Human: A LitRPG Novel (Tower of Gates LitRPG Series Book 2)
Page 18
"What if it was you?" I asked. "You'd want us to come after you. What other traps and monsters are down here? She's too low-level to solo by herself as a mage."
Axelrod sighed then ran a hand through his mohawk, flattening it down slightly.
"Fine," he said. "We'll split into two groups."
"Bernard, Sheldon, come with me," I said then turned to Axelrod. "That gives you the two strongest fighters and the cleric."
"Whatever," Axelrod said. "She's probably right around the corner."
"This will be good practice," I said. "You two ready?"
Bernard nodded and walked over. Sheldon did the same as I lit a torch.
"We'll go right at the first intersection," I said as I opened the door. "Meet back here in a few hours."
"She'll be okay," Bernard said from behind me.
"I hope so," I said as I walked down the long, stone tunnel.
At the first fork, I went right, not knowing whether it was east, west, north or south. The only thing that truly mattered was finding Sarah. If she gets killed...
I pushed the thought aside and concentrated on the path ahead. The ten-foot-wide tunnel had been constructed masterfully by someone. The programmers? Or players?
A few hundred feet later, I noticed a freshly dug side-tunnel.
"What do we have here?" I asked, slowing down and holding my torch out.
"It's not the same craftsmanship," Bernard said.
"Looks like Troglodyte work to me," I said, using my monster lore skill.
No sooner than the words came out of my mouth, I heard hissing voices coming our way.
"Hide," I said, moving to the side of the tunnel opening. "Something's coming."
Bernard and Sheldon stood on the other side of the roughly hewn entrance. I extinguished my torch, dropped it, then pulled my second, smaller sword.
Time to grind and find Sarah.
I took a deep breath as the voices got closer. When a tall, humanoid lizard with the head of an alligator stepped out, I attacked without hesitation.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 13 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 9 damage.
The troglodyte is dead!
I heard loud hissing as Sheldon cast a light spell to make it easier for us to fight.
Two more troglodytes rushed out of the smaller tunnel. Bernard attacked one while I hit the other.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 11 damage.
Your pierce GRAZES the troglodyte for 6 damage.
The troglodyte is dead!
Bernard took down the other one.
This is too easy, I thought as four more trogs rushed out, followed by a fifth in tattered green robes and feathers hanging from all over his body. Or maybe not.
"Get the shaman," I yelled as I attacked one of the two troglodytes standing in front of me.
Your slash HITS the troglodyte for 8 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 8 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Both swung thick, crude swords, hitting me.
The troglodyte GRAZES you for 7 damage.
You have 117/124 health remaining.
I swung again as five more troglodytes rushed out to protect their shaman.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 12 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 8 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Sheldon cast Golden Bolts, taking two of the remaining five lizard men down, not including the shaman. The latter moves his arms through the air then pointed his palms in my direction.
The troglodyte shaman's Burning Hands INJURE you for 12 damage.
You have 105/125 health remaining.
A burning sensation raced through my body. I rushed forward as Bernard and Sheldon took care of the last foot-soldiers. My swords swung through the air, both connecting.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte shaman for 12 damage.
Your pierce GRAZES the troglodyte shaman for 6 damage.
The troglodyte shaman is barely bothered by you.
He's not going down as easy. The shaman turned and bent over while mumbling strange, arcane words with emphasis on hissing sounds. A noxious cloud formed, knocking me back.
The troglodyte shaman's Stinking Cloud stuns you.
I kept my swords up to protect myself as I stumbled backwards.
"What's that smell?" Bernard yelled.
"Get him," I answered then gasped for air.
The shaman danced another spell.
The troglodyte shaman's Burning Hands WOUND you for 18 damage.
You have 87/125 health remaining.
Ouch. I struggled to regain control.
Two Golden Bolts shot into the shaman, causing him to turn.
I watched Bernard bash him with his new magic mace made of mythreal. The shaman hissed then turned to retreat. We couldn't let him get away.
With all my strength, I stepped forward and attacked with both weapons.
Your slash WOUNDS the troglodyte for 16 damage.
Your pierce INJURES the troglodyte for 12 damage.
The troglodyte shaman is dead.
Combat is over!
You get 8,500 xp divided by three present party members.
You get 2,833 xp.
You have 60,247 xp
You need 14,753 xp for level 9 Rogue -> Bounty Hunter
"Level up," Bernard said, still brandishing his perfectly clean mace.
"Me too," Sheldon said. "We rock-and-roll."
I nodded my head, lips pursed rightly together.
"Didn't Axelrod say there wouldn't be many monsters in the mines."
"The game changes." Bernard shrugged. "We did fine."
A sudden horror flashed through my mind.
"I wonder if the troglodytes captured Sarah?" I asked.
"Only one way to find out," Bernard said. "Let's go into the tunnels and find out."
"Shouldn't we go get the others first?" Sheldon asked.
