When Natasha returns, she can see that Preta, Crocils, Gans, and Vector are no longer weary like when they first entered.
"Are you all recovered?" Natasha asked.
Preta doesn't need information or updates from Natasha to know why she's back inside. Preta can surely guess, "They were chasing, weren't they?"
Gans and Vector exchange glances, smile, and at the same time say, "It's showtime."
"You're all fully recovered, right?" Natasha asks again, wanting to make sure of her friends' vitality.
Crocils nods silently with his blank gaze. Gans and Vector move their bodies to warm up before the battle. Meanwhile, Preta doesn't answer but gives a smile and says, "Let's begin."
Gans, Vector, and Preta then got up and prepared to head outside the cave towards Zhendra's location to check the enemies' position. Meanwhile, Crocils remained silent.
Preta noticed something strange about Crocils, "Are you okay?"
Once again, Crocils just nodded silently with his blank gaze and didn't answer Preta's question.
Suspicious of this strange behavior, Gans, who was near Crocils, tried to move his body. However, before he could do that, Crocils' blank gaze disappeared, and he raised his head to his friends who were watching him.
"Sorry... I was checking something, but now I'm ready."
Gans, who initially wanted to shake Crocils' body, changed his mind and lightly slapped Crocils while laughing, "I thought you were AFK."
Crocils looked at Gans and just smiled, "Nope, I'm still online."
"Okay. So, it's just Hexon and Dens left, can someone call them?" asked Preta, ready with his sword.
"Let me do it," said Natasha when all eyes turned to her. Even so, Natasha just wore a gave-up face, all seemed to bow down.
"Alright, we'll gather at the point near Zhendra but not outside. Zhendra will keep an eye on the enemies' position while we discuss to make a plan. So, let's move." Preta explained and then gave a signal with his drawn sword towards the cave exit.
Preta, Vector, Crocils, and Gans moved towards Zhendra. Meanwhile, Natasha went deeper into the cave to find Hexon and Dens.
###
Whoosh!
Dens's sword swing nearly catches Hexon, who's feeling around the cave walls for a water source.
Hexon's heart races, realizing his life's on the line due to Dens's reckless move. Meanwhile, Dens grins and smoothly sheaths his sword.
"Do that stupid move again, and my longsword will make sure it goes through your damn throat, motherfucker," Hexon says, pointing his longsword at Dens.
Hexon shoots an annoyed look, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. Dens, pretending not to notice, continues to feel the cave walls.
Hexon sheaths his longsword again. "Why do you always test new weapons?"
Dens is still silent. He knows he's wrong and almost killed Hexon's character, and he has no excuse to defend himself, so he just stays quiet.
Both of them continue to find a stream of water in cave walls.
Dens glances at Hexon a few times. He wants to make sure if Hexon has forgiven him and isn't mad anymore, even hoping that Hexon has forgotten what happened earlier.
Hexon notices Dens' glances for the countless time, and finally, his heart softens. He smiles and laughs inwardly.
"You can stop staring at me so foolishly. I'm not mad, but don't do it again."
Dens smiles while hugging his friend, "Sorry."
Hexon, actually still a bit annoyed by his friend's behavior. He tries to break free from Dens' hug. However, Dens holds onto him tightly.
"HEX!" Natasha's shout echoes softly, calling Hexon's name from a distance.
"Did you hear that?" Dens asks, releasing his hug.
"That's Natasha," Hexon says, quickly turning around and running. "NAT?"
"HEX!" Natasha's echoing shout is heard again, this time much louder.
Hexon and Dens continue running, with Hexon in the lead. Dens stretches out his arms, trying to touch the cave walls on both sides, still searching for a stream of water.
It doesn't take long before Natasha can hear the echoing sound of footsteps hitting the ground rapidly. The sound becomes louder and clearer over time.
While Hexon and Dens, who lost Natasha's shout, keep running towards their previous location.
The cave conditions at their location are actually pretty dark, but they can still see what's in front of them even though the visibility is limited.
