Chapter 365: Malagbi
Amidst waves of low roaring sounds, the figures of four Giant Ghost Wolves slowly outlined themselves from the Summoning Magic Array. In the dumbfounded gazes of all the Adventurers, they went from ethereal to real. In an instant, the Magic Array's Glow disappeared, replaced by four pure white Giant Ghost Wolves whose Physique was fully one and a half times larger than ordinary Ghost Wolves.
"Owooo~~"
As soon as they appeared, the four Ghost Wolves couldn't help but Roar. A huge and brutal Presence spread from them across the entire Arena, instantly suppressing the originally aggressive Presence of Lucia's Squad opposite them. Having not been let out for over ten days, they were already eager to stretch their limbs.
"Clang—"
A series of neat Weapon clanging sounds rang out, followed by a dazzling cold gleam of Metal that drew my Gaze to the audience below. I was instantly Dumbfounded – the reaction of the Adventurers below was very interesting. Oppressed by the Ghost Wolves' palpable brutal Aura, especially those near the Arena, they all drew their Weapons, their faces vigilant as they guarded against the suddenly appearing four Ghost Wolves. It took them a while to realize what they were doing. They couldn't help but look around, and finding that everyone else's Actions were the same as theirs, they laughed at each other, an awkward expression flashing across their faces, before putting their Weapons away and turning their shocked Gaze back to the four Ghost Wolves.
One couldn't blame the Adventurers' overly suspicious Actions; it could only be said that the Ghost Wolves' Aura was simply too huge and too full of Madness, subconsciously stimulating the Adventurers' Battle nerves and causing them to act that way.
Meanwhile, Lucia's Squad on the stage was directly enduring wave after wave of the terrifying Presence from the Ghost Wolves. Amidst the Ghost Wolves' overwhelming Presence, the wall of Presence they had built up was like a helpless lone boat. Of course, this didn't mean their overall Strength was much weaker than the Ghost Wolves. It was simply that human Presence couldn't compare to that of Wild Beasts – especially ferocious Animals like wolves.
See? Now you know how powerful they are.
Phoenix still had the leisure to glance at the four people next to him. Among the five, Phoenix, being alone, was the most relaxed. On one hand, he was a Fourth Tier Expert after all; on the other hand, he had seen these four Ghost Wolves and even the more Powerful Little Snow before, knowing their Strength, so the psychological Pressure he faced was far less than Lucia's Squad. However, even so, when facing the Ghost Wolves' hostile Aura head-on, Phoenix realized they seemed even more Powerful than he had imagined. The calm smile on his face remained unchanged, but Sweat had seeped into the palms of both hands holding the Orb and Shield.
"Can we start?"
After summoning Little Two and the others all at once, even I couldn't help but let out a long breath. Multiple Summon could save the Time consumed by summoning them one by one. This High-Level Technique was originally not something Druids of our Tier 3 or Fourth Tier could master, but I had an Advantage: I had been fighting alongside Little Snow and the others. Unlike the Ghost Wolves of other Druids, which were replaced after dying, over Time, I became familiar with Little Snow and their summoning frequency, which is why I could perform Multiple Summon. If it were other Ghost Wolves, I would still have to summon them one by one like other ordinary Druids.
However, since it was a High-Level Technique, the Consumption was also astonishing. Summoning an 11th Level Ghost Wolf consumes some Mana, while summoning four at once requires a terrifying 80 points. Although it seems there's no difference in the numbers, the Mental Power consumed is incomparable. As long as one's Intelligence is not below 80, they can tell which causes greater Durability Loss to the carrier: a steady flow or a sudden surge. Therefore, to establish this Presence, I paid a considerable price.
"Wha... what are you so proud of? Is this your full Strength? It's nothing special. Don't think you can beat us like this."
Lucia, still in shock, saw that hateful smiling face and instantly became Unhappy. Seeing White Wolf next to her still staring blankly at the opponent's Ghost Wolves, she couldn't help but slap him on the Head with her Wrist Blade and said angrily in a sweet voice.
"Idiot. What are you still staring blankly for? Hurry up and Summon your Ghost Wolves!"
Startled by this, White Wolf immediately sobered up. As a fellow Druid, he could feel the Power of the four Ghost Wolves opposite him more than anyone else. But now was indeed not the Time to stare blankly. He composed himself, forcefully suppressed the shock in his Inner Heart, and slowly began to Summon his Ghost Wolves. As he summoned them one by one, White Wolf's heart became even more complex – Multiple Summon, a Skill that was still out of reach for him, had appeared on a Druid of the Same Tier/Rank. At this moment, he finally understood that even if their Level stages were the same, he and the opponent were simply not people of the same Act. The thought of winning that he originally held had gradually disappeared.
