Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

"Of course. Two bottles of Moonlight Elixir are not worth the life of a second-tier mage and a noble," Garret replied with a smile, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. The heavy burden that had been pressing down on him for days was now on the verge of being lifted. With the elimination of the Flamefeather Eagles, that burden would finally fall away.

He stopped walking and looked up at the sky. "It's getting late. I've prepared a grand dinner at my castle. We should head back so that my honored guests can enjoy the food fresh from the oven. I refuse to let my guests eat anything but the best!"

Tucker, who had been bored out of his mind, almost cried tears of joy when he heard this. The idea of finally getting to eat had every cell in his body cheering and trembling in excitement. He had spent the entire afternoon listening to his younger brother chat with a woman, while he had nothing to do. It had been torture.

Before the moon had even risen, the group made their way back to the castle. The maids, who had been waiting for their return, greeted them at the entrance. Once inside, they stood by the dining table, ready to unveil each dish with a flourish and invited the guests to dine.

The dinner was sumptuous, and the atmosphere was lively. After the meal, the table was left in disarray as the lord and his guests retired for the night, leaving the servants to clean up. Full and satisfied, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Nightlife in Damm Town was sparse, and both Rhett, Rylee, and Tucker retired early to the main castle, a privilege reserved for honored guests. Meanwhile, Kurs and the other knights and attendants were housed in the auxiliary castle.

The night passed peacefully.

The next morning, the operation to deal with the Flamefeather Eagles commenced. The night before, the plans had been communicated, so at dawn, under the leadership of the two barons, a formidable group set out for the target area.

The team was the same as in the simulation: seven first-tier knights, including Tucker and Kurs, along with five from Damm Town. Additionally, over thirty knight apprentices followed at the rear.

Though the apprentices would not engage directly, they were there to observe and learn from the battle, gaining valuable experience. Despite the inherent risks, such trials were necessary for their growth as knights. Garret wasn't raising sheltered children but battle-hardened protectors.

Garret and Rhett naturally led the group at the front.

"These Flamefeather Eagles are not particularly fast, but their beaks and talons are incredibly sharp and deadly. Be especially cautious of them! Their physical defenses are weak, with only thin feathers for protection. If you land a solid hit, it will cause significant damage. And don't underestimate their fireball magic—it's lethal!" Garret repeated these warnings to Rhett, Tucker, and Rylee as they advanced.

Rhett nodded, keeping everything in mind. He wouldn't let the knowledge of the simulation make him complacent. The habits ingrained in him from the battlefield made him approach every fight with the utmost seriousness. Future outcomes were never guaranteed, and any laxity could lead to drastic consequences.

Suddenly, the sharp cry of an eagle pierced the air from ahead, echoing with a strong, penetrating sound that seemed to tear through space.

"The Flamefeather Eagles are nearby! Hurry, they're still in their nest! If we're too late, they'll fly off to hunt," Garret urged, his tone anxious. He knew all too well what prey the eagles would seek in his territory.

With that, the group quickened their pace, moving with military precision—a testament to Rhett's earlier guidance.

North of Damm Town lay a small range of hills, with several rolling slopes. After crossing three of these slopes, they finally saw it: a massive, fiery-red ancient tree towering atop the hill, billowing with faint wisps of red smoke. The eagle cries came from this direction, and as they neared, everyone tensed.

The knights drew their swords and raised their shields.

Tucker, Marcus, and the five other first-tier knights formed a tight formation, their shields locking together to create a wall of defense. Their swords were ready in the gaps, poised to strike at any moment. In a battle where their individual strength was insufficient, unity was key to their survival.

The knight apprentices, under Garret's orders, retreated to the far side of a nearby hill, keeping their heads low as they watched the battlefield unfold.

Suddenly, terror filled their eyes. Far ahead, the Flamefeather Eagles, with their sharp eyesight, had spotted the advancing group. The sight of so many humans made them grow agitated!

With a loud screech, the two Flamefeather Eagles soared into the sky. After circling once, they dove straight toward the group.

Tucker charged forward fearlessly. "Father, be careful!"

He bent his knees slightly, channeling his energy into his legs, ready to unleash the power he had used against the Flame Lion.

Garret moved closer to Rhett, determined to protect the mage at all costs, ensuring he had a safe environment to cast his spells.

Rhett's expression grew focused, his eyes cold and calculating, reflecting the countless battlefields he had survived.

The two eagles halted their descent midway, realizing the threat posed by the two leading humans. The Flamefeather Eagles shared a glance towards the Red Flame Tree—their nest and the home of their young—choosing a more cautious approach.

They slowed their wing beats, maintaining a steady rhythm as they hovered mid-air. Their throats bulged as something traveled up from their stomachs.

The male Flamefeather Eagle attacked first, spitting out a scorching fireball about half a meter in diameter, which shot toward the ground with a wave of heat. The female followed suit, launching a fireball at a 45-degree angle.

The two deep-red fireballs closed off both escape routes.

Garret's face turned grim as he fused his sword and shield, charging toward the fireball on the left. He couldn't afford to dodge; he had to ensure that the blast didn't harm Rhett, the fragile mage.

With a powerful leap, Garret shot forward three meters, then kicked off the ground, propelling himself six meters into the air. His sword swung out, creating an arc of light, with a faint image of a unicorn hidden within the glow.