Chapter 41 - Cullen’s Calculations, the Intense Battle
Moss realized that nearly twenty Explosive Wolves were before him. The lowest level wolf was a level four. There were level five and six wolves in his surroundings and a level seven wolf at the back of the pack.
The level seven wolf’s thigh was much thicker than the rest, its body was much larger, and its silver eyebrows were like exploding steel spikes. The Explosive Wolf revealed a fierce glare as it bared its fangs at Moss. It was angry because Moss had killed three of its companions instantly.
The other wolves started angrily growling as if they were about to swallow Moss whole.
Meanwhile, as Cullen continued running, he realized that the earth wasn’t shaking as intensely. When he looked back, he noticed that the number of Explosive Wolves had decreased, and the intense pressure he felt lessened. He knew that his plan had succeeded.
If Cullen weren’t in a hurry to get to the valley’s entrance, he could’ve seen the Elite Explosive Wolves surround Moss. He regretted not being able to see the wolves devour Moss.
If Cullen didn’t have to abide by the rules of not killing humans, he would’ve used his flying sword to attack Moss when he was in a stalemate with the Explosive Wolves. Then he would take Moss’s head to relieve the hatred in his heart.
Cullen was concerned about his reputation as the team leader. Although he was overjoyed, he pretended to be calm as he ran away.
Cullen thought about how he had caused Moss trouble in the past and their bet to see who would perform better in this test. He felt extremely confident that he would be the winner and could not help but reveal a proud smile.
Cullen thought he should thank Moss for this. Moss’s sacrifice would reduce Cullen’s pressure and preserve his team’s strength. Moss could also deplete the number of Explosive Wolves that protected the Boss.
Cullen would only thank Moss after he defeated the Mystic Realm Boss.
At this thought, Cullen excitedly waved at his members and ran. He shouted, “Everyone, quickly follow me! We’ll be victorious once we reach the valley entrance!”
Bailey, beside Cullen, also hurriedly waved his hand and shouted, “Follow Cullen! The valley’s entrance is just ahead!”
Bailey understood Cullen’s decision-making ability even more and became impressed. Although he didn’t agree with some of Cullen’s actions, he felt that Cullen possessed first-class strength, decisiveness, and strategy.
Bailey worshiped Cullen even more after seeing how he forced Moss out of the tree, tremendously easing the pressure on his team.
Bailey steeled his mind and quickened his pace as he followed Cullen closely. He felt the other team members were useless and could only hope to survive if they followed Cullen.
The other team members grew suspicious when they heard Cullen’s words. One of them asked, “Do you have any other ideas, Captain Cullen?”
Bailey heard this doubtful question and didn’t wait for Cullen to reply. “Captain Cullen has the best method. The number of Explosive wolves has reduced tremendously. Just hold on a little longer, everyone!”
“We’ll have the terrain advantage when we arrive at the valley’s entrance. The Explosive Wolves will lose their group attack advantage. Then we’ll follow Captain Cullen’s lead and enjoy the spoils of war.”
Cullen nodded with satisfaction at the sound of Bailey’s words. Then he acted as though he was determined to win and shouted, “Bailey is right. I’ll bring you guys to the Raid Boss after killing these wolves. It would be more beneficial if we did it that way. What do you guys think?”
Everyone felt energetic at the sound of Cullen’s words.
“All right, I can agree to that!”
“I think it’s only right to follow Captain Cullen!”
“We’re almost there, everyone!”
“Victory is right in front of us!”
Meanwhile, some felt that it was inappropriate that Cullen had led the wolf pack to Moss. Cullen had put him in a dangerous situation to relieve the pressure on his team.
However, they could only rely on Cullen, especially since he mentioned the benefits they would get.
The others yearned for rewards after experiencing the pressure and dangers of the Mystic Realm. The desire for victory and rewards replaced their doubt and persistence.
Cullen revealed a satisfied smile when he saw his team members wholly believing in him. Then he continued running toward the valley’s entrance as he thought of what would happen.
‘With these cannon fodder helping me fend off the Explosive Wolves, I can gain levels even quicker. After that, I can attack the Raid Boss and take it down with one fell swoop.’
As Cullen thought about killing the Raid Boss with his flying sword, a deafening sound came from Moss’s direction. It was mighty and carried a strong sense of oppression.
Roar!
Cullen couldn’t help but shudder. His teammates were shocked and almost stopped in their tracks. Bailey heard the terrifying road and asked with a trembling voice, “C-Captain Cullen, what level could that magical beast be?”
Cullen caught his breath and pretended to be calm as he said, “I think that was a level seven Explosive Wolf. Don’t worry, everyone. Even a Mystic Realm Boss wouldn’t be a problem if we worked together.”
Cullen urged his teammates to continue running after saying that. Then he turned and looked in Moss’s direction, revealing a sinister smile. ‘That domineering roar surely came from a level seven Explosive Wolf.’
Meanwhile, the level seven Explosive Wolf opened its bloody mouth as it growled at Moss. It looked like it could tear him apart in an instant.
Moss trembled at the sight of this and instantly felt the wolf’s pressure. The other Explosive Wolves that dared not rush forward after their companions were killed suddenly became excited at the sound of the level seven wolf’s roar.
Each wolf bared its fangs and glared at Moss with bloodshot eyes. Then the level seven Explosive Wolf growled at some of the wolves to the left. Four level five and six wolves received their leader’s message and charged at Moss.
A silver light flashed and appeared before Moss in the blink of an eye. Its speed was faster compared to a level four wolf. Moss was aware of the wolf’s powerful charge and instantly raised two transparent shields before him, separating himself from the wolf.
However, these level five and six wolves had strengthened legs. Unlike lower leveled Explosive Wolves, they wouldn’t be affected by the sudden appearance of Moss’s shields. They would use their legs to kick away from the shields to avoid a head-on collision.
Moss had predicted this and swung his longsword as the wolves soared in the air. The level five wolf was cut in half by the waist as fresh blood poured onto the ground. The wolf moaned a few times before it stopped moving.
But Moss soon realized that something was wrong. A level six wolf had cracked his shield. He frowned at the sight of the crack. His shield wasn’t as durable as he imagined.
Then he remembered what his teacher once said, “The Explosive Wolf is a newbie killer, which is why it’s such a terrifying Magical Beast. It has skills called Wolf Spike and abilities called Sharp Fangs and Claws.”
“Sharp Fangs and Claws would increase the wolf’s attack power by twenty to thirty percent. With the increased speed of Wolf Spike, the wolf’s attack power would become deadlier. Moreover, as its attack power increased, its destructive power would also increase correspondingly.
The level six wolf must’ve strengthened its fangs and claws before attacking. Its fangs and claws were tough and sharp, resembling tempered steel knives.
‘Why does this level six Explosive Wolf have those skills when it’s only available at levels seven and eight?’
Moss realized that he was facing a fast-evolving Explosive Wolf that could already use Sharp Fangs and Claws at level six.
Moss looked at the impending wolf pack and realized that the shortened duration on his shield would have an enormous impact on his defensive ability when faced with many wolves.