Veylin withdrew his gaze, his composure stirring an inexplicable irritation in Ora Stonebeard.
"Our data still needs one crucial live specimen for verification." Veylin descended from the platform, his boots making no unnecessary sound as they touched the muddy ground.
"I need to know the resistance thresholds of their different body parts against direct physical damage, as well as their behavior under stress."
He stopped before the clearing, and the others gradually gathered around him.
"The plan is very simple." Veylin casually picked up a twig and crouched to sketch a rough route map on the ground.
"We'll use the scent of blood to lure over an isolated individual."
He pointed to a dense patch of bushes nearby.
"My dung beetles will lie in ambush there. Once the target enters the designated area, they'll restrain it."
"Leo, you and your men will tie up the target. That will give us a live specimen."
Veylin's almost childishly casual manner instead dispelled the last trace of fear in their hearts.
Yes, fear had already given way to torment and numbness.
Two days of lying in hiding had wrung the last shred of fear of the giant crocodiles from their bodies, along with any surplus energy.
In their eyes, the massive creatures in the swamp were no longer dangerous magical beasts, but animals that ate, excreted, patrolled, and mated according to fixed patterns.
No one objected.
Ola merely gave a heavy snort and looked away from the sketch.
Some corner of his heart even yearned for a real fight, something to wash away the frustration of spending two days skulking like bedbugs.
Leo held his white ash staff, tapping his fingers lightly against its shaft as he muttered under his breath.
Veylin stopped Leo and instructed him gravely, "Before you prepare your spells,