Eric, an S-rank adventurer, stands a rank above me, begins the evacuation of everyone. He's accompanied by a handful of C and B rank adventurers, but their strength pales in comparison to the formidable lich we face, especially one on the brink of evolving into a demilich. They wisely choose to maintain a safe distance, focusing on protecting the others and providing support as necessary. Although Eric holds a higher rank, he's not as formidable as I am in direct combat. In a duel, I would best him every time. This isn't to say he lacks strength; he's certainly capable and deserving of his rank. However, he possesses the wisdom to discern when to engage and when to withdraw, always prioritizing the safety of the entire team. That's why I'll take on the fight while the others ensure the scholars are secure. Once everyone is out of harm's way, I have no doubt they'll return to assist me, but I don't intend to prolong the battle, especially with the lich on the verge of becoming a demilich.
The Lich I'm battling is cunning and strategic. While it summons a horde of lesser skeletons to swarm me, it also zeroes in on other targets. I suspect it aims to convert them into its own minions, enhancing its power while cleverly maintaining a safe distance from my relentless light attacks.
Its most significant vulnerability lies in its Phylactery. I suspect the red necklace it wears is the source, though it could easily be a decoy to mislead. Therefore, I begin to immobilize its form with holy magic, complemented by searing fire spells that consume everything in their path. While this approach may not obliterate the Phylactery, it stands as my best alternative for now.
~Leech~
The Lich siphons the mana and essence from one of the researchers, leaving them helpless. Eric is doing everything he can to protect the others, but within this dungeon—this forsaken ruin steeped in the sorrow and despair of those who perished at the hands of the EYE—it's a battleground tailor-made for necromancers like this Lich. Its strikes, formidable on their own, are amplified by the dark energy that permeates the area. This creature is devious, relentless, and employs its skeletal minions as a shield, effortlessly deflecting every one of my attacks. While my stamina and mana seem boundless, if this continues, the Lich will surely triumph in this war of attrition.
~smirk~
That smirk said it all. It intends to exhaust me and claim me as one of its thralls. A cowardly move, yet undeniably effective.
This isn't my first encounter with a Lich. As the battle unfolds, I can feel a spiritual tether guiding me to the location of its Phylactery. Such vital artifacts are typically hidden away in secure locations, holding deep significance for the Lich. A seasoned adventurer would wisely prioritize destroying the Phylactery rather than engaging in direct combat with the Lich. Yet, if a confrontation does arise, obliterating the Phylactery becomes essential. My onslaught of Holy and Fire magic serves as a clever ruse, allowing me to pinpoint the Phylactery's whereabouts. Once I seize it...
"Wind step!" [Alfin]
"!"
The Lich, despite its lack of facial expressions, reveals its surprise at my sudden dash. It realizes I'm making a beeline for its most treasured Phylactery and scrambles to intercept me.