Chapter 26
Being appointed as the bait to his own very plan, Robert silently made his way towards the group of {Undead}. Taking a deep breath, knowing for sure these guys are stronger and faster than him, he then
"[Acceleration]"
[×>××[]××<×]
<> [Acceleration] (Author's POV on Robert's stats)
<> When one's feet is used, body shall move. [Mastery - 21: 269/ 630]
<> 5% (+3%) increased in user's speed and reflexes for 5 (+2) seconds
<><> When casted, additional 5% attack damage to any quick attack for 3 seconds.
<><><> When successfully killed an enemy when [Acceleration] is activated, +5% attack damage to any skills for 2 seconds. [Resets every kill and won't stack]
[×>××[]××<×]
Muttered as he casted his skills and
Swoosh
Dash forward.
Nghhraaa?
Ghhnnraaa?
....?
The necromancer and its army then stared at him as pass them
Shatter
A small bottle, 2 inches long, then out of nowhere shattered on the ground. The {Undead} merely looked at it as it broke
Kk.... Kkrakkk.... Khkkrahhkk Nghraaaaa!!
Then suddenly, all of them then started roaring in a resounding scream, furious.
Veerrrmmiinnn..... Destrooyyy!
The {Wandering Draugr} then pointed its skeleton finger at Robert as he ran
Ghraaakkkkk!!
All the {Undead} then roared as they started catching him. With his boosted speed and flexible footwork, he was able to distance himself away from the monsters while sprinting towards the den of the {Goblins}.
Deep in the woods, stood a yawning maw carved into the mound, with edges rugged with hanging moss and creeping vines. The lair where this hideous creature nest, the [Goblin Den]
Kraaa!
Nraaaa!
Toink Tank Toink Crash
Kraaa?
Curious, one of the {Goblins} went towards the shattered glass, investigating this shiny little thing
Krr..... Kraakk..... Kkrhkaaakk! Krraaakkk!
Kraaakk!
Swiftly, their behavior changes, like a docile hare that suddenly gone wild. Eyes widened with furious glint, screaming yells resounding the cave, body convulsion and erratical behavior.
Khrraaaakkkk!
Clang Clang Clang Clang
Kraaak!!
Hearing such disturbing sound outside of their lair, all the {Goblins} then sprinted out in frenzy, trying to silent this annoying pest. Hearing the loud footsteps of the rushing monsters, Robert then distance himself from the den, and moved back towards the direction where the {Undead} will come.
Kraaaak!
He then started ringing the stone and metal rod he have in hand
Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang
Kraaakkk!
Ghraaakkk!
As the {Goblins} emerges from their nest, the hunting group of {Undead} then shows up from behind. Robert then stored his items and casted
"[Camouflage]"
And hid as he lunch himself up to a large tree near him, awaiting for the brawl to start, and for his reward to fell.
[×>××[]××<×]
"[Camouflage]"
<> Those who attack with great might were feared, those who defend to protect was respected, but those who stride in silence brought terror on their wake. [Mastery - 2: 34/ 2, 000]
<> When [Camouflage] is used, the user has 10% [Those who are 5 ranks below] to 4% [Those who are 3 ranks above] chance being unseen. [CD: 2 hours]
<><> When the user killed an enemy while [Camouflage] is activated, +5% damage to any sneak attack.
[×>××[]××<×]
(Sarah's POV)
<> [Wandering Draugr] {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 467]<
[AGI: 20]<
[INT: 70]<
[VIT: 2,450]<
[DEF: 32%]<
[Rank: Silver III]
[Skills:]
<> [Leadership] {passive}
<> An ability to lead, to guide. An ability to command and control. A skill gifted to those who can move forward, and look back. [Mastery - 17: 238/1,190]
<> Can command its pack with flawless precision. [Passive: 3% boost in power [magic and physical] and speed for 5 seconds, for those who are inside its pack. 1% boost in power [magic and physical] and speed for 5 seconds, for those who follow his command [not inside its pack]
<><> +3% in power [magic and physical] for every 5 individual it commands.
<> [Earthen Lance]
<> Drawn from the earth, forged from its embrace, a javelin hewn from beneath. [Mastery - 13: 45/ 650]
<> Cast 2(+1) earth spike at the enemy, dealing 2%(+1%) magic damage
<> [Fire Blast]
<> A fire sorcery that cast a ball of flame. [Mastery - 16: 276/ 1,280]
<> Discharge a burst of flame that deals 5%(+3%) magic damage
<><> Within 1 meter radius, cause 3% magic damage when [Fire Blast] is casted.
