The forest had fallen silent after Xilithar's collapse. The massive serpent lay coiled in the mist, its obsidian scales glinting dully in the morning light, acid slowly seeping into the earth beneath it. The squad approached cautiously, some still trembling from the encounter, others staring in awe at the sheer size of the beast.
I raised a hand. "Stay sharp. Even in death, Xilithar can be dangerous. Acid, residual mana, and illusions may linger. Approach carefully."
Alex and I led the squad in systematically dismantling the serpent for its valuable components. Spatial mana threads and fire barriers ensured no one was scorched or bitten by lingering acidic venom.
The first priority was the beast core. Nestled near the serpent's chest, it pulsed faintly with residual energy. Alex carefully extracted it using controlled mana extraction, ensuring the core remained intact. "Handle this carefully," he instructed. "It's extremely potent. One wrong move could destroy it or injure someone."
Next came the poison sacs along Xilithar's underbelly. Using reinforced containers, we carefully removed the sacs, sealing them to prevent leakage. The recruits watched, fascinated, realizing that this was a resource worth a fortune in the city. "This poison will fetch a high price for alchemists and potion-makers," I explained.
The serpent's teeth were next. Each fang was immense, sharp enough to pierce even reinforced armor. They were carefully collected, some to be sold, others potentially reforged into weapons. I handed several to Gao Wei and Liang Hao. "These can be used as projectiles, daggers, or sold to fund supplies. Handle them carefully; their value is immense."
The eyes — Xilithar's illusion eyes — were extracted last. Their glowing essence still pulsed faintly, capable of being incorporated into magical devices or sold to mana alchemists. Alex murmured as he carefully placed them in protective containers, his mana forming subtle stabilizing barriers around the glowing orbs.
The recruits had never seen such meticulous care in harvesting a beast. I walked among them, showing them how to preserve the value of each component without contaminating it or losing potency. It was a lesson in both combat and commerce — understanding that a warrior's rewards were more than just survival.
By midday, the work was complete. The squad had collected:
1 Advanced-tier beast core
3 large poison sacs
A set of 28 formidable teeth/fangs
2 illusion eyes
Alex surveyed the haul. "This alone will cover equipment, supplies, and pay for months back in the city. You've all done more than just fight — you've ensured your success extends beyond the battlefield."
I nodded, pride swelling. "Remember this. Victory is not only about defeating a beast but also understanding the value of what it leaves behind. The forest tests strength, but the spoils test wisdom and precision."
The squad worked together to carry the materials back to the city, rotating duties to manage the heavy cores, sacks, and fangs. Spatial mana threads helped lighten the weight, fire users carefully heated containers to neutralize residual venom, and everyone moved in perfect coordination.
As we emerged from the forest, the sun was high, casting warm light over the clearing. The men were exhausted, sweat-soaked, but their faces were alight with accomplishment. For the first time, they realized that their efforts had tangible rewards — not only in experience and skill but in resources that would secure their place within the Qin Empire.
"Good work," I said, clapping Liang Hao on the shoulder. "Today, you didn't just survive an advanced-tier beast. You mastered the aftermath, the planning, and the spoils. That's the mark of true warriors."
Alex added, "When we get back to the city, every one of these items will sell for a fortune. But more importantly, it proves that you can handle responsibility in battle — and after it. That is the difference between soldiers and elite warriors."
The squad marched back toward the city, carrying Xilithar's valuable components, their confidence strengthened by both the battle and the careful handling of their rewards. In their minds, the forest was no longer just a test — it was proof that they had grown from recruits into a cohesive, capable unit, ready for the more dangerous challenges the Qin Empire would inevitably throw their way.
And above all, the two brothers, Alaric and Alex, watched silently from the rear, proud but vigilant. The forest had tested their squad's courage, discipline, and ingenuity, and the soldiers had passed with flying colors.
The road back to the city stretched ahead, and with it, the promise of resources, recognition, and the next stage of their growth. The phantom serpent had fallen, but its lessons — and its bounty — would echo for weeks to come.