We moved through the forest, the sound of rustling leaves and crunching dirt echoing beneath our boots. The air was thick, and the faint blue glow ahead caught our attention.
Leon raised his hand. "Blue Light Wolves… probably a small pack."
Before we could prepare, one of them lunged straight at me—fangs bared, claws slicing through the air. I raised my shield just in time, the impact shaking my arm, but I held firm. With a swift step forward, I slashed—just one clean strike—and the wolf dropped lifeless to the ground.
Another growl erupted. Four more came charging from the brush. I took the front, bracing myself. Two slammed into my shield with a heavy thud, claws scraping against the steel, while the other two darted to my sides.
"Tch." I twisted my blade, cutting the first one cleanly across the neck, then spun to finish the second before it could reach Lili.
To my right, Leon's sword gleamed under the sunlight as he struck down a wolf with precision, while Lili muttered an incantation—fire spiraling from her palm and consuming the last beast in flames.
The smell of burnt fur filled the air. Silence followed.
Rico called from behind, scanning the area. "No more readings within a kilometer. We're clear—for now."
I exhaled, lowering my shield.
So this is how it feels fighting alongside nobles.
They were skilled, no doubt—but the fact that I could take down most of the pack myself made me realize something…
I wasn't just keeping up.
I was leading.
The path ahead grew darker and rougher as we moved deeper into the forest. The sound of cracking stones echoed nearby.
"It's still quite far from the spider's nest," Leon said, scanning the trees. "Stay sharp."
Before he could finish, the ground trembled. From the earth itself, a massive stone arm rose, followed by a towering figure — a Golem, level 25. Its eyes glowed faintly red, its body made of thick, shifting rock.
Lili stepped forward and chanted quickly, flames bursting from her hand. "Fire Lance!"
The spell hit dead center — but the fire scattered, leaving only smoke and heat.
"It's no use!" Ronan shouted. "Its body's too dense!"
The Golem roared, swinging its heavy fist toward us. I dodged, jumping aside as its punch smashed into the ground, sending rocks flying. Cracks spread like veins beneath my feet.
Then it raised both arms — mana pulsing through its body.
"D-Rank Skill: Earth Slam!"
The entire field shook. The shockwave nearly threw us off balance.
"Now!" Leon shouted, eyes locked on me.
I nodded. We ran side by side, closing the distance fast. The Golem's shadow loomed large — but before it could strike again, I lifted my shield high, bracing myself.
"Go!" I yelled.
Leon stepped on my shield, and with a burst of power, I launched him upward. His sword began to glow, wind swirling around it as he roared—
"B-Rank Skill: Wind Cutter Slash!"
His blade came down like a storm, cutting straight through the Golem's head. Cracks spread all over its body like shattered glass.
Before it could regenerate, I flashed behind it — mana gathering under my feet.
"B-Rank Skill: Flash Step!"
In a blur, I appeared behind the Golem, driving my sword straight through its core. The creature froze — then shattered into a rain of dust and stone fragments.
Silence filled the clearing. Only our heavy breathing remained.
Lili lowered her staff, staring at the rubble. "That… that was a B-Rank skill, wasn't it?"
Leon smirked, sheathing his sword. "Two of them, actually."
I just exhaled, lowering my shield. "Guess we make a good combo."