The Frugal Mage

Albert's eyes also lit up as he saw where the falcon was going…

"Form up! We follow the falcon. Keep tight formation."

The escorts moved forward and followed the bird as it guided them along a narrow path where horses couldn't easily pass through, so they had to leave them in the road.

To guard the horses and carriage, they left only four Second-Rate Escort Warriors, and the rest of them went to search forward.

And then, after moving for some time, they heard the sound of clashing swords and shouts from a distance!

Whoever was chasing Stein and his group must be so desperate to search for them for half a day!

At this point, Rayven couldn't help but guess that it wasn't just a coincidence but a targeted attempt to eliminate Stein Holt.

Still, Rayven knew that they were not too late.

Since there was a battle going on, Stein must still be alive!

"Hurry! Make noise!" Albert shouted as he wanted to scare the enemies and hoped that they would hesitate and run away.

After all, they weren't sure about Stein's situation at the moment. If the battle stopped now, there would be a higher chance of Stein's survival.

Thankfully, as they arrived, they found Stein's battered group… They were still alive!

However, they were facing eight armed figures, and there were only Stein, Terra, and one more escort warrior alive! They were on the verge of death!

'I need to hurry…'

Rayven's heart pounded as he saw Stein and Terra struggling to hold their ground. They were already bloodied and exhausted. The last escort warrior with them was barely standing. His blade was already shaking against the assault of the enemies.

The Silver Escort warriors with Albert were still charging forward, but their formation couldn't close the distance fast enough. Rayven clenched his fist tightly and decided to toss out his staff, which was only dragging him with its weight.

'If I wait, they'll all be dead before we get there.'

"Gust Step."

[ Gust Step (Common): A sudden burst of wind propels the user forward in a short dash.

Dash Distance: 8 meters.

Cooldown: 2 seconds.

Cost per use: 1 Gold

Type: Movement / Wind Elemental ]

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 541 Gold Coins ]

Wind surged under his feet, and in an instant, his figure dashed forward as he shot past the others.

This Gust Step may seem unimportant, but it must be remembered that his other spells had short range! He had to get closer.

In the meantime, the enemies turned their heads as they realized that the reinforcements had arrived too fast…

"Mana Pulse." Rayven said as he reached his casting range. Well, Mana Pulse could only affect those within a five-meter range.

Furthermore, this Mana Pulse wasn't a single-target spell. Those within his range could be affected.

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 540 Gold Coins ]

A shockwave burst from his hands, slamming into the attackers, especially the one who had nearly broken Stein's guard.

The man staggered, giving Stein just enough time to slash across his chest and push him back.

But two more blades came swinging at Rayven from the flank. He didn't have time to dodge.

"Stone Skin."

[ 3 Gold Coins deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 537 Gold Coins ]

Rayven liked this skill a lot since not only does it last 45 seconds, but he could also cast other spells during that time, and it would not be considered dual casting.

Clank! Clank!

As stone-like scales formed across his body, sparks flew as their blades screeched against the hardened surface.

Rayven gritted his teeth and raised his free hand.

"Telekinesis…" Rayven said as he threw his seven Sleeping Darts.

Of course, he couldn't control all of them at once… However, his Telekinesis had a longer duration depending on the weight he was controlling.

With the weight of the darts, he could easily alternate his control even in mid-air!

"Go."

Since he had only practiced a few times, his accuracy was still not the best since, unlike Mana Flick, he doesn't have any aim-assist with his Telekinesis at all.

Nonetheless, he still succeeded and hit the first three figures!

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

They were hit in the neck and shoulder. Just like that, their movements faltered as the sleeping poison took effect.

The others dodged the Sleeping Darts or completely missed, but Rayven's Telekinesis was still active!

Furthermore, they were all worried about the rest of the swordsman behind him. Because of that, they missed their chance to pounce on him.

Rayven controlled his Sleeping Darts once again and guided them to the retreating figures.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

Just like that, they dropped with stifled cries as their swords scattered to the ground.

That left only one dart in the air, spinning and ready to hit the target…

But when he aimed it at the last opponent, the man knocked it aside with a twist of his blade.

"Tch." Rayven frowned and lifted his staff.

"Mana Flick."

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 536 Gold Coins ]

A sharp burst of force struck the enemy's thigh, but he was still standing.

"Mana Flick."

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 535 Gold Coins ]

This time, the burst of mana hit the man's throat.

Rayven smiled as he knew that he had already won. He just wanted to see if his Mana Flick could really kill a First-Rate Swordsman.

"Mana Flick!"

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 534 Gold Coins ]

This time, it hit the man's forehead. Then, one of the Escort Warriors had finally arrived and struck the back of his head!

Thud!

It was done! They had saved Stein and the others.

Still, Rayven was worried about Stein's condition. He swiftly rushed toward his brother's side and confirmed that he needed immediate medical attention.

With this in mind, Rayven finally pulled out the very first item he received from the system.

Albert also brought some healing salves, but Rayven knew better that the system's minor healing potion would have better effects.

'I can just buy another in the future... Please work.'