Level 11 was definitely was much harder than any of the previous levels. Even the first batch of 20 orcs that they encounter were already able to break their little formation, injuring both Boris and Torri, and they would have hurt the girls. Fortunately, Viktor quickly used his [Battle Art - Strength Up] and killed most of them himself.
However, right as the last orc fell, they heard shouts, battle cries, and bangs from the end of the wall, a sign that another batch of orcs had already made their way towards them.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Realizing that he wouldn't get anywhere with his party's current condition, Viktor decided to call a retreat. "Retreat! We are heading back!"
Blood gushed out from Boris' back, but it slowly diminished as Eva used her tier 2 water element magic, [Soothing Mist] to close the wound. Within seconds, the wound was fully closed, and Eva turned her attention towards Torri, noting that his wounds were a little bit less severe at least.
"Thank you for the help, miss Eva." The two bodyguards said.
Viktor kept replaying the battle in his head, searching for solutions, before he turned to look at the brown-haired girl next to him. "Any bright ideas?"
The girl could only shake her head in response. Jessie was definitely smart, but her knowledge doenst go as far as battle strategy or tactics. Those weren't her strong suit. She wouldn't know how to increase battle effectiveness, hence she couldn't help much.
All Jessie could tell him was that from level 11 to 30, they would always fight the same creature, the orcs.
"There are about 300 of them in the early level, but it will gradually increase in number on higher levels."
Once again, Viktor analyzed his companion's strengths and their current situation.
[Viktor Romanov - Battle Power: 52 - Earth Realm level 23]
[Jessie Wineberry - Battle Power: 41 - Earth Realm level 30]
[Kosta Tamyr - Battle Power: 31 - Earth Realm level 12]
[Barry Pennyworth - Battle Power: 28 - Earth Realm level 7]
[Torri Helsinki - Battle Power: 29 - Earth Realm level 7]
[Boris Oslo - Battle Power: 29 - Earth Realm level 7]
[Evangeline Bardott - Battle Power: 34 -Earth Realm level 9]
[Vasiliza - Battle Power: 36 - Earth Realm level 9]
The numbers explained everything. Previously, they were only fighting goblins with 15 battle power each, so they were able to dispatch them like they were paper, but now the orcs each have 50 battle power, so it was definitely much more overwhelming. Other than Viktor, no one else could match their battle power.
To get this challenge over with and move forward, the team needs better equipment, better teamwork, strategy, skills, or better stats.
He considered the first option, but this particular pillar could only provide tier 1 weapons at the moment, so their only choice was to return to one of the already open pillars, buy better equipment, and return. That would not only be very time-consuming but also dig a deep hole in his already tight finances.
A better teamwork was definitely doable, but it wouldn't give an instant result, as it could only be improved by battling more like a team or finding an experienced leader to train or lead them, which really isn't an option right now.
Better skills were actually the more feasible option, as tier 1 skills are much cheaper than tier 2 weapons. He can only hope his companion would master these skill as soon as possible, especially spells which was much more tricky to learn.
As for the last option, he could make his team have better stats by giving them some spirit stones for them to consume. This option however defeats the purpose of them coming here at all.
In the end, once again Viktor was stuck in a dilemma. These goblins and orcs don't drop any spirit stones, and right now, he only has a limited amount on hand. [4348 spirit stones]
The line of thought made him think how efficient was it to clear those pillars. Is it actually worth all the trouble?
He now finally understood why Jessie mentioned the group of people who intentionally went hunting inside the Abyssal Pit and search the three-headed dogs inside the pits. Those red spirit stones that might get dropped by the dogs are definitely a quick money solution.
Considering the time they spent, the threats all around them, and the spirit stones dilemma, Viktor was forced to rack his brain in search of a solution.
His first thought was about increasing efficiency, and then he realized that one main problem of teh group was the fact that some members not really contributing to the fight.
Viktor look at the young pale girl and thought that he needed to solve her problem first.
Unless she could unleash her power, the team wouldn't benefit by having her in the team, so letting her stay behind in the hall would mean less spirit energy to share and fewer people to protect. The same thing goes for Eva. If she's not really fighting, she could stay behind and keep an eye on the situation, so she could join only when someone got injured.
In solution, Viktor need to focus his attention on the two girls first
With his new plan settled, Viktor gave Torri, Boris, Barry, and Kosta enough spirit stones to buy the tier 1 skills [Strength Up] and [Agility Up]. In addition, they were given 3 yellow stones each to consume in the training hall.
Meanwhile, Jessie, Eva, and Liza will come with him to level 11.
When the rest heard about it, they were as worried as the girls, but Viktor reassured them that everything would be fine, and they should trust him. They relented easily, as Viktor has not failed to protect them before.
Now that there were only 4 of them when the 20 orcs came charging at them, Viktor quickly used his [Metal Fusion], and also used [Strength Up] for good measure. Liquid metal-coated his body, and a faint glow indicated the increase of his power.
[You have completed a metal fusion.]
[Your body has been strengthened.]
[You have received 12 points in battle power]
[Battle art - Strength up]
[You have received 10 points in battle power]
[You have received 30 points in strength.]
[Strength - 32 (79)]
[Agility - 72 (84)]
[Endurance - 48 (60)]
[Battle Power - 51 (73)]
He sighed, looked towards Eva in the most gentle gaze he could muster, and said. "I apologize, my dear, I am going to need you to try your best again this one time. If you really don't like it, I will never ask you ever again."
Eva was smart enough to understand that Viktor giving her a last chance to be involved within the fighting force, hence this time she will need to prove herself.
Viktor then looked at Liza, smiled, and said. "Liza, will you look after Sister Eva for me?"
The young girl was silent for a few seconds, but then she gave an enthusiastic nod and said.
"Sister Eva… yes, …Liza will help."
Viktor glanced at Jessie, and the girl immediately realized what he was trying to do. He asked Jessie to help decide when to help them or when to get them away from the thick of battle with her speed.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The footsteps of the 20 large green creatures sounded deafening, and Viktor clenched his axe tight as the creatures screamed and charged at him. He was like a stalwart guardian, protecting the women behind him with eyes full of resolve.
Quickly, the green creatures went and surrounded him. His speed and strength have been enhanced, and Viktor managed to kill the orcs on his left and right side, however, a few managed to escape and run behind him, charging at the girls.
"Kyaaaa!"
From her scream, Viktor knew that Eva was afraid, but unexpectedly she didn't run at all. Instead, she raised her sword and charged at the orcs with trembling hands.
Viktor could only watch, dumbfounded at what was unfolding before his eyes. It was then he realized that he just made a big mistake.
Knowing their lives were on the line, Jessie snapped her fingers and quickly cast [Energize] to help increase her speed as she ran, hoping to help Eva as soon as she could. However, as she was running, to her surprise she felt a cold breeze come from behind before running past her.
Shocked, Jessie quickly glance at the figure and saw that it was Liza. However, the young girl doesn't use the sword she was given. Instead, both of her hands had morphed into terrifying claws, and her strength has increased, enough to jump at the closest orc and tear its head apart with a single swing.
Splatt!!
Once again the girl brought shock to the others in the group
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