CHAPTER 86: GATE DOOR

"What kind of help? I don’t understand what you’re saying at all."

Nalira slowly pointed her index finger toward the cluster of large trees lining the staircase. "I need your strength and Robin Hood to fell all the trees near the gate. If we can block the gate, at least the dark creatures still outside won’t be able to enter."

"Yeah, that’s a pretty good idea." Shaan nodded enthusiastically. "I think that method will be effective."

"I’ll deal with the monsters that already made it past the gate," Nalira said, drawing her sword and bracing herself for battle. "We have to move now."

Nalira dashed forward, slashing through every dark creature in her path. Her movements flowed with precision and control, cutting down enemy after enemy without a hint of fear. Even as the monsters lunged at her, she dodged with an elegance that seemed almost effortless—calm, sharp, and deadly.

’Amazing, she is amazing as always.’

’No, I can’t just stand here and watch Nalira,’ Shaan said with determination. ’I have to make a move. now!’

"Robin Hood, it’s time to take action."

[Yeah! Let’s do this!]

Without wasting a moment, Shaan dashed forward, weaving through the dark creatures trying to block his path toward the gate. Channeling his mana into his dual short swords, he slashed swiftly at the thick trees nearby. In seconds, one tree after another began to fall, and the gate slowly became obstructed.

’No, this isn’t enough. These tree trunks aren’t enough to completely block the gate. We need more trunks to block the entire gate.’ Shaan started looking around and saw a huge tree next to the gate. ’Yes, I think it will work.’

"Robin Hood, use your explosive quiver and aim your arrows directly at the largest tree right next to the gate," Shaan commanded. "Hurry!"

[Alright, that’s easy peasy for me.] Robin Hood nodded. [However, the dark creatures keep appearing, and their presence constantly obstructs my vision.] Robin Hood said, trying to find an open space to shoot. [Damn it... these things are driving me insane.]

"I’ll try to stop them. As soon as you spot an opening, fire your arrow. Got it?"

[Understood!]

Shaan activated his Dash skill again, this time aiming to clear out every creature disrupting Robin Hood’s aim. With agile footwork, he dodged their attacks and struck back without hesitation, slashing at their legs to knock them down and break their formation.

’Slash! Slash! Slash!’

Shaan’s rapid slashes successfully crippled the movements of the dark creatures blocking the base of the large tree. Perfect—Robin Hood now had a clear shot. As the gap widened, Robin didn’t hesitate. He released his enchanted arrow, sending it straight into the thick trunk of the massive tree.

’Boom!’

A loud explosion echoed through the forest, causing the large tree to tilt. But it wasn’t enough to topple it. The tree’s roots seemed strong enough to hold it up, so Robin Hood continued to fire his arrows repeatedly until the large tree slowly fell.

[Shaan, get out of there before the tree crushes you!] Robin Hood shouted. [Hurry up. Now!]

Hearing the warning, Shaan jumped back just in time as the massive tree crashed to the ground, slamming into the gate. Several dark creatures nearby got crushed instantly. Good. The entrance was now blocked, and it would be nearly impossible for any more of them to break through.

[You successfully killed 3x Zerawulf.]

[You obtained dark crystal x15]

[Your bond has increased by +12]

[You successfully killed 2x Lizardman.]

[You obtained dark crystal x6]

[Your bond has increased by +6]

"Nice shot, Robin Hood." Shaan gave him a thumbs-up. "You are a sharpshooter."

[Oh, absolutely.] Robin Hood grinned and puffed out his chest. [I’m a master of archery—my arrows never miss.]

’Wow... I’ve got to admit, Robin Hood has some serious confidence.’

"Alright, our job’s done here. We should regroup with Nalira."

[Agreed. There’s no way that woman can handle all those dark creatures alone.]

They headed back to find Nalira, but the moment they reached her, both of them froze in place. Her condition was completely different from what they had expected. It turned out the blonde-haired woman had managed to kill almost all the dark creatures in the area.

[Holy crap, this woman’s insane—she’s rockin’ it!]

"Yes, she’s truly extraordinary," Shaan nodded. "Come on, we need to talk to her now."

Just as they took a step forward, a sudden movement from the trees caught Shaan’s eye. A Zerawulf burst out from behind a thick trunk, sprinting straight toward Nalira from her blind spot. Shaan’s heart skipped a beat.

"Nalira, behind you!"

The warning made Nalira instantly turn her head, ducking just in time to avoid Zerawulf’s surprise attack. She swung her sword in a sharp arc, aiming straight for the creature—but to her shock, the Zerawulf deflected her blade using its thick, whip-like tail.

"Damn it! I didn’t expect a Zerawulf to be this agile."

"Nalira, listen to me!" Shaan shouted. "That one isn’t normal—it’s a mutated Zerawulf! Be careful. It’s much stronger and faster than the usual kind."

"Understood."

Hearing Shaan’s words, Nalira focused all her mana on her legs. In no time, she activated her Dash skill and sprinted at full speed, matching Zerawulf’s pace.

’Cling! Cling!’

Shaan stood frozen, watching the clash unfold. Damn. Nalira’s movements were incredibly fast. Far faster than his own, and so fast that Shaan couldn’t even see Nalira clearly—only sparks of fire appearing as the two clashed.

’Wow, what an incredible battle.’ Shaan could only shake his head. ’I never expected Nalira’s strength to be able to match the mutated abilities of Zerawulf.’

[Shaan, should we help her?]

"No, that’s not necessary." Shaan shook his head. "Nalira will defeat this creature. I’m sure of it."

Nalira launched a powerful punch at Zerawulf, who was beginning to struggle, sending the creature flying. Seeing her chance, Nalira slashed at Zerawulf’s body, severely wounding him.

"It’s time to kill him—"

’STCHKK!’

"Oh my God, w-what happened?"