The Frugal Mage

The moment the Silverhide Bear and Scarlet-Fanged Tiger staggered back, both trying to retreat to recover, Stein immediately gave his command.

"Now! Focus on the bear first!"

His escort warriors didn't hesitate and charged forward. Terra, the First-Rate Swordsman, led the charge with his longsword.

The Silverhide Bear turned as it noticed their presence.

Since it was still injured, it knew that it would not be easy to fight. Still, it was a dangerous Elite Beast.

Its silver quills started rattling as if preparing for another strike.

With a roar, it swung a massive claw, hoping to gather enough energy to push everyone back…

"Hold the line!" Terra shouted.

He burst with strength and soon, he met the claw head-on!

Bam!

The attack was so strong that his sword groaned before he diverted the strike.

The impact had also driven him several steps back, with his boots digging into the earth.

'I managed to take it…' Terra celebrated since he knew that he wouldn't just be stepping back if the bear wasn't injured.

Suddenly, two Second-Rate Swordsmen leaped in as they didn't waste the opportunity that their leader presented…

Their blades stabbed at the bear's exposed flank!

Thud! Thud!

Unfortunately, only sparks flew as their swords clashed against its hide. It barely sliced through the silver-streaked fur.

Stein frowned after seeing this and reminded the warriors.

"Strike where it's bleeding!" Stein commanded, pointing at the gaping wound in its shoulder.

The warriors adjusted instantly. Blades then stabbed and cut at the torn flesh, as more and more dark blood sprayed across the mud.

"Rooaar!"

The bear roared in anger, and soon, it staggered from the coordinated assault.

Still, the bear wouldn't die without a fight… It gathered enough energy and attacked!

One warrior wasn't quick enough as the bear's claw swiped across his chestplate, sending him tumbling into the dirt with a scream.

The escort warrior lived, but his armor was caved in. His ribs were surely broken.

"Press harder!" Terra's blade was soon filled with his energy, and as he slashed downward, he cut deep into the already damaged shoulder of the bear…

The bear backed away in pain and stumbled onto its side…

The warriors didn't miss this chance and swarmed, plunging their swords mercilessly into its chest and throat until its final roar turned into a gurgle.

The Silverhide Bear fell!

But it wasn't over yet.

A chilling growl ripped through the clearing. The Scarlet-Fanged Tiger, though limping and bloodied, seemed to be excited at the death of the bear!

"It wanted the Beast Core!" Stein reminded.

After all, he knew that the Elite Beasts weren't just fighting because of disagreement or territorial dispute… They really wanted to eat each other to obtain their cores!

Soon, its crimson fangs dripped venom that hissed when it hit the ground… This venom seemed a lot stronger as it was even burning holes into the soil.

"Damn it… it recovered faster than expected…" Stein muttered as he gripped his sword tighter.

The tiger's eyes were filled with killing intent. With shocking speed for its wounded state, it pounced forward with an attempt to bite one of them.

"Scatter!" Terra ordered.

The beast landed where they had stood moments ago…

Then, with a snort, it suddenly unleashed a venomous breath! It was a spray of corrosive mist that ate through bark and stone.

"Retreat!" Terra immediately said as he knew that only he would be capable of surviving within this corrosive mist.

There was no need to remind everyone. As soon as they saw the green mist, they knew that they should not get closer.

Unfortunately, two warriors weren't fast enough. They screamed as the mist burned through their armor and corroded their skin!

"Stay behind me!" Terra then charged as he put more power in his longsword.

Then, his blade carved a shallow line across the tiger's face, forcing it to recoil!

Thanks to that, the corrosive mist stopped spreading!

Under Stein's lead, the other warriors circled, stabbing into its hind legs and flanks whenever it turned!

"Don't stop!"

The Scarlet-Fanged Tiger wanted to break free and cast a powerful skill.

It endured so many attacks before its body trembled and unleashed a skill.

It was a wave of blood-colored energy, blasting three men off their feet and into the trees.

Stein clenched his fist as he knew that they couldn't drag this out.

"Now! Aim for the legs!" he shouted.

The surviving warriors obeyed.

Blades slashed at the tiger's hind legs, crippling its movements. Terra then charged forward and drove its sword straight into the beast's chest wound.

Finally, the Elite Beast tiger collapsed and fell beside the corpse of the bear.

"We did it!"

"Two Elite Beast!"

"We want some bonus, young master!"

"This is incredible!"

Stein nodded with his sword still dripping with the beast's blood. He also couldn't help but celebrate their achievement.

"If possible, I want to bring the whole piece back…" Stein muttered since he knew just how rare it was to own a whole Elite Beast.

***

Still, after some time, the clearing reeked of blood…

"Work quickly. Take everything of value…" Stein ordered as they dismantled the Elite Beasts…

From the Silverhide Bear, they stripped long sheets of thick silver-gray hide, rolling them carefully despite their wounds.

Its claws and quills were also taken away to be sold.

When Terra split open its chest cavity, a beast core about 5cm in size appeared…

From the Scarlet-Fanged Tiger, on the other hand, they pried free its venomous fangs, wrapping them in cloth to keep the dripping poison from burning through their other items.

Its tendons were also cut free. Apparently, they were prized for their strength in bowstrings.

Its blood-soaked hide, though it was already filled with cuts, was still salvaged.

Finally, deep in its ribcage, they unearthed its core. As expected, it had a similar size to the bear.

Stein smiled as he saw their collection…

"Now… We just have to bring them back. We should leave this place immediately." He muttered.

But before they could leave… A few figures appeared from the treeline.

"Well, well… what do we have here?"