Rue's gaze wavered between the Golden Kobold and his Magic Vein. It decreased to ninety-two percent. The shimmering cold air from the ice wall helped a lot; they seeped inside Rue like a hungry force of nature. Rue had to rub his hands together as the cold started to burn him. He had thought his body would already have gotten used to this by now, but it appears he still had a long way to go.

  The Golden Kobold struck its ember-colored shield into a goblin's head, crushing the poor creature against a tree trunk, like a balloon popping; the blood acted as the air, smearing against the dark brown bark. That shield somehow looked like an eye, with a red circle right in the middle, covered by a dark blue outer layer.

  Its sword… now that weapon is familiar.

  Rue gripped his Long Bone that he had dropped and picked up again as they gathered by Eve, who was currently pushing her ambient Mana toward Benedict. Eve has become their healing point.

  The Golden Kobold swung the golden Bone Sword, completely cleaving three goblins at once; its swing momentum did not stop, going through to even slice a tree. The gigantic tree groaned. It slowly gave up and began falling straight.

  A burst of ashes knocked upward, hiding the Golden kobold along with its underlying. A zip of blue lightning streaked to where Paxwell is. The old man eventually dropped to where they were hiding.

  Paxwell jumped down from high up. Rue leapt for a second in a futile attempt of trying to catch him. Before, the old man just hung in the air, his cloak flapping, and he pushed leaves around him with unseen energy.

  “I’m too old for this,” Paxwell grunted.

  “Good to see you two,” Rue muttered.

  Pax turned and grinned at him. “I knew you survived!” He tapped his shoulder before looking at Eve, Yom, and Rino. “All three of you, too. And of course, you old fart!” Paxwell clasped Alquin's hand.

  “You’re right, we’re too old for this,” Alquin said as he ripped the bloodied portion of his sleeve.

  “I see we have more people.” Paxwell looked at Tobias, Jeremiah. And lastly, the scout girl that Rue did not know of. She had been fighting along with Benedict deep in the forest.

  Tobias, being the older one, introduces Jeremiah, his two other members, the mage and archer, who are both still in backline with Emily, named Rachel and Miles. “And, this is Yuuki”. The short-haired girl just nodded, sheathing her knives.

  “It's nice to have more people, but we need to prepare,” Paxwell shielded his eyes from the dust kicked up by the falling tree. “The goblin and boar have learnt not to run this way because we will just kill them. When this dust cleared up, it's us against the Kobold. I want us spread, using the tree as cover against these lightning spells of theirs, but close enough to each other so they won’t go after our back line.”

  “Speaking of backline, we should move them up,” Gilbert said, crossing his arms. He glared back behind them. “They might as well not have done anything at the earlier battle.”

  It sounded harsh, but Rue couldn’t help but agree. They should move up, but then again, he was out of the fight for most of it, too.

  A jolt went through his brain. Rue grunted at the sudden sensation. Turned out it was just Alquin telling Emily to bring everyone up.

  They soon came walking, still weary. Yomi and Rita especially had their head down, both too ashamed to even face them.

  “Is there any reason for you two not being able to fight these goblins? Gilbert has mentioned that we have a quest to hunt them, didn’t he?” Paxwell asked, to which Benedict nodded at him.

  “I just assumed you're talking about rogue tribe,” Yomi said, lifting his head to Paxwell, his ears perked up, bouncing a little. “But them? They looked like infected, noting like us.” The last line sounded like he tried to convince them.

  But, Rue did not need any convincing; he doubted the other did, too.

  “It's behind us now,” Rue said, drawing everyone's attention. Paxwell gave him a go-ahead. He stood, extending his hand toward Rita. “Now, let’s return to our Kobold hunting,” Rue offered a smile.

  Rita's glossy eyes looked at his palm and his face. A tear streaked down one of her eyes. And she gripped Rue's hand with both of hers. “I will pull my weight now, even against that Golden one.”

  “We both will,” Yomi gripped Rita's shoulder.

  “Now, that's settled,” Emily muttered. “What is Clerence doing to Rino? He looked in pain?”

  “Something that you will do too,” Rue said. “Clerence specifically asked for you after she heard you also strain your Magic Vein.”

  “It's for Magic Vein?” She nibbled her lips. “Then, I have to go,” Emily sighed. “Refill your mana, Rue,” She tossed a blue vial at him.

  Rue caught it, almost dropping the precious vial. He glared at her back before examining his surroundings. Paxwell introduced himself to the mage and archer, and he began instructing them in their positions. He and Alquin are talking about ‘taking down the mage kobolds’.

  Deciding he had some time, Rue glazed over his skill option; he wanted every advantage he could get.

  (Skill option)

  (Aura of the Strong (Common)) (Passive) - Your strength has been recognized; it's only right for the weak to fear you and keep away. Spread your presence around; any creature lower level than you will be warned and given the first taste of your mere presence.

