A massive boulder hurtled towards them. The frail mage tried to conjure an ice wall, but before it could fully form, the boulder smashed through it, sending shards of ice flying everywhere.
Facing a boulder many times his size, Andeno stood his ground, his outstretched hands unwavering. Everyone’s hearts raced as the boulder collided with Andeno’s arms.
“Ahhhh!” Andeno roared, miraculously halting the boulder’s roll. However, the immense force continued to push the group backward across the slope.
If anyone in the team faltered, the boulder would start rolling again, crushing them all. At the rear, Yang Yu extended one hand forward, gripping his shield with the other, using his [Interception] ability to conjure a phantom shield to block obstacles. He directed the less capable Bai Jin to use magic to clear the path behind them.
With collective effort, the boulder finally came to a stop. No one relaxed, least of all Andeno. With blurred vision, he said with the last of his strength, “I’ll hold it here. You all move to safety, then I’ll let go.”
No one argued. One by one, they released their grip and retreated to the nearby forest. Once assured no one was left behind, Andeno collapsed backward, exhausted in front of the boulder. Some mages left magical marks on Andeno, using them to drag him to safety as soon as he fell, while several priests rushed to heal him with their holy powers.
This unexpected incident shattered the group’s morale. Faces turned pale, and some began to lose their resolve.
“That’s enough! We just started and already faced such danger. Who knows what’s next!”
A voice of dissent rose, quickly followed by others expressing similar doubts.
“There must be something in this forest we can’t handle.”
“We should retreat, regroup, and return with stronger forces.”
Despair spread through the group, but not everyone agreed.
“I object! Without our help, the captured adventurers will surely perish.”
“I agree! Their use of such a boulder shows they’re desperate. We should take advantage of their failure and press on to rescue our comrades.”
“But what if they have more tricks? Goblins can’t have made that boulder. Rushing in blindly will only get us killed. And who knows if the captured adventurers are even still alive…”
“Are you suggesting we abandon them?”
“No, I’m saying we need to be realistic!”
The adventurers erupted into conflict. Yang Yu, not interested in joining the argument, calmly shared his thoughts.
“You might as well stop arguing. Even if we wanted to retreat now, we couldn’t.”
“What do you mean?”
Both sides turned to Yang Yu, who had a healer tend to his shoulder before continuing.
“Instead of thinking they expected us to come to the rescue, it’s more likely they captured our friends to lure us here.”
“How can you be sure?”
Yang Yu didn’t answer but looked up at the canopy. “By now, every move we’ve made has likely been watched. If we try to flee, we’ll fall into their trap. The best option is to hold our ground and wait for reinforcements.”
Reinforcements? Was that even a possibility? Doubt spread through the group.
“Didn’t you hear Andeno’s speech this morning? We’re here because the request for high-level adventurers was delayed.”
“But how long will we have to wait?”
“Not long,” Andeno’s weak voice reassured them. “I asked Master Tela to monitor us. With this situation, the guild will expedite approvals and recall top-tier adventurers.”
“Even if surveillance is blocked, high-level adventurers will come to investigate this boulder,” Yang Yu added. “The enemy might turn this into a trap for them, but we must be ready.”
Before Yang Yu could finish, scouts returned, interrupting him.
“Movement in the canopy! Something’s coming our way!”
A horn sounded, spreading unease. Scouts detected goblins blending with the treetops.
“Goblins! Hundreds of them, surrounding us from all sides!”
Panic set in. The adventurers, outnumbered five to one, were exhausted and receiving medical aid, unable to fend off the horde.
“Am I right?” Yang Yu smiled grimly. “Their force is likely weak, thinking we’d flee in fear. But if we run, we die. Fighting together is our best chance. What do you say, fight or flee?”
Given the circumstances, retreat wasn’t an option. The previously divided group quickly united, grabbing their weapons.
“Good resolve!”
Yang Yu took the front position, followed by other warriors, forming a strong front line. Injured members were protected in the center, with mages and priests at the back, adjusting positions for healing and focused attacks. Rogues took to the trees, ready to strike.
Strangers until a day ago, they now stood as one, united against the impending threat.