"If all goes well, we will arrive at our destination faster than we expected," Boreas said as he looked at the place Lux had pointed out on his map. "Now I understand why the patrollers can never seem to find the bandits, they are hiding inside the mountain. This will be a bit tricky…"
At the moment, their current forces were composed of Thirty Goat Riders, twelve Warriors (including the middle-aged Dwarf), Lux, Viel, and Helen.
With a headcount of just forty-six and no knowledge of the enemy's numbers, they had no option but to address the current situation as swiftly as possible, pooling their combined forces. Boreas had also dispatched a messenger bird to the Stronghold of Noria, soliciting backup.
The Dwarf Captain passed on the intelligence provided by Lux to his higher-up and was optimistic that reinforcements would reach them before they reached their destination.
"This is the reason why we are unable to locate them," remarked Boreas, his face adorned with a solemn expression. "The Kobolds have selected this location for their nest."
All eyes were fixed on the cave's entrance, which was being protected by a trio of Kobold Warriors. Because of their low power as Rank 1 Monsters, the team didn't feel threatened. But the issue at hand was the uncertainty of how many more Kobolds lay ahead.
Kobold nests typically comprise thousands of individuals, and these demon-like canines reproduce at an incredibly concerning pace compared to humanoid beings.
"I know where Robin is inside the nest," Lux said.
All conversation ceased as every head turned towards him. "At this moment, he's gravely injured," Lux continued. "If we delay, we may not make it in time."
"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Nevreal exclaimed urgently. "Kid, rescuing Robin will earn you great merit. Let's hurry up and save him."
Yet, Lux shook his head solemnly as he gazed back at Nevreal. "I'll assist you on one condition. All of you must swear to the Earth Goddess that you'll rescue Colette and the rest."
Nevreal squinted, his veteran instincts telling him that Lux's request was not as straightforward as it appeared.
"Are they not in the same location?" Nevreal asked. This was the only conclusion that he could come to as to why Lux was asking them to make an oath to their Goddess.
Lux nodded. "Colette and my friends are located at the deepest part of the nest. Robin and Andy are in the middle area. However, I will not tell you their location if you don't make an oath to the Earth Goddess to save my friends."
"Oi, boy, do you think we are your hired goons or something?" one of the Dwarves asked in an intimidating tone.
"Do you really think we don't have ways to make you talk?" another Dwarf glared at Lux. "If you refuse to cooperate, I don't mind skinning you alive."
Hearing this Viel summoned Ferto, who stood with his shield protecting Lux. With Blood Moon equipped, his prowess was comparable to a mid-stage Grade C Apostle.
Lux felt more secure with his brother's protection as he stared at Nevreal. Despite being uncertain of Robin's true identity, Lux could sense that the individual standing before him, as well as the Norria riders, regarded Robin's well-being as their top priority. This realization implied that Robin held great significance to them. Emboldened by this knowledge, the Half-Elf boldly confronted them with a wicked grin.
"Sure, you want to skin me alive? Go ahead," Lux replied. "However, I already told you that Robin is seriously injured. Who knows? By the time you finish skinning me properly, he might be taking his journey to the afterlife."
With a sneer, Lux taunted the Dwarf, whose face had turned red with fury. The Dwarf took a step towards Lux, but Ferto swiftly activated his shield's ability, causing sharp tines to sprout from it.
"Oh, no! Robin's condition is now Fatally Injured. I don't think he will survive more than five minutes," Lux said with a serious expression.
Viel couldn't help but laugh when seeing his little brother's antics.
As soon as Lux spoke, a frown appeared on the faces of all the Dwarves around him. Lux's words were not truthful, as he was well aware that Robin and Andy were still in a critical condition.
"Boy, you're lying," Nevreal said through gritted teeth.
Lux shrugged indifferently as he met the intense gaze of the Dwarf. "You'll find out if I'm lying or not within the next five minutes. Unfortunately, by then it will be too late for everyone. I'm not familiar with Robin, but judging from your reactions, he must be a person of great importance."
"Are you all prepared to suffer the consequences if he died in this place? Let me tell you, his life and death does not mean anything to me. Now, choose."
"Swear that you will save my friends to the best of your abilities. You will also swear that you will not harm us in any way and lead us safely back to Leaf Village. If you fail to abide by this oath, not only will all of your souls be damned by the Earth Goddess, but the entire Stronghold of Norria, as well as those in your seven generations, will also be damned for eternity!"
"Bastard!" one of the Dwarves growled.
He charged to smash Lux's head with a hammer, but a serpent appeared in his nake that started choking him while hissing. No matter what the dwarf did, his hands went through his body.
"Please free him, he will control his temper better next time." said one of the dwarfs preoccupied as he saw foam coming out of his friend's mouth.
"Ok. Make sure he learns to behave." Viel said as he signaled Jör to let him go.
