Chapter 44, Chapter 37: Mountain Ape
Verafia didn’t take these goblins seriously.
After all, goblins are considered the weakest monsters, almost synonymous with “weakness.” Even an ordinary adult farmer could easily defeat one, let alone experienced adventurers with the blessing of powerful Dou Qi.
Even though there were a few more of them, these goblins were mindless, charging forward like cannon fodder. Under the coordinated efforts of the adventuring party’s professions and command, they were no match for them.
Historically, the green tide that human nations encountered never consisted of just a few goblins; it was always terrifying green waves with geometrically increasing numbers and strong leaders… This was far from comparable to these insignificant tribes that served as cannon fodder for higher-level monsters.
However, upon hearing the young girl’s voice, Igert also suddenly looked up, lowered the End in his hand, and asked,
“Does ‘Young Lady’ mean that these goblins are influenced by some entity and thus are so agitated?”
“Mm-hmm, of course! Goblins, being such weak creatures, are easily disturbed by external forces!”
Verafia nodded vigorously, tucking a strand of her beautiful hair behind her ear with her delicate jade finger. Her fair, small face revealed a spirit in her big eyes.
“Otherwise, during the wars between humans and orcs over the past few hundred years, with the muscle-brained berserkers in the Orc Royal Court and shamans who only studied ancestral spirits and knew no magic, they probably wouldn’t even have enough cannon fodder to fill the lines!”
Seeing the girl’s demeanor, Igert chuckled. He thought for a moment, then opened his Eye of Insight towards the goblins who were charging the adventuring party’s defenses like moths to a flame.
For these goblins, who were only around Black Iron Rank, Igert didn’t have to worry about his talent draining his spiritual power.
—
Appraisal:
Goblin · Frenzied
Type: Magical Beast
Rank: Black Iron
Evaluation: One of the most widespread creatures on the Agrand continent. Their strength is generally weak, but they have been corrupted by ???, possessing stronger physiques and higher aggression.
—
“Corrupted by some substance… What is this?”
“Heh, it’s unlikely to be anything terrifying, after all. These few small goblins are just an appetizer.”
In response to Igert’s confusion, Verafia’s small face still showed a relaxed expression, clearly not very concerned.
But Igert continued to frown deeply.
Just now, in addition to the appraisal results, Igert vaguely sensed a strange perception from these goblins… as if it were the same illusion he had glimpsed on Ronald at first.
“What is this?”
Igert looked up and saw the tall Paladin at the forefront, wielding a long sword radiating platinum brilliance.
…
…
As Verafia had predicted, with the reasonable cooperation and cover from the adventuring party members, the charging goblin tide quickly dwindled. The spilled green blood seeped into the ground. In just a few moments, more than half of the goblins died under the adventuring party’s swords, arrows, and constantly exploding magic.
And thanks to Ronald’s “Armor of Light,” a group protection skill, the goblins could barely inflict any significant damage on them.
Hel’s battle sword, drenched in goblin green blood, emanated a brilliant golden light. With a slash, it cut through the short goblins like a scorching inferno slicing through butter, splitting them in two.
However, he did not completely let his guard down:
These suicidal cannon fodder attacks by the goblins were surely meant to exhaust their stamina and Dou Qi. The real enemies they needed to be serious about were far from this.
Suddenly, a powerful aura manifested in the air. Hel looked up and saw, at the end of the goblin green tide, over a dozen huge monsters with powerful auras roaring and charging towards them.
Their mountain-like forms, below the vines, exposed rock-like rough and hard skin under the moonlight. The giants pulled out giant trees, their wild aura roaring across the land with their cries.
Such clear characteristics undoubtedly indicated their identity.
“Mountain Apes!”
Hel drew his sword and shouted, “Except for the leader, who is Gold Rank, the rest are Silver Rank. I believe these must be the kin of the Dragon Crystal Flame Burst Tree. Everyone be careful, Ronald, prepare to grant us protection!”
“I understand.”
Ronald also drew his sword. The holy light on the Paladin shone brightly, easily obliterating the green blood stained on him.
“Hel, you be careful too. The Dragon Crystal Flame Burst Tree and its attendants must also be nearby!”
The information that the Dragon Crystal Flame Burst Tree they were about to hunt had symbiotic kin like Mountain Apes was already marked on the mission orders, so Hel and the others were not too surprised.
The surging tide of goblins retreated like a receding wave. Without even resting, the adventuring party’s warriors immediately faced the charging Mountain Apes.
“Roar!”
An angry roar shattered the solidified night sky. Hel, at the forefront, raised his battle sword, his Dou Qi surging like waves, and took a large stride forward, slashing down at the monster ape with the most powerful aura.
“Warriors and Swordsmen, maintain the front line! Mages and Archers, concentrate your firepower and attack with all your might!”
The remaining warriors, led by Ronald, directly blocked the other ape-beasts. Powerful battle auras were fiercely discharged, erupting with terrifying clashes in the air.
However, due to the naturally powerful physique of the Mountain Apes, the adventuring party’s warriors found it difficult to gain the upper hand immediately, and even sustained damage!
“Boom!”
The stout fist of the mountain rock, infused with immense power, struck out!
At a weak point in the Wind-Sweeping Wings’ front line, a Shield Warrior’s defense finally failed. Even the protective Armor of Light on his body shattered due to the overwhelming force. He was heavily struck by the roaring, massive ape and knocked to the ground.
And beside him, all his companions were tied up and unable to provide assistance.
The tall, mighty Mountain Ape pounded its chest and roared, raising a sturdy wooden club as thick as a tree trunk and smashing it down, as if it were about to hammer the tiny human in front of it into a pulp in the next moment!
“Spirit of flame, twine around my fingers and heed my call! Fireball!”
The instant the girl’s clear voice sounded, a loud bang echoed as a blazing fireball heavily struck the ape.
The Mountain Ape howled in pain. its sturdy arm literally exploded from the powerful fiery blast, and a charred smell emanated from the burning flesh.
The Shield Warrior, who had escaped death, struggled to get up and quickly cast a grateful look at Verafia, who had saved his life. However, the young lady didn’t pay much attention, resting her chin on her fair hand and turning her big eyes.
“It seems they can’t defeat these little monsters. It’s no wonder, considering the high resistance of these Mountain Apes, and if the Tree Demons who haven’t arrived yet are added…”
Verafia blinked, her small face suddenly showing an excited expression.
“In that case, shouldn’t it be time for this young lady to make her appearance!”
