Salvos (A Monster Evolution)

Chapter 23 - Unwarranted Attack

"Good shot, Joe."

"My name's not Joe, boss. It's Nazzareno."

"I'm not pronouncing that, so you're Joe to me."

The Level 25 [Archer] sighed, lowering his bow as the Level 31 [Warrior] heaved a maul off his back.

"The [Mage] was able to set up a barrier in time, but you did get her. Although it seems the other two weren't as close to the blast radius and survived."

"It's only a Low Grade Explosive Bolt, boss. It wouldn't have killed anyone who wasn't standing right on it. Especially not a Level 45 [Mage]."

The man called 'boss' turned to another Human behind him. There were a dozen other Humans standing there, but this one was by far the largest.

"Well, all we have to do now is finish them off. Hebert— use your [Draw Attention] on the [Mage], get her to attack you while we take care of the two others. The [Rogue] might be a problem, but the [Warrior] is weak. He'll probably try to run away once he sees us and our levels."

"You sure, boss? She's more than 15 levels higher than me—"

"Don't sweat it. You just have to use it at the beginning of the battle. It's not like it lasts longer than a couple of moments anyways. Once we kill them all, we'll have lots of good, expensive loot to share and I'll make sure you..."

"Wait boss!"

The [Archer] called out, pointing at the small crater where the dust of smoke had just cleared from.

"The [Rogue]— she's gone!"

"Huh—"

[Fire Strike]!

I lashed out at the boss with a fire dagger, aiming for his chest. The Human man recoiled, trying to swing at me, but he was too slow. The blade plunged into body, drawing blood as he tried to back up. I clawed at his face, ducking under the maul as it swung over my head. He roared as he tried to grab me, but I grinned.

[Double Step].

I nimbly slipped away from his reach, putting a large gap between me and the group that had attacked us. I had waited just long enough for the Skill to make itself available for us again, before I attacked them. After all, I used it the moment Daniel gave me the warning.

The boss backed up, clutching at his wound as he grabbed for something at his belt. I knew what it was— I had made the mistake before to let it happen, so I was prepared for it this time. I flicked my wrist as the other Humans tried to gather in front of him. The dagger darted between all of them and plunged into the head of the boss as he uncorked the vial.

Defeated [Maulwielder Warrior - Lvl. 31]!

Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

He dropped, dead. I grinned, creating another two fire daggers as the group approached me.

"You— you killed him!"

The [Archer] pointed out the obvious. He pulled an arrow out of his quiver, nocking it onto his bow. The group charged as he aimed at me—

And a bolt of lightning struck Nazzareno before he could loose it. Edithe raised her staff and shouted as Daniel ran up behind her.

"Bandits! Damn brigands, trying to capitalize on the destruction of a village? Have you no shame?!"

Her fingers sparkled with electricity as she sent a smaller bolt of lightning at the group. A [Mage] raised a small stick— a wand— and aimed in the direction of the oncoming attack.