Jör did so and disappeared turning invisible, leaving the dwarf half-unconscious on the floor.
"This is why I hate other races." another Dwarf spat on the ground. "Bastards, the lot of them."
While Viel and Lux remained unfazed by the Dwarves' words and glares, Helen, being young and inexperienced, couldn't help but feel shaken by the adults' hateful stares, causing her little body to shudder. Recognizing her discomfort, Lux positioned himself in front of her, shielding her from the glares that were directed towards them.
"Aren't all of you ashamed?" Lux said with disdain. "Bullying a child of your own race just because she wants to save her friends? If you don't want to go then we will go on our own. You can stay here until tomorrow if you want, but I will assure you that it will be too late by then. Let's go, Helen."
As Lux held the hand of the little girl, he glanced at his older brother who gave him a nod before leading the girl away from the Dwarf's camp. Lux had been resolute in his intention to go alone if necessary, but he was relieved when someone grabbed his arm, preventing him from leaving. As a Half-Elf, he breathed an internal sigh of relief, realizing that he had successfully won the gamble he had taken.
"Fine, I will make an oath," Nevreal said through gritted teeth.
Despite his clear reluctance, he had no choice but to comply with the situation at hand. Robin's safety was paramount to the Stronghold of Norria, and any misstep could result in their execution. As the Half-Elf turned to face Nevreal, he was met with a look of intense anger. However, upon meeting Viel's gaze, Nevreal quickly averted his eyes and gulped.
'Who the f*ck is him?! How can a child have so much killing intent!'
Viel has developed his killing intent throughout all the battles and hunts he did while waiting for Lux. Before, it wasn't so much because his strength couldn't support it. But now that his strength was growing and he was killing more powerful monsters, it was starting to show its true value.
"Make the oath, and let's start saving people," Lux replied as he saw that Nevreal stopped looking at him with killing intent after crossing gazes with Viel. "Time waits for no Man, nor Dwarf."
The entire Dwarf expedition pledged allegiance to their revered Earth Goddess, vowing the most solemn oath a Dwarf could make. Such a mindset was shared even by those residing in Solais. Once an oath was taken, it was deemed sacred and non-negotiable. Failing to fulfill it would heavily burden their conscience, as it meant eternal banishment from the loving embrace of the Earth Mother upon their demise.
Nevreal's tone was menacing as she warned the Half-Elves, "If you fail to keep your word, I vow upon the Earth Goddess that you shall forfeit your lives."
Lux spoke calmly, "Let's see whose oath will be broken first. Our priority now is to eliminate the guards quickly and quietly to avoid alerting the kobolds inside their nest." Viel, on the other hand, closed his eyes and rested against the carriage seat, not caring about Nevreal's words.
After Lux explained his intentions, they decided to wait for reinforcements coming from the Stronghold of Norria after they rescued Robin and then with their help save the rest of the Dragonslayer party. After all, it was simply impossible for their current manpower to fight an entire Kobold Nest on their own.
"If you are all ready, we can begin the operation," Lux stated. "Helen, stay close to me. No matter what happens, stay by my side."
—--
The Kobold Warriors maintained a nonchalant stance, treating their duties as mundane. Despite facing more formidable creatures in the nearby mountains, the Kobolds remained unafraid of potential attacks. Their conviction in the power of numbers allowed them to believe that no obstacle was insurmountable.
As a humanoid species known for their rapid reproduction, the Kobolds were notorious adversaries due to their preference for quantity over quality.
The three guards were conversing in a relaxed manner, but suddenly one of them started to choke. The other ones didn't know what to do. No matter what they did, they couldn't sense anything in their friend's neck.
After the guard who was choking collapsed, the same thing started to happen to another one. Seeing this, the last guard decided to flee inside their nest, but a barrier appeared surrounding it and no regardless of how hard he hit it, it didn't affect the barrier. The kobold guard turned around to check his companions, but what he saw was a 2-meter-tall purple metallic figure upside down floating to the sky.
The poor kobold couldn't even know he died getting his head chopped.
Following the occurrence of these events, several Dwarves emerged from their concealed positions and carried the bodies of the defeated kobolds to conceal them. Boreas, just to be certain, pierced the chests of all three kobolds to confirm their demise.
After completing the task, the rescue party of Dwarves entered the nest with the aim of locating Robin at the earliest convenience.
On the other hand, Viel summoned his Ant Army and took out five swords from his Storage Ring in which he used the Animating Touch skill. Also, Lux summoned Diablo and his four Skeletal Fighters to guard the rear of the group to inform them if there were any Kobolds returning to the nest.
Nevreal and Boreas nodded their heads in appreciation while they processed how could some rookies who just arrived at Leaf Village to have so much manpower. And not only that, it wasn't weak at all.
