"Damn he looks quite frightening...", murmured Balm looking at the enemy's bloodshot eyes.
Suddenly a gust of wind spread in the warehouse. Still in a joking mood the party didn't pay enough attention. Nurugar appeared abruptly in front of Fortune. His dangerous paw landed on the mage's shoulder, catching her in a vice-like grip.
"Ah!"
The gorgeous mage let out a frightened shout as Nurugar jumped high into the air, forcefully pulling Fortune along. The latter tried to struggle but to no avail. A bad premonition hit her.
Her pleading eyes found the enemy's. But the NPC remained heartless, withstanding the enticement of the beautiful woman. With a swing of his arm Fortune was violently thrown to the floor.
"AHH! Ouh!"
A table cracked, splinters shooting in all directions as Fortune slammed into it with a cry. The heavy impact rattled her body, her nerves burning from pain.
[-3010!]
Everyone stared at the scene in shock. This was the first time a boss used such a physically violent skill. Luckily pain was toned down for the players or else such a scene might leave one traumatized.
Cyclone and Balm couldn't believe their eyes, looking at the cloud of dust, voicing their worry:
"Fortune?! Fortune!"
"Fortune, are you okay?"
"Sure, sure...", answered a raspy voice. A battered figure dragged herself up among the dust, patting her clothes and trying to fix her hair.
Cyclone was in disbelief upon witnessing her idol's tragic appearance. Just then a low thud could be heard as Nurugar landed back on the floor.
He was immediately met with eyes brimming with so much anger they could even cause devils to shudder.
"How dare you!"
Cyclone let out an enraged shout as she rushed towards the enemy. Her skill [Static Domain] activated, surrounding her with crackling lightning.
As soon as she got close enough lightning bolts began to seek out Nurugar, striking his body.
The lord however ignored the angry mage, turning towards Radiant Shield, still slave to the aggro system.
"Stay here!"
Cyclone shouted indignantly, waving her wand, using the [Phantom Clone] spell attached to her boots. Two dangerous lightning mages suddenly graced the battlefield. Swinging their wands, they attacked with [Lightning Strike] while their robes unleashed red lightning bolts.
Under such a bombardment Nurugar's resistance to stuns finally faltered. He froze in place, paralyzed.
Cyclone instantly reacted, her and her clone both beginning to cast [Raining Thunder] while shouting at her friends:
"How long do you want to wait? Kill this guy!"
The others had rarely seen the young woman this agitated.
"Really, what spell has Fortune used on you?", murmured Silver Blade quietly. She couldn't quite understand the worship Cyclone had for all kinds of famous players.
Although the others were startled as well they knew when to grasp a chance. Everyone came for Nurugar, presenting their skills which had come off cooldown.
Meanwhile Balm used her heal on Fortune, earning her the mage's thanks. Radiant Shield was almost about to complain when a flash of holy light engulfed Balm's robe. Her new robe's effect triggered. A comfortable, green magic spread from Fortune after the [Heal] refilled her HP, spreading as a refreshing wave, revitalizing the entire party.
"Impressive!"
Radiant Shield generously praised Balm. Although his HP weren't back to full it was enough to deal with the current enemy.
Paralyzed, Nurugar could do nothing but endure the attacks. His HP fell continuously. Two seconds later he could finally move again, his revenge hitting Radiant Shield.
[-1156!]
The tank remained indifferent. With Balm's help he would be able to block the enemy forever.
Nurugar seemed to realize this as well, opting to use more of his skills. But after having already revealed all his tricks he had nothing left to surprise the party with.
Most of the lord's skills were dodged easily. His increasingly fierce face couldn't change the outcome.
Soon, Cyclone had finished casting her ultimate skill. An enormous sea of lightning gathered below the warehouse's roof, cumulating an immense power.
The static in the room caused everyone's hairs to raise wildly. Even Nurugar felt intimidated. His eyes bloodshot, he raised his arm, signalling the use of another skill.
Cyclone felt a gust of wind hitting her face. Recalling Fortune's fate, she instantly focused, narrowing her eyes and stirring the mana in her body. Before Nurugar could rest his hand on her shoulder she suddenly disappeared in a flash of sparks.
A mighty bolt of lightning struck Nurugar's head as the second effect of Cyclone's boots activated.
[-201!]
