Combat Training Practice (3)
TL/ED: Lolz
Twilight Wolves.
They are classified as grade 8 threats. A single individual capable of inflicting fatal damage on multiple humans. H
However, when they are in a pack, their danger level surpasses grade 7 threats or higher.
They are about 1.3 times the size of regular wolves and might appear to resemble gray tigers from a distance. Their tough skin makes them hard to cut through with blades, and their ashen fur provides resistance to magic.
“We should use blunt weapons to attack as much as possible! Can you do it, Yurran?”
As Everidge from the Reconnaissance Department suggested, it is recommended to use blunt weapons when facing the Twilight Wolves. Blades and magic are not very effective against them, making them challenging opponents.
‘There’s a reason I emphasized tanking and melee DPS in all the classes.’
Given the context, it was highly likely that the Twilight Wolves were the target of this combat exercise.
“It’s a bit tough for me. I’m not a practitioner of blunt weapons.”
Yurran shook his head.
“What should we do then? Even though Ian is watching out as a tank, but he’s still a mage.”
Everidge’s expression worsened.
Just as Ian was about to speak, Danya stepped in.
“Don’t worry. Ian caught a crazy rabbit the other day! Ian is more capable than you think!”
It was nice to hear her say that, but why are you so confident? Ian smiled and cleared his throat.
“Danya is right. I can handle them to a certain extent. However, it will be tough if they swarm me. We need to engage in long-range attacks and hold them off as much as possible. Danya, this is your responsibility.”
“Yes! Got it!”
Danya quickly took her position and got her magic bow ready.
Ian nodded and continued.
“However, I can’t take care of all the creatures. Everidge, use your most powerful crossbow to take out a few of them.”
Scouts also played the role of ranged physical damage dealers during battles. Everidge typically used a crossbow, but it was clear that he also had a more powerful crossbow for higher physical damage.
“But it takes time to reload, and it’s difficult to aim…”
“I’ll immobilize the enemies whenever I get the chance.”
“All right.”
Finally, the priest with a mischievous smile.
“Yurran.”
“Yes, Ian.”
“The nature of the Twilight Wolves is evil. They are known to be averse to divine power. Try to disrupt their attack patterns as much as possible.”
Unlike the other team members who were immediately convinced, he just smirked.
“Hahaha. I’m curious why you know so much about these wolves, Ian.”
“Didn’t you read the Monsterology textbook? It’s a mandatory course for the Reconnaissance Department.”
Ian knew that Yurran was watching him. Pongpong was undoubtedly one of the goals of the Bloodstone cult, so he had prepared this kind of explanation in advance.
The corners of Yurran’s mouth quirked upward in humility.
“Ah, I see.”
Moreover, there was no need for an explanation because it was true.
He knew the general strategy for dealing with the Twilight Wolves, but he had learned the specific information through books. It was a bit strange that Ian, who visited the library and delved into the major books of other departments whenever he had free time, knew so much.
Yurran lowered his head, as if giving up on trying to understand Ian’s true madness.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Good. Let’s start with Danya’s opening move before they can form a formation.”
Danya lifted one leg and extended it forward, pulling the bowstring taut. With a soft exhale, a bright arrow was released.
— Krrrng!
The red eyes of the Twilight Wolves quickly focused on the target.
Ian took a deep breath.
Breathing was a process of communication with everything outside the body.
Mana from the earth, soil, rocks, and even the Lunar on his back, was no exception.
Sensing minerals and extracting them, covering the body, it all felt incredibly natural.
The result of continuous training.
Once you experience this flow like water, you can’t stop the training.
But it didn’t end there.
‘Let’s draw it out.’
In the case of [Transformation], the closer it is to the body, the easier it is to manipulate metal. Conversely, the farther it is from the body, the more difficult it becomes.
‘It’s like the feeling of my fist expanding.’
The Lunar, which had surrounded his fist, transformed.
It used to simply envelop the body, but now it was different.
From the fist, several protrusions emerged in an orderly fashion, like a gauntlet.
Although it was still difficult to achieve sharpness.
— Grrrrrng! Rawr!
One punch was enough to handle wolves rushing towards them without a clue.
— Puheung!
— Kkaeang! Krrrr!!
… No. One punch wasn’t enough.
Step in, left jab. Right straight. Avoid the fangs. Finish with an uppercut.
He could feel the protrusions digging into the wolf’s jaw muscles.
— Kkaeaeeeeng!
A Twilight Wolf let out a strange cry and collapsed.
“…What kind of mage is this?”
A voice of admiration came from behind.
It was Everidge, who had been watching with his crossbow.
Everidge was considered the most normal one among them. It was already rare for a mage to take on the tanking role, let alone engaging in fistfights. It must have been a fascinating sight.
“Earth-element mana has physical properties among the essential elements.”
In fact, among the essential elements, Earth had the strongest physical properties. It had often been used effectively in games.
