Chapter 54: Stealth

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Stealth

Captain Hulk seemed a bit surprised by Zoya’s comment as well, but he quickly nodded in agreement. "I didn’t expect Zoya to provide such crucial information. It’s true, many beasts and Demons have nocturnal habits. In that case, the situation is much clearer."

"For now, it seems the majority opinion is to act tomorrow during the day."

"I share that view. Just as Zoya reminded us and Galen analyzed, the night is not only a disadvantage for us, but it might also be when the Thorny Wild Boars are more active."

"Furthermore, their eyesight is poor. They rely mainly on their exceptionally keen sense of smell, so the darkness limits them far less than it does us."

"However, to be absolutely sure, we need to go confirm the situation by the stream right away."

"The water source should be on the other side of the village, not too far."

"Zoya, you’re a Stalker, skilled in stealth and reconnaissance. I’ll need you to use Stealth to get close and carefully observe the number of Thorny Wild Boars, their general distribution, and any definitive signs of trapped villagers. Be careful, and don’t alert them."

Zoya gave a slight nod from beneath her hood, indicating she understood.

Hulk continued to lay out the plan. "Tonight, our team will set up camp on the edge of the village, near the stream, and take turns on watch. We will first devise an emergency plan. If the boar herd becomes unusually agitated or shows signs of charging the village during the night, we’ll act according to that plan, prioritizing the villagers’ safety."

"We’ll discuss the specific details of the scouting report and the emergency plan after Zoya returns."

Hesia and Laila naturally had no objections to this arrangement.

Even Belte, who had originally insisted on immediate action, was completely convinced after hearing the captain’s plan, which balanced caution with responsibility. He scratched the back of his head and grinned sheepishly. "That’s our captain! You’ve thought of everything! I agree with this plan too!"

...

Once the discussion was over, the group returned to the village entrance.

Chief Oliver and the surrounding villagers immediately swarmed them, their faces etched with anticipation and anxiety. Dozens of eyes fell upon Hulk in unison.

Faced with this silent pressure, Hulk’s expression remained as calm as ever. He stepped forward, not letting the villagers’ expectations sway his judgment.

"Chief, everyone," his voice was clear and firm, "after our assessment, we have decided to clear out the Thorny Wild Boar herd tomorrow, during the day."

"Tomorrow?!"

A dissatisfied uproar immediately erupted from the crowd.

"What? We have to wait until tomorrow?"

"Why tomorrow? We paid the commission! You have to go and deal with those beasts tonight!"

"Yeah! If we wait another night, how many more of my potatoes will be ruined!"

"Are you scared?"

"Everyone, quiet!" Chief Oliver slammed his staff on the ground. "Let’s hear what Captain Hulk has to say!"

Hulk waited for the noise to die down before continuing, "We understand your concerns. Although the culling is set for tomorrow, our team will be stationed at the village outskirts starting now, standing guard in shifts. I promise you all, we will not let a single one of these Thorny Wild Boars harm any villager."

Hearing this, many of the anxious villagers calmed down slightly and nodded. With that promise, they could at least get a peaceful night’s sleep.

However, there was always someone with a different priority.

"But what about my potatoes!" a shrill voice shouted from the crowd. "Those beasts love digging up my potatoes!"

Laila’s brow furrowed. She took a step forward and asked coldly, "Where is your potato field?"

Startled by her sudden question, the villager paused for a moment before subconsciously pointing in a direction. "It’s... it’s over there. The biggest plot, near the bend in the stream."

’When did Laila have a change of heart?’ Hesia wondered. ’Is she actually concerned about the villager’s losses?’

But Laila’s next words let him know that the Female Ranger’s temper hadn’t changed one bit.

She stared at the villager, her tone carrying an unconcealed threat:

"Good, I’ll remember that. From now on, if you shout one more word, I’ll ’accidentally’ lead all the Thorny Wild Boars right into your potato field during the operation tomorrow. Let them help you with your ’harvest’."

The villager’s face instantly turned the color of beet root. His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t dare open his mouth.

Hulk was noncommittal about this little episode. He continued speaking to the chief, "In that case, there’s no time to waste. We need to go scout the situation at the water source the Thorny Wild Boars have taken over. Chief, if you could please find a villager who knows the way to guide us."

"No problem, of course, no problem!" Oliver nodded hastily.

A small-statured young man of about twenty stepped out from the crowd. "Chief, let me go!"

The chief nodded, then added, "Captain Hulk, if you need any help tomorrow during the day... for instance, luring the boars or setting traps, the young men of the village can help. Just say the word!"

Hulk nodded in acknowledgment but didn’t say much more.

And so, Hesia’s group, led by the small-statured young man, headed toward the northwest side of the village.

He chattered on as he led the way:

"Those damn boars are occupying the water source right near my plot of land. I was counting on selling this season’s harvest to renovate the house with Maggie."

"Oh, Maggie’s my wife. She went to visit her family in the next town over last week. If she comes back and sees the fields like this, she’ll definitely be worried sick..."

He seemed to realize he was talking too much and quickly tried to backtrack. "Uh, but I don’t mean to rush you all into acting tonight! I also think tomorrow during the day is safer! I’ll come over first thing in the morning, and if there’s anything I can do to help, just give the order, esteemed Adventurers!"

"Ah, right, I almost forgot to say, my name is Tom. Everyone in the village calls me ’Fast-legged Tom’ because I’m a fast runner, hehe."

Belte clapped him on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, Tom. We promise we’ll kick all those boars’ butts!"

Laila, at his side, was about to say, "There you go making promises again. When the time comes..."

But halfway through her sentence, she saw Tom’s enthusiastic expression and swallowed the rest of her words, letting out only a light huff.

Soon, they reached the northwestern edge of the village. Thanks to the bright moonlight, they could just barely make out the terrain ahead.

A stream, about three meters wide, shimmered faintly in the moonlight like a silver ribbon, winding its way through the village fields and nourishing the land on both its banks.

Upon arriving, the Stalker, Zoya, immediately surged forward some distance. Then her form abruptly slowed, her steps becoming as light and uncanny as a cat’s.

Immediately after, her silhouette began to blur and dim, finally melting almost completely into the surrounding shadows and the night.