Dust and debris filled the air, the clash of metal and the echoes of powerful strikes reverberating across the battlefield. The black knight and shadow female knight continued their rampage, exerting immense pressure on the remaining hunters. Meanwhile, Linggis was still battling Seo Ah amidst the chaos, his sharp eyes analyzing every movement of his opponents.
"Heaven's Shield, huh?" Linggis muttered softly, glancing at two guild members who were starting to show signs of exhaustion. "You're always too overconfident."
A hunter from Heaven's Shield, a large man wielding a thick shield, tried to hold off the black knight's relentless attacks. He shouted, channeling energy from within himself, his body glowing as he attempted to create a last line of defense.
But the black knight gave no quarter. With one brutal swing, his massive sword smashed against the thick shield. Cracks spread instantly.
Craaaack!
In mere seconds, the shield shattered into pieces, and the black knight's blade pierced through the hunter's body. Blood gushed out as the man collapsed, his eyes wide open, unable to say a word.
"KEVIN!" screamed his comrade from Heaven's Shield.
But there was no time to mourn. Linggis leaped forward, dodging Seo Ah's dagger slash, and took advantage of their moment of distraction. With a quick motion, his cane slashed the neck of the screaming hunter, sending his head silently to the ground.
Two hunters from Heaven's Shield had fallen.
"Heh, you never learn from your mistakes," Linggis chuckled. "Numbers aren't everything, my friends."
Jin Woo, watching his comrades fall, could no longer hold back his rage. He swung his sword with unprecedented speed, black aura surging around him as he charged at the shadow female knight.
"Listen up, everyone! Focus on Linggis! I'll deal with these creatures myself!"
Seo Ah and Leon quickly regrouped, attacking Linggis from both sides simultaneously. Linggis still wore a smirk, but deep down, he knew the situation was growing dangerous.
"Surrounding me? An old tactic," Linggis muttered, swinging his cane, which morphed into two short blades. He blocked Seo Ah's strike with his left hand while attempting to counterattack Leon with his right.
But Leon was ready. With a powerful swing of his massive axe, he forced Linggis back several steps.
"Things aren't like they used to be, Linggis. You can't play around anymore!" Leon shouted.
Linggis spat a small bit of blood from his lips. "Finally, you're getting serious."
As the battle intensified, a small purple portal appeared at the edge of the battlefield. From within, a robed figure bearing the insignia of the official Hunter Association emerged.
"Hand over the coffin, Linggis," a deep voice echoed from beneath the hood. "Or this will be the end of your journey."
Linggis narrowed his eyes, his previously relaxed expression slowly fading.
"Do you really think I'll surrender after all this?" he whispered, gripping his cane tightly, which now glowed faintly.
The black knight and shadow female knight suddenly halted, as if sensing the arrival of something far greater.
Seo Ah glanced at the robed figure and gave a faint smile. "Looks like help came at just the right time."
Linggis sighed, tightening the straps around his waist to secure the inventory pouch holding the coffin. "Alright," he said softly. "Let's see who lasts the longest."
With the arrival of the mysterious robed figure, the tension on the battlefield escalated. Linggis, who had exuded confidence earlier, now began to feel the real pressure from the hunters surrounding him.
"I still have a few tricks up my sleeve," he muttered, bracing himself for the oncoming assault.