Hero of Darkness

The Hero's Party was well aware that larger campfires or any other conspicuous activities could easily attract unwanted attention in the dangerous realm of Babylon. Noise and light could act as beacons, drawing the focus of predatory creatures or other hostile entities towards them. In such a perilous environment, it was crucial to remain discreet and avoid any unnecessary risks.

By opting for smaller, more controlled methods of creating light and warmth, the group ensured that their presence remained concealed from potential threats. They knew that their very survival depended on their ability to remain undetected in this mysterious and hostile land. The last thing they wanted was to become easy prey for the powerful monsters and beings that roamed the peninsula.

Especially the larger ones because those things would create more noise and alert others, acting like a beacon to all possible hostile entities, telling them…

'Hey, look! The food is located here. Let's kill and eat them.'

As the members of the party gathered in the center of their temporary camp, sitting on stone columns, Maximus urged caution and strategic planning.

"Let's summarize everything we have found so far and create a new strategy for tomorrow. Otherwise, we will be walking into death's doors if we think that what we know is more than enough.

Complacency often causes the downfall of even the greatest armies. So let us be careful and improvise."

He emphasized the importance of not underestimating the challenges they faced in the God's Domain and the need to adapt and improvise to ensure their survival.

With their leader's intentions clear, the exchange of information and ideas began in the settlement. Each member shared their insights and experiences, pooling their knowledge to devise a comprehensive strategy for the days ahead.

But unbeknownst to them, danger lurked in the shadows.

Hundreds of yellow eyes suddenly appeared from the dark corners, surrounding their camp from all directions. Their unsuspecting gathering had caught the attention of an unseen threat.

The hooded figure, who had earlier discovered their presence, emerged from the shadows, issuing a chilling command.

"Kill them all!"

RAWR!!

ROAR!!

GRRAAA!!

The sudden monstrous roars and screeches sent shivers down the spines of the Hero of Nature's party members. They immediately sprang into action, their instincts and training taking over as they prepared for the imminent threat.

The peaceful tranquility of their concealed camp was shattered, and they knew they had to respond swiftly to whatever danger approached.

BOOM!!

Crack!!

The sudden cracks on the once-secure protection barrier and the buzzing of the alarm formations sent shockwaves of panic through the Hero's Party. It was evident that they were facing a coordinated and well-planned ambush from all directions.

The monsters seemed to have anticipated their presence and laid a trap, leaving the party surrounded and exposed.

As they battled the monsters on the ground, the swarm of flying Manta Ray-like creatures descended from the sky, swooping down with deadly precision.

KRAA!!

BANG!!

From the top of the dome of the barriers, they started making an opening. Now, even creating the extra breach in the barrier.

"Strategy 7!" declared Maximus as he summoned his greatsword and massive shield.

BOOM!!

On the other side, Speki quickly summoned over 50 large fire birds and dozens of massive fireballs that spread in the sky and the borders of the barrier, lighting the entire area.

The monsters that had launched the ambush were momentarily blinded and disoriented by the sudden burst of light and heat.

"Atreus, now!" ordered the Hero of Nature.

Kahn did not waste a single moment and jumped 5 meters high and while he was midair, he charged Beowolf with his Ice-elemental mana.

And as he descended…

BOOM!!

Both of his gauntlets landed on the ground, creating a huge wave of ice that quickly spread like spider webs and covered their entire camp area.

Dhang!

Dhang!

In the following moments, pillars of ice arose from the ground at the outermost edges of the crumbling barriers and quickly connected themselves sideways, forming 10-meter-tall walls made of permafrost.

The sudden eruption of ice pillars created an impromptu fortress around the Hero's Party, shielding them from any potential follow-up attacks from the monsters. The walls of permafrost rose tall and sturdy, standing as a testament to Kahn's mastery over his ice-elemental powers.

Within the icy walls, the party members found themselves protected and concealed, hidden from the prying eyes of any remaining enemies.

The walls were not only a barrier against hostile forces but also a strategic advantage, allowing the Hero's Party to regroup and devise a plan to deal with any further threats.

Things didn't just end here…

Svana, the Assassin and Pokawor, the Naga Spearman of the group charged frantically and revealed themselves to be metal and earth elemental warriors respectively.

To complement the icy barrier, Svana and Pokawor revealed their elemental powers.

Svana, an Assassin, utilized her metal elemental abilities, transmuting minerals and metals within the ground to create long spikes that emerged from the bottom of deep pits formed by Pokawor, the Naga Spearman.

This additional line of defense acted as a hidden trap for any attackers who might attempt to breach the outer defenses.

Swoon!

Swoon!

As the blizzard of frostbite sent shivers through the two entrances in the permafrost walls, Xavolees showcased his mastery over ice manipulation, creating a formidable barrier against any potential invaders.

At the same time, Rolakan's lightning and wind elemental projectiles crackled with destructive power, ready to strike down any foe attempting to breach their defenses.

Vikaat, with his skill in summoning, conjured over 50 menacing metal halberds in the sky, each targeting the flying figures that sought to penetrate the protection barrier from above. His precision and control ensured that every strike was swift and deadly.

Conan, on the other hand, summoned ten massive light elemental swords, illuminating the surroundings and acting as both guardians and weapons, prepared to fend off any enemy that dared to approach the walls. Their radiant glow further added to the Hero's Party's stronghold, instilling a sense of confidence and protection.

Borat and Maximus, the valiant Knights, stood tall at the front of the created entrances, taking their positions to face any adversaries head-on.

In a swift and synchronized movement, Atreus positioned himself alongside Borat, his defensive prowess complementing Borat's own expertise in creating openings in the enemy vanguard.

On the other side, Conan stood with Maximus, ready to capitalize on those openings and swiftly eliminate the enemy forces.

This strategy, known as 'Strategy 7' by Maximus Gladius, was a quick response formation designed to counter sudden ambushes while the party rested or hid at a camp.

It was just one of the many strategies they had developed over time, tailored to different situations and types of enemies they might encounter.

In mere moments, the Hero's Party transformed the chaotic battlefield into a well-organized and coordinated assault. Each member knew their role and executed their part flawlessly, seamlessly integrating their strengths to overwhelm their attackers.

Despite being suppressed at the levels of Semi-Saints and their ability use the world energy as well as their respective saint rank skills since the moment they entered Babylon...

All it took them was a minute to create a perfect battlefield.