Perhaps the Mutant Giant Crocodile had not noticed them, or perhaps it simply did not care. Its massive body slowly moved forward.
Its movements looked sluggish, yet it seemed as though currents of air swirled around its feet.
Before the mercenary squad could leave, the Mutant Giant Crocodile vanished from their sight.
"Phew."
Once the enormous body of the Mutant Giant Crocodile disappeared, their taut bodies relaxed in an instant, and each of them let out a breath of relief.
Remaining calm in danger was the attitude a qualified mercenary should possess.
Even if they did not have it at first, once they had hunted enough Mutated Beasts, they would inevitably develop that attitude.
When facing Mutant Creatures, fear would only make one fall into danger faster.
But calmness did not mean they could defeat their opponent. Before an absolute disparity in strength, calmness could only give them a slightly greater chance of survival.
Against a Mutant Giant Crocodile that was at least Second Sequence, ordinary Espers like them had absolutely no way to contend with it. Fortunately, it had not noticed them.
Having survived, no one truly wanted to die.
"Judging by its direction, could there be something in Ye City drawing it in?"
The captain of the mercenary squad asked with a frown.
Although Mutant Creatures often trespassed into human territory outside of Beast Tides, they were usually Mutant Creatures with low intelligence. But if it was Second Sequence, it should not have been unaware of humanity's strength.
Yet this Mutant Giant Crocodile was heading toward a human city with such clear purpose. Other than something in Ye City attracting it, he could think of no other reason.
"Could it be a small-scale Beast Tide?"
A squad member beside him guessed.
"Impossible."
The mercenary captain shook his head,