Chapter 65: Fires of Resolve

In any case, if I could come up with a plan, I could involve Eolka as a distraction and dispense with the foes.

I scanned our surroundings again.

However, we were now on a plain, with a forest not too far away.

"Let's change our location. See the forest over there? Let's head inside."

"But won't we get blocked by the transparent wall?"

"We'll deal with that when the time comes."

I ran forward, pushing my blade into the lead troll rider, forcing them down. As the wolf beneath them bared its jaws, I swiped at its head and swiftly dodged.

"Aaaah!"

Eolka, positioned directly in the path of the troll riders' charge, ran frantically, her dress billowing behind her. The swarm of trolls surged past her, gradually moving further away.

With the end of their charge, an opening presented itself.

"Now, run!"

Jenna and Aaron sheathed their weapons and quickly advanced towards the forest.

"Can't you come through?" I yelled.

"I want to come through!"

True to form, this area formed a connected field, where the forest and plain lay side by side.

I grabbed Eolka's shaking hand and led her deeper into the forest.

"Once inside, cast your spell immediately. Aim your magic at our entry point."

"My hand... it hurts! I need some time."

"Do I have to repeat the same thing?"

"No!"

"Good."

I tightened my grip on her hand and pulled Eolka further into the woods.

The swarm of troll riders, having returned again, now aimed their crossbows at us.

"Get inside!"

I stepped forward, deflecting the bolts with my shield to protect Eolka. She clutched her right hand, tears streaming down her face.

"What's wrong with you? Get inside!"

I pushed Eolka, urging her forward.

"To treat me like this..."

"You can complain after you survive, okay?"

Protesting, Eolka moved into the forest.

After a moment, a blood-red glow ignited from within the depths of the forest.

I found myself alone on the vast plain.

Due to the limitations of cavalry, they would struggle to target me deep within the forest. I silently began to count down from 60.

"Hyung, come in! It's dangerous out there!"

"I'll be there soon."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"[Han()] has entered a Craze state for the second time today!"

A brief dizziness overwhelmed me, but I managed to endure it. I tightened my grip on the sword, preparing myself. The trolls, realizing I was alone, circled around me instead of charging head-on, unleashing bolts and swinging their blades.

I deflected the bolts with my shield and parried their attacks with my blade.

"Don't stand out! If you do, they'll scatter. Wait until they all gather, and we'll go in together."

I warned Aaron, who was attempting to leave the forest.

The encircling trolls closed in, their attacks growing fiercer. I crouched down, waiting for my opportunity.

Roughly 15 seconds remaining.

I filled my lungs with air, gathering strength.

Three blades swung simultaneously. I lowered my body, using the momentum to swing my sword in a wide arc. The blades deflected, causing one troll to spray blood and collapse.

"I must make a path!"

I raised my shield, quickly piercing through the circle.

From that point onward, there was no need for further thought. I ran vigorously into the forest. Inside, the ruby glow intensified. The trolls lined up and pursued me.

Jenna, who had been concealed near the edge of the forest, called out.

"Oppa, be careful!"

"Okay!"

It seemed that everything was ready.

Just before entering the forest, I dropped to the ground, pressing my stomach against the earth.

Twenty wolves and trolls ran right behind me.

At that moment,

"Ignite!"

Like a furious storm, flames erupted from between the trees, engulfing my field of vision. The flickering fiery blaze incinerated the charging troll riders from the front, leaving no survivors in its wake.

"It doesn't seem like it's over yet!"

I quickly moved out of the range of the flames, assuming a cautious stance.

A burning sensation ran through my back as if it were seared.

"Raise Up!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

With a stunning impact, shockwaves rippled through the area. The flames that engulfed the swarm of troll riders exploded simultaneously. Scorched troll bodies soared high into the air, propelled by the force of the blast.

"Sublimate!"

A towering column of fire shot up from the ground, several meters in height. The blazing column, swirling with powerful currents, spun like a whirlwind, scattering burning bodies in every direction.

"[Stage Cleared!]"

"[Reward 20,000G, Iron Metal (B) x 3, Wolf Pelt x 5]"

"[MVP Eolka ()]"

"[Aaron (), Eolka (), leveled up!]"

We returned through the crack in reality.

"What on earth just happened?"

"In excess of 20 troll riders were cleared out by a solitary spell."

"That was amazing!"

"Hehehe! This is the real power of fire! Didn't I promise? I said you would be amazed when you witness my magic! I'm Eolka Rivel, the Witch of the Rivel Barony."

Eolka, who had been laughing uproariously, suddenly collapsed to the ground.

"Uh, sister?"

"This woman is something else."

"During the 1-minute casting, she couldn't do anything, and her party members had to physically defend her. She couldn't even use support magic, and her strength, endurance, and agility are below rank 1."

"I've brought and used countless mages before, but this is a rare kind. It's not the first time, but it's close to being the first."

"If I were to compare her to a tank, it would be like removing the tracks and armor plating of a Limitless Tank and transforming it into a structure that focuses solely on firepower."

"Nevertheless, her power alone is worth acknowledging."

"It seems like we have a lot of work to do."

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