The wolves that surrounded us were all at the 6th level. If we let our guards down, they would quickly push through our formation and cause a massacre. Not to mention Ember, who can’t exhibit her usual powers, Fang was still in the 3rd stage, way below the level of the enemies. It was almost a miracle that she could eliminate the wolves like ears of wheat to a sickle.
Fang may be able to kill off the demon wolves, but only one at a time. In terms of function, Igni was definitely a greater help, as she could hold her own against three wolves simultaneously. Her speed in reaping the demons’ lives was faster than Fang’s.
“You mean there’s no warning? They just appeared suddenly?”
I injured a couple of wolves who were in range as I swung my sword. This sword that Ember bought was definitely a bargain. Even with my meager strength, I could injure demons above my level easily.
“Well, they came right after the other attack squads retreated with heavy casualties.”
Yulia answered as she dodged a claw attack and sent a spinning kick in response. Her skirt fluttered as she turned, revealing the black spats she wore underneath. However, despite her skill, she was already out of breath. It was hard for her to even reply to my questions now.
“We should retreat! At least limit the direction the enemy comes from.”
I shouted as I looked around. About a hundred meters to our right, a tall cliff was visible. We could go there to at least funnel the enemies so that they could only attack our front.
I quickly gave Fang and Igni the order to clean up the path leading there. Fang, who was all over the place, focused on that one area and quickly created an open space. She was doing her best to keep new wolves out of the way.
Igni quickly followed and sent a fiery breath toward the wolves blocking the way. Some of them managed to move out of the way, but most of them turned to ashes under the flame’s heat.
“The path is clear! Now!”
I shouted as I led the charge forward. The ground was still hot from Igni’s residual flames, making the other wolves hesitate before charging recklessly forward.
“Ahhh!”
However, one of the members of the Lily Knights got bitten on her left leg. Her tamed monster, a rabbit woman wearing fancy boxing gloves, quickly saved her as she dispatched the demon wolf.
Her tamed monster carried her towards the cliffside and let her sit down. Her wound was grave, as her bone was peeking out. The bite’s force was something else to be able to break a 6th-ranked tamer’s leg so easily.
It’s a wound that the taming system’s halo could quickly heal; however, there are not many who have activated systems yet. It hasn’t been long since I activated God Zeshion’s system; it should take longer for it to reach normal tamers like her.
“Owl, use our potions to heal her wounds.”
I shouted to Ember, who quickly moved to support the injured lady. The rest of us created a semi-circle with the cliff’s face as the center. In addition to the injured one, two more tamers of the Lily Knights, along with half of the tamed monsters, needed rest. The defense line was maintained by four tamers, including me, and 15 tamed monsters ranging from 3rd to 6th level.
Although we were reduced to half, we still managed to maintain the defensive line effectively.
After a short rest, they switched places with the current fighters and held the defensive line in place. With this, a cycle of rest and battle was in place. However, even if they managed to rest in between, their stamina would slowly reach its limits.
Just as expected, another tamer became careless and got slashed in the chest. She was lucky that her armor prevented a fatal blow, but her wound was deep.
Igni, who was nearby, quickly filled her spot as she eliminated the attacking demon wolves. Ember quickly moved and dragged her to the back before spraying a potion all over her.
To compensate for a missing fighter, we needed to shrink the defensive line. The enemy’s attacks slowly became fiercer as time passed.
Not long after, half of the Lily Knights were already injured. Their healing couldn’t make it in time before the ones defending ran out of stamina. 𝑜𝘷𝑙.𝘰𝑟𝑔
The defensive line quickly crumbled like a sand castle exposed to the rushing waves. Wolves rushed to the back, where Ember was busy attending to the injured tamers and tamed monsters.
“No, you don’t!”
I quickly moved and intercepted the incoming wolves. The defensive line shrank again; this time, only I, Yulia, Fang, and Igni were left.
“… Sorry, Leon, for dragging you guys into this…”
Yulia said with a wry smile. It seems like she was concerned about how we were here to provide support to them; now, we too have been dragged into their misfortune.
“What are you saying? We just need to hold on until the military arrives!”
I replied as I fended off two wolves moving in at the same time. However, Yulia shook her head.
“They can’t. The strongest force we have here right now is only at the 7th stage. They can’t defeat the three 8th-level demons that attacked them…”
“Really?! Where did the general go?! Isn’t she like a 9th stage?”
I turned to her and asked in surprise. I let my guard down for an instant and was taken advantage of by a wolf. It sent a scratch toward my neck, aiming to behead me.
I noticed the attack a bit too late, so I could only crane my neck and dodge it by a hair’s breadth. Due to my unstable posture, however, I couldn’t move my body to dodge another claw coming for my chest.
In a desperate attempt, I swung my blade and managed to prevent the claw. However, I was sent rolling by the impact.
“Leon!!!”
Yulia shouted, wide-eyed, as she stared at me who was rolling away like a tumbleweed.
When I stopped rolling, I finally noticed why she had a look of despair on her face. Behind me, three 7th-stage demonic liches were casting their spells, ready to attack.