Chapter 168 - (168) Trap

Geth sat on the edge of a branch. He was in a position where everyone could see him from their hiding places, but not the Direwolves that would be running in.

The first group of wolves was supposed to be running down this path. Their pawprints had left thousands of hardened marks on the ground.

Using his State Change Skill, Geth made a massive spiked pitfall in the path. It was covered with a fragile layer of hardened mud.

Thanks to Geth's astounding memory, he had been able to mimic the pattern of footprints that had initially been there. The small pack shouldn't be able to spot the difference in time.

'What do you think, Albus?'

'Theoretically, there shouldn't be any problems. You'll be able to get the drop on them, but it'll only startle them for a moment. These Beasts are as strong as you without equipment,' Albus gave his opinion.

'A moment is all we need. We have a lot of firepower here.'

The two remained silent after that. A bit of sweat began to form on Geth's brow.

'Get ready. They just passed the first set of Runes,' Albus informed him.

Geth lifted up his staff for the others to see. He noticed some slight shifts in the brush before everything became perfectly still.

A soft thudding could be heard behind him. Geth closed his eyes and listened.

'The second set of Runes has been crossed.'

Even when the creatures started to close in, their steps sounded no louder than bare feet running on carpet. It just reminded Geth of how agile these beasts were.

'I hope that Felix's spell is as effective as he says.'

The mage had cast an AOE spell that would dull the senses. The wolves would notice a difference, but they shouldn't be able to sniff out any threat.

Geth could hear the wolves' steps falter slightly when they came in range of the spell. He clenched his fists and waited.

'Just a few more steps.'

The creatures were running just below him. He could make out just a bit of dark-grey fur through a small gap in the leaves.

'3... 2...'

The monsters came into full view. The threatening aura that they gave off hadn't changed from the first time he'd encountered them.

Crash!

Thud!

"Hooowwwwooooooo"

All three wolves crashed heavily into the pit. Two of them were partially impaled by the spikes, while the last managed to land safely.

"NOW!"

Everyone rushed to the edges of the enormous pit. The ranged fighters instantly began casting their spells or shooting arrows towards the uninjured Direwolf.

Geth summoned his three ranged Skeletons and ordered them to join in the assault. Every time the wolf tried to leap out of the pit, one of the melee fighters would smash it back down.

Swole, Zolis, Jack, and Peter were responsible for keeping the wolf contained. Geth assisted them by softening the ground under the animal's paws when it tensed its muscles.

:Direwolf, Lvl 61; HP- 18,651/57,800:

The creature's health was rapidly depleted under the barrage. Geth kept his eyes on the other two, still caught on the spikes.

Every few seconds, he would notice one of them make a weak snarling noise. When this happened, the free wolf would ignore its pain and go for another leap.

'Some type of inspirational Skill?' He wondered.

The pack leader collapsed to the ground. Geth signaled for the others to stop.

"Rift, end it fast!"

Geth felt a massive shift in the Mana as soon as he yelled. He looked over at the young man in surprise.

A massive ball of green fire formed over Rift's head. That isn't what caught Geth's attention, though.

'There's something deadly in that spell, Albus,' He thought.

'So, you noticed. It seems that the boy has mixed two spells together. On top of the normal fireball spell, there is some kind of poison spell affecting the flames.'

Geth watched with interest as the fireball was launched into the pit. It struck the largest wolf head-on.

The beast howled in pain and bashed its sides against the walls of the enclosure. The green flames lashed out around the beast's body.

The wolf became weaker every second until it crashed helplessly to the ground. When the wolf let out its final breath, the flame jumped to the closest enemy.

Everyone stood in awe as another wolf was turned to cinders by the green blaze. The fire puckered out before the last wolf died.

Geth signaled for Rift to hold back, "Sindri, you finish off the last one."

Rift had already Leveled up twice, reaching Level 30. Sindri was the next lowest at Level 29.

'It may be a push to get everyone to Level 40 before entering the Dungeon. That Sub-Boss at the entrance should do the trick.'

Sindri jumped down into the pit and approached the heavily breathing wolf. There was barely any life left in it at this point, but Sindri seemed to hesitate.

Geth was going to say something. Before he could, the young woman lashed out with her short-sword, driving it into the beast's throat.

The last of its hp fell to zero as the light drained from its eyes. Zolis and Filthy jumped into the hole to loot the creature's bodies.

Geth helped Sindri up, "Are you alright?"

The girl was despondent, which seemed strange because she had just broken into the next major Level group.

"I know they are dangerous," She hesitated, "But that wolf... it looked sad."

Sigh

Geth patted her shoulders, "These creatures aren't like the others you've faced. They are clever, powerful, and I'm sure they have feelings as well."

He looked into the pit. Zolis had just turned the body of the last wolf to ash.

"In the future, you'll have to be prepared to face a lot more than an animal not wanting to lose its life."

Sindri looked up at him. He could see the questions forming, but he just shook his head.

"There will be time for questions later. For now, choose your Talent, and let's move to the next location."

The group moved out while Geth followed behind and covered their tracks.