Chapter 13 (1)
“It wasn’t exactly as rumored that elite demons were popping out one after another like this.” Ian murmured inwardly.
“Rumor says these demons have been causing chaos in the kingdom for quite some time.” Maeve spoke in a subdued voice.
“Today will be their last day…” Ian swallowed his next words. “… and the spoils will be mine.”
Maeve nodded and drew her sword. “I’ll take the vanguard, Ian.”
“I’m willing to yield that gladly.” Ian added with a strange look in his eyes as he turned to her. “But, for now, how about we observe?”
“Observe?”
“Something feels off.” He gestured towards Durlahan. “It’s like we’re waiting for an attack.”
Maeve’s gaze turned back to the hill. Durlahan still stood there, exuding a sinister presence with its tainted magic and silhouette. She contemplated briefly before saying, “Even though your skills are remarkable, there’s no need to walk into a trap willingly.”
“From my perspective as well, it seems your mercenary’s advice is correct, Sir.” Philip agreed.
With Ian and Philip’s input, Maeve finally nodded her head. “Alright, overconfidence is prohibited. Understood, Ian, I’ll follow your lead.”
Ian turned his lips upward slightly and looked back at Dullahan. The creature’s appearance hadn’t changed much from the game, even the confrontation seemed just like back then. “So, if I take the initiative, things will get complicated, just like before.” Ian thought to himself.
Back then, if the player on the receiving end of the confrontation chose to attack first, the creature would start the battle in a defensive stance, using a series of intricate and dangerous patterns. On the contrary, it was an easier strategy to wait for the creature to attack first, since Dullahan’s attacking stance had much simpler patterns.
Of course, Ian was confident in facing the creature regardless of its stance. There was no need to choose the difficult path when an easier one was available, especially considering the value of the loot. And so, the calm standoff continued, even Philip remained silent.
“It’s finally over! At last!” A triumphant cry erupted from near the tomb. Ian raised an eyebrow and turned his head. The owner of the voice, Miguel, was approaching with a cheerful wave while shaking a shovel. “I truly did my best. Now, all we have to do is pack up and leave-”
His smile froze belatedly, his expression stiffening as he looked at Maeve wearing a helmet, Philip gaping, and Ian with a cold gaze. “Is there a problem?”
“There wasn’t a problem until now.” Ian replied with a sigh, directing his glare towards Miguel. “Thanks to you, it definitely looks like it.”
The silhouette of Dullahan became clear as flames erupted around his figure. As expected, Miguel’s cry was accepted as a declaration of war.
“What the hell is that?” Miguel’s belated gaze turned to Durlahan.
While he was still trying to process, the headless rider suddenly raised one arm. Above the black figure’s palm, a pair of bright red orbs appeared. Suddenly, a strange voice that blended high and low tones echoed around them. It was a strange language, but its meaning was clear when Miguel and the mercenaries clutched their heads and staggered. Philip grimaced as well.
Only Ian and Maeve were unaffected. Maeve muttered softly. “What is this spell?”
“It’s just an ancient language. It says humans are unforgivable invaders of the fairy land, trampling on the land of the elves.” Ian replied calmly.
Looking at Ian with a perplexed expression, Philip asked, “You understand that?”
“To some extent.”
“How on earth?”
In response to Philip’s question, Ian shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly. “Well, somehow.” Ancient language studies had been a level 2 skill he had learned for the sake of ancient civilization events that could have been solved with just a strategy guide. Of course, among the multitude of skills he had wrongly invested in, it was just one. Even now, in reality, it was mostly useless. He had no interest in the likes of Dullahan, the spirit of the ancient marsh.
“Do you understand that one too?” However, Maeve and Philip showed no sign of comprehending.
TL: Selwinkat
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