Let's talk about the classes. The classes can be considered as job classifications for the adventurers. Each classes has its own role and uniqueness. For example, we archers are unique given that we can attack on long distances using projectiles, while merchants are unique on their own way given that they are the only class who are recognized to do official negotiations with the official trading institutions around the world. These kind of negotiations refers to those discounts and overcharges that they can bargain with the official traders specially if they are traders from the government itself. Of course, we common folk could do it but as adventurers are a collection of different people, our credibility is not that favorable unlike the merchants. These merchant class of the adventurers are different from your typical one. The typical merchants whom you can see at the cities and taking root of their own family business or company are far different. The merchant class of the adventurers are what you call those battle oriented merchants. They don't stay at particular location and their setup is in such a way that they do there businesses remotedly. They are the also the ones who are supplying themselves by hunting the materials by themselves or going from one place to another seeking for a short time business before moving to other. The kafra corporation, a world recognized logistical based company provides them with specially modified carts which they use to transport there goods which at the same time can be used offensively. Of course, along the way, they gain idispensible knowledge which could be turn into profit. Some promotional classes like Blacksmiths and Alchemists requires you to become a merchant first.

Thief classes on other hand are not refering to criminal thives. It is true that they do mugging but they aren't allowed to do it against fellow humans else it will be considered as a crime, therefore they use there mugging skills to take something away from the monsters. This kind of ability is useful if the goal is to take something that is being carried by the monster but the monster is stronger than the thief itself. They are very proficient in a use of poison during battles which makes them scary. Unlike heavily armored swordsmans, there arts are all based on their agility. Swordsmans uses there toughness to do their bidding while thief uses their agility to execute there attacks, making them fatal. Once a thief reaches a time that he is very proficient on his trade, he will be allowed to join the Assassin's guild or the Rogue's guild.

Promotional classes are as what it says. These classes are an advance classes derived from the basic classes. Once a certain individual becames too proficient already, that individual reaches a choke point which becomes a dilemma as there is no more room for improvement. The promotional classes offers these individuals a chance to make themselves stronger by developing there basic abilities they learned and turn it into something better. Of course, the arts taught at the promotional classes are only unique to them. You won't expect them to teach it to anyone that is not part of their organizations or circle. Such things are a taboo. Besides, it is almost impossible to use or mimic the abilities of the promotional classes as all of there skills and knowledge can only be used once you gain mastery of your abilities when you are still on a basic class else you won't understand how it works

Right now, two of our 6-man party members are a merchant and a thief. If they said that they are on-going training, then it means they are finally being recognized as someone who finally mastered there profession. Mastery of the profession don't choose an age or time, as long as an individual gains a knack of it and do it flawlessly then that is enough. Of course saying it is just simple, but doing it is not. It takes a lot of effort to be recognized as a master and the only people who can tell that to you are those big wigs of the promotional class guilds. If they decided to train you, then it means you are already recognized and is now ready to be taught with their craft.

On my case, my only path is to be either a Hunter or a Bard. A bard is a promotional class that utilizes musical instruments and combined it with magic to provide convenience while hunter is like the improved version of us archers. I heard from my old man that if ever I go to Hunter's guild, I can now be recognized to be trained under them. But of course, the one who decide that are the big wigs of that guild, my old man just tell it out of experience. I don't have any plans yet to become a hunter as it is too troublesome. For now, you might say I am contented with myself. After all, since I am already a master of my craft, I am already strong on my own way anyways. I am confident that if I go toe to toe with a hunter, I will win.

"Hmm Munaks... No matter how many times I look at them, they really are a funny existence. There endless hopping up and down is what makes them comical. It makes no sense to be honest."

Eye Doctor watch the Munaks in a bit further away from us. The Munaks are undeads that wears a traditional oriental red burial dress together with a burial cap with a talisman attached to it that hops up and down. According to my old man, the munaks body are very stiff that they couldn't use there joints. Since there joints are useless, they move their body by hopping up and down towards the location.

"The Munaks are the undeads wearing those red burial clothes right? How about those who wear blue burial clothes over there?"

Yoona points towards the another undead wearing a blue burial dress that is in similar design with the munak. However, that undead looks fairly strong compared to the munak.

"Ah that one? That is called Bongun. It is similar to Munak the difference is that, those Bongun are a bit stronger as they attacked harder compare to the Munaks. Bonguns are re-animated male corpses while Munaks are females. The red burial clothes are for women while blue burial clothes are for males, which made them gender oriented."

"I think those burial caps they are wearing will fetch a good price if we will sell it."

"I wonder if I can take them out with one heal.."

"......"

As Eye Doctor answers Yoona, Seun and Rina watch the Bonguns and Munaks hopping around and are in thought about something. I moved around and went to a place with a higher view, unfortunately this is inside a damn cave so such thing is very difficult to find instead I look for a bit elevated place where I could atleast see a much wider overview. Upon seeing it, the approximate number of munaks and bonguns are around 20 scattered all around the place. Right now we are at 3rd phase of the cave, just like the 2nd cave, the paths on this phase are a bit narrow. We need to eliminate these monsters if we want to pass through. We can use the terrain to our advantage by luring them one by one on a much narrow space and take them out there. However since the space is too narrow, only a limited amount of people can fight efficiently there, probably a maximum of two people fighting side by side, more than that and it will be too cramped. Fortunately our melee fighters are higher compared to ranged fights, I am the only ranged fighter oriented here anyways. After thoroughly scouting the area, I went back towards them.

"Approximately 20 of those are scattered along that stretch, the space is too cramped so I suggest it is better to take them out bit by bit."

Yoona tuck her arms in front of her chest and ponders a while. Ibram, Seun, Eye Doctor and Rina are listening intently on our conversation as they went towards us forming a small circle.

"Hmm I see.. Fighting within a narrow space limits our movements, if that would be the case, it is better to take them out one by one or lure them out towards one spot."

"Luring them out on one spot is a good idea but without a mage or an effective area of effect spell will make it fatal. Eye Doctor, is your sanctuary could be possible utilize here?"

I look towards Eye Doctor as I ask this question. Eye Doctor ponders a bit and with his aloof expression he said:

"Sanctuary can be used however it is not a one shot spell. The healing it provides is continuos, if we got flooded with undead, there is a risk that some of them will slip pass through."

"Then that takes out the option for luring. What do you think Yoona?"

"Hmmm.. Then we have no choice but to take them one by one. Me and Ibram will do the attack while Seun will cover the back. Seun's axe is large, your full swing will be ineffective against the terrain. Ibram is a thief, so he is more suitable to fighting at this kind of confined spaces. I'll be the vanguard and take there attention to me while Ibram will assassinate them behind. Eye Doctor and Rina, cover us from behind with your support magics. Kavach, you provide us with cover fire."

"Providing cover fire under this terrain is difficult as there is a risk of a friendly fire, let's revise it a bit. Yoona, once you take there attention to yourself, don't attack it first and maintain a suitable distance, I will snipe them from afar and forced them to lose there balance, once that happens you guys take that out."

"Sounds like a plan. Let's do it! Everyone, to your positions!"

Everyone nod there heads and went to their respective positions. Yoona take the vanguard, behind her was Ibram. A bit of distance behind Ibram was Eye Doctor and Rina while Seun is behind those two. I went back to my previous position earlier, I bend my knees a bit and take to a sniping position. From my position, I can clearly see all of them, both Yoona and our party and also the enemis further. Yoona looks at me, waiting for my affirmation.

"Improve Concentration"

I cast my self-buff and in that instant my senses became sharper. Eye Doctor and Rina had finished casting Blessing and Increase Agility to everyone.

