NOVEL NEXT Chapter 167: Tough
With that resolved, Linfel turned to the Level Five Magus, who was still being held there. "So... what did you guys decide to do with him?"
"We made a deal," Milia explained. "He voluntarily gave us his cards, so we will not tie him down to this place and leave him here for any possible Magic Beast."
Linfel didn't have anything against that course of action. After all, they couldn't simply kill him directly. They could perhaps throw him at some Magic Beast on purpose, but chances are the Ventis Sect's System would still consider them as the killers. "Alright, good luck on your way back, friend."
Linfel turned around and began to float deeper into the Crystal Caves. Alvin and the others quickly followed as well, leaving the guy and his Familiar behind, alone.
*Ugh...*
He tried to get up, but his injuries were quite severe, especially without his arm. His Familiar was also damaged, so there wasn't much it could do for him. Nonetheless, he knew that staying here wasn't a good idea. He gritted his teeth, collected his Familiar's core, and began to make his way back to the Dungeon Entrance. As to whether he would get there or not, Linfel and the others wouldn't know.
---
Following Linfel's map, they moved a few kilometers further down the Crystal Caves. However, they soon stopped, taking their time to rest, recover their Magic Energy, and have some food.
"Zandel, Kenfin," Linfel turned to the two. "How was it for you? I didn't see the fight, so were you able to make use of what you learned so far?"
Zandel and Kefin looked at each other and felt quite satisfied. "We did indeed. Alvin and Milia did much more, and we were almost without Magic Energy. However, we are only at Level Four, while that guy was at Level Five. For our Magic Energy to last the same as him is proof of our improvement. The fact we could help with that fight at all is something I wouldn't have imagined those months ago before we met."
Linfel was happy to hear that. "Alvin, Milia, Nori, do you think the same?"
Alvin and Milia agreed. "They definitely helped."
Nori also added. "He had the least Magic Energy remaining, but he was at Level Four, so his presence alone took most of the enemy's attention during the fight." Then, he turned to Linfel, angry. "I still think you shouldn't have left us behind to deal with him. What if you were wrong about his abilities?"
Linfel could only laugh. "Hahaha! What if, you ask? Simple, deal with it. It wouldn't be the first time, and it definitely wouldn't be the last, either. You will definitely get into situations where things go out of plan in the future. Experience, Nori, experience. That was more valuable than anything."
Nori wanted to complain more, but he didn't have an answer for Linfel, knowing he was right. "Fine... pretend I didn't say anything."
Linfel then proceeded to check their bodies while he also recovered his energies. Any injuries remained, he healed, allowing his group to return to tip-top condition. After some rest, they were ready to continue. "Let's go!"
Finally, they passed the point where Linfel's map ended. The Crystal Caves were like a labyrinth, so they could only check at every entrance while mapping the paths themselves.
*Crack... Bang!*
Sure enough, there were pretty much no Magic Beasts in the first part. However, the unmapped part definitely wasn't the same. Out of the crystals on the wall, a Magic Beast jumped out, breaking the crystals on its way to Linfel and the others.
"Crystal Scorpion!" Alvin quickly recognized.
That was a Magic Beast at Level Four, but its defense could definitely be compared to a Level Five one. In this closed space, it was especially efficient due to its size. It pounced at the Alvin in front, trying to snap him with its pincers.
Alvin had already accepted the role as tank in Linfel's group, so he was always in front. His Earth Element gathered with the help of his Magic Energy, and his arms were covered with rocks... and crystals.
Alvin understood that the crystals are also a type of earth element material, although they were harder to control. Nonetheless, he was confident and mixed the crystals with the rocks, hardening them as much as possible. Finally, his arms met with the pincers of the Crystal Scorpion. Experience new tales on empire
*Clang, clang!*
Two metallic sounds echoed when both of them encountered each other. Alvin didn't show any fear, though. Level Four Magic Beast? Ha! He just fought a Level Five Magus, so this thing couldn't scare him as it would have in the past.
Of course, the scorpion still had its tail. With both its pincers locked in a strength match with Alvin, the pincer behind immediately came forward... or so it was supposed to be.
*Zush, zush, zush, zush, zush...*
Tens of vine roots shot out of the ground, being controlled by Zandel and Kefin's Wood Element and Magic Energy. The two had connected and started to act even before Alvin clashed against the scorpion. When the scorpion tried to use its tail, Zandel and Kefin immediately caught it, making it impossible for the scorpion to use the pincer to attack Alvin.
Then, the final blow came from above. Milia waited for the moment Alvin and Zandel immobilized the Scorpion. It wouldn't stay there for more than a moment, but that was all she needed. Nori and Milia connected, Nori chanced into his Flame Sword Form, and she came down, aiming at an opening in the Crystal Scorpion's Crystal Armor.
*Pift!*
*Shhhhhaaaaa!*
Her sword penetrated the insides of the Magic Beast, her Magic Energy and Fire Element immediately bursting with full power. The Crystal Scorpion's inside was cooked almost instantly, not being anywhere near as resistant as its Crystal Armor.
Milia, Alvin, and Zandel jumped back as the Scorpion began to struggle.
*Tud...*
Unfortunately for it, the damage was too great, and it feel to the ground, dead.
Linfel watched everything, not moving a single finger to help. "As expected, a simply Level Four Magic Beast isn't truly a match to you guys anymore. Zandel, Kefin, the two of you were definitely good. You understood your role as support pretty well. You aren't front liners; you will never be. Your potential will always be maximized as support. Keep that in mind."
*Bzzzzz!*
*Zash!*
Then, a Lightning Blade appeared above Linfel, which he charged with as much Lightning Element and Soul Power as possible. It came down against the Crystal Scorpion's body, slicing open its armor. Linfel wasn't able to cut through the Scorpion, though. "Really tough. Anyway, now we have one more Level Four Magic Core. Let's continue."
Milia and the others couldn't help but sigh. Even Milia, using all her strength while connected with Nori, had any confidence she could pierce the Scorpion's armor. Linfel did that on his own, even if he was only able to pierce the upper part. It would indeed be a waste to have Linfel join the battle against such a beast. It was best to leave them for Milia and the others.