Robert quickly looked over at a group of guards who called out and pointed toward the woods, looking in the direction he saw the first group of monsters exiting the tree. They were Goblins, and the numbers kept increasing, within seconds there were hundreds of the little green killing machines grouping together and preparing to charge the wall. Turning to Stoneheart she saw his look and replied, "Save your Mana, these are not worth it." Robert had a confused look on his face which caused Captain Stoneheart to continue, "Goblins are easy and these are only in the 50s. It's good experience for the guard, and we would rather save your Mana to break up the more power charges." Robert looked at the group of Goblins which looked to now be nearly 500 to 600 strong and shrugged, "Up to you, but I could wipe them all out in moments and wouldn't even notice the Mana expendure."
The Duke hearing this asked, "How much Mana does a mid-tier spell cost?" Robert looking over his spellbook replied, "Depends on the spell, but I was thinking about a Firestorm, it's a Fire and Air spell, Tier 5, can cover up to a 3 square-mile area, and requires 1188 Mana." The Duke with a slightly shocked look asked, "How much damage would that do?" Robert looking over the numbers replied, "About 127 health," With that the Duke seemed relieved until Robert added, "Per second, the storm will last for about 48 seconds. So assuming those Goblins do not have any resistance, about 6000 points of health damage." With those final words Robert noticed the area around him had gotten quiet, "I know it's not a lot when going against high-level targets, but I'm thinking it'd be perfect against goblins."
"Robert, that would kill nearly everyone on the wall, how many times could you cast that if you need to?" Captain Stormheart said quietly. Robert thought it over and answered, "Maybe 40 or so times." Duke Nariantian upon hearing that looked closer at Robert, "Well I cannot identify you so I'm guessing your level is in the hundreds, I will not ask what your second class is but if you want to take care of our problem here, I'll not stop you." Robert looking a little guilty that they viewed him as being way more powerful than he was kept quiet and just watched the goblins awaiting their charge.
At some unseen signal, the goblins with a massive roar launched their charge, In response, Robert, a renowned wizard, stood tall. His eyes, filled with a calm determination, focused on the advancing horde. With a swift gesture of his hand, he began to weave a complex spell, his voice echoing with ancient incantations. The air crackled with magic as the power surged through him. The moment the goblins launched their charge, Robert unleashed the Firestorm spell. A colossal, swirling vortex of flame erupted from the ground, directly in the path of the advancing horde. The goblins, caught off guard by the sudden and intense heat, were engulfed by the inferno. The ensuing chaos was terrifying. The air crackled with searing heat, and the screams of the goblins were drowned out by the roaring flames. The once fearsome horde was quickly reduced to ash, their bodies consumed by the relentless fire. Some goblins, caught on the fringes of the inferno, writhed in agony, their flesh melting and bones cracking under the intense heat. The defenders watched in awe as the Firestorm raged, a testament to Robert's incredible power. Within a mere 15 seconds, the Firestorm had claimed the lives of all 800 goblins. The spell continued to burn for another 23 seconds, leaving behind a blackened and desolate landscape. The charred remains of the goblins, scattered across the ground, were a stark reminder of the devastating power of the Firestorm. As the flames finally died down, a silence fell over the battlefield. The defenders, stunned by the sheer power and swiftness of the attack, stared in disbelief at the aftermath. The once-threatening horde was now nothing more than a grim memory, a testament to the destructive force of magic.
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Robert was surprised by the level-ups, but then as he thought about it he did just kill nearly 800 level-50 goblins. The aftermath of the Firestorm was a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded it. A heavy silence hung over the wall as the defenders processed what they had just witnessed. The once-threatening goblin horde had been utterly obliterated, their charred remains a testament to the sheer power of Robert's spell. The Duke, still recovering from the shock of witnessing such raw power, approached Robert. "You have proven yourself to be a formidable asset," he said, his voice filled with respect. "I am curious, what is your true level?" Robert, hesitant to reveal his full capabilities, replied, "It's...complicated. Let's just say I've had some unique experiences." The Duke nodded, understanding the implication. "Regardless, your contribution has been invaluable."
