Puppet Master Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Encirclement

Read chapter 31 of Puppet Master by PeName on NovelPedia.

From an outsider’s perspective, Tris still wore his usual calm expression. But in truth, behind that somewhat emotionless face lay something entirely different. 'Four of them? That bastard is really determined to kill me, isn’t he?' — Tris felt both anger and unease. In particular, he noticed the man standing beside Zyron—a figure wearing a black mask who seemed especially dangerous. Just moments ago, that man had turned his head and looked directly toward one of the nearest “Feathers,” observing them. 'Instinct? Or can he actually sense distant gazes? Either way, using No. 4 against him doesn’t seem like a wise choice.' Tris began listing all the cards he had in hand to calculate the strategy he would use. Naturally, that included a retreat plan if necessary. 'First, let’s start with preparing the outfit.' After a brief moment of thought, Tris sprang into action. * * * * * * * * * * “What’s wrong?” Seeing Fang’s unusual reaction, Zyron asked. “Probably just the monsters in this area watching us,” Fang replied casually. “Then it’s nothing to worry about.” After all, the strongest creatures in this region were only around D or C rank. Even if a B-rank monster appeared, their group could handle it easily. So mere monsters weren’t a concern. What Zyron cared about more was what that strange brat might be planning. Along their path, several monsters appeared and attacked. However, neither Zyron nor Fang needed to act. The other two assassins swiftly handled everything. They were a pair of twins with identical faces. One wielded a blade, while the other wore iron gauntlets. When a black bear over three meters tall appeared, the twins immediately charged forward. A punch from the gauntlet user deflected the bear’s swipe, while the other quickly circled behind and severed one of its hind legs with a slash. Losing a leg made the bear’s movements sluggish, and it was quickly killed by the two. “Your subordinates are impressive. Those two working together are probably comparable to a B-rank adventurer, right?” “That’s right. Anyone weaker would be a burden following us.” Zyron silently nodded in agreement. The group of four continued forward without obstruction. Following the compass, they soon found Tris at the mountain peak. At this moment, Tris wore a black outfit with a high collar that covered the lower half of his face. His eyes were cold as he stared at Zyron. Beside him stood only a single puppet. It was equipped with light metal armor and a sword and shield, ready in its hands. The scene resembled the time when Tris participated in the tournament a year ago. Seeing Tris, Zyron spoke: “I’m quite surprised you didn’t run away.” “I want revenge for my father,” Tris replied, his voice filled with anger. To an outsider, it looked like a child overwhelmed by rage, choosing to face the enemy rather than flee. Because Tris’s anger was genuine, the scene was even more convincing. However, as experienced individuals, both Zyron and the assassins had already guessed that Tris intended to use the terrain to his advantage. Thus, all of them heightened their vigilance the moment they arrived. Zyron especially—after learning of Veylor’s death, his caution toward Tris had reached its peak. It could be said that even before a single move was made, both sides had already begun clashing through information and words. Tris himself wasn’t naïve enough to believe his dramatic act would make them underestimate him as a child and reveal mistakes in battle. What he wanted was simply to probe them further—after all, it cost him nothing. Tris continued: “Why? Why did you send people to kill my father? Wasn’t he someone who loyally served the village?” His voice carried deep sorrow and indignation. Zyron replied coldly, attacking the boy’s mental defenses: “Your father worshipped an evil god. Then he used that forbidden power on you. That makes both of you a great threat to the village. And yet, you still refuse to repent.” 'Damn it, this old man is truly