<> [Magic Proficiency] {passive}
<> Dawn in the era of Sorcery, those who wields magic were regarded as Prophets, upon their knowledge and skills, the world is engulfed with heightened curiosity. [Mastery - 23: 789/ 1,840]
<> For every successful magic casted, 1%(+1%) magic damage is added
<><> Casting 2 spells at once deals 3% magic damage.
<> [Life Drain]
<> Touched of life from death, a gift given to those who envy creation. [Mastery - 6: 59/ 600]
<> Stunning your enemy and draining 5% of their stats for 3 seconds.
[Race: Undead]
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..
<> [Undead] {+5 STR, +3 AGI} {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 255]<
[AGI: 23]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 1,200]<
[DEF: 24%]<
[Rank: Copper II]
[Skills:]
<> [Unlimited Stamina: Passive]
<> A skill from a fiend who takes pleasure from women. An eminence lust, and never ending endurance, to last for a day or two. [Duration: none] [Mastery: 0/0 (maxed)]
<> Doesn't need to sleep, eat, neither drink nor rest.
<> [Vigor Consumption]
<> Touched of life from death, a gift given to those who envy creation. [Mastery - 9: 239/ 630]
<> Deal 0.5% (+0.5%) attack damage to the enemy while stealing 3% of their stats. [CD: 1 hour]
[Race: Undead]
..
<> [Goblin Swordsman] {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 192]<
[AGI: 10]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 1,200]<
[DEF: 24%]<
[Rank: Copper]
[Skills:]
<> [Sword Slash]
<> A sword skill where you can cut your enemy with one sweep. Slashing their neck and body apart in one swing. [Mastery - 12: 306/ 600]
<> Deals 3% (+2%) attack damage
<><> +2% attack damage if successfully hits the enemies vital spot.
<> [Quick Feet]
<> A gift from the wind spirit, to boost one speed. [Mastery - 7: 49/ 210]
<> It let the user dashed for 3(+1) meters front with additional 1%(+1%) increase in reflexes
<> [Fury]
<> Wrath comes in great condition, both destruction and vulnerability. [Mastery - 7: 180/ 560]
<><> When [Fury] is activated, the user will gain 3%(+1%) boost in both speed and power for 5 seconds. [Flaw: vulnerable to any attack]
[Race: Goblin]
..
<> [Goblin *Bludgeoner] {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 189]<
[AGI: 13]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 1,200]<
[DEF: 24%]<
[Rank: Copper]
[Skills:]
<> [Armor Bash]
<> Steal, and iron can't dare to block and hinder your ferocious assault. [Mastery - 15: 235/ 600]
<> 3%(+2%) penetration on any iron armor, and steel armor.
<><> Additional 1% in attack power if the attack went through the armor
<> [Fury]
<> Wrath comes in great condition, both destruction and vulnerability. [Mastery - 5: 10/ 400]
<><> When [Fury] is activated, the user will gain 3%(+1%) boost in both speed and power for 5 seconds. [Flaw: vulnerable to any attack]
[Race: Goblin]
Krraaakk!
Graahhkkk!
"...."
Wham! Wham! Clash! Smash!
Frowning, I could only stare at the 2 group of monsters battling each other, while I hid myself at a distance from them. As the fastest of the group, I followed Robert, the man Sethal trusted, from behind, while making sure he won't notice my presence by distancing myself from him.
Seeing that I can't do anything in this point, I just simply turn back and return to the others.
Rustle Rustle
(Robert's POV)
".... Still skeptical eh?"
I stated, as I saw one of those gorgeous lass leaving the area.
'If I remember, her name is Sarah, right?'
Slash! Slash! Bash!
Wham! Clash! Wham!
Staring down, I then saw some {Undead} mawing off some of the {Goblin's} flesh
Ggraakk!
<> [Goblin *Bludgeoner] {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 166.32]<
[AGI: 11.44]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 308.4]<
While some of the {Goblins} swung their swords towards the {Undead}.
Slash! Slash! Slash!
<> [Undead] {+5 STR, +3 AGI} {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 255]<
[AGI: 23]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 553.5]<
"[Earthen Lance]!"
Grrkkaaaa!
While that {Wright} started casting its spell at the opposing enemy
"[Fire Blast]!"