Simultaneously the lightning sea in the sky erupted, raining down thunder. Nurugar's hand landed on empty air while lightning struck his body, making him feel quite humiliated.
The rest of the party remained outside the attack range knowing that Cyclone's control was not refined enough to avoid attacking them.
Only Liam entered with an indifferent demeanour, confident that he would be able to dodge the lightning bolts should they aim for him.
Nurugar was still fixed on Radiant Shield, who took position at the edge of the area effected by [Rain of Thunder], aiming to keep the boss within.
The other melee fighters stood next to him, rotating in a way which allowed everyone to release their skills.
Simultaneously Fortune, Silent Acacia, and Zorn attacked from a distance.
Under the assault from all sides Nurugar couldn't free himself. His HP bar fell quickly. Finally, he let out an unwilling roar, succumbing to the damage.
"Hmpf. Finally!"
Cyclone looked at the dead enemy, indignation still evident in her eyes. But as her ultimate continued to strike the corpse even she thought that this didn't feel right.
"All grievances should end with death."
Nodding pretentiously the mage put away her wand, which automatically cancelled her active skill.
"Hey Cy, were did you get that saying from?", asked Silver Blade with a chuckle.
"From the newest episode of 'Reborn as a stick with the power of the godly palace: I revive the world'! Yagano says this after def..."
"LALALA!"
Silent Acacia suddenly interrupted Cyclone loudly, attracting everyone's confused gazes. The hunter explained himself with an embarrassed expression:
"Sorry, I just wanted to prevent you from spoiling me. I still need to watch the newest episode."
Immediately Cyclone's eyes lit up brilliantly, addressing the young man:
"Acacia, you also like RAAS?!"
"Sure. Well, a bit..."
Quickstep rolled her eyes listening to her boyfriend.
"That guy here watches every Isekai he can get his hands on. I don't get it. These shows have no substance."
"What's there so difficult to understand? Sometimes it's nice to just shut one's brain off.", defended Silent Acacia himself.
"Exactly!"
"Preach it!"
Unexpectedly Radiant Shield and Bloody Edge chimed in, supporting Silent Acacia. Suddenly met with so much agreement the young man smiled brightly, getting rid of his embarrassment, facing his girlfriend bravely:
"You know, I don't understand how you could watch every episode of 'Lone Piece'. Twice."
But before Quickstep could answer, Radiant Shield and Bloody Edge glanced at Silent Acacia, adding their opinions:
"Well, 'Lone Piece' is pretty great as well. Although I have to admit that it takes quite some time."
Quickly a circle had formed, starting a fierce discussion like a bunch of scholars calculating the marvels of the world. Even Fortune and Balm chimed in from time to time.
Only Bleary Mirage, Silver Blade, and Watchful Eye stood at the side, completely oblivious.
"They might as well talk in a different language...", murmured Liam.
"Yeah."
"Perhaps we are the strange ones?"
"Maybe we aren't keeping up with the times."
"Now I feel like I need to watch some shows."
"We could watch 'Lone Piece' together in the gaming house."
"Sure."
Watchful Eye stood half a step behind Silver Blade, not uttering a word. He faintly glanced at Silver Blade and Bleary Mirage, a hint of a smile flashing on his lips.
Meanwhile the discussion continued. Liam counted the time in his mind, finally reminding a certain someone:
"Almost five minutes have passed. The bodies will disappear soon. And with it..."
"My loot!"
With a startled shout Cyclone ended the discussion, turning in a storm which blew through the warehouse, causing all the bodies to disappear. Although there was nothing special among the looted items, Cyclone was glad to have saved everything.
In her mind a real gamer would never waste any loot!
Her friends were amused by the display, finally ready to continue. They had almost forgotten what they came here for, drawing exasperated sighs from Bleary Mirage and Silver Blade.
But the female tank took the lead, opening the door at the rear of the room, revealing a dark compartment. A female elf caught everyone's attention.
She leaned against the wall, her arms in shackles. Her leathern west and white shirt were torn in multiple places. Blood blemished her porcelain white skin, soaking her shirt.
Hearing a sound she opened her eyes, shining in a brilliant green just as her long hair, her gaze defiant.
Suddenly her expression turned to surprise as she spoke, her voice powerful despite being imprisoned here:
"Who are you?"
"Repha, we came here to rescue you."
"Rescue? Who would be willing to send saviours my way?"
"The Black Hand."