Breath of the Undead

Chapter 19: Growing Stronger with Each Battle

Chapter 19: Growing Stronger with Each Battle

As the skeletons of Combat Squad 3 thrust their spears, the second wave of the battle began.

Unlike the first wave of shadowy wraiths, the second wave, although not significantly higher in level, was much more agile. When the skeletons attacked, these wraiths would actually dodge backward.

However, there were simply too many of these shadowy wraiths. Even if the ones in front dodged, the spears still pierced those behind them. At this moment, the wraiths that dodged the spear attacks leaped forward, lunging at Combat Squad 3.

Seeing this situation, Gu Xi knew that the plan had to change. "Combat Squad 4, block them," he commanded.

Under Gu Xi's order, the plan to lure the enemy leader away was abandoned, and the defensive unit was quickly deployed. The skeletons of Combat Squad 4, hearing the command, rushed forward with their shields raised.

Just as the wraiths jumped into the ranks of Combat Squad 3, their arms, visibly thicker, smashed into the skeletons. The shields of Combat Squad 4 blocked the attack, but it was clear from the clash that these wraiths had found the skeletons' weak spot.

Gu Xi's skeletons were all basic skeletons. Their levels hadn't risen much yet, and even if they had, their strengths and weaknesses as skeletons couldn't be changed. As undead creatures, skeletons didn't need morale and were less affected by piercing attacks. However, blunt force attacks caused significant damage to them.

The first wave of attacks ended, and the enemy had already discovered Gu Xi's weakness. They immediately changed their attack strategy.

This situation surprised Gu Xi. However, for now, he could hold his ground. After Combat Squad 4 rushed forward, they quickly stabilized the situation. Combat Squad 3, now unthreatened, could also reach their full potential.

Positioned behind Combat Squad 4, they thrust their upgraded spears forward, piercing the oncoming wraiths. The street was only so wide, and with various barricades, only about 30 to 40 wraiths could reach the front lines at any given time. The rest, despite their desire to fight, couldn't push through. They had to wait for those in front to be killed before moving forward.

So, with Combat Squads 3 and 4 working together, the situation was stabilized. Gu Xi took this opportunity to observe the wraith leader amidst the shadowy horde. Although the current situation differed from the plan, Gu Xi knew the key was still the enemy leader.

Taking advantage of the lull, Gu Xi studied the wraith leader's situation. This wraith leader, like the one in the first wave, was a large figure. However, his appearance had diverged significantly from a normal human. He had three arms; his right arm, as thick as a normal person's thigh, held a large wooden club. His left side bore two arms of normal human thickness but grew together abnormally. One hand held a broadsword, the other a battle axe, both clearly meant for combat.

As he advanced, he sometimes kicked aside nearby wraiths. Despite the crowding wraiths around him, this still slowed his approach to the frontline battle.

But Gu Xi couldn't focus solely on the current situation. He knew that if the wraith leader reached the front, the battle would become uncontrollable. He needed to not only kill all the enemies but also ensure the survival of most of his forces.

"Combat Squad 1, attack," Gu Xi ordered, signaling with his hand.

Upon seeing Gu Xi's signal, the skeleton leader of Combat Squad 1 led his men to flank the wraiths from behind. They used their ambush tactics to clear the enemies in front of them. The wraiths soon noticed this new threat, turned to face Combat Squad 1, and the enemy formation was now divided.

Gu Xi hadn't anticipated this outcome. With the situation at hand, he decisively deployed Combat Squad 2.

"Prepare for battle and charge the wraith leader," he commanded, pointing towards the leader.

"Corpse Explosion!"

At Gu Xi's command, three skeleton corpses hidden in the barricades exploded. The blast sent debris and furniture flying towards the nearby wraiths, with the wraith leader at the epicenter receiving the brunt of the damage. A large wardrobe, blown apart by the explosion, landed heavily on him, toppling him over.

As the wraith leader struggled to rise, Combat Squad 2 arrived. All members of Combat Squad 2 charged with their dual-handed swords raised. They concentrated all their strength into their weapons and slashed down heavily upon reaching the wraith leader.

Despite his three arms, the wraith leader was pinned under the heavy wardrobe from the explosion. He was trying to free himself when Combat Squad 2 attacked. He couldn't dodge and took the full force of the assault. However, even after taking so many hits, he wasn't dead. He rolled over to try and stand.

Gu Xi was closely monitoring the enemy's movements. When he saw the wraith leader roll onto another skeleton corpse, he pointed again.

"Corpse Explosion!"

Boom!

The skeleton corpse exploded, sending the wraith leader flying. Immediately, a notification sounded in Gu Xi's ear.

[You have killed the wraith leader (Level 3, Elite). You gain 83 experience points. Due to coordinated attack, each participating summon gains 7 experience points.]