Synopsis

The chapter begins with the characters analyzing a hydra they defeated and then proceeds to a mountain stronghold where they discover the walls have been breached. They encounter panicked villagers, followed by the apparent emergence of a new monstrous threat - a Manticore. The protagonist explains their reasoning for removing bandits - they intend to draw out the Manticore. This reveal suggests an active approach to dealing with threats, although it also puts innocent villagers at risk, which the protagonist seems to acknowledge.