“…You’re truly remarkable in many ways.”
“Enough about that. Get ready. I’m going to start immobilizing them.”
It seemed that there was a physical limit to turning all the Twilight Wolves’ jaws away. With Yurran and Danya providing some resistance, they could handle one wolf at a time. Tying up their legs wouldn’t be too difficult.
And so, the main assault began.
◆
The battle continued fiercely.
At this moment, when everyone was focused on the battle, Yurran removed his usual mask.
His mouth curved downwards, and his eyes sharpened.
His demeanor was enough to make him seem imposing.
It was only natural.
He was the leader of a branch of the Bloodstone Cult.
Both his abilities and presence were different from the ordinary students at the academy, to the extent that they made the others appear mundane.
Yurran observed Ian’s every move from behind.
It was difficult to claim that he had a wealth of experience.
On the contrary, he was closer to a novice. His combat prowess was incredible, beyond belief.
However, there was something else.
‘He seems like someone who fights while looking down on everything from above.’
He read the flow of the battle, never making a mistake even if he stumbled. He adapted with creativity, using impromptu methods.
A mage taking the lead, claiming that he wielded an unusual weapon that looked like a staff, it was all quite strange.
Everything was intriguing.
‘… Hmm.’
He wanted to observe a little more.
He wanted to see Ian’s reaction when he was flustered.
Just as the wolves gathered for their final attack, Yurran partially lowered the protective divine barrier he had been maintaining.
“Oh, this is a mistake. I apologize, Ian.”
Yurran subtly let one of the wolves slip through.
He wanted to see how far Ian could handle it.
“Yurran!”
Danya’s alarmed cry.
She tried to cover quickly, but it was too late.
He had calculated for this situation.
“I made a mistake. Be careful, Ian. I’m sorry…”
A glance.
Ian looked his way, showing signs of doubt.
It was uncertain whether his suspicion was directed at Yurran as a person or as a member of the Bloodstone Cult.
Yurran’s intuition leaned toward the latter, but rationally, it was more likely the former.
‘He’s not that perceptive to notice that.’
Ian Blackangers.
The eldest son of the fallen noble family, the Blackangers family.
He used to be a brilliant talent in his youth, but after entering the academy, his behavior had been more of a calamity than talent.
His recent transformation was remarkable, but even when a person changes, there are limits.
Just…
‘Why is the Blood Witch so interested in him?’
— Puheung!
One Twilight Wolf had its jawbone dislocated.
— Kkaeaeeeeng!
A Twilight Wolf pierced by a crossbow bolt, immobilized in the mud rising from the ground.
— Paaaak!
The other wolf immobilized in the mud by Ian’s bizarre metallic-headed headbutt, and another wolf with its eyes pierced by Danya’s arrow, left Yurran wondering.
‘What kind of blood flows in him?’
Gulp.
Yurran swallowed his saliva without realizing it.
You can’t steal the Blood Witch’s food.
She told them to bring it whole.
However, the mission’s importance was not particularly emphasized.
After all, Ian was a secondary objective.
‘But I had high hopes for today.’
Originally, at this point, the two members of the party were supposed to die, and Ian, burdened with guilt, was going to be brainwashed.
‘But that method won’t work on him.’
Tsk.
Yurran surreptitiously licked his lips.
The secondary goal could be given up for now.
The main goal had been achieved to some extent.
He had exposed the holes in the academy’s security system, and there was still the highlight to look forward to.
The battle came to an end.
Yurran put on his mask again.
“Great job, everyone. You’re all amazing, aren’t you? Ahahahaha!”
As he imagined the future events, he couldn’t help but feel good.
So, the question was, whom should they spare?
“Ieuuuuh…”
Ian, catching his breath, would be spared. They would need to uncover his secrets eventually.
“Yurran! It was dangerous earlier!”
“Ahahaha, I apologize… My divine power got tangled for a moment.”
“It can’t be helped now, but let’s be more careful next time. Ian was in danger.”
The purring cat seemed to trust Ian quite a bit. She might come in handy someday.
“… I really can’t believe it. We defeated those Twilight Wolves.”
As for Everidge… well, if this guy died, there would be a chance the team would disband, so let’s just keep him alive for now to maintain the status quo.
“Ahahah!”
Yurran laughed artificially, and his lips turned up cheerfully.
“Would you all come over here for a moment?”
“What is it?”
“Come quickly.”
Listen to me, you guys.
I’m bestowing mercy on you right now.
Ian approached Yurran, somewhat expectantly.
— Kwaaaaaaaang!
With a tremendous shock, the dungeon passage vanished.
The place where they had just been resting disappeared without a trace.
The ceiling was torn open to reveal the sky, an unusual sight within the dungeon.
“Oh my.”
Yurran raised his head.
“Well, you’re all really lucky. Hahahaha!”
His teeth, bathed in the light, gleamed a vivid crimson.
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