NOVEL NEXT Chapter 289 Worsening Situation
A mere ten seconds prior, Tyler, who had been rubbernecking outside the goblin fortress through the binocle, suddenly found himself enveloped by an overwhelming red warning light.
No matter where he sought refuge, he could not escape the coverage of the ominous glow.
Undoubtedly, this was related to the Goblin Ruler raising its skull-headed staff.
As the three-second countdown within the red warning light ticked away, Tyler activated his Calculation Boost skill in the nick of time, entering a bullet-time state.
With his brain's computational power doubled in the slowed time, he pinpointed the exact moment before the incoming "attack" and executed his evasive Shadow Step. When he reappeared fifteen meters away, there seemed to be no change to his condition.
(Did I... dodge it?)
Carefully assessing his situation, Tyler was somewhat surprised to find that he had indeed succeeded.
Seconds later, as several red light beams shot down from the massive magical array in the sky, he realized that none of them targeted him, further confirming his successful evasion.
Tyler's plan was simple: since the attack appeared to be an inescapable, all-encompassing assault, he wanted to use the brief moment between his disappearance and reappearance with Shadow Step to dodge it.
Fortunately, not only was his idea correct, but he had also executed it perfectly.
(But... what do these red light beams represent...?)
Unlike the thick red beam pointing towards the labyrinth's core, the smaller beams were constantly moving. This led Tyler to speculate that they might be real-time markers for intruders within the labyrinth.
(Three... four... there are four others in the labyrinth besides me...)
Using his binocle, Tyler confirmed that three of the individuals were fighting at the entrance of the goblin fortress. The fourth beam must be pointing to Viviana, who was not present—if she was still alive.
Whether he were to approach the battle near the fortress entrance or to verify if the fourth red beam was indeed Viviana, both destinations were in the same direction for Tyler. The shortest path to these locations was to pass directly through the goblin fortress.
Seizing this rare opportunity, Tyler made a bold decision. He believed that his current state of not being marked by the red beams was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
The demons would undoubtedly rely heavily on the red beams' guidance, while Tyler had inadvertently entered a unique "invisible" state.
In this state, infiltrating the goblin fortress would be significantly easier, especially since the fortress's defenses were likely deployed to hunt down the "intruders" in the labyrinth. Tyler might even have a chance to… strike at the labyrinth's core directly!
Time was of the essence, and opportunities were fleeting.
Tyler instructed Moto-chan to relocate to the other side of the fortress and await their reunion. After glancing at the "T" in his palm, he slid down the slope and stealthily advanced towards the side of the fortress wall.
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At the entrance of the goblin fortress, Elders and Bloodbane Serpent initially believed they had been ensnared by a cunning stratagem. However, they quickly realized they had been "locked on" by a detection spell.
"Augusto, these light pillars indicate the positions of all the 'intruders'," informed Cardinal Elder to Obsidian Elder, while the latter expressed both his concern and confusion.
His worry stemmed from the fourth light pillar, which revealed Viviana's location. Judging by the distance, Viviana had not retreated far and might have encountered trouble.
His puzzlement arose from the scarcity of light pillars—could the Serpent's Shadow truly have sent only Bloodbane Serpent? This seemed highly improbable.
"Perhaps the others are still en route," suggested Cardinal Elder.
Regardless of how many the Serpent's Shadow had dispatched, it no longer mattered.
The decision to evacuate the Aqua Nest was irrevocable for the two elders. Their objectives were twofold: first, to protect Viviana until she safely withdrew; second, to cover each other's retreat.
To achieve these goals, they had to undertake daring endeavors.
"Augusto, don't die on me."
"Don't worry, I won't perish before you."
Both elders tightly gripped their divine weapons, their blood boiling with excitement for the first time in ages.
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On the other side, the Goblin Ruler, having confirmed the positions of all the intruders, roared loudly, issuing commands.
The enraged ruler demanded that its people immediately slay the invaders who had trespassed their homeland, avenging their fallen brethren.
Following its roar, a unique signal flare ignited within the goblin fortress, and soon after, six surrounding encampments also lit their flares. A multitude of goblin soldiers sprang into action, while the fortress's defenses were not idle.
Two wolf howls echoed, and a squadron of Goblin Wolf Riders dashed out as if flying.
Leading the squadron was an elderly Goblin Shaman adorned with a large string of prayer beads and wielding a staff. Riding a two-headed giant wolf, he led the elite Goblin Wolf Riders towards the red pillar of light in the forest, which marked Viviana's location.
The Cardinal Elder attempted to intervene, but the Bloodbane Serpent's attack swiftly blocked him, its obstructive intent clear.
"Fufufufu, are you so worried about your little girl? Then hurry and use your full strength to defeat me!"
Amidst the Bloodbane Serpent's interference, the special Goblin cavalry charged smoothly towards the forest. The Cardinal Elder watched the Wolf Riders leave the attack range, his brow furrowed and his heart anxious.
The Bloodbane Serpent had become utterly insane, taking pleasure in the pain of "Reddy" and "Blacky," and its unrestrained, shrill laughter only fueled the Cardinal Elder's rage.
In this critical moment, the two elders made a desperate move, initiating their final action.
"Oh, Goblin Ruler! We did not intend to trespass! The one who destroyed your fortress gate and threw in the goblin corpses is this scythe-wielding human! If you wish to vent your anger, direct it at him!"
The Cardinal Elder did not care whether the Goblin Ruler could understand human language, but he made sure to absolve himself and the Obsidian Elder of any guilt.
The Bloodbane Serpent, unconcerned, enjoyed the spectacle of various people driven to desperation.
As for the Goblin Ruler, it remained unaffected by the Cardinal Elder's words. After completing the deployment of his subordinates, it proceeded to execute the audacious humans.
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Regardless of their reasons, those who dared to enter goblin territory would be shown no mercy!
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"Roar!!!!"
With a deafening battle cry, the Goblin Ruler's war god visage brandished a steel spear!
This roar not only momentarily halted the three humans' actions but also invigorated the goblins within a hundred meters!
Seeing this, the elders knew that a chaotic battle was inevitable and immediately launched a counterattack.
"Augusto!"
"I'm ready at any time!"
Without needing much explanation, the two elders understood each other's intentions with a single shout.
The Cardinal Elder raised the Bloodfire Demonblade - Dearborn and bellowed, "Hell's crimson karma fire, burn my enemies! Flame - Hell - Descend!"
Simultaneously, the Obsidian Elder held the Lightbane Spellblade horizontally in front of him, sheathed, and whispered, "Fog god, grant me your form, the body of black mist."