Chapter 445: Speculating
"But the most unsettling aspect of the Laughing Death pack is their hunting methodology. They don’t simply kill their prey; they psychologically torment it first."
The pack will surround a victim and begin their signature laughing calls, a sound that penetrates the mind and induces paralysing fear. Creatures have been found standing perfectly still, eyes wide with terror, while the hyenas circle them for minutes before finally moving in for the kill."
...
Arthur’s tactical mind immediately began analysing the implications.
"How large is this pack?" Arthur inquired.
"Approximately thirty to thirty-five individuals, master, led by a matriarch they call the Cackle Queen. She is nearly twice the size of her subordinates and probably has thrice the strength, too. Her laugh alone can cause weaker creatures to die of fright literally, their hearts simply stop beating from pure terror."
The beetle’s mental voice carried a clear note of unease as it continued, "The most disturbing reports I’ve heard claim that the Cackle Queen can mimic the voices of her victims’ loved ones—crying out for help in familiar tones while her pack lurks in the shadows. Many creatures have rushed toward what they thought were injured family members, only to find themselves surrounded by laughing predators. None survived."
Arthur’s gaze sharpened. Voice mimicry alone was dangerous, but combined with psychological manipulation, it became lethal. This wasn’t the work of a normal predator—it indicated intelligence, strategy, and most likely a powerful illusion-based talent. Such abilities were often far more troublesome than brute strength.
Most beings trained their bodies, focusing on physical prowess, leaving their spiritual or mental fortitude neglected. Spirit resistance wasn’t something easily acquired—it was often tied to natural talent or gradually developed through repeated exposure to mental attacks and a high intelligence attribute.
Arthur, however, wasn’t careless. While he respected the threat the Cackle Queen represented, he wasn’t overly concerned. He had Bloom, a summon whose talent mirrored illusion-based manipulation. Bloom’s abilities gave him a significant edge in battles involving spiritual warfare. That said, there was a catch.