[Safely guide as many sky whales as possible to the eastern plains of Regium. Time remaining: 102 hours 26 minutes.]0

I retrieved a dagger from the mimic.0

Impressively, Retra's bodyguards managed to react despite my accelerated speed. Though Retra himself was a novice, his entourage seemed to have some degree of skill. Yet, their reflexes were no match for Flash Strike.0

In a heartbeat, I launched forward and grabbed Retra’s shoulder before yanking him around. As his body spun, the blade of my dagger landed against his neck.0

Time resumed its normal pace.0

The pilot hadn't even managed to fully unsheath his sword. 0

Bang!0

A gunshot rang out as the guards fired a moment too late, their bullets piercing the spot I had occupied seconds earlier.0

“Aaaaagh!" Retra's scream tore through the air as he panicked. 0

The rifles clattered sharply, attempting to line up a clear shot, but their efforts were futile.0

Perhaps believing the guns were aimed at him, Retra flailed wildly. “Put those guns down, you idiots! Lower your weapons now!"0

The soldiers hesitated, and their eyes darted toward the captain, waiting for his orders. I locked gazes with the captain, watching his expression switch back and forth between fury and hesitation.0

I wordlessly prompted him with a steely glare. 0

The captain gritted his teeth and barked out a command, “Lower your...0