Moving closer to Captain Stormheart, Robert began, "Kaelan, any word on the next wave?" Kaelan, still gazing at the ravaged landscape, replied slowly, "Orcs. A large group, maybe 300 to 400 strong. Our scouts estimate they're about half an hour out." Robert nodded, considering the situation. "What do you think they'll make of this?" he asked, gesturing towards the decimated field. "Nothing," Kaelan replied, a touch of weariness in her voice. "They're mindless creatures, driven by the dungeon's will." Robert turned to Elara, a young sorceress with a spark of raw power in her eyes. "When the next wave arrives, use this scroll," he said, handing her a powerful artifact. "It should grant you significant experience, perhaps even a more powerful class. If nothing else you should earn a Feat" Elara's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? It's incredibly powerful." Robert smiled. "I made it last night. I can always make another."
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Kaelan, ever the cautious one, interjected, "What kind of spell is it?" "A Tier 5 Lightning Storm," Robert replied. Kaelan's eyes widened. "A Tier 5 spell? To a level 5 novice?" Robert chuckled. "She'll be more than level 5 soon enough. This should accelerate her growth." Kaelan just shot her head and replied, "Just be careful, growing too fast can be hard on a person, she needs time to learn her strength." "Oh I agree, that scroll is a weaker version of the spell, she'll get 6 or 7 levels out of it, but that's all, the feat is more important."
Robert sat down to rest, while they waited for the Orcs to arrive. After about 20 minutes the first of them exited the woods and started to gather together. It took about another 40 minutes for the entire horde to arrive but when it did, Robert guessed there were nearly 400 of them gathered. Robert called Elara over and pointed, "Once they charge let them get going and then use the scroll, remember focus on there you want the spell to land, Try to aim right at the front of the line." Elara nodded and watched the Orcs, only about another minute went by before they started their charge. With a deep breath, she unfurled the Scroll of Lightning Storm. The air crackled with energy as the spell took effect. A furious storm erupted overhead, the sky darkening as thunderclouds rolled in. Lightning bolts, thick and jagged, arced down from the heavens, striking the orc horde. For thirty seconds, the storm raged. The orcs, caught in the lightning's wrath, were struck down in droves. Their screams mingled with the thunder, a cacophony of fear and pain. When the storm finally subsided, the once-mighty orc horde was significantly diminished, with over forty of their number reduced to charred husks and the rest hurt.
While the spell had harmed the horde and slowed it down it did not stop them, Robert placed his hand on Elara's shoulder, "Well done, now let me finish up," With that Robert cast his own version of the Lightning Storm spell, to anyone watching they could tell the difference. The spell Robert cast lasted longer and the bolts were more numerous and powerful. When the air cleared the horde was no more. Robert looking over at Elara asked, "So how did you do?" With a smile, she answered, "I'm at level 10 and I earned two feats," Elara pulled up her stat page and showed Robert:
Feat Name Description Award Giant Killer (Killed a mob 10 levels higher before unlocking a class) Damage to higher level mobs +10% Stacked Giant Killer II (Killed a mob 50 levels higher before unlocking a class) Damage to higher level mobs +20% Stacked
"Nice, I have the first one of those, will have to work on the second," Robert answered with a smile, "We'll deal with your class selection later when we are not on the wall." Looking at his notifications Robert saw he had earned 4 more levels from that attack. At about the same time, Robert received a quest complete notice.
Third Stage of the Chain Quest Complete!
Final Stage of Chain Unlocked!
Name Type Description Award Notes Return Home Quest Chain You have blunted the majority of the attack on the city, return home and leave the rest to them. 1000 Exp This is the Fourth and Final part of a quest chain.
"Well, that was unexpected," Robert mused, gazing at the newly activated quest. Kaelan's brow furrowed in confusion. "So, what was the real purpose of our mission here?" Duke Nariantian, deep in thought, offered an explanation. "I believe it was to grant Elara a unique opportunity to participate in this battle. I can't predict her exact class, but I'm certain it will be either Epic or, perhaps, even Legendary." Robert paused, considering the implications. "You're probably right. But why would the System go to such lengths to set her up like this?" The Duke chuckled. "I've learned not to question the System's motives. It's a futile endeavor. Thank you for your assistance. You've eliminated the majority of the attacking monsters, leaving the rest to us. Safe travels, Mr. Williams." As the portal materialized, Robert pulled out another scroll and handed it to Captain Stormheart. "If things worsen, use this. It's the same Firestorm I employed against the goblins. Come, Elara, let's return home." With that, Robert and Elara stepped through the portal.
Quest Complete!