"GRAWRRR!"
A vicious growl was heard from behind. The earth shook at its voice and the mysterious power it emitted made everyone tremble.
Even from afar, they could already feel its presence.
Turning around, they saw a 6'0 brute accompanied by eight more goblins emerging from the treelines. What stood in front of them was the glowing lake.
Walking out of the forest's shade, it revealed its physique and intimidating arsenal.
It was only slightly taller than Michael, but it had unusually big muscles and a huge wingspan making it look wide. Carrying its huge battle-ax, it roared again.
Looking at it, it seemed indomitable with its body and the armor that's protecting it.
But unlike last time, Michael was unfazed and immediately used his skill.
______________________
Race: Green Hobgoblin
VIT: 101
AGI: 40
______________________
[ Copper Splint Armor (Normal) {56.61} ]
[ Copper Battle-ax (Good) {32.90} ]
He took a nervous gulp seeing the windows. "Oh, crap…" He whispered.
"What is it?" Zack asked, brandishing his sword once more with beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He too also sees how grave the situation is even without the information.
His instincts are telling him to run! But he dare not.
In a low and abhorrent tone, Michael answered. "Iron…" They could create metal weapons.
This was not good…
There was no way they would send such well-equipped personnel for stragglers like them, so it could only mean that it isn't important—they could mass-produce gear such as that.
And with more gear means…more can—was to come if they defeat it. What would happen then? Will they die? But Michael quickly shook the thought away. Nothing was set in stone yet.
There were many opportunities such as leveling up after the fight or even just escaping and making the arduous and risky trip back to the kingdom. Not to mention their abundant healing pills.
So what if more come? He'll kill them also!
The goblin group made their way towards them, marching slowly around the lake. Each step of the giant made the ground shake.
Holding his chin in thought, Michael came up with a plan but it was a risky one. After a moment of silence, he made up his choice.
"I'll stall the big guy, defeat the goblins first." To be the sacrifice for the group. He would rather get hurt than send his friends or the ignorant. At least he can blame himself if he fails. And there was no way in hell he would let the others be the reason whether he lives or dies.
Looking at the hobgoblin, Michael shuddered, but he had to do it. He brought out a piece of cloth and wiped his sword as he stared the being in the eyes, coming up with another plan to deal with it.
It stared back at him but he didn't look away. He reckoned he could take 2 hits before needing to take a pill. The rings provided only have 10 healing tablets each so he can only get hit 20 times or else he will die.
It may seem a lot, but in contrast for example, five minutes…It isn't all that much. He'll be lucky to have stalled for 1 minute. Michael hoped to at least save a few healing pills in case of another attack, but it was just wishful thinking.
If he wants to survive, he'll need to throw everything at it.
He once again took a deep gulp of saliva thinking of the grim odds.
Suddenly, Zack held Michael's shoulder. He flinched from the abrupt touch and ended his staredown against the creature.
"No," He tightened his grip. "I'll do it."
"What-"
Furrowing his brows, he stated. "I have a buff skill, It's best if I'm the one to stall."
"And besides, what can you do with that sloth physique? Watch and learn." Zack formed a fist and bumped it on Michael's chest.
But he clearly felt Zack's trembling hands.
Zack looked him straight in the eye and followed. "I got this," With the green aura he emanated, bursting more than ever.
Although hesitant, Michael replied. "Alright."
Zack was right, he was the only one who could exchange blows with it. He wanted to refuse, but he volunteered himself. And the fact he did so even when he's scared was commendable.
But Michael subconsciously started dismissing the safety of his friend for his survival…Agreeing immediately despite his resolve was a sign of it.
Then, he turned around and stared the others in the eye. "I'm not expecting all of you to follow my orders, but just this once, work with me."
They were reluctant but nodded. Turning towards Steve as if to ask permission but he only glared at them.
"Great," Michael looked in front, the goblins were already in front of them.
"Don't let any reach Zack! Quickly dispose of your opponents!" He ordered.