One... two, it took six or seven times longer than the opponent for White Wolf to Summon his five Ghost Wolves. Through comparison, the Advantage of Multiple Summon over ordinary Summoning became even more prominent. Feeling the Fear transmitted from the Inner Hearts of the Ghost Wolves he had just Summoned, and then looking at the Giant Ghost Wolves opposite, his own Ghost Wolves looked like mini versions in front of them. White Wolf couldn't help but have a thought that made him want to laugh and cry at the same time – could his Existence simply be to highlight the opponent's extraordinariness?
Indeed, as White Wolf thought, after he Summoned his Ghost Wolves, through the obvious comparison, the Adventurers below clearly realized the abnormality of the opponent Druid's four Giant Ghost Wolves. Not only were their Size and Presence incomparable, but facing the four Giant Mutated Ghost Wolves, the five Ghost Wolves Summoned by Lucia's Squad showed timid expressions, clearly suppressed completely.
Mutated Magic was one thing, but even Summoned Pets could mutate? This was too heaven-defying. At this moment, this thought appeared in the hearts of almost all the Adventurers. Their Mood at this time was like those who suddenly discovered why, even though they were all Humans, the other person held a certification showing an Intelligence of 300, while their own number was only a pathetic 79. Envy, Jealousy, Admiration, Adoration, and so on.
"Sigh, I originally thought I still had a chance to win back then."
On the outer edge of the Crowd, Kurt widened his Eyes, watching the scene on the Arena from afar and saying. As a Barbarian, he actually had one Move he hadn't used, which was the Tier 3 Combat Skill Double Throw. Because this Move was too Powerful, and there was one very awkward point: if you threw a Junk Weapon, the Damage would be very poor, but if you used an Excellent Grade one, if you didn't defeat the opponent, it would definitely be taken by the opponent, and there was no getting it back. After all, the original purpose of Double Throw was to sacrifice your Weapon for Maximum Damage. Due to these two reasons, Kurt never thought of using this Move until the moment he lost.
"Hmm, I originally thought I had a chance too."
Assassin Uncle Dick next to him nodded in agreement. As a Fourth Tier Assassin, he also had one most Powerful Skill he hadn't used, which was the Tier 4 Shadow Disciplines Skill Shadow Warrior, which could create a Mirror Image of himself to fight alongside him. The Mirror Image possessed a certain degree of Intelligence and Assassin Skills, and could be said to be one of the Assassin's most Powerful Skills.
Both of them thought they had held back something, and thus might have had a chance to win if they went all out. Now, seeing this, they realized the opponent's hidden Strength was even deeper and more terrifying. They looked at each other, sighing simultaneously. Comparing oneself to others is infuriating; it's simply unfair! Why was a mere Tier 3 Druid so awesome?
"..."
The Adventurers next to them watched the two narcissistic companions in misfortune speechlessly: I say, Big Brothers, didn't you walk away quite dashingly? When did you sneak back?
"We're ready too."
Seeing their Druid was ready, Lucia took a deep breath, suppressing all the previous shock and the inexplicable feeling of Unhappiness. Her beautiful Eyes gradually became Calm, like a deep and serene Lake, without a ripple. She showed no Emotion.
Those four Mutated Ghost Wolves were indeed very Powerful, but she would not lose. She had full Confidence in her Team's Strength. Even if the opponent was slightly superior in Strength, she was confident that with the Team's long-standing Tactics and coordination, she could defeat the strong with the weak.
"Level 31 Druid Owen."
Seeing Lucia's change, I couldn't help but secretly praise her in my Inner Heart. Being able to quickly strip away irrelevant Emotions from Battle. This Little Fox's style was indeed unexpectedly steady and reliable. No wonder she could become the Squad Captain.
"Level 32 Assassin Lucia."
Lucia, as the Squad Captain, performed the first bow. Cheers and whistles immediately erupted from the audience below.
"Level 32 Druid, just call me White Wolf." The white-haired Druid said coolly.
"Level 32 Sorceress, Kuko, please guide me." The humble and polite Black-robed Mage said next. I thought, 'And I'm Kuko, huh?'
Finally, the Paladin stepped forward and solemnly announced the name that almost made me fall flat on my face.
"Level 31 Paladin, Malagbi."
"..."
Completely speechless. I remember meeting a Paladin named Ultraman in the Jail back in the Rogue Encampment...
