Hunting the Eyed Wolf
It was the day after we'd gone down to Tiabel Town and come back. The unit immediately began preparations for the monster subjugation. Orders came down from the battalion operations staff to each company, and the company commanders relayed them to their troops.
"Each platoon will detail their deputy platoon leader and one squad."
Monster subjugation was important, of course, but the Silver Eagle Corps' primary mission was protecting the mines. That's why they were leaving enough personnel for mine defense and pulling the rest.
"Platoon leaders, submit the names of your detailed personnel by this morning."
"Yes, sir!"
"The operation kicks off tonight. This is live combat, so the selected squads are excused from duty. Use the workday to prep thoroughly and get some solid rest."
Once the company commander finished, the troops dispersed. Our platoon gathered in the platoon barracks, waiting for the platoon leader's decision. As the deputy platoon leader, I was definitely going. The question was which squad I'd be with...
A little thought made it obvious.
"1st Squad will join the subjugation."
In our platoon, 1st Squad handled infantry, 2nd was heavy armor, and 3rd was ranged. Considering our positions and roles at the mine fortifications, pulling 1st Squad would show the least gap.
"I'll head straight to the company commander's office. 1st Squad and deputy platoon leader—get your gear ready and rest up."
The platoon leader left, and my gaze shifted to Iwan. He looked back at me.
Ugh, what a pain in the ass. On duty together, and now out on subjugation too.
I shook my head and stepped out of the barracks. We were deploying tonight, so I needed to prep anyway. Back at the house, when I mentioned the evening op to Elina, she poured out her worries.
"Monster subjugation? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Nah, from what I heard, it doesn't seem too bad."
We'd heard it in Tiabel Town, and the company briefing confirmed it: the target was some mutated wolf. According to the clothing shop owner there, it was twice the size of a normal wolf, covered head to toe in dense eyes. That explained why it roamed alone and picked off sheep—no pack needed.
"Sure, it's big and freaky-looking, but eyes all over mean its whole body is a weak point. The Tiabel Town folks said they just shot a few arrows, and it dropped the sheep and bolted."
It could see everywhere, but any graze would be lethal. And if I hit it with lightning magic? It'd thrash like it got pepper-sprayed in the eyes.
"Hmm... yeah, that makes it sound like no big deal."
"Right?"
"But that's not what worries me."
"Then what?"
"You think a freak wolf like that is just some random mutation? We know from Prince Ragna's story."
Yeah... Sudden ogre with iron weapons. Sudden mutant wolf monster. Neither was normal.
After a moment's thought, I decided to report it up the chain. Following protocol, I spoke to the platoon leader first. He nodded at my account and headed back to the company commander's office.
After lunch, new orders came from battalion: not one squad per platoon, but two. Our platoon got 3rd Squad added. Infantry from 1st and ranged from 3rd. The leftovers were redirected from base duty to fortification reinforcements—figuring whatever was behind the wolf might hit the mines while we were short-handed.
My report had blown up the op's scale. Felt a bit absurd, but I had to respect the battalion commander for prepping for the worst.
The knights and soldiers just sighed. Sudden escalation—fair reaction. I buried my guilt deep and shamelessly carried on.
What can you do? I'm imperial royalty at heart; I had to think big-picture.
That evening, the deploying squads assembled in the training grounds by company and platoon. And why the hell was this guy here?
"Platoon leader?"
"What's up?"
"Aren't you the deputy platoon leader?"
"True, but considering your status, I've been assigned as your escort and to direct the platoon."
"What about the fortification crew?"
"Got someone reliable."
Who?! Same as the field trip—he always danced around it.
"Attention!"
The battalion commander's voice rang out. He was geared up solo, scanning us.
"I trust you've all memorized the op details. Just one thing to add."
"......"
"Don't die! And don't get hurt!"
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
"Good. Move out!"
At his word, the handlers brought out the war dogs, letting each sniff wolf pelts. Mutant or not, it was still a wolf—baseline scent.
Once the dogs locked on, a handler joined each platoon. We headed to our sectors. Our platoon released the dog at the Tiabel Town approach.
The dog sniffed the ground, then bolted one way.
"Let's go."
We followed cautiously. Moonlit but dim in the mountains—watch your step.
We wandered the woods a good while; the dog kept zigzagging. Then it bristled and barked at one spot. Tension rippled through the platoon. Platoon leader raised a hand; 3rd Squad nocked arrows. I did too, ready.
"Aldric."
"Yes."
"Fire a ranging shot."
3rd Squad leader loosed toward the dog's stare. The arrow vanished into the dark. Then—
"Grrr... grrr...!"
A massive wolf, arrow in its flank, charged us. I confirmed it and fired my signal arrow skyward.
Piiidididi-!
3rd Squad unleashed. It matched the description—eyes everywhere—but arrows drew bloody tears from hit eyes. Unexpected: it didn't retreat. Vital weak points pierced, yet it charged. Tiabel folks said a few shots sent it running—what gives?
"1st Squad, protect 3rd! "
Platoon leader ordered, charging the beast. Heavy-armored knight slammed into wolf. He blocked the forepaw with his huge shield, then swung his warhammer right-handed. The head cracked its lower jaw. It staggered, jaw twisted.
I yelled, "Platoon leader, fall back!"
He glanced, rolled clear. I pointed at the wolf, sky brightening—lightning crashed on its head.
"Kyaang! Keruk!"
Sizzle of burning flesh. Normal foe would've dropped, but this monster stood firm on four legs. Fine—crank the power. I drew my staff, focusing mana for a head-piercer.
Then its forehead eye locked on me. Despair and rage mixed, resolute. It kicked off—huge body airborne at me. Its maw filled my view.
Ah, crap. Mages' weakness: channeling slows reflexes. But no fear—the heavy knight was suddenly beside me, hands clamping the jaws.
"Deputy, how long?"
"Three seconds."
"Easy."
3, 2, 1. Staff tip over his shoulder—target: wolf's throat.
The troops chopped trees for a litter to haul the corpse. Platoon leader eyed it, scanning around.
"Something wrong?"
"Feels off."
"How so?"
"We fired the signal before engaging. Other units should've come to support or check by now, right?"
Huh, yeah. Fight ended quick, but total radio silence? Weird.
As suspicion spread, whistles pierced the air.
Piiidididi-!
Piiidididi-!
Piiidididi-!
Multiple signals—combat start.
"Not just one monster."
"Meaning..."
"Yeah."
Platoon leader's eyes sharpened.
"There's something behind this monster mess."