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Chapter 42 - A Small Battle

After gathering all three critical marks, the Sage Rat knew that the upcoming battles would demand not only its wisdom but also its ability to mediate between the warring factions of the animal kingdom. Tensions were mounting between powerful creatures of the deep forests and the open plains, and now they were on the verge of exploding. The conflicts involved the wolves and the lions, a territorial dispute between the deer and leopards, and a recent invasion by giant predatory birds from the western mountains.

The Sage Rat had spent countless nights devising a grand plan, relying on its deep observations and research with the Encyclopedia Ball. By understanding both the natural world and the psychology of the animal tribes, it had meticulously prepared strategies for each upcoming battle. But the rat knew that no plan was perfect until it faced the real test in action.

One peaceful morning, the Sage Rat strolled along a long road toward the next region, where a major conflict between the lions and wolves was brewing. This battle was over control of the region's only water source. Suddenly, the Sage Rat heard strange sounds from afar—roars of great beasts, the thunder of charging paws, and chilling howls on the wind. Immediately, the Encyclopedia Ball emitted a warning sound, indicating that something unusual was happening nearby.

The Sage Rat wasn't surprised. It had foreseen the imminent clash, but the warning made it realize the time had come sooner than expected. Glancing at the magical orb, the rat saw images of the wolves and lions squaring off in a wide clearing, ready to attack.

Understanding its responsibility, the Sage Rat acted without hesitation. It quickly executed one of the smaller plans it had prepared in advance. With agility and wisdom, the rat gathered special herbs and seeds from the nearby forest. Then, it employed the "Smoke of Peace," an ancient technique it had learned from past sages. This method would soothe tempers and ease the aggression of the large predators.

Using the Encyclopedia Ball, the Sage Rat conjured a thin, gentle smoke that drifted with the wind toward the battlefield. The herbal smoke spread quickly, seeping into the air and immediately calming the tension. The lions began to step back, and the wolves slowly lowered their growls. Seeing the situation under control, the Sage Rat leapt into the fray, its small but authoritative voice echoing as it explained the consequences of the battle. It reminded both sides of the importance of peace and the survival of all species in the natural world.

With diplomacy and deep understanding, the Sage Rat successfully mediated between the two sides. It proposed a fair agreement to share the water in peace. Both the wolves and the lions agreed, and the surrounding creatures also retreated. The Encyclopedia Ball chimed softly, as if praising the rat's wise actions.

The great battle had been averted before it could even begin. With a quiet smile, the Sage Rat resumed its journey, determined to continue building peace across the animal kingdom.