Demil nodded as well, adjusting the battle line with the Count’s knights. Meanwhile, Evenel provided the locations of the cores one by one.

Every time the knights attempted to attack Aisleb, thanks to the gunmen watching their back, they were able to calmly dispose of the monsters.

“Next is the section where the tail connects to the torso.”

Just then, a knight called out urgently.

“My Lord!”

As she turned her head, the last monster was rushing towards Hivr. He held a sword, but it was visibly shaking in his hand.

“There’s a core behind its right ear!”

Despite giving the location of the core, Hivr seemed at a loss on what to do, so Evenel hesitated no longer and pulled the trigger aimed at the core.

Aisleb fell right in front of him as the bullet pierced through its core.

She quickly approached him.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Hivr looked at the fallen monster, then simply nodded without a word.

Having confirmed that no one was severely injured, Evenel immediately headed towards where Shuher was. However, everything there was already settled.

“I was a step late.”

“What about the situation at the rear?”

“I dealt with everything alongside the Count’s knights. There was no major damage. Isn’t that right, Demil?”

“Yes.”

Shuher decided to take a brief rest while reforming the ranks. Exhausted expressions were evident on their faces, as they had taken on so many foes at once.

But comparatively, the Count’s knights who had been moving with Evenel seemed less fatigued.

“Why do they look more energetic? We fought the same monsters.”

The one to answer Shan’s question was Demil.

“Because they precisely targeted the cores.”

In other words, they were able to conserve energy by minimizing their actions. And the person who made this possible was Evenel.

She was so composed and quick at assessing situations that it was hard to believe it was her first time participating in a hunt. Even those who had fought monsters countless times admired her.

Taking a moment to catch her breath and check her gun and remaining bullets, Evenel noticed Hivr sitting a little apart from the group and approached him.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, well.”

Despite his words, Hivr’s hands were still shaking. Noticing her gaze, he strained to act fine.

“How pathetic. After saying all that to the Princess yesterday, I end up causing trouble.”

“No, that’s not—”

“I shouldn’t have come. I’m just a burden to everyone.”

While Evenel was unsure of how to respond, she noticed the bow slung over his shoulder.

“You did bring your bow, after all.”
“I always carry it, even if I don’t use it.”

“Ah, like a talisman. I didn’t notice in the dark yesterday, but that bow looks impressive.”

The silver bow felt extraordinary even at a glance. And from Hibru’s eyes, it was clear how much he treasured the bow.

“How did Your Highness…”

“Evenel.”

At that moment, Evenel drifted away without hearing what Hibru was about to say, as Demil called her.

“Are we setting out again?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a pity that I have only one body. I can’t help out on either side.”

“Still, Your Highness’ judgment was quite excellent.”

At those words, Evenel looked surprised at Shuher.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I never thought I’d receive a compliment from you. My efforts have paid off.”

Standing behind the two, Demil quietly pondered while watching Evenel. Despite being in a situation where her own life could be at risk, she had hesitated not at all in saving someone else.

Moreover, the smooth transition through a sudden attack had much to do with Evenel. In the past, similar scale attacks would have left them severely injured or dead.

It seemed her true value was recognized as a calm marksman in front of monsters.

After a brief rest, the party moved forward. Monsters appeared a few more times in between, but they were handled without major issues.

Evenel had given timely assistance, fulfilling her role effectively. Thanks to her, the expeditionary force arrived at their destination earlier than scheduled.

“We’ve arrived quicker than I thought.”

At Demil’s words, Shuher’s gaze turned toward Evenel. Though there had been some frustrating moments, it was the first time things had gone so smoothly.

‘Was the reason for trying to borrow Aodin’s power something like this?’

Frankly, he had thought that compared to the power Karies had, Aodin’s abilities were hardly worth noting. He’d felt there was no need to seek help so desperately, but for the first time, that thought wavered.

“Shall we proceed further?”

As Shuher was contemplating, Evenel, who was looking around, stopped. She felt the energy of a monster enveloping her body once again.

But this time, it was incomparably more potent.

She raised her hand above the gun and surveyed the area, but strangely, nothing was visible. Then, Shuher, who had noticed her change, asked,

“What’s wrong?”

“I feel it again.”

‘But where exactly?’

At that moment, her gaze suddenly turned to the ground, and as if realizing something, Evenel shouted.

“It’s below!”
“Step aside!”

As the party quickly scattered to either side, four monsters made entirely of stone burst through the ground.

Had they been a moment later, a horrific scene of many being crushed in that gap would have unfolded.

“Ebor!”

“Everyone, fall back!”

Ebor, clearly excited at the sight of people, let out a savage cry, and the two knight units quickly assumed defensive positions. But their fierce momentum kept them from launching an immediate attack.

Standing a bit away, Evenel’s eyes darted quickly. Shuher approached her.

“Did you confirm?”

“Yes. Starting from the one furthest away: left elbow, right chest, right shoulder, and then—”

As Ebor lifted its stone arm, as if about to strike down upon the cornered Demil and the knights, Evenel interrupted herself and rapidly fired a bullet.