<> [Goblin Swordsman] {Rage: +10 STR}
[Name: None]
[STR: 192]<
[AGI: 10]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 355.3]<
'..... Well, all according to plan, I guess?'
I muttered as I summoned another small bottle in my hand, and a steel sword.
(Author's POV)
It didn't take an hour for Robert to come back. As everyone saw him, Sethal then asked
"So, what happened?"
No words came out from his mouth, he simply took out something from his ring and presented it to everyone
"!"
And stated
"I was just lucky, ha?"
Smugly spoke. Relieved, Sethal congratulated him while the 4 simply gaze at the bodyless corpse of the monster
<> [Skull of {Wandering Draugr}]
[Description:]
<> A slayed wandering dread and regret, its skull that houses hatred and guilt. A valuable item used for equipment, accessory, or grimoire. Beware that sometimes it hold malice and curse.
And confirmed the death of the monster Sarah saw
"So, how's it?"
He asked at them as he smirked, which the 4 simply smiled back. He then shrugged and move on, seeing that the wall they erected didn't even cracked
....
"It was surprising to see a bunch of {Goblin Rider} coming out from the den, so it really took quite some time for me to deal with all of them"
<> [Goblin Rider]
[Name: None]
[STR: 0]<
[AGI: 0]<
[INT: 0]<
[VIT: 0]<
"So how did you deal with them?"
Elizabeth asked, as they looked around the area, and saw this much corpses laying on the ground
"Well, let us just say I have some fair share of combats and tricks"
[Name: Robert]
<> [Class: Hunter]
[STR: 312]<
[AGI: 42]<
[INT: 0]<
[Rank: Silver III]
[Skills]
<> [Acceleration] (Author's POV on Robert's stats)
<> When one's feet is used, body shall move. [Mastery - 21: 269/ 630]
<> 5% (+3%) increased in user's speed and reflexes for 5 (+2) seconds
<><> When casted, additional 5% attack damage to any quick attack for 3 seconds.
<><><> When successfully killed an enemy when [Acceleration] is activated, +5% attack damage to any skills for 2 seconds. [Resets every kill and won't stack]
<> [Misdirection]
<> In a game of chance, a deft hand flicks, for eyes as wide with glances spark, weave and stray our heart away. [Mastery - 20: 153/ 800]
<> +1%(+1%) speed and 10%(+10%) chance of tricking your enemy
<><> Successfully misdirecting your enemy for 1st try, +2% speed and damage [magic and physical] for any sneak attack.
<><><> Misdirected enemy will be stunned for 3 seconds
<> [Picklocks]
<> Locked doors or sealed chest, with honed skills and patience hold, a single twist and silent click, even the tightly shut up lip is unbarred. [Mastery - 30: 378/ 1,200]
<> 20%(+10%) chance of opening chest and trap
<><> When successfully [Picklocks] a chest, the 2nd chest will have +10% chance of being opened
<> [Perception]
<> Surveillance is the key for survival. [Mastery - 19: 225/ 1,520]
<> Can sense enemy, traps, and chest in 1(+1) meter radius
<><> +15% chance of unlocking chest and traps in 1.5 meters radius, and +1% in speed for 5 seconds
<> [Camouflage]
<> Those who attack with great might were feared, those who defend to protect was respected, but those who stride in silence brought terror on their wake. [Mastery - Lv 2: 34/ 2, 000]
<> When [Camouflage] is used, the user has 10% [Those who are 5 ranks below] to 4% [Those who are 3 ranks above] chance being unseen. [CD: 2 hours]
<><> When the user killed an enemy while [Camouflage] is activated, +5% damage to any sneak attack.
[Race: Human]
Suddenly noticing Kanade's gaze, Robert then smiled and asked in a daring tone as he crossed his arms
"Got charmed?"
Which simply ignored by Kanade with an indifferent gaze.
Sigh
Rustle Rustle Rustle Rustle Rustle Rustle
"!!"
Hearing a sudden rustling sound, everyone then on high alert.
".... We should move"
Robert muttered, he then
Flick
And flicked Sethal's forehead as he stated
"Don't panic now my dear friend"
Understanding his words, Sethal then nodded as he then called out their {Horses} with a whistle
Wheeeeet~!
Nneeighhh~!
"We should get out of here before something else will pop up*
"How about the loot?"
Sarah asked
"I already taken the most important and valuable one, so let's go"
He said in a hurry and stern, as he meet the approaching {Horses}.