  What a terrible skill. Rue couldn’t help but almost snort, like the system has given him a terrible dad joke. This would prevent him from having any easy experience. If one just wanted to live peacefully, then maybe this is perfect. But, no, even if Rue just wanted to laze around, he needs to grow stronger first.

  (Cold Pulse (Common)) (Passive) – Ice mages have a natural affinity for cold. Once your body emits it through your veins, your possibilities broaden. Emit cold through your body.

  Very simple yet… What a wonderful skill for him. This skill will boost his Magic Vein healing, combined with his Cold Healing. This ability would be absolutely useless if it were not for someone with a class like his or similar.

  Rue had made his choice. But, he might as well check for the other two skills.

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  Frozen Frost Fang (Uncommon) – Serir the Wolf of Frost feared his fearsome weapon, his fang, which can pierce through the toughest armor of Aleaun’s Knights. He imbued his melee weapon of Frost with a jagged edge resembling Fenrir's teeth, though a lesser version. Fenrir’s teeth are particularly strong against armor, as Fenrir tore through five top Knighthood orders with his fearsome teeth.

  Fenrir? The Wolf of Frost. Now that is curious. Rue had been wondering if these descriptions resembled his current reality. He had thought it to be a lie, take the Elderwood staff, for example. A tree whose branches can blanket an entire planet? Such a thing is too massive to even think about. But Cel existed. And now this Wolf of Frost.

  Rue gulped. The door that had been holding back his mind slowly opened; it had been so since day one in this place. The mere possibility out there. It… excited him. He smiled. And went to the next skill.

  (Frost Pulse (Uncommon)) (Passive) – Mage of Frost wielders will no longer think of ice as enough; they want more, more freedom, more power, more connection with ice, as they’re the masters of time. Emit frost inside your body. The frost inside you will be harmless; all negative effects shall be negated, leaving only the effect that will help you in your journey.

  A complete upgrade from Cold Pulse. It was decided then. Rue will take this one. Yet, hesitation crept in, as just earlier he saw how terrifying the power of Frost is. The boar queen should be able to escape, if not from him.

  And most of all…

  The way his Frost prevented it from easy death… And now, Rue will take this power straight inside his own body. Sweat crept down his forehead. He exhales and steel his resolve. Rue takes Frost Pulse

  Name: Rue.

  Level: 12 → 13

  Race: Human.

  Class: Frost Apprentice Lvl 13 → 14

  Magic Vein (Wood): 91%

  HP: 620/885 → 667/950

  Mana: 87/720 → 101/840

  Strength: 42 → 46

  Vitality: 40 → 44

  Dexterity: 35 → 38

  Arcana: 104 → 124

  Mind: 111 →118

  Perception: 36 → 39

  -Skill (3/10)-

  - Fireball (Common)

  - Time of Obsidian Ice (Rare)

  - Frost Shrapnel (Uncommon)

  -Passive Skill (4/10)-

  - Cold Resistance (Uncommon)

  - Cold Healing (Uncommon)

  - Icen Frost (Rare)

  - Frost Pulse (Uncommon)

  At once, a brittle cold invaded his body. It overwhelmed his senses. A bone-chilling icy sensation spread deep inside him, rushing and wrapping around everything. Rue drew a ragged breath as the cold turned into a scorching sensation. He knew his body was tricking him with this heat. His eyes shifted toward where his cloak was, gored with two huge holes. He lurched forward and grabbed it, clutching it around himself.

  Rue let out a huge breath, and frosty air exhaled from his mouth. Fear crept in as he saw the breath as thick white mist. It shouldn’t be cold enough for it to be that thick. Yet, deep inside him, he recognized his body was undergoing a change. He looked at his mana Vein.

  Magic Vein (Wood): 87%

  Four percent decrease just like that. A sign he made the right choices, now, he just had to endure. Rue pulled his cloak tighter. He couldn’t hide his shuddering. This is a bad time. He briefly made out the Golden Kobold, just finished skewering a boar, and was finally making its way toward them.

  With the Kobolds starting to gather around it. The Golden Kobold turned and barked out a shout, like a commander. The sight made Rue wince. This meant it at least had enough mind to do a simple battle tactic. But, Paxwell had predicted this.

  “Alright! Get ready!” Paxwell ordered above them, the man standing on a thick branch with Gilbert, Yuuki, the newcomer scout, and both HuGoblins. He had arranged two lines for the ground battle.

  The front line consisted of Rue, Rino, Yom, Jeremiah, Tobias, Alquin, and Gilbert. They were tasked to hide behind a tree until the third group's job was done. But, if the Kobolds rushed them, then engage while drawing the fight around the tree cover; don’t get themselves in open range of the Mages. Rue realized it's not going to be that easy, especially if the Bone Warrior joined the offensive. But, Paxwell has made a bet that the two remaining Bone Warriors will be tasked to guard the Mage.

  Backline consisted of Emily, Clerence, and Eve. The other two are the Archer and Mage, whose's both Rue did not remember their names.

