"Don't worry. They shouldn't be very strong—at most, a few Warrior-Level Demons and a handful of Servant Level ones. You've got an Advanced Mage in your group anyway. This is a good chance for you to get some practice."
He didn't know what kind of Demon Beasts were lurking in the field of Windcoat Centipede Grass, but he had seen through their hunting method at a glance.
He could have warned the young women and told them to take another route around the field. But why should he?
They had come out to gain experience. A verbal warning and a firsthand encounter would teach them very different lessons, and it was no concern of his if they got hurt.
He hadn't even wanted to warn them at all. But saying nothing would make him look like a Hunter Master in name only, so he might as well keep up appearances.
"Rrrr..."
At last, the beasts that had been lying in wait could hold back no longer and attacked.
The centipede grass swayed. The dense growth parted like a wave, and a Claw Demon with a black, jagged back sprang out. Its green eyes suddenly emitted a dizzying glow.
In the blink of an eye, it had draped itself across the shoulders and neck of a woman named Du Mei like a marten collar.
Its sharp claws sank straight into her shoulder and back. Then it bared two pointed fangs and lunged for Du Mei's face.
Fortunately, a Light Element mage stood beside Du Mei. More experienced than the other young women, she didn't try to cast a complicated spell against the strange creature's sudden attack. She immediately threw out a Light Shine, searing the Claw Demon's eyes.
Only then did Du Mei react. Screaming, she tried to pull the Claw