'His a [Hunter] yet has a [Thief] like skill, I don't believe this guy even a bit'
'Well, that's not surprising, don't we hate him?'
'When was the time we didn't?'
The 4 then simply chuckles.
....
"We should rest here"
Robert stated, as the sun already set, and the forest is slowly being covered with darkness. 2 hours of transversing the woods, they then halted. Sethal and Elizabeth then summoned their tents. Robert then started gathering some woods while Kanade and Tsubaki started preparing for their evening meal.
Click Click Click Click Click
Whoooosh
Crackle Crackle Crackle
As the fire crackles in the evening time
Gulp
"Puah! Delicious!"
"Nuhmmm~..... This is so, goood!"
"Such flattery, we simply cooked a simple meal"
"Well, we never been served with such a simple yet exquisite meal by a beautiful lady before"
"And I think I know why"
Sarah sarcastically stated as they enjoyed a heartily meal in this silent night.
Hoot Hoot Hoot Hoot Hoot
...
".... Be on your guard"
As the morning came, before sunrise, they then continued their journey towards the once palace of a strong {Witch}, vigilantly as they transverse
Clop Clop Clop Clop Clop Clop (hooves halting)
6 hours as they run across the dense forest, Robert then signaled the others to stop.
"From here on out, we will be walking"
He stated as he dismount their ride. The Co then stared upfront, and saw before them the hovering tower, painted in a charcoal and grayish black.
"Stay alert, they could be anywhere, so watch your steps for any trap, and be on lookout for any monsters in the vicinity"
Assertively he commanded. Nodding, everyone then made their way towards the tower.
....
"Strange"
Elizabeth commented, as they halted just a distance from the tower. As they travel towards the tower in a silent step, they never encountered anything on the way. No roaming monsters, no chirping birds, neither noises of the incest in the wood, it was complete, and utterly silent.
Swoosh
Silence deluge the area, Robert face spoke of anxiety, urgency, and suspicion.
"Wh-what's going on Robert?"
"Shhh, someone's here"
He stated as he stood up, signaling everyone to follow him. The co felt indifference in his speech, as if he wasn't the same man they meet, while Sethal was puzzled and in panic. Seeing the sudden changes in them, they felt warned and on guard.
'Stay vigilant'
Elizabeth stated as they followed the 2 from behind. The tower, though stood in its might has its walls battered, roof worned, and structure covered in moss and ferns, with vines hanging from its old walls. Though eerie, it felt peaceful and quiet, as if its menacing structure is merely a cover.
Robert then signaled everyone to halt, as he slowly walked towards the tower's wooden door. Summoning his sword and on guard, he then opened the wooden barricade
"!!"
Dread, fright, uneasiness, and panic envelope them, suffocating their senses as the stench of blood and malice creeped out from the tower's gap. Helpless, intimidated, and confused, they stood frozen, like a mere sheep awaiting for the hunter's strike.
Snap
Snapping out, Robert then jump back, hold his sword in a tight grasp and
"Re-nhmmp!!"
Grip! Snag! Latch! Clasp!
Suddenly, unknown hands then clutched him tightly, wrapping around his body in an unyielding embrace. Before he could even finish, something then silenced him.
"Nhmnn!!"
And dragged him inside
"Nhnmmghh!!"
Bang!
And only his muffled scream resound as he vanish.
Thud
"A.... A.... Aa..... Ahhhhh!!"
Sethal, in terror scream as he run away, frightened as he desperately trying to distance himself from this place
"Hel-nhnmmp!!"
Clasp! Grasp! Grasp!
Thud!
Crreeeaakkk
Groans of ominosity then creeped, as a new entrance split open in the old, worn tower. Fear lingers as it send shivers to everyone, gripping their heart in darkness and dread.
"Nhhnnmmmm!!"
I his muffled voice, he screamed
Whoosh!
Dragging him inside
Creeeaakk....
As the walls slowly close
Badump Badump Badump Badump
Heart beats in a frantic rhythm, with quickened pulse in fright. Standing there in daze, they could only watched as the 2 were dragged inside the tower. Shivers as anxiety took over them, warning them
Creak
Of a dreadful malice.
"!!"
And a sudden reveal of uncertain guest
Snap
<><><><><>
*"Bludgeoner" typically refers to someone who uses a bludgeoning weapon, such as a club or a heavy blunt object, in combat or as a tool.