Apart from me, the Otherworlder, the other Adventurers didn't react much to the Paladin's name. Finally, it was Phoenix. He swaggered forward two steps with a showy gait, cleared his throat a few times dramatically, indulged in self-admiration for a while, before slowly stating his name amidst the Adventurers' wrathful gazes as they clenched their fists.
"Level 36 Wandering Adventurer, Phoenix."
Hearing the words "Wandering", even Lucia, who had entered a state of stillness like an ancient well, turned back in surprise and looked at Phoenix curiously.
Well, well, he even announced his affiliation. Doesn't he know that Adventurers generally don't have a good impression of Wanderers? Seeing Phoenix's nonchalant expression, seemingly not caring about the undisguised disdain and mocking gazes from the audience, I couldn't help but admire him a little. That carefree spirit of walking his own path and letting others talk, if he could show a bit of it in his daily life, perhaps he would have ended his tragic single Life long ago.
Of course, it's also possible his skin is just too thick...
"Match... Start!!"
With Thorn's light shout, the match officially began. However, without the Magic Amplifier, Thorn's Voice as the host sounded somewhat lacking in Presence and couldn't stir up the Atmosphere. Hmm, for my grand plan, Grandpa Thorn, you'll have to sacrifice this one Time.
The moment the Voice fell, I and the four Ghost Wolves had already charged forward. The opponents had two Wizards, one Assassin, one Druid, and one Paladin, clearly prioritizing Attack Power over Defense. If I just stood there and waited for them to come kill me, that would be idiotic.
"Whoosh—"
A Fire Wall over two meters high suddenly rose from the Ground not far in front of us, horizontally blocking our Pace. The moment the Fire Wall rose, I saw Phoenix's Staff moving. Was it this guy who cast it?
I was still quite wary of Phoenix. For no other reason than his Experience was too rich. As a Wandering Adventurer who roamed everywhere, he took longer than other Adventurers to reach this Level. What he gained in return was keen insight and a top-notch life-saving Combat Style when adventuring alone. I could clearly feel this when I adventured with him.
Therefore, I absolutely did not believe this Fire Wall was just meant to block the path. He should know that Fire Magic of this degree would not cause any Damage to me, or even to the Mutated Ghost Wolves.
So. Was it meant to slightly block my Line of Sight? I immediately judged his purpose, but at the same time, I was even more confused. While this could temporarily block my Line of Sight, wouldn't they also be unable to see me from their side? Could it be...
Answering me was a small Figure leaping over the Fire Wall and charging straight towards us.
Shadow Cloak!
Another of the Assassin's most shameless obscuring Skills. Although it wasn't very useful to me due to Equipment factors, its effect on Little Two and the others was quite obvious. But, hmph, have you forgotten that Ghost Wolves and their Master are connected by Intent?
Although the Ghost Wolves couldn't see, under my Command, they easily dodged the Little Fox's blatant downward stab and formed a large circle, preparing to wait for her to fall into the Trap. Speaking of which, for an Assassin with low Defense and Health to run over alone to face four Dexterity-type Ghost Wolves, each not inferior to her in Strength, how desperate must one be to do such a Thing? I couldn't imagine it at all.
Watching the Little Fox about to fall into the Ghost Wolves' encirclement, four pairs of iron-rending Claws were sharpening themselves – this was still me telling Little Two and the others to use Normal Attack. If they used Giant Claw Tear, this poor Little Fox would definitely be Instant Killed, her beauty perishing. But even so, after taking four Normal Attacks from the Ghost Wolves, she would have to leave the stage early.
Hmm, don't blame me for not cherishing Beauty. On the Battlefield, regardless of gender, appearance, or Race, this is the consensus among Adventurers. I believe that if it were any Adventurer in the audience, even if they were to Fall in Love at First Sight with this cunning Little Fox, they would make the same choice as me. Intentionally holding back is not only Blasphemy against the Arena Battle but also an insult to the opponent. Moreover, and importantly, I didn't think this Little Fox could be taken off the stage so easily.
As expected, the moment the Little Fox fell into the encirclement, a tall Figure suddenly burst out from the fiercely burning Fire Wall. A sturdy Body like cast steel brought up a strong wind, charging towards the Ghost Wolves' encirclement with a Shield in his left hand and a Sword in his right.
Paladin Malagbi appeared. He appeared. He was riding a Grass Mud with melancholic Eyes... Cough cough, sorry, I didn't mean to make fun of you, it's just that your name is too unique.
