After beating Hanzo and give him a proper rest, things have taken an annoying turn. Tons of monsters constantly swarming me for taking the monster core found on the shrine.
I can't help to think about the monster core. It's very obvious it belongs to a dragon and my mind won't stop thinking about it. How strong was Hanzo if he was alive to kill a dragon and obtain its core?
I think I might've died if he was actually alive and was in his prime. And I'm very much scared thinking about it.
I shake my thoughts off and try to focus on my current situation. I'm planning to leave this place and no one will stop me.
Finally, after more than a year, I finally able to leave this place properly. I look at the bag I prepare for this journey, tons of healing items, weapons, some backup armor, and the dropped items I got from the boss.
I let out a sigh of relief before smiling a bit. My past self wouldn't be able to think this is possible, with how easily I could get myself killed for being weak. But, I've proven that my hard work isn't for nothing.
As I equipping my bow and my quiver on my shoulder, my ears twitch upward and hearing noises from afar. I can't help but wondering about the commotions. And against my better judgement, I approach towards that place.
I continue hopping from one tree to another in order to reach the commotion faster and much to my surprise, there's a destroyed carriage. Next to it s a girl wearing a witch outfit and a knight inside some sort of magical barrier while being surrounded by a group of nasty looking people, around 12 of them.
If I have to guess, an assassination attempt by the bandits. If they're targetting the goods, they wouldn't destroyed the carriage into pieces like that. I crouch down and fully open my ears, eavesdropping their conversations.
"Well, well, well. To think you would survive the advance lightning spell, Thunderfall. I guess it was expected from the prodigy of Celesterra Kingdom." Of all things I expect, this is not one of them. You tell me that in front of me is the candidate of the Star God, Elizabeth of Celesterra Kingdom!?
Then that means, the man besides Elizabeth will be Royal Knight Eric, future Hero of Celesterra Kingdom!? I can't believe they actually appear right in front of me.
I remember Elizabeth is actually known for her light and constellation magic. Her mana comtrol is the best amongst the mages, wizards, witch or whatever people call the magic users. Her wide array of spells made her the best NPC party member you would love to get your hands on due to how good she is at clearing dungeons, beating bosses.
Royal Knight Eric is known for being a great magic tank and damage dealer in the game, another recommended NPC party members. When you got him as a party member, expect to get carried by him as he able to protects the player from any instant kill attack from the boss.
Despite being the best NPC members, they are not easy to invite to your party. You need to pass their test in order to officially invite them and lying your answers will not help since the VR gears were equipped with neural scans. So, good luck to get them if your personality is shitty to the core.
"W-why are you doing this!?" I heard Elizabeth said while struggling.
"Oh dear, nothing personal. I just did what I was hired to do." The bandit stated. God, that tone he uses made me wanting to cut his throat.
But, I can't help but wondering why are they here and why are they struggling. I narrow my eyes and I notices few sparks flowing around the area. Oh right, the guy said that Thunderfall was casted.
If I remember correctly, Thunderfall is the fourth level magic spell by summoning lightning into the target that the caster desires. And after the cast, that particular area will be covered in static electricity that continuously deals DOT. If this is a game, the DOT is based on the enemies' HP. And let's not forget the paralyze effect.
Wait, paralyze. I narrow my eyes and I actually notices that both Elizabeth and Eric actually got paralyzed. In the game, paralyze prevents you from moving, but they can still cast skills or spells, just less effective.
And for Elizabeth casting mana shield around her and Eric while being paralyzed shows how good she is as a mage. Sadly, if she's retaliate, she needs to drop the mana shield and risk Eric getting harmed.
S-should I help them? I mean, they're the strongest of their class and I'm a monster in their eyes. If I intervene, I only risk my life for nothing and that paralyze effect will only last for a while.
I think I should left them be. They would be free at any time-!
"Boys, let's get them!" I look at the bandits and widen in shock as they pull out a black tipped arrow. And when they shoot the arrow, it easily shatters the mana shield and the lightning starts to shock Elizabeth and Eric.
That arrow was made of Antium! Where the fuck did those bandits got those!? Does that mean that someone of a higher status was behind these? That shit isn't cheap!
"Hehe, once the boss finish his business with you, you'll be enjoying a great time with us." Something inside me boiled in anger. D-did these bastards plan to-!?
Enraged, I grab the bow and without thinking, I shot my arrows on those bastards. I manage to get two of them right on their heads and it caused the area DOT to dispell. So, I manage to kill the spellcaster, huh....
"What the-!?"
"An ambush!?!"
"Where are they!?"
As they starts to shout, I shoot arrows at them again. I continue to kill each one of them before the rest of the five went on hiding. I saw one of them hid right below me, so I simply kill him with arrows.
Using my keen senses, I track down each of them. One hid behind the bushes, one behind the tree, and the last one hid behind the destroyed carriage. I dropped down from the tree and shot my arrows on the bush, causing them to yell in pain. I rush towards them and kills the bandit.
One of them were stupid enough to try to run away. I simply shot an arrow on their heart, killing them. I approach the one behind the carriage. To my surprise, the guy pissed on his pants and fainted from shock.
....that's pathetic, even for me. I look at Elizabeth, who is barely conscious, trying to protect Eric with her magic staff. Is it a magic staff or a broom, I would never know.
"S-stay back!" Elizabeth warned as a light orb charged and she aim it at me. I look at her before dropping my bow and held my hand up, surprisung her.
"I'm.....not gonna hurt....you...." Now, she looks even more surprise. I risk my life here, but I would like to take a gamble here. Besides, if I let these bandits get away with whatever they want to do to her, I would never be able to sleep peacefully at night.
Whether if she manage to survive or not, no one deserves to be a victim of rape. Especially from a pedophile.
"You need....medical attention.....along with your friend." I cough, still trying to get used to talking. My constant practice with talking made my throat sore like hell.
"....gotta..help...Eric..." And just like that, Elizabeth fall unconscious. I look at them before sighing.
To be continued