Chapter 102: Incoming Boss
While the monster wave was still underway, Christopher traveled along the flank. His snow-white hair fluttered in the wind as his black eyes took note of the scholars’ performance.
"They were too confident. They pushed too deep into the forest while the wave was still in its early stages. Once it rose to Grade 2, many were overwhelmed and forced to hastily retreat... It’s the same every time."
Christopher chuckled. He had already saved several scholars, and it hadn’t even been that long since the examination began.
Right now, the monster wave has unleashed a horde of Minotaurs. While they couldn’t be underestimated when alone, their true power showed when they fought in groups.
When the Minotaurs hordes charged toward the unsuspecting scholars, most were taken aback and were eliminated long before they could retaliate, with spectators having to intervene and save their lives.
"Most should have fallen back by now. Perhaps I expected too much from them..."
Just as he was about to follow after the majority, he noticed a battle taking place not too far away.
Curiously, he went to check.
"What is a wall doing in the middle of the forest?"
He began to feel conflicted when his eyes landed on Leonard.
’Gideon’s child...’ Christopher thought, remaining silent.
Back in the middle of the fray, Leonard faced the onslaught of six Minotaurs. With his summons by his side, they were outnumbered two to one!
Valor dashed to the left, his silver armor reflecting the sunlight. His sword collided with the axe of a Minotaur, while another rushed toward his side and rammed into him.
Swept off his feet, Valor skidded across the ground. Yet a second later, he was back on his feet, brushing the dirt off his chest plate and gesturing for the two Minotaurs to come closer.
At the same time, Leonard’s axes struck downward, stopping one enemy in its tracks. Another flanked him and kicked, aiming to break his spine.
Fortunately, he was faster and dodged sideways, hurling a fireball straight toward the creature’s face.
Far from being done, he unleashed a War Cry before swinging with Titanic Oath. With his 56 Strength, he cleaved through the creature’s heart.
[You have gained 400 Experience!]
He didn’t get a moment to rest. A loud noise erupted from behind.
Joker wasn’t a battle-oriented summon. Unable to keep two Minotaurs at bay, one had slipped past him and struck the wall with its head.
The logs tilted backward, though they managed to contain the creature. Meanwhile, the Minotaur had gotten dazed from putting too much force into the attack.
Leonard smirked, an idea coming to mind.
"Guide them toward the walls!" He ordered.
His summons obeyed without question.
They all neared the fortifications, barely managing to keep up with the monsters’ relentless onslaught.
"Is that all you’ve got?" Leonard taunted, provoking the monster into a reckless charge.
Roar!
Just as he had anticipated, he forced the Minotaur to headbutt the wall.
Making use of the opportunity, he beheaded the beast with a single swing.
Valor finally managed to gain the upper hand. One of his foes was overwhelmed, and his life was cut short. The other wasn’t able to keep up with the silver knight and soon died as well.
The two then flanked the creatures Joker had been trying to keep at bay.
Needless to say, it wasn’t long before the Minotaurs’ bodies littered the ground, their eyes having grown lifeless.
[You have risen to Level 15!]
Level: 15 [Experience: 0/3,800]
[You have gained 10 Attribute Points and 100 Evolution Points!]
Vitality: 28 → 30
Strength: 28 → 30
Agility: 27 → 30
Endurance: 30
Magic: 60 → 63 (x2) → 126
Mana: 1,200 → 1,260
Leonard nodded in contentment and summoned Callum back out, letting him feast on the monsters’ remains.
However, the joy of his victory was short-lived. A cold shiver ran down his spine, as if he were being watched.
"Show yourself!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, expecting a response.
"..."
No answer came, making him wonder if he was imagining it.
He turned to Joker.
"I feel like we’re being watched. Do you sense anyone?"
Joker merely shrugged, staring at Leonard with his own eyes and a blank expression. Even if there was someone nearby, he wasn’t able to sense them.
’Maybe it’s just the passing gaze of the observers. No need to get worked up.’ Leonard thought, deciding to drop the matter.
In actuality, there was no way for him to know that he was being closely monitored by several high-standing individuals!
After the difficulty of the monster wave rose to Grade 2, the flank the scholars were holding was pushed back. This meant that Leonard, who had remained in his position the entire time, was now among those furthest into the forest!
Naturally, that meant those who were searching for the most promising scholar in the academy’s year would get curious and go check up on him.
"Christopher, it seems that you are the first one to have arrived here." Scarlett said, walking toward him.
He had been standing out among the rest like a sore thumb, yet none had dared to tread too close to him until now.
"Scarlett, I honestly assumed you wouldn’t stick around. From what I know, your unit is mainly searching for spellcasters. By all accounts, Leonard, who is a frontliner, shouldn’t be on your radar."
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Well, that young man made quite the impression the first time we met, you see... I do have to say I’m curious how far he will be able to go." Scarlett admitted.
’From the looks of it, she doesn’t know he is Gideon’s heir and a legitimate contender for the throne of the city.’ Christopher realized.
Christopher remained silent for a few seconds, his gaze drifting toward the horizon.
"Well, regardless... Soon enough, we’ll see what he and the other scholars are really capable of."
***
At the farthest flank in the forest, Elizabeth stood alone, her icy eyes locked on the monster before her.
[Grade 3 Monster Wave is approaching!]
[You have encountered the Boss of the Monster Wave!]
[Level 40 Crimson Snake.]