Starting with the goblin extermination

It turns out the prisoners were taken away by the gnolls.

It's truly a case of escaping one tiger's den only to fall into another.

Gnolls.

As you can tell from its name, this is a humanoid monster with a certain level of intelligence.

They not only have ugly heads that resemble hyenas, but also show a twisted affinity for hyenas deep in their blood, often taming those scavenging and brutal beasts as their pets.

Through the dim light in the forest, Logan could see two large, spotted hyenas drooling as they lay around the boulder.

For gnolls, omnivorous monsters with no moral compass, every creature in this forest except for hyenas is food.

Even their dead comrades were no exception.

At that moment, an extremely tall gnoll emerged from the shadow of the boulder. It carried a battle axe, which it was grinding harshly against the boulder.

blah-

The teeth-grinding scraping sound was mixed with a muffled whimper.

Elsa gently tugged at Logan's sleeve and gestured with her chin to a corner on the side of the boulder.

As we got closer, the view of the boulder became clearer.

Following Elsa's gaze, Logan saw three figures on the ground.

They were being carelessly dumped in the mud like pigs to be slaughtered, and one of them was convulsing wildly from extreme fear.

These are the three unlucky guys who were taken away from the goblin camp.

How miserable.

Logan didn't know what they felt when they heard the goblin being slaughtered outside the goblin camp. Was it the ecstasy of surviving a catastrophe? Or the numbness of finally being saved?

They must be in a very bad mood right now.

The other two were already motionless, and large patches of dried blood could be vaguely seen flowing from beneath them.

Perhaps the unidentified chunks of meat that the gnolls were feasting on around the fire were freshly cut from their bodies.

If they don't take care of it, it's only a matter of time before the remaining living person becomes food on the fire.

After all, for gnolls, compared to the thick-skinned, foul-smelling goblins, the delicate and tender humans are undoubtedly a delicious feast.

Logan gave Elsa a wink.

Go back and find Koska first.

The two quietly returned to their original spot.

"Gulp, gulp..."

Kosca was holding that dirty wine flask and chugging strong liquor.

Logan glanced at the old man speechlessly, seriously suspecting that the tattered wine sac was connected to the tavern's barrels, and that it was impossible to finish drinking it all.

Noticing Logan's gaze, Koska generously handed over the wine flask.

"Want a bite? Don't get scared and wet your pants at the sight of a gnoll!"

Logan waved his hand expressionlessly, completely ignoring his provocation.

Of course, I understand the meaning behind Koska's nonsense.

Kosca's request was to stay at the Guardian Stone for a full two hours.

If we just stay far away like this, watching the Guardian Stone from the bushes, it's obviously impossible to meet his demands and get the remaining 4 platinum coins.

Whether it's to complete the mission or to master the [Thrust] skill.

These jackalmen must be eliminated.

As for that prisoner, rescue him while you're at it. But if he's unfortunately caught in the crossfire and dies, then it's just bad luck, not your fault.

Logan rubbed his eyebrows.

So, to eliminate this gang of jackals, for me right now...

Logan glanced at Elsa, who was staring intently at him, and smiled.

As long as the two of them join forces.

On the periphery, there's nothing that can't be done.

Moreover, he had carefully read the description of this monster in the Adventurer's Handbook.

Compared to the weak and clumsy ordinary goblins, an adult gnoll is a challenge level of 1/3. They are not only larger and stronger, but also possess higher intelligence and a cunning nature, and can even communicate in Common Tongue with some difficulty.

However, high intelligence is also a weakness.

Although they are bloodthirsty and belligerent, that is only when they have an overwhelming numerical advantage.

Simply put, they only like to play when they have an advantage.

When they suffer heavy losses in battle and find themselves at a disadvantage, most gnolls will not hesitate to abandon their companions and flee with their tails between their legs.

Therefore, even though the opposing team currently has an absolute numerical advantage, Logan is not too worried.

After all, no matter how many insects there are, they are still just insects, and they will still run away.

Even if we assume they fight to the death and don't flee, with our current strength, we can still wipe them all out.

There might be a price to pay.

Or perhaps it is completely intact.

Logan is confident now.

Elsa had already counted the number of enemies.

"Fourteen gnolls, plus two guard hyenas."

There are quite a few.

We should first take advantage of Elsa's stealth ability to quickly eliminate the gnolls on the perimeter through a sneak attack, and then charge into the enemy ranks to rapidly reduce their numbers.

With such heavy casualties, the remaining gnolls will most likely flee without a fight, and then the two will pursue them.

feasible.

However, the most urgent task is to find a place to hide Koska, this useless burden who has no fighting ability.

The three of them discussed tactics in hushed tones.

Logan then pointed to a large, leafy tree not far away, gesturing for Koska to climb it.

Although the old drunkard usually enjoys drinking, he did not slow down the three of them as they traversed the forest, which shows that the old man was in quite good physical condition.

Climbing trees was not difficult for him at all.

Koska nimbly leaped up the thick tree trunk like an old monkey. He hid himself well in the canopy, then smugly peeked out half his head and waved the bottle of liquor in his hand at Logan.

Just then, the gnoll who was sharpening his axe tested the sharpness of the blade and grinned with satisfaction.

Even from a great distance, Logan could hear the gnolls' brutal roars from inside the camp.

It seems they can't wait any longer.

The lucky one who was chosen clearly knew what fate awaited him.

Although his mouth was tightly stuffed with rags, the whimpers coming from his throat grew louder and more pitiful, and he writhed wildly in the mud like a fish out of water.

A jackal kicked him repeatedly in the face, finally calming him down for a moment.

He must be in a lot of pain.

Logan thought to himself.

But this is a good opportunity for Logan.

Most of the gnolls had already gathered inside the Guardian Stone, their attention focused on how to dismember and enjoy the feast.

On the outer perimeter, only two hyenas remained, lying prone on the ground, two others climbed onto a boulder, and three gnolls lay on the ground, looking back absently from time to time.

Logan looked at Elsa.

Elsa nodded and arched her back.

Logan swung his hand down suddenly in mid-air.

Two figures silently crept towards the [Guardian Stone].