CHAPTER 44: 44 - UNEASINESS [1]

=====

[Troll King]

Rank: S-

Strength: S

Agility: A-

Stamina: A+

Intelligence: B

[Skills]

High Regeneration

Skin Hardening

Power Smash

=====

What I’m looking at right now are the stats of the probably boss monster of this dimension-dungeon, the [Troll King].

It’s standing beside a beautiful, fairly large crystal-blue lake. It’s walking aimlessly, like the [Troll King] is guarding the lake.

And around that lake, there are countless monsters doing the same, ranging from B to A rank.

’Is there something in that lake?’

I asked myself, then turned my head to Levina.

"Are you sure that’s the boss monster?"

I asked just to be sure.

-Yes, that monster suddenly appeared one day and took over some area I owned inside this dimension... That bastard is also stronger than me.

Levina mumbled with a hint of hatred in her voice.

We are all currently hiding behind a huge rock and observing the boss to plan things out.

With Understanding, I analyzed the anatomy of the [Troll King] to find some of its basic weaknesses.

"Its eyes and ears are easy to damage."

I said and pointed at the boss monster.

"The top of its head is also a great target."

"Its back is rock-hard, so don’t attack it—aim for its fat stomach."

"Ah, and I think its core is in the middle of its chest."

I stated the information I got about the [Troll King] to the members of [Coldvale]. I also told them about its skills and stats.

They have their own appraiser, so they checked too, and it turned out that all I said was correct. As a matter of fact, I gave them more. Since appraisers need to be close to their target to know more about them.

Meanwhile, I can do it as long as it’s within my sight.

"You’re amazing!"

"I don’t know what skill you’re using, but I wish I had that too."

"Thanks for the information."

I was bombarded with praises and thanks from the others, which felt good.

[It’s me that appraised it...]

The system appeared suddenly—I can imagine it grumbling.

’Shut up, it’s my skill.’

And with that, we started forming a plan on how to swiftly deal with the [Troll King].

...

...

It was decided that there would be two main groups, Group A and Group B.

Group A: Clifford will face the [Troll King] with Oscar.

Group B: The two male members, Ivan and Mark, and the two female members, Nerissa and Diana, who are twins.

Ivan is A rank, while Mark is A+ rank.

Nerissa and Diana are both B+ rank.

They will deal with the other creatures lurking around the lake so Clifford and Oscar can focus on fighting the [Troll King].

Meanwhile, Alina will stay in the middle of both groups so she can go to either team and provide support anytime.

She also has a presence-detecting skill that can be compared to Oscar’s High Sense, so she can inform others if there are monsters attempting an ambush.

On the other hand, I’m going to stay here hiding behind the rock with Levina.

They said Levina and I should watch their rear so we don’t get sandwiched by monsters, but I know that it’s just because I’m too weak to help them. They’re leaving Levina with me so someone can protect me.

They just said it like that because they’re being considerate so I don’t feel guilty for not doing anything.

Somehow, I felt bitter knowing that, but I can’t do anything, as I would just be a hindrance if I forced myself to help.

I tried to find a way to help them, but I’m just way too weak right now. The best thing I can do is to not be a dead weight to them.

Also... They assured me by saying the information I gave them was helpful enough, and I already did plenty like cooking and other stuff.

"Okay, with our roles decided, let’s start."

Clifford said to the others.

"Let’s finish this and go home!"

"I can’t wait to go back!"

Nerissa and Diana happily exclaimed.

"I’m going to play games all day when I get back home."

"I just want to see my dog."

Ivan and Mark followed in order.

"Let’s go, guildmaster."

"Will you give me a day off after this, Sir Clifford?"

Alina and Oscar said as they prepared themselves for battle too.

"Okay, in your positions, guys."

Clifford commanded with a serious tone, which made the others quickly move to their designated group.

"Let’s finish this as fast as possible!"

BAM—

Then he shouted that and dashed forward toward the [Troll King]!

"YEAH!!!"

BAM—!

The others replied with the same energy and also dashed forward, following Clifford.

"Woah..."

I couldn’t help but admire their coordination.

But my admiration immediately disappeared when I heard Clifford’s next words.

"I can’t give you a day off, Oscar. Sorry."

(Poor dude...)

*****

(Alina’s POV)

SLASH—!

-GUAAAAH!!!

As soon as we reached our destination, the guildmaster immediately slashed down his dadao and injured the [Troll King] in its left arm.

The [Troll King] let out a pained cry.

SLASH—

-KIEEK!

Fwoosh— PUK—

-GAHHH!

Ivan is slashing the monsters with his daggers while Mark is sniping enemies that he can’t dodge using his bow and arrows.

Pluck—

SPLASH—!

"[Minor Heal!]"

On the other hand, Nerissa is smashing enemies to death using her mace, while Diana is staying at the back of the group and effectively healing the injuries the others receive.

’Their coordination is good.’

I thought as I thrust my spear to the side.

PHUCK—

-KIIIEKK!

I pierced through a monster that was most likely using a camouflage skill straight in its chest. It let out a disgusting scream before it died.

Then after that, I slashed horizontally.

SLASH—!

My spear’s blade decapitated two monsters. This time, the monsters couldn’t even let out a sound and just fell lifeless.

BOOM!

I heard a loud sound and turned my head in its direction.

Then I saw a big sharp pointed rock stabbed into the stomach of the [Troll King].

"Looks like they’re gonna be done soon."

I muttered and smiled.

Though, as soon as I felt relaxed...

Swoosh~

"...!"

A shiver ran down my spine and my expression immediately crumbled!

I felt a strong presence moving at a fast pace!

My head immediately snapped in the direction where I could feel it.

And it’s coming from the lake!

But before I could even give a warning to anyone...

S W A A A A—!

A beautiful, gigantic blue serpent erupted from the lake.

—SHAAA!

The serpent’s mouth was open wide as if trying to eat something... Then I saw its eyes looking at Diana.

The serpent was targeting her, the healer and the weakest in combat among our current members!

’SHIT!’

When I realized that, without wasting a moment—I reflexively jumped in front of Diana to shield her from the serpent.

And when I looked at it, its mouth was already near us, trying to gulp us down in one big swoop!

’Ah, I’m gonna be swallowed...’

I unconsciously thought.

’I can’t dodge!’

I couldn’t detect the serpent’s presence immediately because it was underwater, and because of that, I’m gonna die with Diana.

’We’re gonna die.’

I thought as despair washed all over me...

But then—

ZOOOSH—!

I felt Levina’s presence—the electric spirit.

And the serpent halted for a second! Then in that moment...

FWOOOOSH–!

A figure passed by us at a terrifying speed!

It was like lightning, as electric particles were following its trail.

It was blurry, but I could see what it was...

It was Raven.