Although they encountered some kobolds patrolling the nest, the mixed forces of the Dwarfs led by Nevreal and Boreas along with Aurora, Diablo, and Ferto were more than enough to deal with them.
The regular Kobold Warriors posed no challenge to them, but their real predicament arose upon approaching the first vast cavern in the subterranean passages. After surveying their surroundings, Nevreal and Boreas realized that advancing without alerting the Kobolds was an insurmountable task. More than a hundred Kobolds occupied the cavern, engaging in various activities such as cooking, idling, and honing their weapons.
In the communal area of the Kobold Nest, some of the Kobold Warriors resided while awaiting orders from their Chief. Towards the rear of the cavern, three Black Kobolds, larger than the others, they were the Kobold Leaders. These leaders were responsible for commanding their own troops to engage in either hunting or banditry missions, depending on the instructions given by the Kobold Chieftain.
Typically located near the entrance of the nest, these communal caverns served as the primary defense line in the event of an invasion. Their primary function was to alert the entire nest in case of an attack, enabling them to work together to repel the invaders.
Lux frowned because just like Nevreal and Boreas, he knew that an all-out battle was inevitable. But the calm face of his big brother reassured him.
With a gesture from Boreas, all the other Dwarves were signaled to prepare themselves. Within half a minute, the group charged forward, mercilessly slaughtering any Kobolds that stood in their way. The two Kobold Leaders sprang into action to face the intruders in battle, while the rest of the Kobolds made a commotion, some fleeing deeper into the nest to warn their kin of the invasion.
The Dwarves were swift and efficient, dispatching all of their foes in less than five minutes. Nevreal and Boreas showed no mercy, utilizing their Rank 3 prowess to overpower the unsuspecting Kobolds.
"Where next?" Nevreal asked Lux who has been protected by Viel in case a kobold attacked him or Helen.
"We go straight and turn left at the third intersection on the way. From there, we just continue heading West until we arrive at the place where Robin and Andy are being held captive."
A minute later, Diablo, three Skeletal Fighters, and a portion of the Ant Army arrived at the cavern.
They were tasked with the mission of getting the Beast Cores of the kobold's corpses.
The Nest reverberated with screams and shrieks as the Kobolds clashed with the Dwarf Party. Despite being outmatched by the Dwarves, the Riders of Norria sustained several injuries in the close-range combat. Unfortunately, some of them suffered serious wounds in the fierce battle. However, Helen, a skilled Cleric, was among them, and she did her best to heal everyone while snacking on honey-flavored candies that Lux provided her.
As a result, Helen's presence caused a shift in the Dwarves' demeanor. In fact, Boreas went so far as to task two of his underlings with safeguarding the young girl and preventing any Kobolds from threatening her safety.
The pathway that led to the place where Robin and Andy were being held was drenched with blood.
This was the first time that Lux had witnessed such a bloody battle. Unlike Viel, whose senses have been carefully carved and sculpted in the battles of the Wildgarde Stronghold, Lux's heightened senses, made him feel very uncomfortable because of the heavy smell of blood in the surroundings.
Originally, five dwarfs were supposed to have died. But thanks to Viel's presence and his summons, the tide of the battle changed and no one died.
"Robin and Andy are over there!" Lux shouted as he pointed at several cages in the distance that were made from wood.
Nevreal and four of his men broke free from the scuffle and dashed towards the cages.
"Retreat!" With Robin's limp body slung over his shoulder like a bag of rice, Nevreal shouted loudly.
Another one of Nevreal's subordinates was carrying Andy, who was also safe. As the group made their way back to the entrance, Boreas and the stronger warriors of Norria guarded the rear in haste. However, their progress was hindered when they stumbled upon a group of Kobolds at the intersection leading to the entrance, and another gruesome battle ensued. To make matters worse, the Big Shots of the Kobold Race were present, adding to the difficulty of the fight.
Four Rank 3 Kobold Mages cast fireball spells, but thanks to Ferto's Arcane Barrier they were able to resist.
Suddenly, one of the Kobold Mages unleashed the skill Earth Tremor. Which made the ground under everyone's feet tremble.
Knowing what will happen, Viel held Lux tightly while he threw Helen like she was a baseball toward Boreas.
"Big Brother!" Lux shouted as the ground under their feet collapsed and they fell into the depths of the Kobold's Nest.
Fortunately, Viel summoned Ferto below them just when they were about to crash into the ground. Thanks to the incredible defense of Ferto, they were able to land unscratched.
None of the Kobolds were in the area as they were all preoccupied with pursuing the Dwarves, who were desperately fleeing towards the exit to save their lives.
Lux summoned his Soul Book to check where they were currently at.
He could see Helen's marker going further and further away from him, which means that Helend and the other dwarfs were able to run away.
"Let's go save Colette and the others first," Lux said while he looked towards his brother at the same time as he summoned Diablo.
