Chapter 234 - 156: Cave, Rolling Stone
Chapter 234: Chapter 156: Cave, Rolling Stone
Landon suddenly spoke up, "Whether it’s day or night, visibility in the Cave is always low. In that regard, there’s no difference. Besides, we’re all Professionals, and we’re just resting now anyway. It’s better to press on and attack in one go."
Landon was stronger, more experienced, and more famous than the young Torren, making him a far more authoritative figure.
The moment he spoke, many of the undecided adventurers suddenly felt as if they had found their backbone.
"Since Landon himself said so..."
"I agree."
"What’s there to be afraid of? Let’s just do it!"
Thus, the supporters of a nighttime operation immediately drowned out the opposition, and Torren could, as a matter of course, make his decision.
He breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly understanding something his elders had told him.
He shot Landon a grateful look. Landon returned it with a knowing smile and waved a hand, gesturing that it was nothing.
Once the rest was over, they continued onward. Torren picked up the pace, and as a result, they successfully reached their destination before dusk.
"This is the place..."
The three Level 4 Professionals stood at the very front, looking at the Cave before them.
It was called a Cave, but the entrance was a cavern. There were traces of concealment around the opening, which explained why it was so difficult to find.
At this point, Torren grew even calmer. Instead of rushing forward, he first turned to look at the assembled Adventurers.
"We all come from different parties, but now, we need to temporarily become a single unit to better face the potential dangers. Please, everyone, arrange yourselves according to your Profession."
With the help of Landon and Lute, Torren quickly arranged the formation.
The Knights were naturally at the very front. The cavern entrance was quite wide, enough for about ten people to advance side-by-side.
Behind the Knights were the Warriors, the most numerous and common Profession. They formed a square, protecting the rear-line Professions in the center.
The Rangers, Mages, and the sole Priest, Feney, were naturally the ones being protected.
When Torren heard there was a Priest in the party, he had made a point to look. Although she wore a hat, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she looked a little familiar...
Assassins were in a rather awkward position in this kind of operation. Fortunately, there weren’t many of them, so they were simply told to move freely.
After a moment’s thought, Lin Mo of course chose to join the Assassins, who had the most freedom.
The few other Assassins looked on with confusion at a man who, by all appearances, was a Warrior with a Long Sword at his waist, yet stubbornly insisted he was an Assassin.
The key thing was, he actually knew Assassin Skills—and more than one...
Torren also noticed this rather bizarre "Assassin," but he didn’t say anything, merely feeling a bit curious.
Come to think of it, the kid seemed to be close with Landon, yet he wasn’t part of his team.
Although Lin Mo had previously performed a great service and held the title of Honorary Third-class Baron, his fame couldn’t compare to that of a veteran Adventurer like "Gale Landon."
Although Torren had heard about that incident, he hadn’t been present for the award ceremony, so he didn’t recognize Lin Mo at all.
So, after a couple of glances, he didn’t pay him much mind and turned his focus to commanding the operation.
Adventuring on his own and commanding a group were two completely different things. Although Torren, as a nobleman, had studied the subject, his lack of prior experience made his command a bit hesitant.
Fortunately, the restrictive terrain meant there wasn’t too much to worry about. All they had to do was maintain formation and advance steadily.
Upon entering the cavern, the terrain quickly grew steep, forming a downward slope.
The Adventurers on the flanks held torches, observing their surroundings as they walked.
Meanwhile, a few experienced Assassins followed closely behind the Knights, responsible for checking the path ahead for traps.
As it turned out, there were traps. Quite a lot of them!
Hidden arrows and pit traps appeared one after another. It was obvious their enemies were well-prepared and knew they were coming.
But with so many skilled Assassins among them, almost no trap escaped their detection, so their progress had been smooth so far.
"Goblins will be Goblins. The traps they set are just too Low Level."
"Indeed. Trying to stop us with this stuff is just wishful thinking."
RUMBLE—
Just then, a deep, rumbling sound suddenly echoed faintly.
At first, it didn’t cause much of a stir. Only a few Assassins grew alert, but they couldn’t find anything.
Until the sound grew louder and closer...
Suddenly, someone shouted, "It’s behind us!"
Looking up, by the light of the torches, they could vaguely make out a rolling boulder in the darkness, rapidly gaining on them from behind.
The boulder was a full four to five meters in diameter—it was enormous.
Not good!
The boulder was too big; it was likely that not even a Level 2 or Level 3 Warrior could stop it.
Realizing this, Torren immediately turned, charging back toward the giant boulder. At the same time, he drew the Heavy Sword from his back and roared, "Iron Sword Slash!"
This move was his signature Skill. Although it was only an Excellent Level Skill, it was versatile, and Torren used it more than any other, which was how he’d made his name.
With his powerful, heavy slash, the massive rolling boulder was actually sliced in two.
The moment his sword touched the boulder, Torren’s face flushed red. Immense pressure washed over him, making his insides churn. He was sent flying backward, using his sword to brace himself as he landed, barely managing to keep from spitting up blood.
But he had stopped it.
Torren managed a slight smile, but before he could feel happy, he saw that the severed boulder hadn’t stopped. Instead, it had split into two halves, both of which continued to roll toward the group.