"There's no time," I said as I stepped toward the side-tunnel and peered inside. "We need to find Sarah."
Bernard stepped up beside me.
"If that wasn't their leader, we might be in for a big surprise," he said.
"Sarah's worth the risk."
He sighed.
"You're coming, right?" I asked.
"Of course," he said. "Let's go."
I walked into the side-tunnel with Bernard and Sheldon behind me.
"It's dark," Bernard said. "Even with our torch."
"Want me to put on the dwarven belt?" Sheldon asked. "I think I can still cast spells as a dwarf, and I'll have night vision. We can sneak up on whoever is ahead."
"Good idea," I said. "Have you tried the belt out yet?"
"I was saving it to use the CON bonus on leveling up because I'm not too excited about growing a beard. Then I forgot to put it on before the battle with the trogs ended."
I watched as Sheldon took the belt out of the bag slung over his shoulder and put it around his waist. As soon as the buckle clasped, the attorney turned wizard changed into a dark-skinned dwarf.
"This is cool," he said, peering down the dark tunnel.
"Do you see anything?" I asked.
"No," he said. "The tunnel bends up ahead."
"Let's go, but slowly. Stop as soon as you see something. We may need you to cast another light spell to help us see for a fight."
"I've got more than enough mana now," he said.
"That's the spirit," Bernard said.
"Let's go," I said. "Weapons at the ready."
In single file, we crept down the dank, dark tunnel. Would Sarah be okay? Had she died? Ryu would pay if he had anything to do with her getting caught.
"Hold on," Sheldon said, stopping.
"What?" I whispered, seeing lights ahead.
"It opens to a lit cavern," our wizard turned dwarf said.
"You get in back, and support with any offensive spells you can," I said calm
ly. "And if you see another shaman or a leader, go for him."
"Got it," Sheldon said. "I've got Lava Discs now."
"If there's too many, we should run and get the others," Bernard said.
"Not if Sarah's in there," I said. "Let's go."
Before either of them said another word, I continued down the tunnel toward the lighted opening. I looked around saw an immense natural cavern lit by glowing orbs high in the air.
A cloud of mist in between four pillars concealed a humanoid shape. Sarah? I rushed into the room, both swords ready for action. Two troglodyte fighters noticed me and charged.
I examined the battlefield. Seven of the lizard beasts had swords. The eighth had feathers and a stone rod in its hand like the other shaman.
As the two running toward me got closer, I yelled and ran forward. The first one to cross my path received two slashes.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 12 damage.
Your slash HITS the troglodyte for 8 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Your Weapon Craft (Dual Wield) Skill has increased.
It is now basic level 2 of 10
Bernard took out the second one that had foolishly charged us. Sheldon took out two of his own with Flaming Discs of Lava. I glanced into the mist a moment, not sure if I wanted it to be Sarah.
"Keep the shaman alive," I yelled as I ran around the pillars and took on another troglodyte soldier.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 14 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 10 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Only two of the foul creatures with swords remained.
I went for one while Bernard hit the other.
Your slash HITS the troglodyte for 9 damage.
Your pierce GRAZES the troglodyte for 6 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Both went down, followed by a half-dozen Golden Bolts whizzing through the air.
"No," I cried out, wanting the shaman alive to disable the mist trap.
The goblin shaman is dead.
Combat is over!
You get 6,000 xp divided by three party members.
You get 2,000 xp.
You have 62,247 xp
You need 12,753 xp for level 9 Rogue -> Bounty Hunter
"Sheldon!"
I stomped over to him. Bernard stepped between us.
"Hold on," he said. "It happened in the heat of the battle. We'll figure it out, and we don't even know if it's Sarah in there or not. Give him a break. You didn't always make the best decisions as a new player."
I took a deep breath as I stared at Sheldon.
"Fine," I said then walked around both to the four pillars filled with the strange, white mist.
Bernard followed, examining the stone for any clues.
"There has to be something," I said, doing the same. "Keep guard, Sheldon."
No response. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him walking away.
"Hey," I called out. "Stop."
"Let him go," Bernard said. "He'll probably get the others. We'll figure this out on our own."
"Yeah," I said. "He should've said something, though."
"Nah, you're being uptight...Oh, look, I found something."
At the change of tone in his voice, I turned my head then walked over.
"What is it?" I asked, peering but not seeing it.
"The quality is astounding. I almost didn't notice it myself, but I've been bumping my detect skills like mad. Anyway, there's a button."
"Are you sure it's connected to the trap?" I asked.
"Only one way to find out," he said.
"Wait." I grabbed his wrist. "Let's think it through."
"Yeah, it might be trapped."
He stepped back. I stared at the stone, still unable to see the button.
"Maybe it's best she stays in there," Bernard said.
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. I've been here decades now. That's a long time. If she's frozen, all she'll remember is waking up and getting out of the game."
I frowned, overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions.
