V3 Chapter 90

“Mmmrrgllm, mrglmarle?”

“Mmmrrgllm, mrgmemele?!”

The Fishmen sensed some activity nearby.

They were alerted and looked over, but they looked a bit confused. Jonathan was about to give the signal to attack when Rain stepped forward.

“Wait, we are not enemies, we just want to pass by!” he said as he raised both his arms up, showing he doesn’t have any intention to fight. He didn’t even have his sword on his waist and had stored it in his Inventory.

His sudden action surprised Jonathan and they look at Rain dumbfounded. What the hell is he doing?! But Rain continued walking calmly. He wanted to try a peaceful method, and see if they could pass the area without causing chaos. Fighting is just a last resort. He knows that this situation isn’t likely to end up without shedding blood. Someone living in this place for a long time. That he understood. Most monster tribes inhabiting the Desolate Cave are that hopeless.

Nevertheless, he wanted to try.

Humans don’t necessarily do this. After all, in their eyes, Fishmen are just monsters. This is a stupid action, so to speak. But as someone living in the Desolate Cave and had been living among these monsters, Rain wanted to avoid any conflict as much as he could. They’re neighbors, after all.

And besides, in the North, he was able to befriend a group of Fishmen living there. So he knows that these monsters are an intelligent race that could, hopefully, settle peacefully without needing to shed blood. And with his [Empathic] skill and high charm, he was a little bit confident that he could befriend these creatures.

- is what he had imagined.

“Mmmrrgllm!!”

However, just as he said that, the Fishmen who had seen him suddenly let out a cry and turned their weapons on him without hesitation.

What the-?! Rain’s smile stiffened. His expression fell into a strange awkwardness that his face twitched. He understood their language and he know what they say- “Intruders!” cried out one of the Fishmen in anger. And not a second later, the Fishmen was rushing toward him, full of killing intent.

They don’t seem to have any intention of listening to him.

“Wa, wait! H, hey! We’re not!!”

“Mmrrgl!!”

“Mmrrgl!!”

“Mmrrgl!!”

Their eyes were full of murderous intention that Rain realized- this is hopeless! His charm seems to have failed for the very first time!

“I don’t think they are in the mood to listen, Rain,”

Jonathan grabbed Rain and pulled him back. Rain frowned. He was upset. Very upset! Why would they not at least listen?

Looking at the Fishmen full of murderous aura and was running toward them, any thoughts of negotiations vanished into thin air. It seems like peace is not an option. The Fishmen are eager to fight and kill. And Jonathan was right. This is not the mood to talk. Swords were drawn from the side, now, it’s their turn to draw theirs.

Rain can only sigh in disappointment.

Fine. If that’s what you want.

Rain wanted to avoid a battle, much less conflict against the Fishmen Tribe.

But it seems like that would be impossible.

The moment the Fishmen charged at them the group immediately started to make their move as well. Zia was the fastest, clad with eye-catching golden pulses and electric arcs, she took the lead to charge into the enemy ranks.

She zoomed in the air like a lightning bolt and reached the leading Fishman. With a powerful swing, her sword slashed at the Fishman’s spear, disarming it in an instant. Then, in one smooth motion, she turned and did a kick towards another fishman’s head while slashing another. She moved so fast and quick, that she immediately immobilized two Fishmen in an instant.

“Oh?”

Rain watched her in surprise. She is really strong. He realized this before while seeing her fight. But it’s still an eye-opener each time she swings her sword. Especially with the CGI-like effects of lightning sparks every time, she attacks. Though, lacking in power and aura, she seemed to have become the female version of Thor from Marvel- though she doesn’t wield a hammer but a sword.

So she’s also a speed type.

Perhaps, she’s even faster than Jonathan?

Rain was confident that as long as he used his entire strength, and combining skills, he can rival Jonathan’s speed. But Zia was like lightning. No, with the electric sparks around her, she had indeed become as fast as lightning. She was able to incorporate her elemental affinity in her combat with great proficiency…something unique only to a Magic Swordsman.

From what he knows, Magic Swordsman Class is one of the combat classes that are considered best, though low in number.

