Volume 17 Chapter 7 Discovery Of Barbarians
Following the traces like footprints, Al and Michael arrived at a weedy area next to a small pond surrounded by trees in the forest.
Around a small cleared space in the center, there were several simple tents made of cloth draped over wooden poles, though not many in number yet.
In the clearing and near the pond, they could see a few Barbarians, and in the middle of the clearing, there was a campfire where food was being cooked, along with a dirty flag that had a circle with a dot in the center, a unique pattern of the Barbarians.
"There are quite a few of them."
"When did this settlement appear...?"
The two watched the settlement closely from the shadow of a nearby tree. Right next to the campfire in the center of the clearing, there were 2 people, a man and a woman, tied up and lying on the ground, likely the parents of some children.
Both seemed to have struggled fiercely, as they were bleeding from various places. They were not moving at all──were they unconscious? Or were they already dead...?
The most noticeable among the Barbarians were 2 orcs, which had left footprints. In their visible range, there were only 2. There might be around 20 or 30 goblins. More Barbarians might still be returning.
The two orcs were sitting in front of the campfire, drinking something. The goblins around them were busily carrying large stones and stacking firewood. It seemed like they were about to start a feast.
"I wonder if I can fly in and clean this up..."
"Fly in and clean up? What do you plan to do? You're not thinking of using a group attack magic, are you? If you do that, we'll both get caught up in it."
Michael firmly grabbed Al's shoulder, insisting that was absolutely not a good idea. However, Al lightly brushed it off and replied that he wouldn't do such a thing.
Indeed, in the past, he might have suggested that as a result of his worries about what to do.
But recently, Al had discovered a spellbook called 'Magic Sparks' at Aines' place and had learned it.
This 'Magic Sparks' spell was similar to the group attack spell 'Magic Tornado.'
When he cast the spell toward the center of the enemies, a large glowing orb would fly out first.
That large orb would explode at the target location, scattering many small orbs, which would then burst into colorful magic sparks upon hitting something, dealing damage.
There were tents around the clearing, but they were so shabby that they wouldn't provide proper cover, and the nearby Barbarians would likely be caught in it as well.
However, the damage from these magic sparks was weaker than that of 'Magic Missile,' so normally, 'Magic Tornado' or 'Magic Shockwave' would be much stronger.
But the advantage of this spell was that he could control where the small orbs would burst.
Therefore, he could use it even against a mixed group of enemies and allies, intentionally excluding his allies from the effect.
"Such a spell exists...?"
"It might be hard to take down an orc in one hit, but if I use it from the air multiple times, it should work."
"I see..."
Al carefully approached the Barbarians' village after using enhancement spells like 'Shield' on himself and Michael. However, suddenly, Al stopped in his tracks.
"No good, there's a magical response inside the tent. Wait a moment."
He used the 'Fly' spell to launch a group attack magic from the sky. This overwhelmingly advantageous attack method actually had a weakness. That weakness was the 'Dispel Magic' spell.
If the 'Fly' spell is simply dispelled, he would fall straight down.
Previously, he had used a similar method from the sky to counter the Barbarians threatening Channing Village, but at that time, Al's 'Detect Magic' showed no response, and there were no Goblin Mages in sight, so there was no danger.
However, in front of him, it showed a magical response to 'Detect Magic'.
This meant that there were spellcasters inside the tent, indicating that attacking from the air carried risks.
Furthermore, the spells the enemy was using were also a concern. In this situation, it was highly likely they were using 'Detect Magic' for caution. This meant that if he got closer, he would definitely be discovered.
'Sensory Boost'──Enhanced Vision
To confirm, Al enhanced his vision and peeked into the tent from a distance. There were 2 red-skinned Goblins inside. They were Goblin Mages. Fortunately, they didn't seem to notice him yet.
So, this magical response was probably from 'Detect Magic'. Now, what to do...
Al stared intently at Michael's face.
"Do you have any experience fighting Barbarians, Michael?"
"Two Orcs? Easy..."
It was a confident answer, but it was probably a lie. His legs were shaking just a little. Al looked deeply into Michael's eyes.
"Sorry... I've helped take down Goblins a few times in self-defense. The most I've faced is 3."
So, he had fought Barbarians before, but that might be a bit tough. If he couldn't use the 'Fly' spell due to the risks, they could easily get caught by the Orcs.
"Let's go back."
If they could at least hold off 2 Orcs, they would have time to use spells to defeat them after casting 'Magic Sparks', but asking Michael to do that was too risky.
Maybe bringing Reginald and Orson would work...
"No way. If we do that, those 2 will get eaten."
If they flew back to the village, it would take a long time to return here again. The preparations for the Orcs and Goblins' feast were steadily progressing.
Thick branches split into 2 were prepared on either side of the campfire, and a 2-meter iron skewer lay nearby. What were they planning to do with that iron skewer? But...
"Please. I'm begging you. Somehow... somehow..."
"You might die. And even if you die, I might not be able to help. No way."
Michael must have parents too. Maybe he's already married and has kids. Self-defense isn't the same as being an adventurer. We shouldn't take such risks.
"Still, we can't survive here without helping each other. We can't just abandon someone."
Michael's face is serious. It was the same in Al's hometown, Channing Village. When facing Barbarians, the villagers all trust each other.
They never thought about abandoning their friends just because it wasn't completely safe.
Al thought deeply.
There probably isn't enough time to use a staff that can cast 'Soften Stone' to make protective equipment.
He secretly considered using the 'Conceal' spell to sneak up and retrieve the two with a magic bag or maybe using the 'Transport' spell, but he knew they would definitely be found out once he rescued them.
What if he created an 'Illusion' spell to scare them? It might work, but the effect isn't guaranteed. He would want to try it if he could retry after failing, but that seems a bit tough.
Another option is to try to disable the two Orcs and the Goblin Mage with the 'Sleep' spell or 'Paralysis' spell before using 'Magic Sparks'.
He felt a bit anxious about how likely the spells would work. If they resist, there's nothing he can do.
And even if it works on the Orcs, if it doesn't work on the Goblin Mage, it could be dispelled just like the 'Fly' spell.
No, maybe the Goblin can be dealt with, but can the Goblin Mage be taken down by 'Magic Sparks'...?
Or should he get closer and take out the Orc first with the 'Piercing Spear' spell? But in that case, he would be attacked by a lot of Goblins. That might be riskier...
There are worries with all options. Which one is the most reliable? After thinking about it, Al made up his mind.
"Michael, are you confident in your running skills?"
"Y-Yeah. I won't lose in tag."
"Can you distract the Orc for about 30 seconds... no, maybe 15 seconds? Depending on the situation, maybe the Goblin Mage too..."
"Eh?"
Michael's eyes widened. But after thinking for a moment, he clenched his fist.
"So, I just need to buy you time to cast your spells, right? Got it."
"I'll use the 'Haste' spell. Don't resist..."
'Haste.'
Al said that and cast the spell. Michael waved his arms, surprised by the effect.
"You should be able to move about 20 to 30 percent faster. You might trip since you're not used to it, so I really wish we had more time, but we can't afford to wait. It should be easier to handle than 'Physical Boost'. Plus, with the effect of the 'Shield' spell, if we take out the Goblins first, we should be okay... please."
"Whoa, awesome. I feel like we can manage now."
Al nodded at Michael's words.
"Alright, let's go. Once the spell takes effect, I'll stop and cast it, but you keep moving and provoke the Orc. I know it's scary, but please."
"Got it, let's go!"
Michael slapped his own cheeks with both hands to pump himself up, then drew his sword and ran in front of Al.
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