CHING!
Both sides charged—rammed into each other. Their weapons piercingly rang from impact.
It was now an all-out brawl. Stressed, tired, and guilt ridden, all were moving based on their instincts.
With all the goblins pre-occupied, Zack passed through the line.
"Target his joints! With your strength, your arm will break along with your sword if you hit its armor straight on!" Michael yelled as Zack ran towards the hobgoblin.
"Fuck off. I already know that!" He yelled back.
After, he turned his gaze towards his opponent, making quick work of it.
Clink-Clank-Clang!
The goblin sent a barrage of attacks, but Michael blocked every single one. He waited until it became tired before striking.
Clang! Clang! Clink!
It started to slow down until it finally backed away and…
Phak!
Michael kicked it on the calf!
"KIEKK!" The strike made it wobble and lower its stance.
Instantaneously, he followed up with another kick, bashing it behind its exposed right leg, hitting it behind its knees.
Thump!
In pain, It fell down to one knee.
"KAK-" It groaned but was swiftly silenced yet again. Michael jumped and sliced its throat as he landed. Using the momentum, he ran.
He looked back and shivered. 'The throat…felt different from other body parts.'
'It was…soft and…vulnerable.'
The sensation made him realize how weak humans are and living beings in general. One lucky hit on the body's natural constitution can make it fail immediately.
But it wasn't the time to be lost in thought, he has an enemy to defeat!
Tightening the grip on his blade, he looked in front to-
Swoosh!
"What…?" An ax suddenly appeared before him…
Crack—Boom!
It hit him straight on—a deadly blunder.
The strength of the impact was felt as a sonic boom ripped through the air.
"Michael!" Zack called out followed by a groan. "No!"
A dust cloud took shape at the location of the landing—landing on a tree. It fell.
Seeing the destruction, tears went down Zack's cheeks. He bashed his bloody hand on the ground filled with grief not being able to do anything—he laid on the cracked ground, battered.
He was taken down by the hobgoblin.
Just as he was about to take a pill, Michael charged at the monster albeit not looking at it. He tried to warn him but it was too late.
Bam!
The monster smacked him away at that instant.
In anger, Zack stood up and crunched a pill in his mouth. A yellow veil covered his body—his green aura changed into the same color as it flowed out even more violently than before.
His eyes turned crazed and the veins on his body bulged. Hatred formed in his face.
"AHHH!"
He screamed as he charged at the hobgoblin recklessly. His anger reflected on his red and constricted eyes.
Suddenly, a coarse voice uttered. "Hold it!"
Zack's eyes brightened hearing it, halting his advance. A hopeful smile swept his face as he turned around.
"Watch out!" It exclaimed.
Swoosh!
The monster attacked again, but Zack easily dodged. Something he wasn't capable of earlier.
"Michael!" He called out, looking at the crash.
As the smoke dispersed, Michael's beaten body was revealed leaning behind the fallen log. His hands were bloody, but thankfully still intact.
How? Zack was about to ask but saw his broken sword.
At the last moment, Michael was able to retract his sword, blocking a fatal blow. Or at least reduced the damaged.
He materialized a pill above his mouth and gulped it down. With a weary smile, he asked. "You said you already knew. So why're you attacking him head-on?" The healing veil closed his wounds and mended his broken bones.
Tears and snot went down Zack's face. "Thank god." He sobbed.
"Don't get teary-eyed, cry when we kill it." Michael stood up.
The hobgoblin continued its relentless attack, but Zack dodged every attack by a hair's breadth. "All right." He replied.
Michael tried bringing out another sword but it didn't work. Turned out there was only one weapon each despite the implied groups in Duke's words. After a quick deliberation, he materialized an ax into his hands.
He didn't feel comfortable with the weapon, but that was his best option now—quick and light with a weighted edge for hacking.
Wiping the dried blood off his eyes, he yelled to Zack. "Aim for its upper body, I'll go for its legs!"
The bloody battle commences…