Well, being able to use both magic and sword is indeed an incredible advantage over ordinary classes. It’s one of the classes that are most sought after. It’s also one of his subclasses. Because of that, he can easily incorporate magic into his sword attacks even without using a Skill or an Art. As someone possessing this skill, he knows better than anyone else, how strong a Magic Swordsman is.

And is that – [Lightning Step]?

Zia proudly told him about it before. Her Unique Ability. A combination of magic and skill- she can move as fast as a lightning bolt.

Her step triggers the ability and sends her flying several meters in a single second, moving like a lightning bolt. It’s like a short distance [Blink]-version of Teleportation. Or probably, it’s more like his [Flash Step], but with the nature and speed of a lightning bolt.

And from his understanding, her ability is much harder to control and is not as flexible as his [Flash Step]. So between the two, Rain still favors his [Flash Step]. He can even use that skill without a pause, after all. While Zia’s [Lightning Step] has 3 seconds Cooldown. Nevertheless, this powerful speed gives her an edge in battle.

“Come to me!!”

Suddenly, he heard a loud, but powerful voice. Rain turned his attention to Roel, the armored knight. Like a thunderclap during a storm. The voice was not only loud but also held an incredible [Command]-like power over those who heard it that seems to give you the feeling of obedience. Skill [Provoke]- a special skill to taunt enemies. However, the knight’s skill is clearly stronger than his own similar skill. And it could be proven by the fact that almost all the Fishmen present immediately turned their attention to him, and rushed in his direction.

Normally, [Provoke] skill can only attract two or more enemies, depending on the skill’s level. The higher the level, the more they could attract. But still, it’s not as powerful as this. This ability would only show its true power if the user has an incredibly powerful spirit and aura. If not, even if the skill’s level is high, it would only attract limited enemies.

But the skill is not what attracted Rain. Well, yes, the skill is very amazing. However, it’s the Knight’s presence and aura that amazed him even more.

Rain saw the Knight roaring like a ferocious beast, as he used his shield, charging forward, and the force of his charge was so strong enough to block six Fishman at once. His expression was proud and unyielding, feeling not the least bit of pressure. He was like a small mountain as he had not even retreated a step, after being besieged by enemies in all directions.

Incredible... he's a reliable meat shield that seemed to never fall...

Even without a shield, Rain felt as if the Fishman’s weapons can’t even touch him at all.

The body of the knight continued to glow with a golden light, and only metallic noises echoed every time the Fishman’s harpoon and sword slashed at him. There was not even a scratch on his shiny armor.

Though he had seen Granite and Drova displaying this kind of aura and ferocity in battles, still, Rain can't help but be surprised when he sensed the unstoppable might of Roel’s charge. It’s like a Mad Boar’s charge that won’t stop until it started running. And nothing can stop it.

Granite has this presence, but she was more like a mad beast. Roel, on the other hand, was an unstoppable tank.

Granite had an incredible aura and presence that doesn’t lose to this Knight, but she excels more in technique and murderous spirit. Compared to a mad war god-like aura of the rock lamian, Roel’s oppressive aura was especially unyielding, giving the impression that as long as he’s standing, no enemies can pass through him. They hold almost similar spirits, unyielding and fearless, but their styles were completely different.

Granite was walking the path of a fighter tank that can demolish every enemy she encounters while able to withstand any waves crashing against her. But Roel was treading the straight, orthodox path, one that solely protects and guards.

Baaang!!

The knight’s mace smashed down, bringing about the sound of cracking bones.

How powerful…

Rain smiled wryly. If Granite was a lunatic, a bloodthirsty tank, Roel was a mountain…a solemn mountain that would not hesitate to block the charging enemies without a frown. He kept almost all the enemies to himself so that the others would have a lighter burden.

Incredible, he truly is acting like how a guardian knight should be.

Having him felt like having a dozen vanguard.

Zia and Jonathan were both fighters and all-rounders, Roel acted the tank, while Jin the canon-build burst Mage. Though it's a small party, it's almost a complete party. If added the woman that got killed and devoured by Cyan, they should have become even better as a party, as that woman seemed to be the scout and ranger. Though they were lacking a healer... but they said it was because they were in a rush.