"Yoona, I'll give you an another protection buff since you will take a vanguard role.. Kyrie Eleison!!!!"

Eye Doctor casts an unfamiliar buff spell towards Yoona, and a faint bluish light surrounds her body.

"What is this buff?"

Yoona asks as she looks at her body now covered with a faint bluish light.

"It is called Kyrie Eleison. It is a buff that gives you a temporary protection all around your body. It will act as a shield and blocks any kinds of attack from any direction however pls remember, that buff is a barrier type buff and would shatter after being hitted by few attacks or by a strong attack. Since it was temporary, it will also dissipitate after a certain amount of time."

"Wow! Amazing!! Priests surely is amazing!!"

Rina's eyes sparkle as she praises Eye Doctor. Simpleton.. 

I am in a bit fair distance from them but with my sharpened senses, I can hear them from here. After seeing that everyone is ready, I look ahead and focus on the opponent in front of us. There are 2 Munaks and 1 Bongun nearby, I guess I'll better start with those. I give a hand gesture and a nod, after Yoona saw it, she nods and quickly charged forward. I hold my bow firmly without moving a single inch, I focus intently on each of the body parts of both the Munaks and Bonguns, looking for a perfect spot to disturb there balance.

Sniping is the most difficult task for us archers. Our accuracy should be perfect and our attacks should be precise and when all those two esssential factors are set, the execution should be consistent. Improve Concentration enhances those 3 important factors of sniping. Everything behind me was a total black, and the only thing on my vision are the different places where I can shoot. 

Yoona arrived 4 steps before the Munaks and Bonguns, she breaths in and out and concentrates a bit. After a short while, she release a strong killing intent towards the Munaks and Bongun.

"Provoke!!"

Yoona's aura became too intimidating. The feeling is too thick which made the undeads stop at their tracks and look towards her. Sensing the strong intimidating presence of Yoona, the undead quickly turn there bodies and hop towards her. They sure hop fast than a rabbit.

Yoona backs bit by bit as she maintains her distance, luring them away from there group. I breath in and out and pull the strings fully, loaded on my bow is a silver colored arrow. Target locking.... I focus on the spot that it will make it trip. Problem with dealing with undeads is that these monsters doesn't feel a thing so shooting on vital spots is useless as they won't twitch and won't feel pain. Shooting it at the heart is useless too as this thing is already dead, the organs that makes it alive is considered to be non functional. However, if a certain thing is animated, then there should be one singular thing in that body that will function as a control center of the body where the magic is concentrated or housed, that is the brain. There are many varieties of undead the problem with this one is that there body are too stiff and a bit tough, I think it will take atleast 2 to 3 arrows consistently shooted at one spot to penetrate through its skull. Since it was hopping, the best place to shoot at it was at the....That ankle! I patiently wait for the timing to shoot. Everything around me becames slow, and as the Munaks and Bongun hop and was about to land at the ground, with precision, I released my arrow. The deadly streak of line flew across the field towards the ankle of the first Munak, striking it through. With it's severed ankle, the moment that munak lands, its body instantly shifted on the side. I quickly loaded an arrow and shoot at the 2nd Munak and the Bongun consecutively. My movements are faster and my blood is pumping with excitement as I indulge myself to this impulse of shooting.

Ibram didn't miss that timing and quickly step forward, passing through Yoona towards the Munaks and Bongun. As there body started to lose its balance and shifts to the side, he aims at there necks and delivers a swift and clean slash across as he pass through them. The two munaks was successfully decapitated but the Bongun managed to resist. The bongun looks behind him towards Ibram and was about to attack until Yoona quickly charged towards it and delivers a blow above its head, crushing it completely. The remains of the bongun fell on the ground and together with the munaks, they were turned to ash and crumpled away, leaving behind there burial clothes. 

"Hmm not bad... Let's keep going everyone!"

Yoona charges again towards the other Munaks and Bonguns. Doing the same drill, Yoona keeps luring them bit by bit and I shoot them all at their ankles. Ibram quickly decapitates some of them while Yoona finishes off the Bonguns. We did the same thing for a 3rd time until only a few of them left. Yoona once again lure them all towards her and Ibram follows his routine, however, two Bonguns managed to resist Yoona's and Ibram's attack. The Bongun quickly slip through and stretches its fist, aiming at Rina's head.

"IIIyyyaaaaa!!!"

Rina was astonished and screams as the Bongun's fist is almost at her face. Yoona quickly chase after the monster but was too late.

"Oh shit!!"

Eye Doctor quickly casts a buff towards Rina while Seun is too slow to react, on that same timing, I quickly load an arrow and shoot at its wrist.

"Kyrie Eleison! Greenhorn, quickly heal it!"

A faint blue light surrounds Rina's body as a protective barrier was placed around her. My arrow strike through it's wrist shifting the fist's momentum upward.

"Heal!!"

Rina snaps back but still shaking and barely casts a heal towards Bongun. The heal made the Bongun's body explode, half of its body is blown off however it is not enough to completely take it down. Fortunately, half of the internals of its head has been exposed. I quickly load an arrow and channel my mana towards it.

"Double Strafe!!"

I released the empowered arrow and while it is traversing, the arrow had multiplied itself to two, both of them fiercely pierced the insides of its exposed head. The sheer force of impact together with the effect of holy property magic give off by my arrow (silver arrow) had completely crushed its insides, finishing the Bongun. The Bongun's body fell down, the majority of its head and half the side of his body is crushed and burned. Rina's knees gave off, her body is shaking in fear as she pants while staring at the Bongun slowly crumbling. An another Bongun fell down near her and crumbles. Half of its body was brutally sliced into two by Yoona. I survey the whole area and all of the monsters has been decimated. Seun quickly rushed to Rina, all thats what happened earlier takes only in an instant.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes...I am..."

Rina replied. She raised her shaking body, her face still clearly spooked. Eye Doctor went towards her and pat her head.

"That was a close one but good job. You are still inexperience, so make sure what you have experience here must serve as a learning for you."

"Yes!! I will do my best next time!!"

Rina stop shaking and her spooked expression was vanished bit by bit. Her eyes are shining with vigor as she made a fist with her hand. After making sure that the area is secured, I went down from my place and walk towards them.

"Those shots... They are amazing!!"

Seun walk towards me, his face is beaming with smile, his eyes are shining and his  overall expression is clearly someone who saw something amazing. He praise me as I walk nearer to them.

"If not for those shots, I can't imagine what will happen to Rina! Thank you very much!"

Seun's gratifying words makes me feel a bit happy, however I tried my best not to show it on my face. I just gave him a small nod. Yoona walk towards me, it seems there is something she wants to ask.

"Not bad scum.. Those shots are per-----"

As Yoona is speaking, Rina rushly went in front of me, standing between me and Yoona. This girl... She immediately grabs my hand and pulls it a bit towards her. Her face is beaming with gentle smile, her cheeks are blushing a bit and a small bead of tears was forming at the edge of her eyes as she looks directly on my face. Holy shit!!! This is the first time I touched a girl!!!. I was astonished on Rina's actions. My feet was firmly rooted at the ground, my body stiffens and my chest is thumping loudly. Her voice is stuttering as she said:

"Uhmm... Tt-tthank Yyyoouuu.. ffoorr ssaavviiingg me..."

I blinked a few times on what I had heard. She gently look at me as she blushes more. My mind went blank, I tried to utter a word but nothing is coming out. My heart is thumping loudly like a drum. I desperately try to look for a words to reply.

