Chapter 67 (2/2)

Effect: Attacks the target with lightning bolts. This attack will automatically jump and target other enemies that fall within a 9 feet radius for a maximum of 5 times.

Level-3 lightning spells were known for their destructive forces. If they had fallen into this trap, Gildern and himself probably would not have survived the attack. Jacker would still be alive due to his Battle Aura, but with the Syndicate bandits and the Level-4 Magician on his heels, the odds would not have been in his favor.

Link shuddered at the sight of this magic. “The opponents are getting stronger and craftier; I might have been lucky this time but I won’t be forever. I need to craft some protective Magic Tools!”

Until now, he had been relying on his instincts and chose to be on the offensive. This was an extremely dangerous style of fighting; a single mistake could cost him his life.

During an emergency such as an ambush or a trap, spellcasting was out of the question. He simply did not have enough time to go through the complicated process to cast a spell. He would need to acquire magic equipment that could store spells and release them almost instantaneously.

“I guess it’s time to learn Alchemy and Enchanting spells to create my own Magic Tools!”

Link was a fast learner. Moreover, he preferred to use his own Magic Tools rather than ones crafted by others. He did not mind spending time acquiring this skill.

Gildern was done packing, dragging a full gunny sack of their spoils. The armor was made from a high-grade material, despite being damaged and the anti-magic daggers were all in good condition; they should sell for a good price.

“Let’s head back and see if we can meet General Anderson on the way.”

Five minutes into their return journey, they were greeted by the sound of footsteps and chatter. A fully armored knight emerged from the thick undergrowth. It was General Anderson!

Behind him was the River Cove Town Army, and their captain, Yaksha. There were about 200 soldiers, probably the fighting force of the entire River Cove Town.

Anderson clearly rushed here with full speed, his shiny armor now tainted by spots of dirt. After making sure that Link was unharmed, he heaved a sigh of relief.

Princess Annie had requested that he set off immediately to assist Link and ensure that he returned to the kingdom alive. Should the mission fail, she had personally ensured the same for his future in the kingdom.

He was delighted to see Link in one piece. “My Lord, how are you feeling?”

Link needed the River Cove Town Army to aid him in the search for the Syndicate’s hideout. And so, he needed to be cooperative in order to ensure their assistance.

“The leader of the Syndicate and his men have already been eliminated by us. However, a Magician got away despite being injured,” Link explained, “He was a Dark Elf and might have escaped to the Syndicate’s hideout.”

The mention of a Dark Elf sent shivers down Anderson’s spine. After the incident at Gladstone City, any occurrences related to the Dark Elves were bound to attract attention.

King Leon even gave a royal order to eliminate all Dark Elves in the Norton Kingdom. To think that the Syndicate got themselves tangled up in this mess.

How foolish! Anderson thought. Despite having strong connections in Hot Spring City, the Syndicate would definitely be completely uprooted this time around!

“Link, can you still fight?” Anderson asked.

You needed one Magician to deal with another. Anderson hoped that Link would accompany him in the search of the Syndicate’s hideout.

Link shook his head. “My Mana is completely depleted. For the time being, I’ll rest in River Cove Town, when you find the hideout, do not be hasty to attack, instead, please approach me to discuss a plan.”

Even though he was on an investigative mission, the Girvent Forest was an extremely large area. The Syndicate’s hideout was also well concealed—it was not possible to find it in a short amount of time and so there was no reason for him to tag along.

Upon seeing Link’s tired and drained expression, Anderson nodded. “If there are any discoveries, I’ll let you know. Please rest well.”

“Yaksha, lets search for the bandit’s hideout!” He hollered at the captain.

The elimination of the Syndicate was a personal order from Princess Annie and now, even the Dark Elves were involved. If he was successful in this mission, he would have made a great contribution to the kingdom. Anderson was enthusiastic.

His attitude put Link at ease. From the looks of it, the Syndicate should be of no threat to his Flamingo Band of Mercenaries. The only one left would be the Dark Elf Magician.

“Once we find clues of the hideout, we’ll leave him with no means of escape!”

Link stepped aside and waited for Anderson to lead his forces into the forest. “Let’s return for our much-needed rest,” Link said to Jacker and Gildern.

“Yes, My Lord.”