So depending on this kind of formation, it seems like this world works similar to a Game. The only thing lacking is the Party System. But the native in this world follows the orthodox party composition, not to mention roles.

Was this also made intentionally by the said Gods?

Or was it an inherited knowledge from otherworlders like him?

Zia who was hiding behind Roel charged toward the Fishman that was wearing a tattered brown robe. A Fishman Shaman. A Fishman who is capable of using magic. Then, at this moment, another silhouette leaped over. An azure blade made an arch in the air, performing 3 rapid attacks and killing a Fishman in an instant. It was Jonathan, as he stood there at the center of his enemies without fear.

With his sword in hand, his imposing manner seemed to drastically change.

Unlike just a while ago, now his demeanor was like a sharp sword that had just been unsheathed, giving the people around him the sensation of being shown off.

In an instant, the sword suddenly grew colder and somehow seemed to become sharper. To the enemies of the same rank, it was almost as if the sword was robbing them of their courage. He was completely different from when he was in front of him, smiling.

A face of a warrior…huh.

The battle has officially started.

The appearance of the group immediately attracted even more Fishmen that came from the river. They madly rushed towards them in fury.

The Winged-Evil Serpent let out a roar, intimidating the entire crowd of monsters, however, though somewhat scaring them, it didn’t budge them to retreat. The Fishman’s territorial ego far exceeds one’s imagination. They would kick out anyone who daringly trespassed their territory. Whether they be gods or demons.

Selfish and Arrogant. That’s what Fishman was.Or perhaps, just the Desolate Cave Fishmen Tribe? They are far worse than Elves in monopolizing their territory.

“Haaaaa!!”

Roel let out a battle cry and charged into the group of monsters surrounding Jonathan. He slammed his battle mace into the ground activating a combat art. A golden light attack appeared, and most of the 10 or so Fishmen were hit by the attack, falling over. He then raised his weapon again and executed the nearest Fishman, smashing its head.

Jin, the red-robed mage shouted and four fire lances shot out. They went directly for the Fishman shaman that Zia was keeping busy.

Rain wanted to join the battle, but in the end, he only waited on the side with nothing to do. Though more and more Fishmen came, the skills and power of Jonathan and his group were more than enough to deal with them.

They were able to singlehandedly handle the monsters easily. Much less, there were also the evolved monsters; Noir and Cyan not so far away from him, keeping any monsters from coming after him. Much less hurting him, they can't even reach him. For some reason, he's being protected by them.

This feels like Deja Vu...

Rain smiled wryly. When he was with the Lamians, they would also act the same. And now being in this impromptu party, it's still the same.

Do I really look that weak and needed protection?

Scratching the back of his head, he found nothing to do. Even support seemed unnecessary for them. It’s as if they would be even fine even against an entire army of Fishmen. And thus, he could only watch the intense battle from the sidelines.

Not so far away from him, Jonathan brandished his two-handed sword and attacked a burly Fishman. His sword flashed, as it stabbed through the head of a Fishman that was trying to leave. Without stopping, he slashed at the Fishmen around him that were still regaining their balance. Jin finished chanting and turned towards Zia, who was keeping the shaman busy.

Chanting the last words, he aimed, and shot; all in one smooth motion and dozens of fireballs came raining down on the Fishman Shaman and its guards, causing a series of loud explosions.

Zia hurriedly jumped back, her hand opened into a palm. She cried out a magic chant before shooting a strong lightning bolt, causing another round of screams and wails. Just like that, in just a few dozen minutes since the battle started, it ended.

Though, the Winged-Evil Serpent; Noir, and Cyan ended most of the Fishmen. The power of the Winged-Evil Serpent said to be able to cause a City Destruction, can easily sweep through the Fishmen Tribe no matter how many they are, single-handedly. She devoured almost half of them.

Cyan, on the other hand, was even more eye-catching with her incredible transformations- from wolves to a tiger, and an ape, and then back to a slime that would devour Fishmen that she came in contact with. She became very strong, though, she seemed to be having a hard time defending against water magic, something like an innate fear. Nevertheless, she did incredibly well in battle.