"Uuuhhhmm... Iiitt'ss nnooott.. mmeee.. that.. saveed you.. there are others too.."

"I..know..but without your precise shooting... I would have been in a difficult position..."

My face is getting hotter and to be honest I am extremely embarassed. Rina still holding at my hand but I don't have a strength to let go. Uhm no.. that's not right, I have strength but it feels like my body was not listening to me.. With an ehem.. Eye Doctor appears between us. Rina quickly let go of my hand and avert her eyes, realizing what she had done, she burrowed her face on her palms in embarassment. I was still in shock, I am standing still like an idiot. Eye Doctor went to my left and suddenly puts one of his arms around my shoulder, forcing my body bend a bit and then said:

"Eehh.. good for you S.C.U.M. Just to let you know, that Bongun's point blank attack towards Rina is enough to shatter that barrier in one attack, that's how strong it is. Eventhough Rina would be protected by the barrier, if she is unlucky, the impact of it still have an enough force to blow away her head. The timing you had when you shot its wrist to divert the impact is very perfect you know."

Eh? Really?.. A look of disbelief is painted on my face. Eye Doctor grin towards me, his arm are still at my nape. I shift my eyes towards Rina, whose eyes are peaking between her fingers and nod up and right.

"Hmpf.. That is just a sheer luck."

Ibram snorted and looks away. It seems he still hates me. Well i hate him too. Yoona then suddenly appeared on my right and put one of her arms around my other shoulder, overlapping Eye Doctor's arm. The combined weight of both of there arms made my body bend lower than before. Damn it.. It is getting heavy!!"

"Good job S.C.U.M!! Your shots are perfect, I will acknowledge that! You really do have a bite huh! I thought you are just all bark!"

Yoona looks at me and gives me a wide grin similar to Eye Doctor. I face to the left and there is Eye Doctor's face close to me still grinning and when I face to the right, there is Yoona's face close to me also and wearing the same stupid grin. I am starting to get irritated.

"Damn it, you guys are fucking heavy!! Let go!!"

I bend my body and escaped from that position. Geez.. my body was bended too much that it hurts a bit when I tried to stretch. Seun appears behind me and tap on my shoulder.

"Thanks for saving Rina. We owe you again."

Seun smile gently towards me. I avert my eyes and just gave a nod. I cleared my throat and urge them to move forward before this thing gets a weird turn. As I walked ahead, I could hear there laughter behind.

----------------------------------------

It's been an hour since the last ordeal, and we are currently moving forward deep on the cave, hoping to reach the 4th phase faster. This phase maintains its narrow path as we tread deeply. Along our way, we fight several Munaks and Bonguns appearing everywhere, we use the same formation as previous but the difference this time is that I position myself in-front of Rina. 

"It is better if there is someone who will cover Rina whenever Ibram moves away to attack. Hey scum, can you shoot on a place behind Ibram?"

"Well, yes I don't see any problem shooting Ibram behind"

Ibram gives me a scowl and glares at me.

"Don't start or I'll smack both of you. I will take your answer as yes. Don't go unnecessarily provoking people scum."

Yoona then leads the way, Ibram gives a snort then follows Yoona behind. I followed them and behind me was Rina and Eye Doctor walking side by side while behind them was Seun. Well, that's what happened earlier. I really don't get along with that Ibram shit. I thought to myself.

After a while of walking and fighting along the way, we finally had a breather as there were no monsters appearing this time. There is still a tension on the air as we tread further. As to distract herself, Rina catch my walking pace and is now walking side by side with me. I took a glance on her. She looks nervous. As I about to face ahead, Rina suddenly speak.

"Uhm... Aren't you scared?"

I questioningly face Rina. I think for a bit and replied to her without slowing my pace.

"Well not really, but more on I am on full alert. I already experience this kind of thing multiple times that it became a habit already."

"I see.. Amazing.. I wish I can be like that.."

I glanced at Rina and her expression was as of someone who is helpless. Heaving a sigh, I search on the depths of my mind any words that would atleast comfort her.

"You know.. You are just inexperienced. When you became an acolyte?"

"Really?.. Hmm well I've been one just last year."

"I see. Well, I've been an archer for approximately 4 and a half years already. My old man, the current leader of Archer guildsman is very strict on me. I've been like you at first. Inexperience as I was, my old man always scolds me for every little thing. I couldn't do anything well and I was on the verge of giving up."

Rina listens to my story intently. Her hands are tightly grasping her rod.

"I remember one time, I was in similar situation. I was forced to snipe something but since I am scared that time, my aim missed and the monster we are taking out had escaped. Afterwards, I remember my old man give me a good scolding for an entire night hahaha."

"Uhm.. that must be hard..hehe"

She chuckles as she listens on my story

"Yeah it really is. From that point onward, I trained harder and strive my best to be better. I am just doing that every single day. I keep shooting and shooting, and when I have a free time, I will go at the wilds and fight the monsters all by myself. At first I am barely surviving, but after I got the knack of it for each day I am doing the same thing, I finally managed to not just barely surviving. As time goes by, I reached unto this level. Previously I am like you, scared as a newborn cat, but right now, I am confident that I can face several tigers head-on."

I reminisce the time when I was still a new archer. My old man is my teacher. There is not a single time that I will not get a whip of his every single lecture. I understand full well what is Rina going through. Once you are faced with your failures, it is normal that we avert our eyes on it and escape to somewhere. What happened earlier at Rina is not entirely her fault however it is her mistake to panic in front of that monster. If Rina had just became an acolyte a year, then her constitution is not enough to withstand a direct attack much more directly at a fatal spot. Having an experience is very important, as your life depends on it. Rina look down for a moment.

"You're right... I'm sorry if I trouble you... You're right, failures come and go but what is important is how you face them. You are really amazing... You faced your hardships head-on, I wonder if I will be like you someday."

"Be like me eh? Well I am strong now so I am sure if you do the things the same as me, you will be stronger too. Maybe much stronger than Eye Doctor. However, you don't need to rush things. Sometimes it takes talent to get a knack of it.'

"Then I can only say I don't have a talent...Hehe... being normal is hard.."

"Well being special is difficult too. But I don't believe you don't have a talent. Believe in yourself.. Each one of us has a talent of our own, it is just, I just know mine and I just utilize it."

"I see... Unfortunately I don't know if I do have a talent or not..."

"Your damn pessimistic. If your that worried, then don't worry about it. I will personally watch over you. Just leave it to me!! Since your weak now, you can rely on me. Just watch I will make you strong like me!"

"Really!! Thank You!!"

Rina smile very brightly. I was stunned for a moment as Rina face me with her most brightest smile. The cloud that is hovering her earlier seems to be clearing now. Well... I guess I have an another additional pain in the ass task to be added on my list. 

"Hmm... Stop!"

Yoona suddenly stops and gesture her hand for a halt. We all stop and Eye Doctor inquires Yoona:

"Why? What's the matter?"

The fox priest look ahead at where Yoona is looking. Curious on what is happening, I also look straight ahead. I could see some silhouttes from the distance and a faint sound of cries together with a faint sound of metal clanging into something. I look towards Yoona which is very intently staring at the depths, trying to make out what is happening ahead. Ibram sensing Yoona's intent quickly move forward alone. We all huddle together and wait for Ibram to arrive. Rina clench at her rod tightly and a bit shaking, but the look of her eyes are clearly focusing ahead. It seems she is trying to brace herself.. Well it is a good thing. Just incase, I ready an an arrow. There are few skills that i am planning to use if incase we got charged by several monsters again like earlier.