As I expected, if the Little Fox's first attack could be considered passable, then Paladin Malagbi's surprise attack allowed me to analyze a Fact: the spellcaster Phoenix could sense the enemy's position through his Fire Wall, while the enemy couldn't see through to their side, thus creating an advantageous environment where the enemy was exposed and they were hidden. He really had some Methods. One must know that Fire Wall is a Tier 4 Skill, and Phoenix only reached the Fourth Tier half a month ago. To be able to See Through this Skill in such a short Time, his Strength is truly not to be underestimated. Furthermore, Lucia's Squad, who could immediately trust Phoenix, an External Aid, and quickly formulate Tactics, also deserved praise. But...
Paladin Tier 1 Combat Skill Heavy Blow.
Heavy Blow, as a Tier 1 Skill, is a powerful striking Skill that uses a Shield to fiercely hit and force back the Enemy. Due to the large force application area of the Shield, the Damage caused is not high, but it is the Skill with the greatest Strength output among all the Paladin's Skills. Therefore, according to Malagbi's assumption, even if the opponent was a bizarre and unpredictable Mutated Ghost Wolf, it would be forced back by this strike, thus breaking the encirclement around Lucia.
"Bang—"
The Paladin, charging forward while leaning down, delivered a powerful Shield bash towards the Ghost Wolves forming the encirclement. Upon making contact, the Paladin roared and pushed forward with all his Strength. One step, two steps, three steps... He was horrified to find that slowly, the Strength carrying his strong Confidence was like sinking into a swamp, only advancing a few steps before being unable to push forward even half an inch.
The unexpected Result caused Lucia, who was about to land, to panic for a moment. She saw clearly from Mid-air. She hadn't expected Malagbi's incredibly Powerful Shield bash wouldn't break the encirclement as she had predicted. It only held back one Ghost Wolf, and she still had to face the charge of three Ghost Wolves simultaneously. If she didn't handle it well, she could be taken off the stage at any Time.
Thinking of this, she gritted her jade teeth and performed a graceful flip in Mid-air, inverting herself. She crossed her Wrist Blades and raised them towards the Ghost Wolves directly in front of her, Blocking their steel Claws' Attack head-on. As the clanging Metal Collision Sound rang out, Lucia felt a huge shock transmitted from her Wrist Blades throughout her entire Body, almost making her Eyes go black. Forcing herself to endure this feeling of being Stunned, she used the force to leap, twisting her graceful slender waist again, attempting to jump over the Ghost Wolves' Encirclement. But the other two Ghost Wolves were not easy to deal with. The moment Lucia jumped out using the force, they forcefully retracted their Attacks and also leaped up. Two swift Figures crossed over Lucia's Figure in Mid-air, and Blood immediately splattered, presenting the Adventurers below with a spectacular aerial Melee Combat.
"Thud—Thud—Thud—"
After landing, Lucia retreated several steps. There were two half-foot long Bloodstains on her left arm and right side. This was already the best Result of her full effort to dodge in Mid-air. At the same Time, her two Wrist Blades also slashed across the Ghost Wolves' Bodies, but the effect seemed poor. Looking at the shallow Bloodstains on the two Ghost Wolves who landed at the same Time as her, it was clear this was completely negligible Damage.
Malagbi was wrong, and Lucia was also wrong. They both underestimated Little Two and the others' Strength and Dexterity. As Ghost Wolves whose Skill Level reached 11 and had undergone two Mutations, their Strength was far from as simple as they imagined.
The Assassin's Defense was indeed very weak. Just Blocking once and then being grazed by two Ghost Wolves, her Health had already dropped to around 70%. Originally, this was the best opportunity to take Lucia off the stage, but unfortunately, at the Critical Moment, White Wolf and his five Ghost Wolves appeared. First, a Molten Boulder rushed out from inside the Fire Wall. Its terrifying impact force was something even the Ghost Wolves dared not face head-on. White Wolf took this opportunity to charge through with his five Ghost Wolves, joining Malagbi to shield the injured Lucia behind them. And precisely at this Time, Lucia's Little Fox's Tier 3 Trap Skill Fire Blast, which she had somehow placed, was also triggered. Wave after wave of heat rushed out, forcing the Ghost Wolves to retreat again and again.
Fire Wall, Molten Boulder, Fire Blast, these three Skills raged on the Arena simultaneously, truly like a grand flame feast, something probably only seen in group Battles. That magnificent and spectacular Beautiful Scenery truly opened my eyes, who had always fought alone. And at this Time, only a few seconds had passed since Phoenix released the Fire Wall. In this short Time, such a thrilling Melee Combat had occurred, making the Adventurers below want to shout in excitement, yet they didn't even dare to breathe. They had also gained a deeper understanding of the terrifying Strength of the Mutated Ghost Wolves.
