Chapter 229: As Ready As Can Be (1/2)

”This is it,” Kace announced as he analysed the thick yellowish scent hanging around the thorny trees. ”It's definitely in there. This kind of scent has built up over time with many passings. So we can be certain this is its home.”

Grugda stared at the thicket of trees with a solemn expression. He could not see what Kace could, nor was he able to tell in any other way that a Hydra lived there. 'I'm glad. I never explored. This part. Of the swamp. Before.' Grugda imagined a day where he came out here to explore only to come face to face with one of the Hydra's heads.

A shiver ran down his spine as he imagined being cooked by the creature's poison. Where his body would be turned into a pulpy soup and slurped hungrily by the beast. 'That poison. Is too potent. We need. A stronger. Antidote.' Grugda was lost in his thoughts as Kace stared at him. Kace already knew what he was thinking, so he left the eljein to devise a suitable solution.

Meanwhile, Kace studied the terrain. If they were going to fight the Hydra here, he had to properly grasp the situation. 'Usually, the trees would make for a good cover. However, with five4 sets of eyes, it can be more aware of our position than we can be certain of where its heads are located. Also, it will make it difficult to escape the poison if it releases it.'

Kace carefully examined many approaches they could use in that area only to cross them all off his list with a heavy sigh. 'We can't fight it in there. We're going to have to lure it more out into the open. So, the fight will have to happen near the water. We'll also have to come up with a way to prevent it from retreating into those woods.'

'Maybe Grugda can create a few pitfalls to trap it?' Sylvan decided to chime in with his own thoughts on the matter.

'Hm, it's a good option. But, it could just release enough poison to keep us away. That would be no use. We have to kill it and seize the body.'

'Well, couldn't Grugda just pierce it with Earth Spikes once it's trapped?' Sylvan's tone sounded like he was annoyed that he had to state the obvious.

'Yeah, we could try that. But we don't know how tough its skin is. If they don't kill it, then it's right back to square one. With no way to approach it.'

At some pointing their musings, Grugda disappeared back into the swamp. Kace did not bother to follow him. He should be fine since there was a distinct lack of predators in the area. He was probably going to collect the flora needed to concoct an antidote or some kind of protection. It was better to leave him to it. He would be of no help in that field, after all.

Kace and Sylvan continued to review different scenarios. About ninety-five per cent of their ideas were quickly eliminated. Some kind of problem always seemed to appear. Until he attacked it, Kace would have no idea of its level either. For all he knew, it was not actually possible to bring it down with their levels. The best plan they could come up with was to lure it out and wear down its endurance.