  Alquin and Gilbert are chosen to be the two main offensive forces, as both are high-level warriors. Both Emily and Clerence were instructed to support these two while keeping Eve between them. Eve, with Rue’s Elderwood staff, will focus her healing on both of the Warriors. When the third group engages their target, both warriors are ordered to push ahead. As for Rue and the others, their job is to hold back the Kobolds' horde that did not get caught by Alquin and Gilbert.

  In a way, perhaps, his job was the easiest yet most dangerous. Tobias, Jeremiah, and Rino gathered by Rue. They’re all watching the twelve normal Kobolds advancing in line formation in front of the Golden Kobold. The stutter in those Kobold legs is obvious. Rue had almost felt bad for them.

  Yom peeked over the tree before being yanked backward by Tobias. The old man scowled at him. “Fool! What if it zaps you with lightning?”

  “What? Relax, there’s no-”

  Wood splintered beside Yom's head. A zap of blue blinded Rue's eyes and deafened his ears for a moment. He blinked out the white of his vision. Night slowly greeted him. The sizzling sound in his ears was not gone yet, but he could make out yelling.

  “Yom! Rue!” A voice called from behind them.

  Rue blinked again, the world still spinning. He saw Eve held back by Emily from going forward; that girl had a death wish, just like Yom. “We’re fine,” Rue grumbled and held out a palm to keep Eve from coming.

  Are they fine? Panic lurched in his chest. He went and checked his group, and found everyone in the same state as he was earlier, but still shaking their dazed head.

  Panting softly, he pushed them all to the ground with a huge hug. Luckily, no lightning came again.

  “Hey, Rue? Everything is all right there?” Alquin called out from another tree where he and Gilbert are.

  “Yes!” Rue answered, standing up, still a bit disoriented. “Don’t worry about us! The others hadn't recovered yet. Just need a couple seconds.”

  He tapped Rino's face. The mage shook his head and summoned water with his palm. Rino splashes a stream of water on his face, just to wake himself up. “Bloody hell! Yom, you idiot!” he shook Yom's collar, who profusely apologized.

  He considered recommending that Yom should just go on the backline to protect them, but they would need as many numbers as they could get.

  ‘Rue?’ Rita asked through their connection.

  ‘We’re fine, Rita. Please tell Paxwell that’

  ‘Good, funny thing is the Golden Kobold is currently roaring at the Mage Kobold for shooting that lightning’’

  ‘Really? Why?’ It wanted the Mage to save Mana? But they each have Elderwood staff, right?

  ‘I don’t know. It seemed intent on keeping the Mage safe and taking the frontline on his own. Each Mage has a Bone Warrior accompanying them.’

  ‘All the more reason for Pax plan, then.’

  ‘Indeed. We’re about to move’ Rita said. ‘Good luck, Rue, and all four of you.’

  Noticing the end of the conversation, Rue went to his knees, addressing each of them. “The third group is about to move against the mages. Get ready,” Rue said.

  But what greeted him was a trembling form of Jeremiah and Tobias. Both held both hands covering their ears, and they pushed their body into the trunk they were hiding in, like they wanted the tree to swallow them whole.

  “What happened?” Yom asked, fixing his clothes after Rino grabbed his collar. “Look, man - I’m sorry.”

  “They’re traumatized,” Rino sighed at Yom. Then, in a low voice, he said. “Lighting kills most of their friend.”

  “Shit,” Rue muttered. He laid a hand on Jeremiah’s shoulder. The youth shook like a newborn chick. He lifted his face, meeting Rue’s eyes, and the fear in them… Rue never realized how a man's eyes could be so huge, like they’re bulging about to fall off. “The third group targeting the mages, from the trees!” he tried to convince them. “They will take care of them. Do you know both HuGoblins have dancer steps, a skill that grants them incredible balance? What could the Mage do to them?”

  Jeremiah, still shaken, managed to blink. “You’re right,” He huffed. “We just need to hold”.

  That is not accurate. If Alquin and Gilbert needed help, especially against the Golden Kobold, they were the reinforcement. But correcting them would have the reverse effect.

  “I’m fine,” Tobias, the old scout, said. He shook, pushing against the tree. He is not fine. Then the old man pointed at Yom. “You don’t do that again.”

  “R-Right.” Yom gulped.

  “They’re coming!” Gilbert shouted. The blue-haired man had his shield ready.

  “We only intercept them if they get too close, or the third group engages the mage,” Rue said. Looking at each of them one by one, each gave him a nod, which was far too hesitant for his liking.

  Opening his quest, he looked over it one last time. Rue let out a small smile. The others raised an eyebrow at him. It's hard to explain, but there’s comfort in knowing this battle will complete this quest for good.

  (Eliminate the Kobolds around this area and free the animal trapped within their camp)

  Kobolds (50/62). Kobold Bone Warrior (8/10). Robe Kobold (1/3). Kobold King (0/1)

  (Reward: Dancer Sword (Rare))

  (Reward: Blade Dancer Skill Option)