My eyebrows knitted when I saw the incoming threat. With my cards, I could probably take on the Boss but Gles can't. This was not a training partner I had in mind.
The Salamandrake was known to be a 300-man army crusher. It had a wide arsenal of powerful AOE skills. And worst of all it had peak bronze defense. It has a dragon bloodline which gave it draconic scales and enhanced fire power. It was a monster that does not belong in an iron rank gate.
"How did it get here!? I-isn't it supposed to be at the other side of the gorge!?" I shouted at the party.
"The raid team has been wiped out! Run away! Run while you still can!" a hunter in archer's garb shouted as he ran past me. He was the fastest of the group and were ahead of his teammates by a large margin.
I turned my gaze back at Gles and saw that she was scared stiff.
"Hey, look at me." She didn't respond. I grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her hard. "Gles! Snap out of it!" She started shivering but still looked at me. I saw the fear in her eyes.
"Don't be afraid. Okay? I'm here. I'll protect you." I tried to calm her down.
She nods.
I gave he a confident smile pat her head saying, "Everything will be alright. Stay here, I'll be right back." I turned my back and faced the upcoming lizard. He was still quite far off and I was confident I could lure him far enough to prevent any stray damage from hitting Gles.
"Ah! Don't go." Gles grabbed the edge of my jacket. Her eyes were tearing up. "It's dangerous."
"It's okay I can take care of him. You just stay here so you won't get hurt." I gave her a reassuring smile and I pat my chest. "Believe in me."
"O-Okay."
"Good. Now this warrior will go slay a dragon for my princess." With that I began running towards the beast.
ROARR
Half way through the Boss opened it mouth and began gathering immense heat behind it's throat.
"Hey! Your going the wrong way!"
"Leave him! Only idiots would seek death!"
"Don't be stupid newbie!"
I heard the hunter's shout at me as I ran past them. I grinned, if it were any other people then they'd be doing something stupid if they were to face the Salamandrake alone. Even a silver rank hunter would come out with serious injuries if fought the Boss alone or worst, he'll be burnt to ashes.
For me, this was an opportunity. A strong foe means a greater battle experience.
ROARR
"Arghh!"
A column of flames flew past the running hunters. They screamed out as they got burned. A few tanks used shield skills to block the flame, some wizards used barrier and wall spells but it only delayed the inevitable. The pillar of flame approached me.
SPIRIT GUARD
Translucent Black Steel arms blocked the flame.
Crack. Crack.
Hairline cracks appeared around the barrier. The breath attack was stronger than iron rank. The flames couldn't reach me but the temperature was hotter than an oven.
The flames subsided and a few hunters were left. They suffered major burns and were unable to move. I turned to look where I left Gles and found that she was fine. The spirit guard was able to lessen the breath attack so the range was reduced.
I sighed in relief. I stared hard at the Boss and pulled out my sword. The martial art I learned was for a blade. Swords were used for slashing and piercing, while blades mainly focused on cutting. Using a sword in a blade art would reduce its strength. An elegant sword could never be as savage as the blade.