The confrontation continued for several more minutes, gradually transforming the once peaceful clearing into a battlefield covered with broken branches, disturbed soil, and dark patches of blood.
The Ironback Ravager had killed another Redfang, but its movements had become noticeably slower, and Grey could see that the exposed flesh beneath its damaged armor was bleeding heavily.
The remaining Stalkers appeared exhausted as well, with several limping from injuries sustained during their repeated attempts to attack the larger monster.
However, the Pack Leader remained surprisingly composed.
Grey watched as the Level 7 predator circled the Ravager, occasionally releasing short growls that caused the other Redfangs to adjust their positions.
’It’s waiting for something.’
The thought had barely crossed his mind when the Pack Leader suddenly accelerated toward the Ravager’s injured shoulder, moving considerably faster than any of its subordinates.
The enormous monster attempted to turn, but the Redfang was already beneath its extended foreleg.
Its jaws closed around the exposed flesh near the shoulder joint.
The Ravager roared.
Grey winced as the Pack Leader twisted its head violently, tearing open the wound before immediately leaping backward to avoid the monster’s retaliation.
Blood poured down the Ravager’s foreleg, and for the first time since the battle began, the enormous creature stumbled.
Grey’s expression became serious.
"That one actually hurt."
Ruk nodded grimly beside him, apparently recognizing that the balance of the fight was beginning to shift.
The Pack Leader released another sharp growl, and the remaining Redfangs immediately began circling the wounded Ravager with renewed aggression.
Unfortunately for them, the enormous monster still possessed enough strength to make approaching it extremely dangerous.
When another Stalker attempted to attack its injured side, the Ravager suddenly lunged forward and caught the creature beneath one of its massive paws. A sickening crunch followed as the predator was crushed against the ground, and the Ravager immediately turned toward the remaining members of the pack with an enraged roar.
Grey watched the exchange with growing interest.
Both sides were weakening.
And the longer they continued fighting, the better his chances became.
However, he had no intention of allowing greed to cloud his judgment.
The Ironback Ravager was still Level 8, while the Pack Leader remained a Level 7 predator capable of coordinating several dangerous subordinates. Even with his recent increase to Level 5, Grey understood that attempting to fight either creature directly would be an unnecessary risk.
His gaze shifted toward the surrounding terrain, eventually settling on a narrow section of the clearing where several enormous roots protruded from the ground.
A faint smile appeared across his face.
’Maybe I can arrange something.’
Grey leaned toward Ruk and pointed toward the exposed roots before gesturing at the Pack Leader.
The Hobgoblin followed his movements, although his expression suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced that whatever Grey had planned would be sensible.
Grey couldn’t blame him.
His plans had become increasingly dangerous since leaving the settlement.
But they had also worked.
Mostly.
"Come on," Grey whispered. "Let’s see if we can make this interesting."
Grey and Ruk descended from the tree and carefully circled around the clearing, using the surrounding vegetation to remain hidden while the monsters continued fighting.
The exposed roots belonged to an enormous tree growing along the edge of a shallow depression, and Grey immediately noticed that several thick vines hung from its lower branches.
He examined the area for a moment before selecting a particularly sturdy vine and pulling it toward the ground.
Ruk watched curiously as Grey secured one end around an exposed root and stretched the remaining length across a narrow passage between two trees.
The improvised trap wasn’t particularly sophisticated, but Grey wasn’t attempting to build something capable of killing a Level 7 monster outright.
He only needed to disrupt its balance.
Once the vine was positioned, Grey covered the lower section with loose leaves and soil before checking that the surrounding roots would prevent it from shifting too easily.
Ruk eventually understood what he was doing and began helping without needing further instructions.
Grey smiled slightly.
’He’s getting used to me.’
After finishing their preparations, the two goblins retreated into the vegetation and waited for an opportunity to draw the Pack Leader toward their position.
They didn’t have to wait long.
A furious roar suddenly echoed through the clearing as the Ironback Ravager struck another Redfang, sending the creature tumbling toward the edge of the battlefield.
The injured predator landed only a short distance from Grey’s hiding place.
"Perfect."
Grey emerged from the vegetation and approached the wounded Redfang before it could recover, delivering a swift attack that ended its life.
[Redfang Stalker has been defeated.]
[Experience acquired.]
[Evolution Energy acquired.]
However, this time Grey didn’t immediately consume the corpse.
Instead, he deliberately stepped into the open and looked toward the Pack Leader.
The enormous Redfang had already noticed him.
Its crimson eyes narrowed as it stared at the goblin standing beside another dead member of its pack, and Grey could almost see the realization forming behind its gaze.
The creature had been fighting the Ravager for several minutes, losing subordinates one after another, while the same goblin it had originally been hunting continued appearing near the bodies.
Grey raised his weapon slightly.
"Recognize me?"
The Pack Leader released a low growl.
Grey smiled.
"Good."
He turned and ran and he received an immediate response.
The Pack Leader abandoned its position near the Ravager and sprinted toward him, apparently deciding that the troublesome goblin had become a more immediate concern than the enormous monster attacking its pack.
Grey glanced over his shoulder and immediately regretted how quickly the creature was closing the distance.
’Bloody hell, that thing is fast.’
Even with his increased physical attributes, Grey knew he couldn’t outrun a Level 7 predator across open ground.
Fortunately, he didn’t need to.
The narrow passage between the trees appeared ahead, and Grey immediately accelerated toward it while Ruk remained concealed beside the prepared trap.
The Pack Leader followed without hesitation, its claws tearing through the soil as it rapidly closed the distance.