[Lancelot]

"That's . . ." Weird pentagrams were revolving around Lilian's eyes as she watched the scene.

I kind of noticed that it was one of her spells. Apparently, she could see an item's information without using any items. She could also read monsters and beasts stat with it even without the item [Monocle].

"That tree is a holy tree that has been desecrated," Lilian started. "If we remove the Abyssal glyphs that stain it with a prestidigitation spell or by dousing the tree in a flask of holy water, the tree will glow with a bright, soothing light. When this happens, all creatures within 60 feet of it gain the effects of a blessing spell that lasts for 1 hour."

Rodrick pointed his sword at us and grinned. "Then what are we waiting for? You noobs, go and kill them."

The dark stalker matron initiated combat with Wall of Fire and used their forceful Battleaxe blows to push us into the fire.

The Wall of Fire that stood between the matron and me was not enough to deter me. With a swift swing of my sword, I cleaved through the flames, sending sparks and embers flying in all directions.

The Dark Stalker tried to dodge and weave, but I was too quick for them. They used their forceful blows to push us toward the flames, hoping to trap us in the inferno.

I was not one to be easily intimidated. With a steely gaze, I stood my ground and met the matron's attacks head-on. My sword clashed against their Battleaxe with a metallic ring, and sparks flew as our weapons collided.

Felix was quick, at least, to get away from the Dark Stalker's attacks while dealing blows of his own. Mikaela never dared to move forward from where she stood, away from the fighting and supporting us whenever she could on the back. She knew her positioning and I was glad that she did.

In comparison, Soarsie was . . . I actually didn't know where she was right now. 𝐛𝗲𝗱𝐧𝐨𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝐜𝐨𝐦

At the side, Rodrick and his group hooted and laughed, making bets on who among us would die next.

I didn't pay them any mind. I was nimble and swift enough to dodge most of the matron's blows. I saw an opportunity to strike and lunged forward, my sword aimed at the Dark Stalker's chest. She tried to parry my attack, but I was too quick for her. My sword pierced through her armor and struck her heart.

The matron let out a scream of pain and rage, but it was too late. She fell to the ground, defeated. The Wall of Fire slowly dissipated, and the smoke cleared to reveal our victory in the end. I stood tall, my sword still dripping with the matron's blood before it shattered and reduced to nothing but particles.

Common weapons were easily shattered, but I wasn't worried and replaced it with another [Short Sword]. Though a [Long Sword] and [Broad Sword] allowed me to ditch enormous damage, a [Short Sword] allowed me to wield two weapons. My free hand was reserved in case I needed my scepter to cast a spell.

"Agh! Fucking assholes! Why can't you just die? All my money is gone!" Edgar wailed so loud he would probably wake the dead from their slumber.

"Being a cheat is really unfair." Lilian pouted with a smile, counting her money in her hands before shoving it on Maverick's hands.

Rodrick only clicked his tongue and paid the money to Maverick. It seemed like the old man was the only one who bet on us from the way his hand was full of gil.

After which, we felt warm energy flowing in our bodies, and a Bless status was above our names.

We only needed to cover two more areas and the final boss. So far, everything went well until we heard a shrieking voice, that is.

"What's that?" Mikaela huffed. "It seemed like . . ."

"Gina!" Felix finished, and before anyone of us could react, he bolted back into the hall.

That idiot. Why did she come back? I thought. She knew that she was a chicken waiting to be butchered if she was alone here.

I didn't know what went in Gina's bright mind that she went back here when she could have just waited outside or left. It was her chance.

I found myself chasing after Felix, though, but Rodrick's group blocked our way.

"And where do you think you're going, noobs?" Edgar snarled.

"We have to get back. Something might have happened to Gina," Mikaela said.

Lilian chuckled. "That guy is already fetching his girlfriend. Let them have their moment."

"This isn't right. If something happened to us because of your carelessness, we will report you," Mikaela threatened, which I thought was a foolish move.

"Report us?" Rodrick stepped forward and hovered over her, and the latter shuddered at Rodrick's oppressing stares. "Tell me . . ." he leaned over and whispered with a menacing grin, "Can the dead speak?"

". . ." Mikaela couldn't utter a word nor move. She was shocked and speechless when she realized what Rodrick meant. Her face went pale and ghostly white.

"If you know what I mean, then move the fuck forward," Rodrick said and nodded ahead.

I took a deep sigh while Soarsie appeared out of nowhere, following Rodrick and the others. Not even consoling Mikaela or even throwing a fake concern her way. She was cold and ruthless as the others.

I was the same when I moved towards the chapel.

To begin with, I was never made for consoling. Briefly glancing in her direction, Mikaela was shaking, her fists balling tight. There was a glint of craziness in her eyes, and I really hope that she wouldn't act recklessly.

In the chapel, rows of benches face towards an altar at the western wall of this chapel. Two female humans wearing white cloth smeared with blood were chained to pillars on either side of the altar. This chapel used to be where the convent's abbess held services to the Lord of Light.

Two dark stalkers were here, chanting in Abyssal in the direction of the abbess Krista, a dark stalker matron, who stood by the altar.

When they noticed us, the dark stalkers shrieked in Abyssal and attacked with murderous fury. The dark stalker matron tries to finish the ritual by killing the innocent women.