Yann finally spotted a cave that seemed to be exactly what they were looking for, and they immediately decided to take shelter there. The cave was not very deep, but it had the advantage of only one entrance, with a relatively narrow opening.
They quickly prepared themselves for battle, using the confined space to limit the number of monsters they would have to face at any given time.
This strategy, however, came with its own risks-if the monsters managed to break through their defense, there would be no escape route. Despite the danger, everyone chose to trust in Maylock’s plan without asking too many questions.
Maylock issued the order: “We will hold our ground in the cave and try to fight the monsters in smaller numbers.”
Everyone seemed to understand their respective roles and nodded in agreement.
“Everyone will receive a full restoration of their Mana, Health, and Stamina when they level up,” Maylock continued. “Therefore, we need to accurately track our progress. Make sure you use your resources as efficiently as possible until you reach the next level. With this many monsters, we should be able to level up at least once-and maybe even twice for the Knights.”
Ivana then stepped forward to the mouth of the cave, taking out her shield and positioning it at the entrance to form a barrier.
“This will slow down the monsters’ advance. All I can do is hold them here, but I won’t be able to actively join the fight,” she said.
Maylock nodded, agreeing with Ivana’s statement. He had actually seen Ivana use this skill once before, back at the hunting grounds when she accompanied the Knights. It was for this very reason that Maylock had chosen the cave as their place to make a stand-it was all because of the advantage provided by Ivana’s unique skill.
Starfall then cast her magic, causing various magical formations to appear in the air outside the cave. These magic circles were primed to unleash area damage on the approaching
monsters. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm
Meanwhile, Karl, Anna, and Livelywood readied themselves for close combat, prepared to take down any monsters that were getting close to breach the barrier. Yann and Maylock stationed themselves further back, ready to attack from a distance and provide continuous damage to the advancing horde.
“The number of monsters is huge. We can’t rely solely on item arrows, Yann. We need to distinguish when to use energy arrows and when to use item arrows,” Maylock instructed.
“Yes, sir,” Yann replied firmly.
The first wave of monsters arrived. Dozens of magical circles in the sky discharged energy balls of various elements, which exploded upon hitting the ground and struck dozens of the oncoming monsters. Ice, earth, and fire all collided with the beasts in a chaotic onslaught-a demonstration of Starfall’s elemental magic power.
Unfortunately, the damage wasn’t enough to kill them outright, and the monsters charged toward the cave with unrelenting force. However, the attack had at least slowed them down, making it easier for the team to deal with them in close combat.
“Maylock,” Starfall called out. “They’re too tough. My magic isn’t doing enough damage.” “It’s okay. Focus on slowing them down and draining as much of their health as you can.” He then turned to address the rest of the group. “Everyone, make sure to use your skills wisely. This is going to be a long battle. Only use your skills when absolutely necessary. Save your Mana Potions for critical moments. Fight with your weapons as much as possible to conserve your stamina.”
The monsters slammed against Ivana’s barrier with a loud crash, their claws and teeth grating against the surface. They snarled and roared in fury, pounding relentlessly as they tried to break through. The barrier held, but it wouldn’t last forever.
Livelywood moved with remarkable agility, swiftly positioning himself at the center of the battlefield. He raised his sword high and lunged toward the vulnerable eyes of a monster in front of him, his blade striking with precision.
It was evident that if the monsters weren’t taken down swiftly, they would eventually breach the barrier and ravage everything beyond it.
“Let’s concentrate our attacks on their weak points! That’s how we’ll do the most damage!” Livelywood hollered to Karl and Anna.
They had to fight with utmost efficiency, as this was going to be a battle of endurance. They needed to make every move count if they hoped to survive.
Heeding Livelywood’s instructions, the knights formed a unified strategy, focusing all their attacks on the monsters’ weakest points. They surged forward with powerful blows, gradually turning the tide of battle in their favor.
The entrance to the cave was narrow enough that, had the monsters breached the barrier, they would have been able to pass through only in limited numbers. Despite this restriction, there was still ample space for Livelywood, Karl, and Anna to engage in combat in their respective positions.
Karl adapted to Livelywood’s sword techniques with astonishing speed, his movements becoming almost indistinguishable from Livelywood’s.
“Karl has quite a knack for adapting and excelling in battles like this,” Livelywood said admiringly. “He’s able to mimic my movements with such precision and effectiveness.”
In this dire situation, Karl was demonstrating incredible progress that even Livelywood found hard to believe. He adjusted quickly, fighting almost identically to Livelywood. Karl was truly exceptional.
Meanwhile, Anna wielded her greatsword, and although her movements weren’t as agile as Karl’s, each of her strikes packed immense power, dealing significant damage. Her enthusiasm was evident in every swing; it was clear that she relished the fight, as if it were an integral part of her being.
“Broken truly has the best Knights he could ask for. I’d love to fight alongside Karl and Anna more often. Their fighting spirit is remarkable,” Livelywood said.
They had been fighting for an hour already, and Maylock could see that everyone’s stamina was nearly depleted. Despite the fatigue, they maintained strict discipline. Ivana’s barrier continued to hold off the monsters, while the others launched brutal attacks, bringing them down before they could breach the barrier.
A few monsters eventually managed to break through, but Livelywood swiftly moved to eliminate them before they could escape and attack the long-range fighters positioned in the back. The team’s coordination was vital, and Livelywood made sure none of the monsters
could exploit any weaknesses in their defense.
Maylock continued his assault while keeping a sharp eye on the team’s condition. He
managed to split his focus remarkably well.
“Starfall, focus on crowd control! They’re piling up at the cave entrance-hold off the ones
that are still further away.”
“Livelywood, give Anna more room. Let Yann assist her and finish off whatever she can’t.”
“Yann, don’t target monsters that are still at full health. Focus on finishing the ones with the
lowest health. Let Livelywood deal with the fresh ones.”
“Starfall, stick to a single element; it’ll save your stamina.”
“Ivana, focus on holding the barrier. We’ll handle the monsters.”
“Damn! Why are there so many of them?! Whoever’s behind this is a real asshole!”
Maylock’s face was tense, his eyes sharp with concentration. He was pushing himself to the limit, staying focused while continuously analyzing every detail of the battlefield.
It was clear he was determined to do everything in his power to keep the team safe. “This still doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon. The number of monsters is too overwhelming. If this continues, our defenses will be breached, and someone could lose their
life!”
“If things don’t change, and no assistance arrives, Karl, Yann, and Anna could be in serious danger,” Maylock muttered under his breath.
“While Broken still has to wait for his cooldown time to end! This is frustrating!”
“Our only chance is just…” he whispered, his eyes shifting toward Ivana. “She is not an ordinary Special NPC; I’ve analyzed her background. Will you reveal your true potential
today?”
***
(Author’s Note:)
Choosing the cave was a risky move-it’s a narrow space that’s both an advantage and a trap.
If the monsters overwhelm them, there will be no escape. But right now, it’s giving them a chance to fight efficiently.
What do you think-is this cave going to save them, or could it end up being their tomb if they
can’t hold out?
Let me know your thoughts, and if you’re biting your nails waiting for the next chapter, drop the Golden Ticket to keep the suspense going! ??