Damn it, I'm not here to be a narrator! Seeing the four Ghost Wolves and Lucia's Squad's three people and five wolves facing off again, I cursed inwardly, turned around, and charged straight towards the Fire Wall opposite. As long as I took out the slippery Phoenix first, and preferably also wiped out that Sorceress named Kuko... oh no, it was Cook the Sorceress, that would be even more perfect.
Relying on my own powerful Fire Resistance, I charged into the Fire Wall like a moth to a flame. The Fire Wall's width was at most only two meters, and with my Speed, I could rush through in less than half a second. But the next moment, I found something was wrong. What was happening? I should have already passed through the width of the Fire Wall, so why was I still surrounded by a sea of flames?!
No matter how I ran, my Eyes were filled with scorching Flames. It was as if the entire Act was swallowed by a sea of fire. Facing the unknown sudden situation, I felt lost. Even with Fire Resistance reaching 73, I couldn't withstand the continuous scorching! My Health was draining at an increasingly fast Speed, and amidst the sky-high Flames, my breathing also began to Suffocation.
What was going on? Could it be that what Phoenix cast was also a widened Mutated Fire Wall? No, I saw him practice the Fire Wall Skill. That couldn't possibly be a Mutated Skill, and his appearance, which carried a strong sense of Tragedy, didn't look like a Genius with 100% Affinity at all.
The temperature of the Surroundings gradually rose, even my Chain Mail started to turn slightly red, but my heart gradually calmed down – there must be a trick inside. Right, my Eyes lit up. I suddenly thought of a possibility. I quickly made a 90-degree turn, and the sky-high Flames immediately parted. Brightness appeared before my Eyes, and Phoenix's sneaky Figure also appeared in the Corner of the Arena opposite me.
So that's how it was. Phoenix could sense our position on the other side of the Fire Wall, so naturally, he could also sense which direction I was charging from. As long as he raised another Fire Wall in my direction of advance the moment I charged into the first Fire Wall, he could make me blindly run along the Fire Wall. This was a very simple but practical psychological Tactic. When trapped in a sea of fire, surrounded by vast Flames, it's impossible to distinguish directions, so people subconsciously charge straight ahead, hoping to escape the sea of fire as quickly as possible. I was no Exception, which is why Phoenix's cunning scheme succeeded.
The Method to break it was really simple, just turning a corner would allow me to escape immediately, but how many people trapped in confusion could think of it? Just as success and failure are often separated by only a White Paper, yet many people simply cannot See Through this point, cannot pierce this thin layer of White Paper, and walk through their long and failed Life in confusion.
At this moment, Phoenix, whose conspiracy had succeeded, was grinning foolishly at me, as if saying, "See, I still have some Methods, right?" This Tactic has a 1000% success rate bonus against a Directionally Challenged Person.
Hahaha, you know too much. Prepare to die!
My Eyes blazing with Fire, I charged towards him. As expected, he Teleported away. Needless to say, he went to the other side of the Fire Wall to rendezvous with Lucia and the others. And on the other side, Cook the Sorceress had also slipped away at some point. This meant I was left alone on this side of the Fire Wall.
This was a tactical Victory, very good. I lost this step, but don't think you've won just like this.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my Eyes and sensed the battle between the four Ghost Wolves and Lucia's Squad on the other side. Hmph, don't think only Phoenix can detect the enemy situation through the Fire Wall. With the Ghost Wolves, I can do it too.
After sensing the Ghost Wolves' positions, a sinister smile curved at the Corner of my mouth. Intense Fire Element began to gather in my hand. After the scorching Flames condensed into a high-temperature liquid red ball, I pressed it down onto the Ground. With a "whoosh" sound, the small ball carrying terrifying Fire Element quietly seeped into the Ground.
Multiple Fire Storm, Second Form.
And just at this moment, Phoenix, who was most sensitive to Danger, spat out a Mana Potion. Thinking of the opponent's terrifying Mutated Skill, he had vaguely guessed what was about to happen and quickly Shouted to Lucia's Squad, who were still fighting fiercely with the Ghost Wolves.
"Quick, retreat! Retreat quickly!"
Lucia's Squad, who sensed the violent Vibration of the Ground a step later, also instinctively leaped back, almost simultaneously disengaging from the battle circle with Little Two and the others. The next moment, a giant Fire Pillar two or three meters in diameter erupted from the Ground where they had just been standing. The strong Flame Current that burst forth forced everyone back several steps again. Lucia and the others barely dodged this attack thanks to Phoenix'