Jarvis closed the book. Whitelash was the ruler of the forests. Jarvis only was able to use him because he had saved his life from a poison. The main reason all the beasts were fighting the players was because they wanted to return the favor of saving their leader. During the battle Whitelash had requested to be part of his small squadron of animals. When Jarvis agreed Whitelash's stats had fallen to be even with his level. If Whitelash wasn't his, then he could have easily defeated Rosadell.
It didn't matter now, Rosadell was defeated but he felt it wasn't worth the cost. She would lose a bit of exp. He lost a great fighter. He looked towards the others and saw only Akiol was the one still fighting, which was surprising.
He started to walk towards him when he heard rustling. He turned towards the sound and saw Rosadell standing.
She dusted off her clothes and spat, "That darn cat made me use my life saving skill. Now I have to wait a whole week!"
Jarvis' fist tightened, why doesn't she understand that Whitelash wasn't a cat but a brave warrior? He wouldn't let her get off scot-free.
He quickly reopened his book, flipping to a page with two birds. He played his flute-like instrument and two large birds appeared on both his sides. These birds were a pair, named Bo and To. Skilled in teamwork they finish single enemies. Best to be used if there is one opponent. Jarvis played another tune called Bird's Song.
[Bird's Song: This song lifts a bird creature's spirits. Boosting their speed by 20%.
Duration: 2 minutes]
Bo and To let out a cry. A bond between creature and tamer wasn't to be underestimated. Bo and To had an understanding of what happened, and were angered by the death of a comrade. They flew quickly towards Rosadell. Pecking at her at any opening.
Rosadell screamed, being pecked was painful and unpleasant. She hated animals, being killed by one would fill her with hate. She quickly summoned another magic weapon. It was the Hwacha, the rocket propelled arrows launched themselves towards the birds.
The birds wouldn't get hit easily though, they easily dodged through the arrows. The speed buff had helped them greatly. When the Hwacha was empty Rosadell attempted to reload it, however Bo and To grabbed her arms with their claws. Flapping furiously they lifter her up.
She fought furiously yelling, "Let me go!"
Bo and To wouldn't listen however, rising her several meters in the sky. After raising her nearly 100 meters they dropped her. Rosadell casted [Float] in the panic of her falling. However [Float] should only be used at a height which one would survive falling. Since she used it so quickly, when it ended she continued to fall. Screaming as she fell, she landed with a 'splat'. Jarvis was sure she was dead this time. Calling back the birds he closed the book and put it away. He sighed, it didn't feel like a win.
~ ~ ~
Akiol decided that it was about time he switched styles. Over the several years he had been in his past world, he had learned different styles of sword combat. The one he had been using this entire time was something he came up with. Using a mixture of combat experience and the deadly {Vital Target} style. He made something that fit him and was good enough to deal with enemies. However when facing two enemies who have a near impregnable defense. He would have to switch things up.
He changed his sword stance, the sword style he chose to use was the {Defense Obliterating} style. One he learned in his beginnings. Using the blocks and parries of his enemies he could slide through their defenses.
The main reason why he didn't want to change styles was because he felt it wasn't necessary. His hand-made one was the most comfortable for him. Changing it mid battle was something he deemed unnecessary as the Hero. Now that he was starting over in strength he felt the need to swap to different fighting styles. With the extreme defense his enemy had, he had the perfect option.
Wrock called out, "Want me to assist?"
Stabbed looked towards Wrock but Akiol's gaze never left the guild leader. Akiol responded to the question simply, "Not needed."
Stabbed was genuinely surprised that Shot was taken care of. Shot was incredibly dependable. If not the best player Pierced Moon had. Stabbed knew the only reason he would be able to beat Shot was because of the class he obtained. He wasn't too skilled, but he wasn't an average player.
Akiol approached Stabbed, intending to end the combat with this clash. He swung his sword, Stabbed went to block but Akiol simply twisted his sword and slid it on Stabbed's blade. Loxit went to block the strike, however when the attack was blocked Akiol had kicked the ribs of Stabbed.
<-20hp>
Stabbed grit his teeth, he wasn't going to be beaten by this player that dared to offend him! He swung his sword viciously towards Akiol. Akiol lifted his blade angling it to where Stabbed's attack simply glided down the blade. Once Stabbed's sword left contact with Akiol's blade, Akiol kicked towards Stabbed, when Loxit blocked the attack he swung towards Stabbed's chest. Loxit quickly retracted his blade to block the strike. Stabbed joined by swinging back at Akiol. Akiol simply switched his grip on his sword. Using the reverse grip he blocked Stabbed's attack and struck Loxit's defense with his pommel.
Akiol continued his assault, Stabbed found he couldn't attack Akiol like he used to. No matter what attack he used it was turned against him. He roared angrily and swung with all his might. Akiol struck a part of Stabbed's sword and the attack was directed towards his own neck. Stabbed found he couldn't stop it in time, however Loxit blocked it. Akiol used that moment to pierce Stabbed's chest.
Finally, a proper blow had landed! Swapping fighting styles had proven to be the right move. Continuing to fight, he did realize that Loxit seemed to be learning his attacks. He felt that if he kept this up, he would be sent back to square one. So he decided if they had two swords, so could he.
He brought out the Steel Sword he still had absorbed. Stabbed seeing this shouted, "Two swords? What class even are you?"
Akiol remained quiet, he wasn't going to explain his strengths and trump cards unlike his opponent. He proceeded to attack ferociously, leaving no room for anything but defense.
Stabbed felt sweat forming, his exhaustion was rising. He couldn't understand how his enemy wasn't even the slightest bit tired. If this kept up he would lose!
He roared and swung his weapon downward. When the sword pierced the ground large cracks began to form. A shockwave crashed into Akiol. But he wasn't sent flying, instead he was pushed back a bit.
Stabbed yelled, "I will kill you!"
Akiol relaxed his face, he found that he was more serious than intended. Now that his enemy let emotions get to his head, the fight had essentially ended. Dodging Stabbed's attack he thrust his swords towards Stabbed's neck. In a position where both could kill him, but both couldn't be blocked. Loxit blocked one, but the other pierced through Stabbed's throat.
He absorbed his swords, it was a fun fight. He had learned and adjusted to his weaker self during it. His victory proved fruitful.
Wrock asked, "You good? You finished your fight last."
Akiol replied, "You try fighting a guy who had a stand!"
Wrock, "That's what that was?!"
Akiol walked over to Jarvis, stretching his hand out he said, "Good to have you back."
Jarvis reaches and shook Akiol's hand, "Likewise."
As Akiol looked back on the battle, the players were retreating, he asked Jarvis, "How did you manage to get all these beasts to assist us?"
Jarvis replied, "Just a favor they wanted to repay, it won't happen again sadly."
Akiol nodded and didn't ask any further questions. Turning away he said, "Come on, let's go back to Silverflight. You should meet up with the rest of the party."
As they began to walk back a notification appeared.
The three discussed it among themselves. Deciding they agreed. No reason not too.