Seun looks behind us and in a full alert. He grasps his two handed axe as he surveyed the area behind us. Eye Doctor, is still same as ever, no traces of tension and just wearing his aloof expression. Yoona on other is just waiting patiently. A moments later, Ibram came back.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"So what is happening?"

Yoona inquire...

"It is terrible. There are several Munaks and Bonguns that is currently in battle with other adventurers. Several parties has been outnumbered and most of them are too injured to fight. They are barely holding in."

I have this bad feeling that something pain in the ass will happen. Before Yoona opens her stupid mouth, I immediately interject.

"Approximately how many are there and how many parties are face floored now?"

"Just for an approximate, around 50 to 80 combination of Munaks and Bonguns. I am not sure about the parties but there are approximately 15 people trying to fend them off. Around 7 of them are already knocked out, while 5 of them are fatally injured and 3 of them are just barely holding on."

I looked around the place and quickly inspect the terrain we are now. I immediately remember something.

"If I remember correctly there should be a fork near here."

"Yes there is, there is a fork just before that place however that path is too narrow."

"If we will go cross that path one by one, then we can bypass that area. It should be enough."

Yoona quickly interjects between me and Ibram and angrily looks between me and Ibram.

"Don't tell me you guys are planning to avoid them!?"

I looked at Yoona with a serious face and replied:

"Muscle head, are you telling me you want us to fight that 80 atmost monsters ahead? Don't tell me you want to play a hero?"

"Play a hero? Does it matter!? People are dying there and you want to abandon them?"

"And so what? Is it our responsibility? Open your eyes Yoona, what can a party of 6 can do against 80 undeads? Have you forgotten why we are here in the first place? If we fight them head-on and let's say we survive, then what next? Are you saying we will share with them our provisions? Baby sit them and lead them outside one by one? Don't joke around!"

"Still! It doesn't mean we should avert our eyes on what is happening in front of us! Just because we are outnumbered, doesn't mean we avoid it specially if there are people that needs some help!"

Seun, Ibram and Rina are intently listening on us while Eye Doctor is heaving a sigh. He just kept his mouth shout while me and Yoona are arguing over this matter. However, I know that I am right and I know what I am doing is the most logical thing to do, that's why I will not yield to her stupid heroic antics. I wouldn't sacrifice what I have specially my lifeline over other people who we don't receive anything in return.

"Have you forgotten idiot? Majority of us here can do a fair fight let's say, however one Bongun can smash Rina's head if we left uncheck. With those numbers, there is a high risk that one of us not just Rina would be dead before we know it. What's worst of it all is that you want to charge on them head-on without a damn plan! How will you fight against that horde? Don't tell me you will stand at the front and do that hack and slash antics? It is unfortunate for them but we don't have a choice but leave them. It is already too late for them anyways. Let's avoid them and use that fork we are talking about earlier to route them."

Yoona went silent, she hangs her head downward. Her brows are knit and her hands are shaking. I look at her for a bit longer. Convinced that I knock some sense out of her, I turn to face Ibram to continue on what we are talking. As I do that, I heard a faint shaking voice behind us.

"I...will go... I maybe powerless, but I don't want to abandon them.."

Rina looks at all of us. Yoona still hangs her head downward and remains silent. Oh great! An another idiot! These idiots are getting ahead of themselves just because they survive earlier!!..

"Are you not listening to what we are talking about?"

"I do.. that's why I came up with this resolution... Senior, I honestly grateful to you for saving me. Thanks to you I realize many things that I should have realized a long time ago. Just like you, I want to change. I want to atleast do something that will surpass my limits, even if I fail and even if it is hard or will end up as a failure, I still want to try it."

"Rina, this is different. This is unlike what had happened earlier and what I had told you about.. What you are seeking now is not an effort, but a suicide! What you will only get here is nothing but a waste of your life!"

"Still... I still want to do it.. Even if what I got in the end is nothing but a painful death without even achieving anything, it is better rather than not trying. Isn't this what you are talking about earlier? Knowing your weakness, you braved yourself to go to wild and fight on your own. You know you can only barely survive but still go on until you made it to a point that you are not just barely surviving. I...atleast want to do that. I always hide behind Seun and Ibram and they always protect me whereas I should be the one supporting them."

"No Rina.. It is not like that!... Me and Ibram is just..."

"No Seun... It's alright... I am always being protected, I am always being pampered by you guys. This time, a call is right in front of me. Our lord wants me to take this challenge. Even if it is 80 or more enemies lurking there, if it means I can save atleast some of them in exchange for my life, then I would be satisfied. For me, that is not a waste."

Rina face me with a brave expression. Her shaking earlier is now gone. Her eyes are looking straight upon me. Still...it doesn't mean I will permit this kind of senseless action. Rina, bows to me and Eye Doctor and was about to turn around to go ahead.

"That is splendid... Your level as an acolyte, if I will put it in numerical terms is like around 30s and yet you want to face against those 80 so or more undead on your own? As one of the high priest of our order, I am proud of your resolution."

"Thank you Sir!"

"I'll go with you.. I don't want my new found apprentice lose her life anyways. It will give a bad taste on my mouth."

Rina's eyes sparkle and nods her head vigorously. Ibram and Seun nod there heads in agreement. Yoona turns around and face forward, towards the place where the 80 or so monsters are ahead. She looks towards us afterwards and said:

"The reason why I became a swordswoman is not just to hack things or for the sake of it. My sword and shield exist to protect. That is my oath and I will never break my oath.I firmly believe that risking your life for the sake of many is not a bad thing. No matter how illogical it maybe, if letting others die like that is what defines logic, then I better off remain as illogical! Rina, your words inspire me. Lend me your strength! I will make sure to save them all!"

After Yoona gave me a cold look, she turns to Rina and gave her a confident smile. Ibram, Seun and Eye Doctor walk towards Yoona and Rina, putting me on a quite a distance from there own group. Yoona and others gave me a look then after a moment they face forward and starts to move. Rina, looks behind her and said:

"Kavach, you are my benefactor and you have my respects. What you said earleir is not a mistake, in fact they are correct however I know that this is what I want. So if ever something happens to me... Please, I want you to atleast be there to collect what would be remaining of me..."

Rina bows her head for one last time and left together with Yoona and others. I was left alone. My head is hanging below and my feet are rooted in place. If that is what you guys want.. Then you guys die alone... I look ahead and watch them walking further until there images were consumed by the darkness. Why don't you guys get it? Why don't you guys understand that you will not gain anything from this. Have you guys forgotten why we are here? We are not here to save every single damn person we came across, we came here to save that damn princess. Our provisions won't hold out if we keep spending it on useless stuff like this.

A cold air blows on my face, the cooling sensation makes me feel chilly. My strength relies on my will to survive.... It is not a strength to save others nor do charity to others...". I start walking ahead, towards the fork that I remember earlier. Weird, each step I am treading, I couldn't feel a single thing. It feels like I am outside of my body. After a short while, a fork appears in front of me. To the left is a wider path that leads to where Yoona went, while on the right is a narrower path compare to where I am standing now. The right path could only accomodate one person at a time. I step my foot towards the entrance of the right path. As I was about to enter, I look towards the other path. If i concentrate my senses, I could faintly hear sounds of battle. I am not wrong... I will save the princess by myself and finish this god damn forsaken quest by any means...

