The goblins surged forward like a tidal wave, their stone axes and sharp spears flying through the air like raindrops. Yang Yu stood at the front, activating his phantom shield.
The [Interception] skill, once activated, could intercept the enemy’s projectiles for a certain period. Only attacks with over 200% of his total defense would deal 10% of the damage to him, making the stone axes and spears ineffective against [Interception].
Besides Yang Yu, the front-line adventurers were also doing their best to knock down the incoming projectiles.
Goblins leaped down from the trees, picking up their thrown weapons and charging forward. The mages responsible for offense were ready, casting area-of-effect (AOE) spells that exploded throughout the forest.
“[Scorching Flame Spear]”
“[Ice Spike]”
“[Chain Lightning]”
The goblins were around levels 11 to 19—not very high but with substantial health and resistance. They withstood many AOE attacks and kept moving.
This also had to do with the mages’ overall quality. Unlike Bai Jin, who had an intelligence score over 200, most adventurers around level 20 barely had over 100 intelligence. It was unrealistic to expect them to instantly kill the goblins; they could only weaken them as much as possible with magic.
The front-line adventurers engaged the goblins in close combat, fighting with high morale. Running meant death, so they fought with everything they had, even launching counter-charges against the goblins.
The priests, busy healing the heavily fatigued Andeno, kept a close eye on the battlefield. Occasionally, they chanted spells to heal or buff others. Though some priests were battle-capable, they knew every bit of their mana could save a life, so they used their skills sparingly.
Among the relatively idle ones on the battlefield was Hemeng, the slime contracted with Yang Yu. It had crawled into a tree hole, cheering and encouraging Yang Yu.
Hemeng wasn’t entirely idle. Being able to cultivate four-leaf clovers made Yang Yu strategically important to the Slime Kingdom. If Yang Yu were in mortal danger, Hemeng would undoubtedly protect him.
However, Yang Yu didn’t need its protection right now. In fact, Hemeng found his gleeful fighting through the goblin horde somewhat perplexing.
Yang Yu seemed less like someone in crisis and more like a villain determined to eliminate all enemies.
Hemeng couldn’t tell who the real attackers were anymore.
“Hahaha! They’re coming right to us! Each goblin means more experience!” Yang Yu fought with wild enthusiasm. At his current level, he needed about 20 to 30 goblins to level up—a rare opportunity.
“[Whirlwind Slash]”
Several goblins in front of Yang Yu had nearly empty health bars, only needing a few hits for him to gain significant experience. But a sword’s energy wave swept through, killing them all.
What?
He got my kills again?
Turning around, Yang Yu saw a robust swordsman giving him a thumbs-up. “You looked like you needed help. I came to assist.”
Damn it! You know I’m struggling, so why steal my kills? Don’t you know how much time Bai Jin and I spent whittling down those goblins?
Grumbling internally, Yang Yu couldn’t voice his complaints during the fight. Instead, he forced a “Thank you” through gritted teeth.
Damn, I’ll get those kills back.
Scanning the battlefield, Yang Yu quickly targeted a group of low-health goblins trying to retreat into the forest. Confirming no NPCs were nearby to steal his kills, he charged forward with his greatsword.
Just then, a black meteor flew overhead, exploding among the goblins and annihilating them.
A glance showed a young mage wiping his nose, looking pleased. Other mages congratulated him, clearly happy about his rare successful hit.
Yang Yu was speechless, tears of frustration welling up. “Damn it!”
The battle heated up. With the priests’ collective healing, Andeno recovered from severe fatigue. His high level, far beyond a D-rank adventurer, allowed him to deal massive damage even with basic attacks. His equally recovered and skilled disciples joined him, turning the tide.
In no time, the goblins were routed, overwhelmed by the muscular adventurers, shedding tears of relief.
As Andeno crushed the last goblin’s skull, the battle ended. Cheers erupted—except from one person.
Yang Yu stood in the battlefield’s center, clutching his head in frustration, unable to vent his anger.
Pre-battle level 19, post-battle still level 19, with the experience bar only half full. Most of it was shared experience from Bai Jin.
He felt like crying out in frustration but held back, annoyed at the game’s experience system that denied kills without the final blow.
“Can’t handle this…”
Seeing Yang Yu’s gloom, Andeno approached.
“Thank you, Lord Yang Yu. It seems you excel not only in fitness but also in conflict resolution. Thanks to your accurate judgment and unity, we survived.”
“It was nothing. I just told the truth. I didn’t want to die in the forest because of their panic.”
Yang Yu’s eyes were vacant. He didn’t want these kill-stealing teammates, but without them, he couldn’t have killed so many goblins. The game’s experience system was to blame for not awarding experience without the final hit.
“Don’t be modest,” Andeno laughed, clapping Yang Yu’s back, then grew serious. “Now, tell me why you’re so worried. You must have noticed something else.”