Therefore, as Hexon and Dens quickly run towards Natasha, and Natasha just stands still, Natasha almost gets bumped into by Hexon. Luckily, Natasha manages to dodge with her quick reflexes. However, it's quite unlucky for Hexon because when he tries to stop to avoid the collision with Natasha, he ends up being bumped by Dens who is running behind him, causing him to fall flat.
Dens ignoring his mistake once again, he immediately faces Natasha and asks, "Are they coming?"
Natasha nodded at Dens, but she was still trying to calm herself after successfully dodging and holding back laughter at Hexon's tumble.
Didn't take being treated like that, Hexon immediately got up with his face covered in a few pebbles and scrapes. He then turned and unsheathed his sword, touching Dens' skin with it.
Hexon's quite long and sharp sword caused Dens' skin to scratch slightly, with blood trickling from the small wound.
Ignoring the injury, Dens looked at Hexon and said, "Sorry."
"If you guys want to fight, hold on. The enemy is approaching, and Preta told us to gather," Natasha said, trying to step in and stop the upcoming clash between Hexon and Dens.
Hexon sheathed his sword again, but his face still displayed anger. He still shot sharp glares and annoyance at Dens, yet his left eye, bothered by a speck of pebbles, kept blinking like someone with an illness.
Seeing the mix of angry expressions and Hexon's left eye blinking, Dens tried hard to hold back laughter, not wanting to worsen the situation.
"Guys, come on... we could die if still like this," Natasha pleaded with both of them to stop fighting and focus on the approaching enemy.
"Okay, I'll settle the score with you later, Dens," said Hexon, then turned to Natasha, "You lead the way."
"And don't stop suddenly," added Dens.
Hexon stared at Dens, feeling like Dens was blaming him, causing his fall.
"Sorry," Dens said again, trying to calm down the still upset Hexon.
"Guys, we're running out of time," Natasha said once more, trying to calm them for the last time because after that, she ran towards where Zhendra was.
Hexon quickly followed Natasha, and Dens followed Hexon, keeping a slightly greater distance than before.
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###
"Find anything, Zhend?" Preta asked as soon as he reached Zhendra, who was still monitoring.
Petra, Vector, Crocils, and Gans bowed as they approached Zhendra at the cave's edge to see the enemies Zhendra had been monitoring.
Zhendra didn't shift his attention at all, "Tigar and eight players, but there are seven more players approaching."
"Have you figured out the roles of all the players?"
"Tigar, leader, close. Two players with spears, mid to close, seem like newbies. Two players with swords, and one archer. Then, Three chasers. The other seven players seem like newbies who just left HCU, they're using basic gear."
"Okay, keep an eye on them and let us know if there are any changes. We'll be behind you discussing strategy. Do you want something specific?"
"No, I'll just go along."
"Got it."
Preta then pats Gans on the back, who is on his right. Once Gans's attention is caught, Preta says, "Is this position good enough to attack the swamp?"
"Do you want to taunt them?"
"If Hexon and Dens have explored the cave, they might have found something interesting that we can use to our advantage. Besides, the only way to the cave is through the swamp. That would also be our advantage for a ranged attack."
Gans nodded, listening to Preta's explanation. "Alright, let me learn about the bow and arrow first, given by Tigar."
"Thanks. You can stay here or join us at the back, it's up to you."
"Understood."
"Crocils, Vector, retreat now," Preta ordered, then walked backward, bending down to avoid being seen by the enemies.
Crocils and Vector followed Preta.
"Alright, you two. What attacks can you use?" Preta asked Crocils and Vector, who were already inside the cave, unseen from below but close enough to assist Zhendra and Gans.
Crocils and Vector both accessed their Self-UI to check the available attacks for them.
"No specific spell names, but I can attack with physical type like sword slashes. All stats are still low, just the usual newbie stuff," said Crocils.
Vector looked at Crocils and then at Preta, "Oddly enough, same here. No names."
