Chapter 90 Move Forward To Retrea (1/2)

After noticing the doubt on their faces, Rhode quickly explained, ”We simply don't have sufficient strength to go back that way.”

”Each undead by itself isn't a problem, but it gets tricky when they rush in a horde. Since our group got bigger, we have to increase our protection radius and that would mean that we have to face more enemies. If we press forward, although the strength of each undead would rise, at least we won't have to deal with a large number like before. Moreover, high-level undead tends to roam alone and rarely work together which gives us a better chance of survival.”

”But some high-level undead have the power to command low-level undead...”

Apparently Sereck knew quite a bit about the undead.

”Don't worry, that won't happen.”

Rhode held his sword and drew a simple map on the ground. First, he drew a circle and then followed by a line.

”We are here. Fortunately, this place is considered to be the along the borders so we should be able to leave quickly as long we speed up a little. Then we will pass through here...” Rhode pointed at the line near the border and continued, ”then we will arrive at another area of the plateau. There's a valley here and as long as we pass through this valley, we can leave this place.”

”How do you know?”

Kudla couldn't contain his curiosity. He stared at the young man before him thinking that he might just be uttering nonsense.

”Because I've visited this place before.”

As usual, Rhode didn't elaborate further and merely replied Kudla monotonously.

”There are two kinds of undead in the valley. The first one is the Giant Skeleton... I think that most of you can guess what it looks like by its name. It is a giant frame of bones that possess monstrous strength. What it lacks in agility is made up for by its strength.”

”It has a unique ability to self-destruct at critical moments. Even if the battle seems like it's over, don't assume that you've already won. The numerous bones on its body can attack you even if separated from the main body. It has a weakness though — there is a Soul Fire hidden within its skull, so as long as we crush the skull, we can defeat the monster. The Giant Skeleton doesn't possess high intelligence, if we work together and dodge its attacks, we should be able to defeat it.”

Rhode explained the strengths and weaknesses of the Giant Skeleton in a clear manner. Sereck and Kudla nodded their head after understanding how to deal with it.

”Next, near the end of the valley is the Death Knight's territory.”

Rhode used his sword to draw another circle.

”The Death Knight is incredibly powerful. You can imagine its strength to be similar to Mr. Sereck. Also, as Mr. Sereck had mentioned previously, it is a high-level undead that has the ability to command low-level undead. The minions that he will command are those Giant Skeletons.”

Rhode's hand stop moving.

”Which is why we must clear all the Giant Skeletons as soon as possible. Although the Giant Skeletons cannot telepathically alert the Death Knight even if it were attacked, if the battle becomes too loud and the Death Knight picks up the scent of us... then even a fool will understand that is a problem.”

Kudla was slightly surprised and couldn't help but agree with Rhode's strategy. At first, he thought that Rhode was too young to be a commander, but now after hearing his detailed breakdown of the monsters and how to defeat them, all of his previous doubts washed away entirely.

Rhode revealed a way of instructing the group that he had never seen before. First, he would explain what kind of attacks the enemy would make and teach the group how to counter these attacks. It was so detailed that he even stated the type of skill needed to be used. What was even more admirable was his intricate grasp of these skills and seemingly immaculate knowledge of it.

In this area, Kudla knew right away that he wasn't of Rhode's caliber because he knew no other mercenary group leader utilized this method of command. At most, a regular mercenary group leader would just give the order to attack, defend or retreat and Kudla had firmly believed that was the way to command a mercenary group. He thought that the tricky part of commanding would be the mercenary leader's reaction speed and his subordinates' tacit understanding of each other. However, Rhode opened a new world to him.

Kudla was shocked. It was simply unimaginable.

Each mercenary had a different skill level, and their fighting style wasn't the same. Thus, it was almost impossible for the commander to teach them what to do individually...

Without a doubt, if Kudla were a player, he wouldn't be making a mountain out of a molehill. As Rhode had said before — prior to fighting any BOSS, every player will have to make their necessary preparations.

”Well, that should be it.”

Rhode clapped his hands.

Back in the game, after his briefing, Rhode would usually add something like this: ”If you don't pay attention, I'm gonna directly kick you out later.” But since he wasn't playing a game right now, even if something went wrong, there would be no chance for redemption.

Rhode had no interest in arguing with dead people.

After finishing his discussion with Sereck and Kudla, Rhode gathered everyone and explained what kind of danger they would face as well as administer their individual responsibilities. This time, the formation was slightly different. Rhode, Celia, and Sereck would lead the main offense while Anne would be responsible for protecting the Clerics. As for the mercenaries, they didn't bear any heavy responsibilities because Rhode wasn't familiar with them. Instead, he arranged for them to guard the rear together with Kudla since he was already briefed on how to deal with the Giant Skeletons. Rhode saw that he was a smart person, so there shouldn't be any problems.

However, there were two significant changes this time.

”What about me? Do I not have to attack?”

Marlene frowned.

”Your large area of effect spells will cause a great disturbance to the surroundings. Our objective is to finish the battle in the shortest possible time without drawing much attention to us.”

”I see...”

After hearing Rhode's explanation, Marlene nodded. Then, after a moment, she added, ”If that's the case, why not let me cast Silence? That way, I can prevent the enemy from hearing anything.”