One step, two...four...seven steps. As I tread this narrow path where only a faint light from the torch that I am holding illuminates the area, a sense of guilt starts to come to me. Is it alright... Is this alright?.. Leaving them like this?... My pace got slower as the guilt slowly consumes me. The flame on my torch sways, making the light dimmer. Reaching the other side of this path will take time, but I do know that the end of this path leads to an open space where the entrance to the 4th phase resides. They are all idiots... Rina, you are too emotional. If there is one fault on you, that would be it... Uncontrolled emotions and too much idealism will lead to a demise... I step an another 4 times. Each step I do feels very hard. Like someone is pulling me from behind. But still... Is it alright to do this?...I didn't....do..wrong right?...This is the most logical thing to do, and I .

"What's wrong wanting to survive?"

I heard a voice of a young man out of nowhere, halting my steps. A cold sweat runs on my back and I feel like an invisible hand grab my ankles and rooted it in place. I look around me and I don't see anyone or anything in particular. I guess just my imagination?...

"Imagination you say?... That makes me sad.... Have you forgotten about me?"

As I about to take an another step, a voice rang again inside my head. The voice.... It is within my head?

"Why are you hesitating? Why are you stopping? It is just like you said right? It is not worth your time. You have no obligation to do what they think is right...

Wait... what is this? But..but.. why do I feel like...I did something wrong?..

"What a fool you are... Just because it is generally right for them, it doesn't mean that what you are doing is wrong."

Why do i feel that this voice is very familiar? Why do i feel that what he is saying is right? But why... at the same time why do I feel that I want to reject his words too?

"Of course what I said is right... Because deep inside, you are very irritated right? Acting like a hero without taking in consideration the overall goal, that is something we really hate right? Who cares about the other people? Why do we need to always extend our hand and help them? Save them? 

Then does it mean that what I am doing right now is fine after all?

"Of course it is! Who has a right to decide for you what is fine to do or not?... Why would you go with there whims just because of a group of weaklings who can't even fend off a bunch of small fries?...

......Nothing comes to my mind. What he says is true after all. But still...what is this anxiety?..

"Let them be... Just tread forward... You still have a mission, save the princess and take that glory to yourself. If they will hold you back, then just cut them out and if they stand in your way, you can just shoot them on the spot. After all, haven't they cut you off already when they left you there?"

The torch I am holding had fell on my hand. It rolls away, the flames flicker furiously as it rolls further and further. The once illuminated room had become grayish. My head throbs furiously. No..... I...I am the one who left them...right?...

"Ha!! What a joke, what is this? Earlier you said you are right. Earlier you said what you are doing is the best way and they are nothing but a bunch of stupid wannabe heroes isn'it? Then now you are thinking that it is you who is in wrong? Now you are the one feeling guilty over what you did? What the hell? Hahahaha!"

No stop it.. I..I..don't know anymore... I..I.. don't know what to do anymore... I gripped my head tightly as the pain is getting stronger. The voice on my head echoes throughout my brain. The more it talks, the more the pain is getting worst. 

"Hey! Just what do you really want ha!? What the hell, are you a bipolar or something? Why are you contradicting yourself? Do you really like that much? Hahahhahaha!!"

I am contradicting myself?...He is...probably right... but... 

My legs are shaking, I could feel the strength on my body is fading bit by bit... Like something is sapping me...

"You can't decide well on what you want to do. You decide things half-assed! No wonder you are being left behind!!

The voice in my head doesn't stop... It continues to torture me.. The pain is getting intense. I fell on my knees holding my head trying to supress it..

"If you are these mess of work.. Then...shall I take your place?"

Shut up!!!!!!!!!! I screamed internally. This voice, this is one annoying voice! Is this my thoughts talking to me? Shut up!! Shut up!!! Just shut the hell up!! What do you mean take my place!? Just who the hell are you to say that!? What do you know of me!? What do you understand on my conflicted feelings right now!! The feeling of great conflict between my logic and emotions! The feeling of I should do this but my emotions are against it. The feeling of my emotions wants me to do this but my logic doesn't want to! And to top it off, the pressure where once you took the mistep, you will fall into a mess you can't go out anymore!

"Ha! Since when did you care about this things? It is simple isn't it.. Why don't you just cut off the things that brings you this pressure. Isn't it easier that way?"

That's....

"You can't decide right? Hahaahaha!! What a sham!! Pretending to be someone you aren't. How pathetic..."

An image of Rina suddenly pops on my head. Her face as she turned around and walks away plays on my mind. 

*Badump...Badump...Badump*...

I could hear my heart thumping loudly. The voice that is torturing me is starting to fade bit by bit. Rina's figure plays on my head. She is walking away further and further. Together with her are Yoona, Eye Doctor, Seun and Ibram. They are walking together side by side. I look towards them and tried to stand up. There visage flickers together with the dimming of the surroundings. Something flash out and after that, I saw again there figures but unlike before, they are all lying on the ground with blood everywhere. I look further and saw it... The familiar figure who had talked to me in gratification, the body of a young acolyte girl, her bloody face looking towards me as her body is being devoured by the undead.

What is this.... Am I getting insane?

"Oh these people.... You still cared about them?... You haven't learned arent' you... You will just be betrayed ..... again."

SHUT UP!!!

I forced my body to stand. Propping my hands on the wall, I looked behind me. The voice had stopped. My headache is getting lesser. It seems... It is gone... My scream internally have worked. I slowly walk back towards where I came from. Step by step, an adrenalin surge my movements. I walk faster and faster without thinking anything, I walk faster. I need to hurry to them! Else, this premonition... it will come true!". Ignoring anything that the voice had set, I firm my resolve and move back towards the place where I went to. "But still.... what do I really want?...I don't know anymore"

----------------------------------------

It's been a while after our group seperated from Kavach. My benefactor stay there and just watch us go. I could faintly see his blank expression as we step further and further. Beside me was the honored priest Eye Doctor who I am seeing as my mentor. Though we only just met and it is not official, I can't help it but to see him that way. Behind me was a boy with a same age as me, with short green hair, gentle eyes, slender body and a bit taller than me but probably as tall as Kavach. He gives off an aura of someone that is regal, he has a handsome face and knowing his true identity I guess it is natural. However I find it disturbing that he is not wearing any armor but rather just a thick plain set of clothes made of cotton and leather suited for travel with a metal cart on tow. He is a merchant named Seun, my childhood friend. In front of me was a serious looking boy with short silver hair, cold looking eyes and slender body. Wearing a brownish leather jacket in top of  a pair of cotton shirt and pants for ease of movement, he is a Thief and one of my childhood friend named Ibram. He is very close to Seun and act as his body guard.  He is in bad terms with Kavach, but probably that is because Kavach uses words that is too unrefined that it can be misunderstood as an insult. However, despite what he speaks, he still do something for us regardless. Though we only just met them just a few hours ago, but after fighting with them side by side for several times as we tread this cave, I can tell this as much. In front of Ibram is Yoona who is leading the way. Theres no words I could describe her except for a word amazing. She is amazing. Her words is what moved me to come up with this decision. Despite of the conflict earlier, I couldn't blame nor hate Kavach. What he says is true and right but still, I am an acolyte. I couldn't just turn my back on others just because my life would be put in risk. I need to do something, I want to be like Kavach and everyone else where I can stand be relied on. However regardless of what he said earlier, I believe, that he will come here.

"This is terrible..."

Eye Doctor said as we stop at an open space. Several adventurers are lying on the ground while the others are leaning on the walls. I hurriedly move towards the nearby adventurer and cast my heal. The warm light instantly covers his body and his wounds are closing bit by bit. Noticing our presence, they all look at us.

"A priest... Finally, a healer!!"