After clearing the area, killing any Fishman that appeared, Rain and the others then proceeded.

The break didn’t, however, last long.

Not long after, another group of Fishmen appeared, both from the river and the forest.

“Fishmen are coming! Everyone be careful!”

Jonathan quickly pulled out his two-handed sword. The others turned alert as well. Rain retreated just behind the Winged-Evil Serpent, while Cyan made a fighting expression, tentacles swayed around her body. Everyone prepared for battle and looked around, alert.

“Mmmrrgllm!!”

They turned towards the source of the sound.

A large swarm of Fishmen appeared from almost every direction, making even Rain frown.

The atmosphere immediately becomes tense.

“We’re being surrounded…”

Rain sensed with his eyes close and then slowly opened them again, his gaze narrowed.

Not only at the Fishmen that were coming from the river, but there seemed to be many Fishmen in the forest as well, surrounding them. But these are not the Fishmen of the river, but rather, another tribe, the Swamp Murlocs.

These two tribes are infamous for their dispute against each other, like how high elves hated the dark elves. So how are they fighting together now?

Rain furrowed his brows, feeling something amiss, but just couldn't find anything wrong.

The Fishmen noticed their arrival and sent a large force. But this area should still be outside of the major territories of the Fishmen. Why are they here? It’s as if they are waiting for them intentionally and designed an ambush.

But that should not be possible.

“Prepare yourself!”

At this moment, many brownish-yellow scaled, 2-meter tall Fishmen with white stomachs jumped out. They are far more grotesque than the previous Fishmen they had encountered.

Strange humanoid, fish-headed creatures appeared in front of them, the forks in their hands emitting a cold light, looking like a combination between a man and a fish or other aquatic creature. Rain even saw something that looks like a crab with arms like pincers.

Most also have gills between their shoulders and necks, and even webbed hands like a frog. Their weapons were mostly forks, but there were also spears and sabers. And they were much taller than normal Fishmen they encountered previously.

Elites…

Rain look at them and frowned.

“Mmmrrgllm, mrgle nk!”

The Murlocs from the forest, and the Fishmen from the river, both sides brandished their forks and instantly caused a huge wave of water from the river to rise, and swept towards them.

Rain immediately grabbed the fearful and panicking Cyan, climbed at the back of Noir, and dodged the incoming tsunami. Cyan dislike water so she was already shivering in fear the moment she witnessed the mighty wave of water coming toward them.

After letting out an enraged cry, Noir let Rain climb onto its back before spreading her wings and flew in the air. Zia and the others also did the same, taking off from the ground, and avoiding the tsunami of water. Though, Jonathan did differently as he seemed to glide in the wave-like a surfer. Then, leading the group, he rushed straight toward the group of Fishmen.

“Mmmrrgllm, mrglmarle!”

“Mmmrrgllm, mrgmemele!”

“Mmmrrgllm, mrgle nk!”

The Fishmen cried out in anger upon seeing Jonathan, followed by the others charging at them fearlessly. But then suddenly, as he was watching from above, sitting at the back of Noir, Rain felt his whole body heating up, his fighting spirit rising and the magical energy in his body becoming even fiercer.

Bowing his head, he discovered that white light was rippling on his whole body.

This is…?!

It was not his.

Not like he had invoked enhancement skills yet either.

Following the source of mana, he immediately saw Roel standing on the ground, his body distributing this white radiance. A smooth golden mist was produced, undulating around him.

The six golden symbols were rapidly spread around, enveloping an approximately 20-meter diameter. Immediately, the golden mist surrounded everyone’s body including Rain, further increasing their strength.

A skill?

Rain felt his power seemed to have increased significantly in an instant.

Almost double… an aura-effect-like skill. It must be!

At this moment, Roel was displaying his formidable support capabilities.

Rain doesn’t know how many skills the knight had used, but he was certain that it was not less than two skills simultaneously. And these support skills instantly strengthened the whole team.

After feeling their bodies bursting with power, Roel led them in the front followed by Jonathan and Zia. Jin was in the rear and started chanting magic attacks. Despite the huge number of enemies, there’s not an ounce of fear and anxiety on their faces.