Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 342 (Part 2):

While it was revealed that the Red Scorpion incident from four years ago was High Priest Dolos’s doing, it wasn’t publicly known that the Temple was behind Sword Saint Darien Deferth’s disappearance.
That matter involved internal betrayal within Basor and was connected to the Sword Saint’s honor.

Moreover, officially accusing the temple of conspiracy would risk outright conflict with them—an unwise move, even for a military powerhouse like Basor.

The Temple had protected the continent from the Demon King War and was the only organization with the solid justification of protecting humans from all evil things.

Considering their influence and followers, the Temple possessed power beyond their military might.

Basor had protested unofficially, and while the Temple dissociated itself from Dolos, they offered massive reparations to Basor.

The matter was ostensibly settled, though tensions between Basor and the temple had undeniably worsened.

The Palma Knights knew fragments of the truth.

“At the time of the incident, the temple was hosting a major event. All the high priests were in attendance,” Luke said, frowning.

“Then it might not be a High Priest, but judging by the traces left behind, the demonic beasts moved in an organized manner. This kind of movement is difficult to achieve without a leader giving directions.”

“Then?”

Luke Jaeger immediately gave his answer.

“It must be the one who swallowed the Red Scorpion’s core and fled back then. After absorbing its power and knowledge, it’s now making its move.”

Four years ago, the Red Scorpion’s body had been hollow. Whatever beast had done it would eventually reveal itself—that much was certain.

Because demonic beasts with power inevitably target humans. Humans, the easiest and most tempting prey.

“Since demonic beasts receive power and knowledge through cores, problems continue even after dealing with them.”

“This time, we’ll eliminate it along with its core.”

But it didn’t seem like it would be easy. This demonic beast hadn’t even left witnesses.

As if deliberately avoiding the mistakes of the previous Red Scorpions.

No one knew what kind of demonic beast it was, its form, or its abilities. It had orchestrated the attack without showing itself, using other beasts as pawns.

Such a creature wouldn’t easily reveal itself to the Palma Knights.

It would know that the Palma Knights had been regularly subjugating demonic beasts, and therefore would know how strong they were and how skilled they were at killing demonic beasts.

“Even with magic, it’s difficult to search for demonic beasts in this desert.”

“And since all nearby villagers have evacuated to the city, it can’t attack another village.”

“If another attack occurs, all the villages in this area might become ruins.”

Luke Jaeger shook his head.

“Having tasted blood, it won’t resist its instincts for long. Another attack is inevitable.”

“It might target the city as well.”

“Rather than directly attacking, it might choose to pick off humans wandering around the city outskirts one by one.”

The Palma Knights couldn’t stay in this region forever.

But even without the Palma Knights, the desert cities’ forces, which had considerable experience dealing with demonic beasts, were capable enough.

Enough to make it difficult for even a demonic beast with many subordinates to decide to attack. They could hold out until reinforcements arrived.

However, in the desert where resources were scarce, even in cities, people couldn’t remain isolated forever, making wanderers good targets.

“Is there any way to handle this?”

Luke smirked.

“Well, if some tempting prey were to roam around in groups, it wouldn’t be able to resist showing itself.”

Luke Jaeger pointed at himself. All the knights looked at him.

Luke Jaeger’s finger moved again, pointing at each of them.

“You mean we, the Palma Knights, should be the bait?”

“Exactly. Remove your armor, pack only your swords, carry supplies, and disguise yourselves as ordinary villagers. No matter how intelligent this beast is, it won’t be able to distinguish that much.”

“Since we’d be the only humans worth eating in this area, it might reveal itself.”

“Let’s bet on it. Everyone move out!”

It was a new idea. The Palma Knights had always hunted demonic beasts while perfectly armed and with thundering hoofbeats.

It was a bold plan. The Palma Knights, traditionally clad in full armor and marching with banners, had always approached subjugations like a prepared army. That was their tradition and protocol.

But their young commander had a different mindset.

The knights, though surprised, admired Luke Jaeger’s ingenuity and followed his orders without hesitation.

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