Shout one of the wounded. His face became delighted and so is the others as they look at us in anticipation. A bit further from them, there are 3 adventurers who is panting and clearly exhausted. Surrounding them were several corpses of Munak and Bongun together with some scattered bone pieces. 

"This will take a while.. I should use my Sanctuary... Hey those who can move, try to huddle all the wounded together, I will cast my aoe healing spell!"

Eye Doctor said in a loud of voice. The adventurers started moving and huddled together on one spot. However some of them are too wounded to move so some adventurers went to there side and huddle at that point. Eye Doctor casted his Sanctuary towards the adventurers huddling together. All in all there is about 5 groups of wounded adventurers huddled together. I quickly went to the 3 exhausted adventurers and heal each of them.

"Eh... Heal?"

Surprised, the 3 adventurers look towards us.

"Ha... Finally, we are saved.."

Said one of them. Yoona went towards us and talk to the 3 adventurers. From the looks of this place, it seems they just finished repeling the wave. However, none of us are certain if there would be an another wave or that is the final wave.

"What happened here?"

"As you can see, we just finished repelling a wave of undeads. Our healers was out of commision and most of the parties has been outnumbered. We are repelling 4 waves already, if there would be an another that would be the 5th."

"4 waves!? How many are they on each wave?"

"I couldn't tell but from what I see, probably around 50-80 each wave. By the way who are you guys?"

"I am Yoona, and this is my party. We are on our way to the 5th phase when I heard from one of our members that there is something going on here."

"Ohhh!! Finally a reinforcement! To top it off you have 2 healers with you. We are grateful! Until all of us could move, would you kindly assist us for a while? We are not sure if there would be an another wave, so an another 2 or 3 combantants will be a big help."

"Of course, thats why we are here. We will assists you with the best of our abilities"

The adventurers was feeling relieved after hearing that. Yoona gave them a gentle smile and look ahead. The adventurer talking to Yoona looks towards me and said:

"Young acolyte, thank you. Please heal the others too."

"Yes of course! Let me give you my blessings!"

I buffed Yoona and the other adventurers and went back to assist Eye Doctor of healing everyone. Seun stand behind serving as our rear guard. As we are doing our chores, Ibram came back after scouting ahead.

"Incoming wave!!"

Ibram backslides quickly towards Yoona, he is repelling arrows being shot towards her.

"Everyone, brace yourselves!!"

"Yes!!!!"

Yoona and the other adventurers ready there weapons and wait for the incoming wave. A while after Ibram passed by them, a group of Munaks and Bonguns quickly hopped towards Yoona. With Yoona's lead, they charge and engage with the Munaks and Bonguns.

"So it started huh... We need to hurry!"

Eye Doctor said as he casts his spell in succession, healing group by group. Since I am just an acolyte, I haven't learned yet any aoe healing spell like him, so I went from one person to another and heal them one by one. I am starting to get exhausted. It seems I am already spending too much mana as I heal one by one. The adventurers that can now finally moved after been healed had immedieately rush towards Yoona's aid. Seun on other hand had rushed forward to assists Yoona. Ignoring the chaos that is happening ahead of me, I continue to cast my heal. 

The sounds of steel clashing with another together with screams and battle cry fills the air. My heart is racing from nervousness as I do my thing. After healing an another 2 or 3 I looked towards Yoona and others. Yoona was furiously hacking down the undead with her sword while Ibram is quickly slashing the undeads. For one swing of Yoona 2 or 3 will fell while for Ibram he can manage to fend off 2 or 3 by himself. Several adventurers join the fray. Most of them are already promotional jobs, the Knights help Yoona deal with others while some Assassins was jumping from one undead to another. The healers that has been knocked out has been revived by Eye Doctor and is now helping us to support the whole group. The Wizards finally stand up and began chanting there spells giving additional firing power. I must do something for them.

I concentrate my mana and began chanting my aoe buff spell.

"Let the bells toll.. Let the grace descend.. Let the heaven's feather be my shield... Let the bell do the bid... Angelus!!"

All the members on our party has been covered with faint light followed by a deep sound of bells. Angelus, it is my aoe buff spell that buffs anyone I recognized as one of my group. As long as I put my mind  to all the people I want to buff, they will be affected by this spell however it is only restrictive to the people near me. This buff will boost one's defense for a certain period of time. This way, the damage to them by the monsters will not be as painful as before giving them more endurance.

"Rina, thank you!!"

Yoona shouts and raise a thumbs up. Ibram and Seun look at me approvingly. This feels great!. I could feel my worth than before! It is just like what Kavach said, as long as I do my best, even someone like me can be improved. If i always think that I am a talentless individual, then I will not grow the way I want to be.

"Rina, go and help them. I can take of the rest here.

Eye Doctor said and nods towards me. He goes back reviving the other adventurers that has been knock down. As I turn my head towards Yoona, I heard the people ahead of me make a commotion. Several shouts and screams could be heard. I move legs and as I about to sprint, I saw several Munaks broke through the front line and quickly hop towards me. Rina, remain calm!! Remember how calm he is!. I pull myself together and halt my advance. There is still 5 steps before the Munak reaches me, there are also 2 more Munaks behind the first one who are both 10 steps away from me. I can do this.. He brave himself to hunt alone, therefore, I want to brave myself to fight the evil alone.

"Shit Rina!!"

In the corner of my eye, I saw Seun trying to go to me but was blocked by several Munaks. Yoona and Ibram are also in same situation. The other adventurers tried to come towards me but they were all being blocked by several undeads, it feels someone is controlling these monsters. If they will try to rush towards me, the several Archer Skeletons behind the Munaks will shoot them and if they will try to slip pass, the Bongun will instantly intercept them. 2 more steps.

The Munak was also within my reach. On that instant, everything around me became slower. As the Munak raises its fists to strike me overhead, I quickly step on the side to avoid. The Munak's fists strikes down towards my previous location, hitting nothing but air. My chance.. I use this chance while the Munak's body is still bended to quickly go around it. I stretch my open palms towards the Munak and cast the spell that I am very familiar off.

"Heal!!!"

The Munak's body was enveloped with light. The light made it exploded internally. Its body shift sideways. It still alive... I do the same thing and cast an another heal! This time the Munak's body fully exploded. I hurriedly look ahead towards the other two coming to me. Before they could reach, I immediately casts successive heals towards them.

"Heal! Heal! Heal! Heal!"

Lights successively envelops each of there bodies until they exploded like the first Munak. Yoona and others felt relief after that. I catch my breath and look towards the remains of the 3 Munaks. I finally did it!.. It maybe just few but I still managed to take a first step!!". I reprimand myself internally. The battle is not over. I look ahead and several undead pours towards us like a stream. The battlefield was in a complete mess. Yoona, Ibram and Seun are on the left side and is a bit ahead than others, While the other adventurers are on the other side, between them are several undeads attacking on their flank. The undeads... They are seperating them! Is this possible or is it only a coincidence?

The undeads are acting weird. It feels someone is commanding them to be this organized. I quickly rush towards Yoona's side as I observe what is happening. Several archer skeletons aim there bow towards the group. Clenching my rod tightly with one of my hands, I stretch that arm and aim towards the place infront of the group.

"Pneuma!!!"

A thick smoke puff out from below, covering that place. The arrows that was about to hit Yoona and others has crossed this smoke and disappear out of nowhere. This is an acolyte skill, Pneuma. It consumes any projectile that will land on it. A perfect skill against projectile users. Yoona took a glance on the pneuma that I created and resume slashing and hacking. Her might with a sword is unparalleled. She is not behind the other Knights that is currently fighting alongside with us. As I reached them, I immediately provide support, healing the others and providing buffs. If he was here, I wonder what he will do?

