
'It's hide is so tough.' He realized, standing back up.
Its tenacity was incredible and its strength seemingly limitless.
'My spear needs to be sharper.'
And then he remembered his recent training.