Drake sprinted along the narrow ledge, the enraged shrieks of the goblins echoing behind him. He could hear their clumsy footsteps scrambling after him, their crude weapons clattering against the cave walls. He glanced back and saw them pouring out of the central cavern, a horde of green-skinned fury.
"Elara, run!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the tunnel.
Elara, having already secured the Sunstone, was right behind him. She moved with surprising speed and agility, keeping pace with Drake as they fled through the twisting tunnels.
The goblins were surprisingly fast, their small size allowing them to navigate the narrow tunnels with ease. They were gaining on Drake and Elara, their shrieks growing louder and closer.
As they rounded a corner, they found their path blocked by a large group of goblins, who had clearly anticipated their escape route. They brandished their weapons, their faces contorted in rage.
"We're trapped!" Elara exclaimed, her voice tight with fear.
Drake cursed under his breath. He had underestimated the goblins' cunning. They had clearly planned for multiple escape routes.
"Looks like we're doing this the hard way," Drake muttered, drawing his short sword. He turned to face the goblins, his heart pounding in his chest.
The goblins charged, their numbers overwhelming. Drake and Elara stood back to back, desperately defending themselves against the onslaught.
Drake relied on his improved *Street Fighting* skills, dodging and weaving between the goblins' attacks. He landed a few solid blows with his short sword, but the goblins were relentless, their numbers seeming endless.
Elara fought with fierce determination, her dagger flashing in the dim light. She moved with a deadly grace, dispatching goblins with swift, precise strikes.
Despite their best efforts, they were slowly being overwhelmed. The goblins were swarming them from all sides, their crude weapons finding their mark. Drake felt a sharp pain in his arm as a goblin's dagger grazed his skin.
*Notification: "Damage Received: 8. Drake Health: 87/100."*
He gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain. He knew they couldn't hold out much longer. They were outnumbered and exhausted.
Suddenly, one of the Goblin Shamans appeared at the back of the goblin horde. He raised his hands and began chanting in a guttural language. The air around them crackled with magical energy.
*Notification: "Enemy Using Magic: Goblin Shaman Casting Earthbind."*
Before Drake could react, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble. Thick vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around his legs and pinning him in place.
"Drake!" Elara shouted, trying to reach him. But she was surrounded by goblins, unable to break through their ranks.
The other Shaman joined in the chanting and soon Elara was trapped as well.
With Drake and Elara immobilized, the goblins pressed their attack, their weapons raining down on them. Drake felt a searing pain in his side as a goblin's sword pierced his leather armor.
*Notification: "Damage Received: 15. Critical Hit! Drake Health: 72/100."*
He cried out in pain, his vision blurring. He knew they were in serious trouble. They were trapped, outnumbered, and injured. They were on the verge of losing.
Just as Drake thought all was lost, Elara let out a desperate cry. A surge of magical energy erupted from her, sending the surrounding goblins flying. She had managed to unleash a burst of stored magical energy, a last-ditch effort to save them.
The earthbind vines released Drake and Elara, they were both breathing heavily and injured. Drake looked at Elara, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thanks," he gasped.
"We need to get out of here," Elara said, her voice strained.
They fought their way through the remaining goblins, using every ounce of strength they had left. Drake, fueled by adrenaline and desperation, fought with a ferocity he didn't know he possessed. He felt his *Street Fighting* skill improve yet again.
*Notification: "Skill Increased: Street Fighting (Level 3)."*
Finally, they managed to break through the goblin ranks and escape the tunnel. They stumbled back into the main cavern, collapsing against the cave wall, exhausted and battered.