"Hey Yoona and you nameless Knights!! Listen to me!! You guys are about to be surrounded at all sides, so before that happens you guys need to break away. I will give you a special buff so don't be afraid to jump on the middle and go all out okay?"

"Got it!!!!!"

Eye Doctor shouts and opens his arms wide as he watch us. Our party and other Knights shouts an affirmative response. He said a special buff? Could it be an another advance spell?. Not betraying my expectations, Eye Doctor casted a spell that is a bit longer than the usual.

"His grace is bountiful.... His mercy is bottomless... He saves the faithful... He punish the shameless... Shield of heaven that protects the weak... Shield of heaven that laments on grief... Let thy armor surround the meak.. Give us respite even just a brief.... ASSUMPTIO!!!!"

After releasing a considerable amount of mana, Eye Doctor point his staff on each of our party and some of the Knights. A bright light instantly appear at our bodies, the bright light is brighter than the usual and after a moment, it settles around our bodies forming a thick membrane-like coating. I close and open my hands but it seems it didn't do any effect on me or anything. Each of everyone that has been affected had weared a puzzled face. Aside from the thick membrane-like light that is surrounding our body, no notable effects could be felt. Usualyl buffs exist to give that kind of outcome.

"Well looking at your dumb faces I could tell you guys have doubts on what happened to you. In that case, why don't you guys give it a try? Charge at the middle and don't worry about the monster's attacking you, instead just let yourselves be attacked!"

Eye Doctor loudly said, his lips smile mischievously. The Knights' faces turned grim as they looked towards him. Clearly, this people don't want to take a risk, specially they don't feel anything special at the buff. A silhoutte quickly passed my eye sight and went straight ahead towards the undead. Surprised by the sudden action, everyone was dumbfounded even the undeads had halt a bit. Yoona, trusting Eye Doctor's words had quickly swing her sword all around hacking the undeads left and right. In retaliation, the undeads quickly throw there arms and fists towards her. 

"Yoona look out!!"

I shouted and quickly charge my mana to heal her quickly. But my expectations of her being badly injured after taking all there attacks has been shattered into pieces. Yoona didn't flinch and not even a single wound or scratch could be seen on her body. In fact, the attacks on her was like nothing for her. It is not being blocked but instead the attacks that is supposedly for her is being catched by the thick membrane surrounding her body. Eh?.. What was that?... Realizing that it might be the effect of the above, I let the nearby undead hit me. Just a precaution I moved my body sideways and just let its fists to connect a bit on my flank. Just what happened to Yoona, the fist has been catched by the membrane surrounding my body, the intense pain that should follow from that concentrated attack was turned into a wave and let it dissipate across the body like a water droplet dropped in the body of water. So that's how it is....

"Hahaha! Got it now? Assumptio is an advance holy spell buff that absorbs any damage from outer sources and turns it into a wave to break down the damage, making the impact to be smaller. You can still took damage but it will not be as devastating as what it should be originally."

The other priests curiously look towards Eye Doctor and with a puzzled expression, they asked:

"Then why not use Kyrie Eleison? The shield on that could totally block the attacks."

"Oh my fellow colleagues. How many times does a Kyrie Eleison could block an attack? Do you think it is that almighty that it could block more than several attacks in succession in different directions? With that amount of opponents, the barrier will be meaningless."

The priests' expressions are similar to an enlighted buddha. Eye Doctor's words open up a new idea and knowledge for them. Even me had come into sudden realization. Buffs can showcase there efficiency by using the right kind of buff at the right kind of time. Using a barrier inducing buff like Kyrie Eleison with limits on how many it could only block against a horde of undead is nothing but a foolish act. Amazing... I am glad that we went with this party, I am learning!

"Magnum Break!!!!"

An intense fire had suddenly appeared and swirls outwards from Yoona's body and burns and knocks back several undead. Some of them took the a heavy blow from Yoona's attack and was quickly turned to dust. Ibram on other hand was jumping from undead to another. He slipped pass through a group of undead blocking his way and appears behind the archer skeletons hiding behind them. Seun uses his cart and uses a Cart Revolution, while other Knights, after witnessing Yoona had charged ahead and use there skills to decimate the enemies in front of them. 

Several undead came towards me, I dodged the Munak going straight on me and heal it and do so for the others. My body feels a bit heavy but I forced myself to move from one place to another, throwing heal to different undeads. If someone would see me from above, it would like that I am dancing. As the battle heatens up, the number of undeads was cutted into half. Yoona and others charged forward in attempt to fully neutralize them. The half number was turned into a quarter and the quarter was turned into an eight until a few remains. My mana couldn't keep up with all the heals that I am giving. I couldn't count anymore how many buffs and heal that I already had given.

"It is finally over..."

I said while panting. Around 10 more undeads are remaining. The bitter faces of the adventurers are getting lighter. A loud cheer reverberated around the area as the Wizards casts there large scale magic towards the 10 more remaining, sure of a certain kill. Thunderous sound echoes and a wave of energy spreads out as the magic decimates the remaining undead. The smoke clears and the dusts settles, the 10 undeads that is supposedly been there was turned into ashes. I sigh a relief and fell on my butt. Strength leaves my body and exhaustion came in. If I will estimate how much I could still do, probably I can only give a few heals and buffs at most. Yoona look around and lay down her sword. Ibram and Seun do the same. As we are about to relax, we heard it.

*clang* *clang* *clang*

A sound of bells chimes the air. Three sounds of heavy melody, three sounds that instantly change the expression on our faces. Puzzlement fills the atmosphere as we look at each other. What are those sounds?.

*clang* *clang* *clang*

"Hey.. what are those sounds? Where did it come from?"

Several adventurers chatter around asking the same question. Noticing something is wrong, Yoona, Ibram and Seun raised there weapons. The Knights and other adventurers sensing the same thing had done the same. I quickly stand up and pull out a flask filled with blue liquid inside and drink its contents. I could feel the mana returning to my body, a feeling of refreshed is spreading within my body. After a moment, a horde of undead, composed of Munaks, Bonguns and Skeletons had rushed towards us.

"What the!!! There is more!?"

Shouted one of the adventurers. Yoona quickly took an action and intercept the wave. Eye Doctor quickly casts its buffs and cast several Sanctuary towards them. 

"Angelus!!"

I re-casted my buff to refresh the defenses of our party and casts several Pneuma all over the place to protect us from any projectiles. Just how many still remains? Where they do came from?

We repeated the same thing, after several moments of intense fighting the wave had finally repelled. Some adventurers have been injured and was being healed at the backlines by the other healers. However...

*clang* *clang* *clang*

*clang* *clang* *clang*

*clang* *clang* *clang*

A horde of undead finally came again, but this time they are much many. The wizards desperately casts several large scale magic while being held off by the Knights. Several thunderous sounds and roars reverberated. The scene in front of me is turning into a pandemonium. Even Yoona and others are being pushed back bit by bit.

"Damn it!! Not only they are many, they became stronger too!!"

Yoona said in spite as she sways hey sword forming a semi arc around her. Eye Doctor is panting quite a bit. It seems exhaustion is catching up to him. He is healing, buffing and casting Sanctuary non-stop since earlier. The assumptio buff that he casted earlier was showing signs of fading. I backed him up and let him re-cast the spell. After confirming he is finished, I looked towards him.

"Are you still alright?"

"Eh.. So this young acolyte was asking me this kind of question? Your face is better than when we first met you, does Kavach say something to you that you become this motivated?"