"What if she's conscious? That would be even worse."
"Yeah," he said.
We both fell silent as we stared at the devious trap Sarah had somehow set off. I didn't understand why she'd gone off on her own. None of it made sense.
"I don't think Sheldon is coming back with the others," Bernard said after a few minutes had passed.
"You might be right," I said. "We should try to get her out before any other trogs show up."
"I'm with you."
Bernard stepped over to the pillar with the button he'd found.
"Ready?" he asked with his arm raised.
I nodded, gripping the hilt of both weapons and hoping for the best.
When he pressed down, the mist rose to the ceiling, Sarah fell to the mosaic tiles on the ground. A loud bell rung from somewhere hidden high above us.
I rushed over and knelt beside Sarah.
"Are you okay?" I asked. "Can you hear me?"
She lifted her head, eyes squinting in confusion.
"Stop that bell," I yelled to Bernard.
"I'm trying," he said. "I must've tripped something."
"Let's get her out of here before..."
My voice trailed off as a dozen troglodytes rushed into the cavern from a tunnel on the far end. An eight-foot-tall leader appeared with them, pointing his scaled finger at us.
I didn't understand the hiss that came out of his mouth, but it wasn't friendly.
"Get ready," I said, stepping in front of Sarah. "Try to protect her as best you can."
"I'm by your side."
Bernard, mace in hand, stood beside me. Together, we waited for the trogs to reach us.
"If we don't make it out of this, Bernard, it's been nice gaming with you."
"Don't talk that way," he said. "We have a chance."
The giant troglodyte shouted. All the soldiers stopped, swords raised.
I gripped my own weapons even tighter, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
()xxxx[:::: Chapter 18 ::::>
Troglodyte Mass Destruction
ERIC
As I stood my ground, defending Sarah in between the pillars, I heard a familiar shout behind us.
"Battle positions," Axelrod yelled.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw him and the others rush into the cavern.
The trog leader shouted again, sending the lizard soldiers toward us.
Josh reached us first, barreling ahead to take on the troglodytes.
"Make sure Sarah is safe," I said to Bernard.
"Got it," he said. "We've got a chance."
I wasn't so sure as I turned and saw five troglodytes pile onto Josh. They sent him to the ground then heaped themselves on top of him. Axelrod rushed past, battle-axe swinging.
"Heal Sarah," I said as Ryu walked up. "They need my help on the front line."
Without waiting for an answer, I ran forward to help kill the trogs on top of Josh. He was our best chance of taking out the huge trog leader. Axelrod cracked a skull of a troglodyte as I reached them.
I stabbed another through the stomach then poked it in the back.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 13 damage.
Your pierce GRAZES the troglodyte for 7 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Your Weapon Craft (Dual Wield) Skill has increased.
It is now basic level 3 of 10
I pulled the lifeless creature off Josh. He jumped to his feet and roared in anger and frustration like a proper barbarian.
"Give him some room," I yelled as I moved to the left.
Axelrod ran forward to take on the leader as I faced two troglodytes only ten feet away.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 12 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 10 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
As
I pulled my sword out of his partner, the other attacked me with a broadsword.
The troglodyte HITS you for 9 damage.
You have 78/125 health remaining.
At least the blade wasn't poisoned, I thought as I launched another offensive.
Your slash HITS the troglodyte for 10 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 8 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
I surveyed the battlefield. Only four troglodyte soldiers remained. Their boss looked tough as ever, swinging a mighty two-handed sword at Axelrod and Josh.
Where's Sheldon? I wondered as I moved forward to help mop up the straggling soldiers. As if on cue, a few Lava Discs shot past me, landing on a troglodyte and taking it down.
The remaining three charged with murderous rage in their evil, reptilian eyes.
The troglodyte GRAZES you for 6 damage.
The troglodyte HITS you for 9 damage.
The troglodyte HITS you for 8 damage.
You have 55/125 health remaining.
I hoped someone cast a heal spell on me as I attacked and allowed Josh and Axelrod to concentrate on the giant leader.
Your slash INJURES the troglodyte for 12 damage.
Your pierce HITS the troglodyte for 9 damage.
The troglodyte is dead.
Only two more to go. Several more Lava Discs slammed into another troglodyte. Make that one.
The creature hissed then swung one last time.
The troglodyte GRAZES you for 6 damage.
You have 49/125 health remaining.
I wasted no time taking it out.
Your pierce MISSES the troglodyte.
Your slash HITS the troglodyte for 9 damage.
The troglodyte is severely damaged.
So much for mixing it up.
Three Golden Bolts took the last troglodyte down.
"I need healing," I yelled, examining the situation with our two main fighters.
When no one answered, I ran forward to help Axelrod and Josh finish the leader despite my low health.
The giant troglodyte wielded its massive sword expertly. Both Josh and Axelrod had sustained damage. I snuck around behind the beast, hoping for a back stab.