"Ok. But prepare, it surely won't be easy."
Lux and Diablo both gave a nod of agreement before taking off into the underground labyrinth constructed by the Kobolds.
Following a journey of nearly an hour through the sparsely populated lower levels of the Kobold's Nest, they ultimately reached their intended location. Like Robin and Andy, Lux discovered his companions confined in cages. Yet, they were not the only ones; multiple dwarves were similarly detained.
Viel summoned his Ants which helped Diablo free the dwarfs.
"B-Big Brother?" Surprised and confused, Colette asked. "What are you doing here?!"
"I came to rescue you guys," Lux replied. "Shhh, don't raise your voice. We might get discovered if you do."
Colette nodded her head in understanding and kept her mouth shut.
Lux and Viel distributed Healing Potions to all the dwarfs present. Any type of help was welcomed, as it would raise the chances of surviving and defeating the Kobolds.
The rest of the events took place as in the original story. Long story short, a blonde dwarf named Hans thanked them for rescuing him, he was the leader of the merchant group that had hired Colette's and several other adventurer parties as escorts for his trade expedition but got captured by the Kobolds.
Lux explained to them that reinforcements from the Stronghold of Norria would come, but because of all the Kobolds present in the upper level of the Nest, they were unable to leave right now. Deciding that the best thing to do was to wait for the reinforcements to come.
"Big Brother, what do we do now?" Colette asked. "Are we just going to stay here?"
Lux shook his head. "This place is too big, and it's hard to defend ourselves here. We need to find a good hiding place while we wait for the rescuers to arrive."
"Follow me," Lux said. "I found a place where we can hide."
"And why should we follow you?" a grumpy Dwarf asked back. "I ain't following shity Half-Elves."
"Good for you if you want to die, but you won't drag us with you." Viel said.
The Dwarf jumped to attack Viel, but he just swung his sword and pointed it towards his neck.
"I don't care who the f*ck you are or what you say." Viel stated. "But if you try again to harm me or my little brother I swore that I will kill you with my very own hands."
As Viel finished talking, all his summons appeared behind him; which maximized their killing intent, making the grumpy dwarf piss himself.
Hans narrowed his eyes as he analyzed Viel and decided to follow Lux, who was giggling after seeing the domineering attitude of his big brother.
As a merchant, the blonde dwarf relied on his instincts to forge business connections and carry out transactions. Right now, his intuition was urging him to trail Lux, and he intended to heed its guidance.
After navigating through the underground tunnels, Lux led them to a smaller cavern that seemed to be used as a garbage dump by the Kobolds.
The rotten smell permeated the air, and it made the Dwarves wrinkle their noses, but they currently had no choice in the matter.
They used all sorts of things to get rid of the bad smell, from storing the garbage in Storage Rings to cleansing it with the Cleansing Spell.
Several minutes passed before the annoying smell disappeared, which made the dwarves quite thankful.
"Listen, I will just like to make some rules while we are here," Lux said with a serious expression on his face. "First of all, talking is not allowed. On the off chance that a Kobold or a group of Kobolds were to come to this place, our priority should be to kill them as fast as possible before they can raise an alarm."
All the Dwarves nodded their heads in agreement. They had no complaint whatsoever with the rule that Lux had stated.
"The second rule is that we should make as little noise as possible. Everyone should just rest for the time being. We will need every bit of strength we have in order to leave this place."
The Dwarves once again nodded their heads in approval.
"Lastly, if the worst-case scenario happens, and we are discovered, everyone should stay as calm as possible," Lux stated. "I am confident that we will be able to stand our ground if we work together as a cohesive unit.
"I will let some of my living swords scattered along the entrance to act as a decoy to kill any Kobold who tries to take them. Lux's Skeletons will work as "cleaners", bringing the corpses to us. Ferto, my arcane sentinel, will be staying in the entrance to protect us and stop any attempt of the Kobolds to enter the cavern. Also, I will deploy a special summon of mine to patrol near the entrance, and don't worry he can turn invisible and go through the walls, so he can't be detected."
The Dwarves nodded their heads in awe as they didn't think that the half-elves that some of them despised before, were making such an effort for them.
Lux was about to sit beside the entrance to try to hear something, but Viel didn't let him and told, rather ordered, him to rest for the time being.
Colette, Matty, and Axel were very tired, so all of them slept.
They have developed some sort of faith in Lux. So when he, who they revered so much, relied on Viel blindly, they couldn't help but do the same.
Diablo approached Viel after going to Lux and handed him a Storage Ring with a lot of Beast Cores, two hundred fifty six to be precise, from which six of them were Rank 2 Cores.
Viel took it and transferred the Beast Cores to his own Storage Ring and returned it to Diablo.
"Thank you for protecting my Ants, Diablo." Viel said.
The Skeleton Rider just nodded and went back to Lux.
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