"Forget the oddities for now, maybe it's because of an update. The most important thing now is that we can use them to attack," Preta replied.
"Sure, do you need the detailed information?" asked Vector.
"Go ahead."
"Type is physical slashing, AP 1, weight 1, cooldown 10 seconds, duration 1 minute, range 100 meters. Critical chance 2.5%, for now. Spell read 1, the move is like-" Vector then demonstrated the motion he needed to perform when casting the spell.
The move is pretty easy. Vector just has to look and focus on the target, raise his hand, and cast his mantra. This will summon a shadow of a sword only visible to Vector, near the target he desires. After that, Vector has to lower his hand while clenching it as if he's about to punch someone. Then he must cast his second mantra to execute the attack. Meanwhile, his other hand has to hold his weapon.
After demonstrating the move, Vector sits back down. "The first mantra summons the sword shadow near the target. So, if the shadow is already there, I just need to cast the second mantra, but the movement still has to be followed."
Preta shifts his gaze to Crocils, who is trying to mimic the same move, "You too?"
"Yeah, but maybe the mantra is different."
Preta rubs his head, "Very useful and easy. The enemy might slashing you first."
"In that case, I can use the another attack, but it requires a reload," Vector says.
"Please explain."
"Wait, Vec. Is it the attack with the arrow shadow that shoots?" Crocils asks after checking his Self-UI once again.
"In me, there's no name for it. But yeah, that's how the attack goes," Vector replies.
"Same, I don't have a name for it, just a description," replied Crocils. "Physical piercing type, AP 1, weight 1, cooldown 10 seconds, summon range 100 meters, attack range 25 meters, attack speed 1 per second, arrow speed instantly, arrow ammo 10. Critical chance 2.5%. Spell read 1."
"What about physical movements? Not needed?" Preta asked.
"On my UI, it's needed. So, the movements go like this," Vector said, standing up again to demonstrate.
The movements for this spell are a bit trickier than before. Vector needs to look at and focus on the target, raising his closed hand as if to punch and casting the mantra. This action summons a shadow of a bow visible only to Vector near the desired target. Then, Vector has to release his fist to attack. After that, he closes his hand again, casting his second mantra to reload the arrow while pulling back his hand and advancing it again. Meanwhile, his other hand must hold his weapon.
"After that, just like the first spell, I just need to release my fist to attack, and to reload still the same." Vector said.
"Alri-"
"But, we shouldn't lower our hands because if we do, the shadow of the bow will disappear, and it will count as using the spell," added Crocils, cutting off Preta's words.
"What? Let me check first," said Vector, "You're right. It will be very tiring."
Preta sighed, closing his eyes, "Very bad, but it could be useful."
"Sure, so what can we do?" asked Crocils.
"The enemy doesn't know both attacks, right?"
Vector and Crocils nodded.
"You guys will hide, so your attacks will be invisible to the enemies. We, who have physical attacks, will face the enemies directly. You just aim for the enemy's vital points, it will increase critical chance and at least add damage."
"Hiding but also must see the enemies, it will be easy enough, as long as the enemies' distance is a bit far. But a hundred meters, that's too close," replied Crocils.
Preta smiled upon hearing Crocils' statement, "Not necessary, if we manage to lure them into the cave. But, there's one thing I want to make sure of, is there a specific direction when you raise your hand?"
"Doesn't seem like it," Crocils said, looking at Vector to confirm, "Right, isn't it?"
"Yeah, the instruction is just to raise the hand, so I think we can try different directions later."
"Any risk if it fails or gets disrupted?" Preta asked.
"Not for me," Vector replied.
While Crocils remained silent with a blank stare. Shortly after, Crocils' face regained expression, and he said, "By default, no, but earlier I checked the staff stats Tigar gave me. Turns out, I can use an another attack. Besides, the staff also has an influence for the previous spell."
"Can you explain?" Preta asked.
"AP increases to 1.2, cooldown decreases to 9 seconds, critical chance increases to 12.5%, but there's a risk if it gets disrupted by the enemy's attack, then 10% of the damage will hit me."
