Chapter 237: Defiance

Chapter 237: Defiance

Geth watched from the top of the small cliff. He was prepared to step in if necessary. The man's left arm was broken, and his shield arm seemed to be going numb again.

If it weren't for that well-timed potion, Geth would have already intervened. He motioned to Filthy to have his bow drawn, just in case.

"Babe, why don't you heal him? If they wait until the effects are over, they can still take on the Sub-Boss without us affecting their experience."

Geth shook his head, "He doesn't want me to help, but I won't let him die."

"If you say so," Zolis rolled her eyes and continued swinging her legs over the cliff's edge.

There was only one reason he hadn't helped to this point. Geth could see the Mana swarming around the man below.

There was only one word to describe the emotion he saw lingering there.

Defiance.

*****

Chad threw himself forward again, this time activating his Shield Bash Skill. He crashed into the closest Hobgoblin, causing it to stumble backward.

This gave him enough time to shift his shield onto his forearm. He rolled to the side, snagging his sword with his shield arm and getting back to his feet before either creature had gained their footing.

'My shield will be next to useless like this, but at least I'm armed again.'

He glanced toward his broken arm, thinking about using his new Skill. After some time, he shook his head and decided against it.

'The cooldown is too long. I'll have to have it for the Boss fight.'

The final three Hobgoblins fell, leaving only the Sub-Boss for them to contend with. Chad motioned for everyone to have a seat and rest.

The Sub-Boss glared at them venomously, but it still wouldn't leave its spot. That's when he noticed a strange Formation beneath its feet.

He wasn't very familiar with Runes or Formations. The only information that his Grimoire held about the things was their names.

Chad hopped to his feet, moving his left arm in circles and testing the maneuverability of his elbow. It was stiff, but he would be able to wield his blade.

"Alright, is everyone ready?!" He did his best to sound excited, banging the hilt of his sword to his buckler.

The others followed suit, jumping up and banging their weapons on the nearest object. A rhythmic beating soon resonated in the quarry, followed by the bellows of men charging into battle.

Maverick aggroed the Sub-Boss the moment he came within range, the whip snaking toward him, only to meet his shield.

The Spearmen raced to the colossal creature's back, stabbing at its legs with their spears and bleeding it out. Chad glanced at the Mage, who had cast a new spell that sent a chilling gale to surround the target.

Watching the ongoing battle, he resigned himself to grabbing an aggro Skill as soon as possible.

'It looks like saving my Skill was pointless. I won't even have the chance to tank in this battle,' Chad scoffed.

If he'd used it then, there would be no reason for him to have struggled as much. Without knowing why he began laughing.

It seemed that his laughter was infectious. The entire crew began to chuckle and joked around as they dodged, blocked, or stabbed at the Sub-Boss.

The men's movements became natural, even to the extent of flowing like water. Every step they took was that of a man who lived for the thrill of the battle before them.

It wasn't long before the creature fell, the sound of the Humans' laughter the last thing it ever heard.