Chapter 28

"Porta!!"

I shouted and dashed out.

For a moment, I could see it, but that mass was definitely not that of a small type. The speed was also incredible. I want to pray that Porta is safe, but...

"You two stay in the cave!"

Slena, who had witnessed a similar situation, instructed the remaining Nidry and Salicats to stay put and ran alongside me.

The exit is right there. If we run, we'll be outside in no time.

The two newbies seemed to have no idea what was happening, their reactions ranging from shock to bewilderment.

I didn't predict this either! But it's too much to ask a novice adventurer to handle such a huge irregularity.

Normally, this would be the moment for Salicats' magical equipment to react.

But, he must have let his guard down after reaching the deepest part of the cave. It's understandable; even though he's above Nidry and Porta, he's still Silver Rank.

It's unreasonable to expect him to be on guard for a scene like this.

"!"

As we burst out onto the lush land,

what awaited us was a large creature with powerful limbs and a majestic wing, its body length, including the tail, easily exceeding five or six meters.

The sight brought to mind one name.

"...A Griffin!"

I couldn't help but shout the name of the monster.

A Griffin.

A type of avian beast classified as a large monster. While it doesn't possess any special abilities, its powerful and agile body, strong limbs, and hard beak are more than enough to pose a significant threat to humans.

However, I've heard that their main habitat is mountainous areas. I've never heard of one appearing deep in the forest.

Moreover, a normal Griffin should have white fur.

It might be rude to say, but I've never even heard of a Griffin with a fiery red color like Slena's.

"GOOOAAAAAAH!!"

Seeing a new threat or prey, the red Griffin opened its beak wide and roared.

—In an instant.

The Griffin's body, enveloped in wind, took flight.

"...Wha—!?"

Reacting instinctively to the sudden charge,

I placed my sword against the approaching beak and twisted my wrist to deflect the impact.

—That was close! How fast is this thing, despite its size!

If I hadn't drawn my sword, I wouldn't have been able to defend against that attack. If I had been hit head-on, I would have been sent flying. I had no choice but to parry the impact with the tip of my sword.

My hand was throbbing with pain. One body slam and this much impact. Even if I could keep dodging, I'm not sure how long my body and weapon could hold up.

"Right, Porta...!"

I dodged the Griffin's attack and cast my gaze.

Porta, who had been flung about ten meters away, was slumped against a nearby tree.

...She's moving slightly.

Good, she's not dead.

But, if this continues, she's in danger either way.

"Teacher! This isn't just a Griffin! Its name is Xeno Grail! It's a specially designated target for extermination!"

"A specially designated target for extermination!?"

Without taking my eyes off the Griffin, I responded to Slena's words.

Are you serious? I don't think I can handle this.

A specially designated target for extermination.

I've heard of them. Organizations like the Adventurer's Guild and the Knights assign names and rewards to specific monsters