"So you can be a priority for the caster, and does the arrow ammo also increase?" Preta asked.
"Unfortunately, no."
"Then, the third attack?"
"This attack has a name, it's called 'Force Arrow.' It's almost the same as the previous one, but its AP is higher at 2.1. Also, its summon range is longer, 150 meters, with an attack range still at 25 meters. The arrow speed is instant, and it comes with 5 arrow ammo. The critical chance is 5%. The rest is the same."
"Good, this is much more reliable. By the way, to make it easier later, let's call our sword attack 'Shadow of Sword' and the arrow attack 'Shadow of Arrow.' Or does anyone want to suggest a name?" Preta said.
Vector looked at Crocils, waiting for confirmation. After getting it, Vector replied, "We'll give it a name later, but we can use those names."
"Got it. And just so you know, I don't have any game attacks except for manual attacks."
Manual attacks are a type of attack in WoW that doesn't have any special mechanics. These attacks solely depend on the player's initiative, and the attack stats are based on the player's stats combined with the weapon stats used, along with any additional stats from using the environment if available.
Manual attacks are usually more realistic, like a player swinging a sword to stab or slash enemies, shooting arrows, or even throwing punches. All of these are called manual attacks.
Non-manual attacks or game attacks are terms used by almost all WoW players to refer to attacks provided with mechanics by the game. Examples include punches that can produce fire, more powerful sword slashes, or arrows that fly faster than they should. Additionally, attacks like magic or non-physical ones are all considered non-manual attacks.
While waiting for Natasha to arrive with Hexon and Dens, Preta orders Crocils and Vector to find a safe and comfortable location for them to attack the swamp area.
Then, Crocils and Vector leave Preta behind. But shortly after, the whispering voices of Hexon and Dens arguing can be heard.
"Preta, are you alone? Has the attack started?" Natasha asks as soon as they arrive.
Preta looks at Hexon and Dens, and that's enough to make both of them quiet. "Do you know how much fall damage you'd take if you fell from here into the swamp below?"
"Sorry, but Dens attacked me first," Hexon says, looking like a child being scolded by their parent.
"I said it was accidental, and I already apologized," Dens replies.
"Guys... the enemy ca-"
"Why are you being loud? The enemies could detect us, so be ready," Gans interrupts Natasha as he runs into the cave.
Hearing that, everyone's attention turns to Preta. Preta stands up, preparing his sword. "Get ready to fight. Gans, tell Zhendra to use shadow arrow attacks to target the enemy's vital points, same goes for you with your bow. Then, both of you find a spot for ranged attacks into the swamp."
"Got it." Gans immediately ran back to Zhendra.
"Nat, stay quiet in the cave. Whoever comes up, push them down right away," Preta ordered Natasha.
"Got it." Natasha replied with a nod.
"Hexon, Dens, and I will stand at the edge of the cave cliff to grab their attention. Once they're all down below, we'll jump down and finish them off before they can run or call for help."
Hexon smiled after hearing Preta's instructions, "Oh... so that's what your question meant."
Meanwhile, Dens just smiled and held back a laugh, "Got it."
"But what about fall damage? Have you tested it?" Hexon asked.
"We'll wait for one player to go up, then we push. If they die, we move on to plan B." Preta answered.
"What's that?"
"Use the enemy's body as our footrest, so the fall damage goes to them, and we'll either be safe or at least take a little damage." Dens explained.
"But that would be very difficult, nobody would want to, they would definitely resist," Hexon replied.
"That's why I made it Plan B. Do you understand?" Preta replied.
"Why don't we just wait for them until they enter the cave, we can set up a trap?"
Natasha looks at Preta and said, "Yeah, you also said you'd lure them into the cave, that's why we need to call Hexon and-"
Whoosh! Crack!
An arrow flies towards the four of them. Shortly after, a second arrow flies in the same direction.
Preta raises his hand pointing to the arrows, "No time. So get ready."
"Got it."