... 

Ashleigh Manor, reception room.

"Greetings, Lord Baron!"

The members of the adventurer team stood up as Alden entered. Though their strength was commendable, they were still commoners who had to show respect to nobility.

"No need to be so formal," Alden said, waving a hand.

After exchanging pleasantries, Alden learned the basics about the team.

The captain Freya, a half-elf with a graceful demeanor and pointy ears was a 6th-rank intermediate knight who specialized as a magic archer.

The vice-captain, Ada, was a sturdy muscular shield warrior, also at 6th rank.

The remaining three members—a warrior, a healer, and a hunter—were all 5th rank. Despite their lower ranks, the group's all-female lineup was impressively well-balanced, covering scouting, melee, ranged, and healing roles.

With such a well organised team, Alden felt it was worth the gold he was paying. 

Though he had not seen their skills for himself, they had built quite a reputation over the years in surrounding areas. 

He had already been informed of some of their past ventures. 

Although nothing too remarkable, this was not their first time hunting a high level demon beast. 

He discussed the details with them and then had the butler show them to their quarters.

Since the day was almost over, Alden decided it would be better to start the mission early the next morning. 

Night in the dense forest was dangerous, with lower visibility it was much easier for demonic beasts to ambush.

... 

That evening, in one of the guest rooms provided by Alden, the adventurers gathered and wispered among themselves.

"Baron Alden plans to join us tomorrow. I just hope he doesn't slow us down," Kara, the female warrior, remarked.

"He looks delicate and pampered. Don't expect much from him. It will only get us in trouble" Ada said bluntly.

Freya, the captain, remained composed. "Let's be prepared. No matter his strength, it's our job to protect the employer. We're being paid well, after all. Besides, who will pay us if something happens to him?"

The group agreed to focus on keeping Alden safe and discussed possible strategies for the upcoming battle before retiring to their rooms for the night.

... 

The next morning, Alden and the Purple Lilac team gathered, prepared, and set out for the forest.

The hunter who had previously spotted the flaming gorilla in the forest led the way.

As they entered the dense woods, the adventurers grew more alert. 

Ada took the lead with her massive shield, holding the front, paving the way, while the healer and hunter stayed in the middle. 

Freya and the remaining members guarded the rear, following Alden.

It was a typical formation of using the strong to defend the weak. 

They moved cautiously for about twenty minutes. 

Ten kilometers in, signs of the flaming gorilla's presence —charred trees and strands of flame-like hair scattered on the ground finally appeared.

They were now within the Flaming Gorilla's territory and had to stay even more alert to avoid potential ambush. 

The guide confirmed they were near the beast's last spotted location.

"Be ready for battle," Freya said, gripping her bow tightly.

There was rather no need for these words. As adventurers, when were they not ready for Battle? 

Perhaps it was an intentional alert for Alden the 'useless burden' to get ready to protect himself. 

"Understood!" her teammates replied, further raising their vigilance.

Another kilometer in, Alden, who had been walking quietly, suddenly froze. His ears twitched, and his face tensed.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Freya by the waist and pulled her back. At the same moment, he drew his sword and unleashed his most powerful technique:

Gale Sword Technique - Storm Slash!

Alden gripped his large sword tightly and brought it down in a swift arc.

In the next moment-

Woo! Woo! Woo!

Crescent-shaped waves of green sword energy tore through the air like a fierce storm, slashing toward the crown of the towering tree behind them.

The group stood frozen, puzzled by Alden's abrupt move.

Before they could even process his actions-

Amid the onslaught of sword energy, a massive gorilla, over three meters tall, was forced into view as it clung to the treetop.

Its fur blazed a dark orange-red hue, its molten-red eyes glowed fiercely, and its fists were wreathed in searing flames.

The creature radiated a majestic and intimidating presence.

This was none other than their expedition's target - the Flaming Gorilla.

"Roar!"

The energy waves from Alden's sword were razor-sharp, slicing through the air with devastating force.

Caught unprepared by the sudden assault, the Flaming Gorilla had no time to defend itself.

Even this advanced beast couldn't escape unharmed.

It let out a pained scream.

Yet.

Bringing it down with a single strike was impossible.

The beast, though injured, endured the searing pain.

In a desperate counter, it used its wind-element concealment magic - Gale Veil and vanished from sight once more.

The process sounded complex.

But in truth, it took less than two seconds.

The group stood rooted in place, cold sweat dripping down their backs.

Had they not waited last night, who knew what would have happened. 

It was too dangerous!

...