The aftermath of the battle still echoed through the forest clearing.
The enormous Redfang Serpent's corpse lay sprawled on the ground like a small mountain.
The overpowering stench of blood silently testified to the danger and brutality of the battle that had just taken place.
Cui Ciyou forced the blood churning within him to settle after overexerting his mental power.
Damn it! Not again...
Waves of needle-sharp pain stabbed through the depths of Cui Ciyou's mind.
They were the lingering effects of the Dragon Saint Battle Aura left by his clash with the Dragon God, Orsted.
Even suppressing the battle aura within an A-rank monster aggravated that old injury.
Without letting it show, Cui Ciyou clenched his teeth and ruthlessly suppressed the pain.
He couldn't let his companions, especially Alice and Sylphy, notice anything wrong.
But Cui Ciyou failed to notice the complicated emotion that flashed through a certain half-elf's crimson eyes.
"We... we're saved..."
Nearby stood the surviving adventurers.
At last, they emerged from the shadow of death.
Kurt sat slumped on the ground, panting heavily, his young, arrogant face drained of its usual expression.
All that remained was the relief of surviving and utter disbelief.
His two teammates, Gabul and Bachilo;
and the other two surviving pig-headed Demonfolk;
all gazed at the four members of the Saviors with a complicated mixture of gratitude, shock, and awe.
"Th-thank you... thank you all for saving our lives!"
Supported by his companions, Kurt struggled to his feet, intending to step forward and offer his heartfelt thanks.
Without the Saviors, his entire party would surely have been wiped out today.
"You're welcome."
Cui Ciyou waved a hand, indicating that there was no need for such formality.
Then Cui Ciyou turned his gaze to Rujierd beside him.
He gave him a meaningful look.