Mobius flicked his gaze across the village square.

  Freshly slaughtered livestock lay off to one side. The blood had yet to dry; the raw scent of meat still clung to the air.

  For most wild beasts, it would have been irresistible.

  —Yet the Grimface Ape did not react.

  The villagers had driven it back more than once. That alone suggested that once wounded, it should have retreated on instinct.

  But now, despite its injuries, it had not withdrawn.

  —Instead, it chose to stand its ground against us.

  Worse, its gaze was locked onto Mobius—not Gru, whose massive frame made him the more obvious target, and certainly the more immediate threat.

  —Was it after me?

  Another discrepancy. Its size exceeded every record he could recall.

  Stronger. Faster.

  —What in the world is this? A mutation within the species?

  —No matter. No time to ponder.

  Mobius reached his decision—Kill it first. Answers could come later.

  He raised a hand, signaling Chelorra with a gesture only the two of them would understand.

  —Tactic Two.

  Chelorra gave a brief nod in reply.

  She pulled her headscarf down, wrapping her face completely, leaving only those crimson eyes brimming with killing intent exposed.

  Then she leapt from the rooftop, dropping straight down and charging the Grimface Ape in a direct line.

  It was an understanding forged through countless battles, honed over years of real combat.

  The core of Tactic Two could be reduced to a single principle—Chelorra would create chaos, granting Mobius the optimal window to cast and finish the hunt.

  The Grimface Ape let out a low, furious roar, its massive arms swinging forward to meet the onrushing figure.

  Mid-stride, Chelorra raised her hand and hurled several glass vials.

  The ape reacted on instinct, swatting them aside with a sweeping claw.

  The liquid hit the air and detonated. Acrid smoke rolled outward, swallowing the ape’s sight—and scent—in an instant.

  Chelorra dropped low and rolled in, closing the distance. Her short blade slid free.

  Arms. Flanks. Thighs—

  The edge moved swiftly through fur and flesh, carving a series of wounds—non-lethal, yet placed with ruthless precision.

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  Blood seeped out.

  The toxin coating the blade seeped through the wounds, flooding the bloodstream and creeping along the nerves.

  The Grimface Ape’s movements began to slow.

  It thrashed wildly, trying to beat back the smoke, even as it lashed out at the prey that would not leave it alone.

  But the advantage was already lost.

  Deprived of sight and scent, unable to lock onto its target, its fury surged unchecked.

  With a bellowing roar, the massive body lunged forward, hurling its full weight in a brutal attempt to crush Chelorra outright.

  At that very moment—

  “Gru.”

  Mobius gave a light pat against Gru’s back.

  The next second, he was already chanting at speed.

  Gru burst forward like an arrow loosed from the bow, both massive jaws flying open as searing flames roared out in tandem.

  The Grimface Ape reacted on instinct, throwing its arms up to shield its head.

  Chelorra rolled away to the side and forward, slipping cleanly out of the attack’s reach.

  Raging fire engulfed the ape’s forearms, igniting its fur. The stench of scorched flesh spread in an instant.

  Before it could even hit the ground—

  Gru was already through the heat haze and upon it.

  Both jaws clamped down savagely on the Grimface Ape’s arms, driving the massive ape hard into the earth.

  The Grimface Ape thrashed in a frenzy, the talons of its hind legs screeching against the ground.

  This time, Gru held fast. His fangs were sunk deep into bone and flesh.

  He had the high ground. His foreclaws raked wildly across the ape’s chest, tearing hide and meat alike as blood sprayed free.

  The Grimface Ape let out a shriek on the edge of madness.

  With a desperate surge of strength, it kicked and heaved, forcing Gru off and wrenching its arms free.

  The price was——

  Both arms left a mangled mess of flesh. Claw bones shattered.

  Mobius did not miss the opening.

  He raised his rod high, then drove its base down with brutal force. Lightning flared and raced across the ground.

  Just as the Grimface Ape scrambled to rise, the bolt struck home.

  Before a cry could leave its throat.

  In the next instant, electricity crawled up from beneath it, spreading fast—threading together into a web that bound the creature tight.

  —Lightning Magic · Control Form · Lightning Web—

  Detonations cracked in rapid succession.

  The stench of scorched flesh mingled with blood, thickening the air.

  The Grimface Ape let out a shriek of agony.

  Mobius did not relent. Both hands pressed down on the rod’s head. The syllables rolling in his throat like distant thunder

  The lightning net continued to constrict, cinching around the ape’s body, warping it under the tightening force.

  Its screams tore through the air.

  At last—

  Mobius brought his rod down in a sharp, decisive swing, cutting off the spell.

  The lightning vanished at once.

  The Grimface Ape crashed to the ground, motionless.

  Mobius drew a shallow breath. Color drained from his face; cold sweat beaded along his brow.

  He was a wizard who specialized in lightning. Lightning magic was famed for its explosive force and devastating damage—but sustaining it at such intensity exacted a staggering toll on the mind.

  He lifted a hand and gave Gru a brief signal.

  Gru surged forward, jaws gaping. With a single, crushing bite, the immense force shattered the ape’s skull completely.

  Mobius had never cared to leave loose ends. Only an enemy that was truly dead was a safe one.

  —or so he had always believed.

  “Unharmed?” Chelorra asked, lowering the scarf that masked her face.

  “One night without sleep,” Mobius replied evenly. “It does take its toll.”

  He withdrew his staff and walked at an unhurried pace toward the corpse of the second Grimface Ape. “Chelorra, go let the villagers know. They can come out now.”

  As he spoke, he lifted a hand and gave Gru’s head a brief pat, about to offer the hound a proper word of praise.

  Then—

  A faint glint flashed across his vision.

  Mobius froze. He crouched down, examining it more closely.

  In an instant, his expression solidified. His eyes went wide, pupils snapping tight.

  He did not bother with his gloves. Barehanded, he tore through the ruined flesh and drew out a diamond-shaped object—a Mana Crystal.

  It had been carefully cut and polished, its surface smooth, its form compact and light.

  —Why would a Mana Crystal be inside a Grimface Ape’s skull?

  Mobius frowned, his gaze lingering on the corpse, his expression darkening and shifting.

  His thoughts seemed to pass beyond the shattered village, drifting quietly toward another place—one he had once known all too well, and left long ago…

  What do you think it implies?

  I read every comment.

  — Janus Twelve