Villain Ch 142. Order of Valiance
After spending some time restocking potions and getting to know the rest of the team, Allen found himself officially invited into the group by Mac. Just the group, not the guild. The team's objective was clear: head to the goblin map for a hunting spree. The map was conveniently located just one step away from Peaceful Hill and within close proximity to Ront City.
As they ventured towards the goblin-infested territory, Allen couldn't help but admire the coordination and camaraderie displayed by Mac's team. They moved together seamlessly, each member understanding their role within the group. Mac, being the guild leader, was a natural strategist. His commands were precise, and his guidance served as a pillar of support for the team.
The goblins in this particular area varied in strength, mostly hovering around the level 30 mark. While individually they might not pose a significant threat, their aggressive nature and tendency to attack in groups made them a formidable force. It was clear that this map was designed for group or guild hunting, where teamwork and coordination were key.
During their journey toward the goblin map, Allen took the opportunity to inquire about Mac's guild, seeking to understand its origins and dynamics. To his surprise, he discovered that Mac had only established the guild the day before. Despite its recent inception, the guild was already on the verge of reaching full capacity. There were only one or two slots available for newcomers. He suspected that Mac's impressive armor might have played a role in attracting potential recruits.
As a guild leader, Mac had a unique approach when it came to recruiting members for his guild. Unlike other guild leaders who solely focused on assessing players based on their skills and equipment, Mac took a more holistic approach. He considered a multitude of factors, including how players embodied their characters and their overall contribution to the guild. This ensured that the guild maintained a balance not only in terms of combat prowess but also in diverse roles and classes.
Mac understood the importance of each class and the crucial role they played in the success of a guild. It wasn't just about recruiting fighters, tanks, and healers; Mac saw the value in niche classes that were often overlooked, such as herbalists and craftsmen. These classes, although not as directly involved in the battle, provided essential support and resources that were vital for the guild's overall progress. By embracing a variety of classes, his guild became a well-rounded and self-sufficient community.
Mac's main team consisted of two skilled archers, a healer, a swift dual dagger user, a powerful mage, and himself. Each member brought their unique abilities and strategies to the table, creating a formidable force capable of tackling any challenge that came their way.
Despite they were rivals, Allen couldn't help but acknowledge Mac's astute tactics in building his guild. The selection process ensured that the guild had a reliable supply chain, with herbalists providing essential potions and materials, and craftsmen creating valuable equipment and items. This allowed the guild to operate independently, reducing their reliance on external sources and giving them an edge in battles.
In terms of skill, Mac was undoubtedly the cream of the crop. He had mastered his character's abilities to perfection, executing flawless maneuvers and delivering devastating blows to his enemies. It was evident that he had spent countless hours honing his skills, fine-tuning every aspect of his gameplay.
Gil, on the other hand, possessed a considerable amount of experience. He had sharpened his combat instincts and strategic thinking. However, there was a wild streak in him that sometimes led to reckless behavior. While his daring nature added an element of excitement to their adventures, it also posed a challenge for the rest of the team.
Yora, despite not being a complete novice, lagged behind the others in terms of skill. She understood the mechanics of the game and had a grasp of her character's abilities, but her execution lacked finesse. As a result, she occasionally found herself oblivious to the lurking dangers that surrounded her. This lack of awareness put her at a disadvantage, making her more vulnerable to attacks and requiring her teammates to provide additional support and protection.
The group kept their eyes peeled for any signs of movement. They knew that goblins were expert ambushers, and they couldn't afford to be caught off guard. The terrain was uneven, with bushes and shrubs dotting the landscape. This made it easy for the goblins to hide and launch surprise attacks.
Suddenly, one of the archers spotted a small group of goblins hiding behind a large bush. "Over there! To the left!" he yelled, pointing in the direction of the goblins. The group sprang into action.
The archers quickly took aim, their arrows whizzing through the air toward the goblins. The sharp sound of the arrows piercing through flesh echoed through the forest as two goblins fell to the ground, their bodies riddled with arrows.
The other goblins were quick to respond, scurrying out from their hiding places and charging toward the group with their crude weapons raised. The melee fighters were ready for them, meeting them head-on with their weapons and the mage was ready with his spell.
Allen cautiously joined the fray, his movements calculated and deliberate. He didn't want to reveal his true fighting style, so he opted for a more generic approach. He swung his dual daggers, slashing at the goblins that dared to come near him.
However, his attacks lacked the same intensity and finesse as the others. It was clear he was holding back, not fully utilizing his skills and abilities. He focused more on supporting his teammates, keeping an eye out for any goblins trying to flank or overwhelm them.
'What the fuck am I doing here? Why does a devil emperor hang out with his prey and go happily around hunting goblins?' Allen couldn't help but question his own actions as he continued to engage in the battle. It was a surreal experience for him, being in the company of those he was once pitted against. Yet, he had to admit, there was something oddly satisfying about exploring this new dynamic. But one thing made him relieved, he had raised his Disguise skill, so he could hunt with them for more than an hour.
Allen slashed his dagger at the dying goblin in front of him, delivering a swift and precise strike to finish it off. Two arrows were already embedded in the creature's body, weakening it considerably. With a final blow, the monster collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
As the adrenaline from the battle began to subside, Allen's eyes flicked toward Yora, who was standing nearby. He noticed something that sent a jolt of alarm through him—there was a goblin sneaking up behind her, its beady eyes gleaming with malice.