Realizing what he means, I blushed a bit as a sudden memory of Kavach flash on my mind. Though we only chat a bit, it is enough to make somnething stir within me.

"Uhm I think you are misunderstanding something and I think your answer is too far from what I am asking."

"Hahaha! Don't worry I am fine. Unlike you, my mana pool is vast. However stamina and mana are two different things."

Eye Doctor fix his posture and looks ahead with a serious expression.

"I think that bell sound is what causing this horde."

"That bell sound? I know that bell sound is suspicious why would it cause this horde?"

"That bell sound has a mana mixed on it. You may treat it as a magic in a form of melody."

"If it is a magic in a form of melody, then is this kind of melody magic is an another type of necromancy?"

"Hmm not much. Though it is a bit similar to that, but I feel that this melody instead of summoning the undead, it calls the undead to converge into a particular location. The undead picks it up and was led towards here, since they are sensitive against any forms of vitality, the undead will be attracted to this place. The bell sound is just to lead them here. However, there is no way that an ordinary bell sound can do that, therefore I can only presume that is a magic in a form of melody being transmitted using a certain magical item in a form of a bell."

"If that would be the case, could it be? But that is impossible..."

What appears on my mind is the word "Moonlight Flower". One of the legendary monsters at Payon who said to be residing at the deepest phase of this cave. Along with Eddga, Moonlight Flower is a powerful monster. According to the books and loreds, Moonlight Flower uses a bell to call upon the dead. The great tragedy that happened at Payon during the ancient times was because of that.

"Impossible or not, we are still barging to its home. Regardless of what phase it is, it is wise to assume that Moonlight can move on different phases anytime and anywhere it wants. The pandemonium in front of you is a proof that creature is at this phase right now."

Nervousness and fear fills my chest. A legendary and powerful monster appearing in front of us. If we are already this exhausted with just these undead, I wonder what will happen to us if that thing appears. 

"Go stick to Yoona and others, we must assume the worst. I will be here at the backlines and provide support. If worst comes, atleast you guys won't be seperated. Finding you afterwards will be easier."

I nodded to Eye Doctor and quickly went towards Yoona and others. I grasp my rod with my hands while running towards them. I evaded the undeads that is coming towards me. Ibram noticed me coming closer had quickly moved  towards me and slash the Munaks and Bonguns nearby. I cast my buffs towards Ibram without stopping my feet and pass through him. Ibram covers my back as we reached towards Yoona and Seun. We are now in the middle of the battlefield together with other adventurers. I simultaneously casts my heals and buffs all around the place, disintergrating any undeads that has been hitted and healing those who are living. The battle became more intense as for each undead cutted down, an another one fills the place. We are in despair. The faces of other adventurers are getting exhausted until one by one, they fell and got trashed. Several undeads had pass through us and went towards the backline where the healers are. With the lead of Eye Doctor, they are managing quite well. 

"AAAhhhhhh!!!"

Yoona was forced backed quite a distance after catching a simultaneous blows from the Bongun. Together with her, Ibram and Seun was also thrown back. Several Bonguns and Soldier Skeletons rushed towards us and attack non-stop. I was hiding behind them and casting heal however I could feel that my mana is getting exhausted. My mana... I am almost at my limit... Yoona and others tried there best to push back only to be overwhelmed again and was taken a step back again. 

"If this keep on... I don't know if we can still hold back."

Seun said as he frantically swinging his axe around, decapitating the undeads around us.

"We must persevere!!!"

Yoona keeps fighting even when covered with wounds. The effects of assumptio had already worn out, the attacks of the monsters are already starting to get intolerable. I couldn't keep up anymore with my heals which made me in despair. I am at my limit... I try to wring out my last mana and casted it towards Yoona and others however as to betray my expectations, Yoona, Ibram and Seun was knock back considerably, leaving me exposed. There bodies rolled at the floor several times. Several fists come towards my body and sent me flying. An intense pain torments my body as my body mercilessly landed at the hard cold ground. My body bounce a bit and rolled further away from Yoona and others. Not... yet... I opened my eyes and use my other arm to prop myself up. An another Munak quickly hop towards me together with its fist aiming towards my head. My mind went blank as the deadly fist goes down on my forehead. On a last minute, I moved my head a bit dodging it in a hair's breath. With enough force, I kick the Munak on its solar plexus as strong as I can pushing it back. Using all my might, I quickly stand back only to be punched again by an incoming Bongun right straight at my abdomen. Uguuuhhh...  I felt my body flew away again and a choking feeling builds up on my chest. I desperately put my hands on chest and heal. However, no such feeling came out, nor the warm feeling nor light. ....My mana... So I finally ran out huh...

"Rina!!!!"

I could hear the screams of Yoona and others from quite a far distance. It seems my body had flew a considerable distance. Damn it.... My body fell on the ground and rolled before stopping. My body is covered with wounds and my muscles are sore all throughout. It seems some of my bones are broken from those intense landing. My vision starts to waver but.. Not yet... With all my willpower, I shake my head as if to dispel my dizziness. My rod is missing, it seems I have dropped it somewhere while being flung around. As I tried to prop myself up, an arrow hit me straight at my shoulder, forcing my body to fell again. An intense pain run throughout my body. Tears well up on my eyes but I still endured it. I grit my teeth and pulled out the arrow and throw it away. Blood gushes forth on a small hole, staining my clothes and the ground. A soldier skeleton jump towards me, holding its knife overhead in attempt to finish me. I rolled away dodging the attack. The skeleton soldier had buried its knife at the ground. I quickly prop myself but several arrows rain towards me. I helplessly watched above as these arrows had pierced me at my legs, arms and shoulders, pinning me on the ground like an insect. Fortunately, it didn't hit my head nor any vital spots. Yoona tried to go on my place but was quickly overwhelmed. I could hear Eye Doctor's voice a bit further away, unfortunately I couldn't hear it well what is he shouting. Ah they got my legs... I tried to move my legs only to received an intense pain. Moving my legs are too painful as I squirm around. Several arrows was sticking out from it. The skeleton soldier walk nears me, I helplessly look at the monster as it position itself above me with its knife. My body is shaking, my heart thumping loudly. Is this my end?.... As the soldier skeleton slowly raises its knife, everything around me became slow. It seems I am in a state of trance. Suddenly, I remember my childhood. I remember the time when the three of us are playing together. I remember the time when I first became a novice. I remember the time when I became an acolyte. The times that Ibram and Seun were fighting over a small thing. The times when I always jumped between them to break their fight. The time when Seun's older sister is reprimanding us. The nights when Seun's older sister is always talking to me and talk about girly things. The nights when I am walking together with Ibram and Seun. And also, the time when we went inside the cave. The moment when we are too shocked after we know that the kind older sister we have was one day gone. It feels like I am watching something out of nowhere as I stare blankly towards the knife that is about to take away my breath. As that knife slowly descends to end my short lived life, I saw his image on head. The figure of a person with short chestnut hair, slim body and always wearing a slightly bored face. The archer who saved my life once. The person who encourage me to do something. The person who believes on me that I still have a talent. Even it is a short while, I won't deny that his words moved me. Ah... I wish I could see him again... Just a few more and the blade will struck me straight to my forehead. With its strength and how fragile my body is, I will be surely pinned on the ground like a bug. Even just for a short while... I atleast want to thank him... I still want to see him... I close my eyes to escape from reality.. I am too scared... I don't want to die yet.... I still want to do more.. 

And on that moment, a single piercing sound had resounded. A swish sound that is as silent as wind but at the same time, loud enough to stop the breath of all of them.

And everything went black.....