Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Chapter 29: Frostbite Wolf [E-] Rank Anti-Monster [ 1 ]

As we stood near the Frostbite Wolf's coordinates, Isabella took the lead in formulating our battle plan. She began by having each of us share our weapon and speciality.

Isabella started, "I'm a magic user, specializing in fire magic. I have a wand that enhances my mana capacity."

Sunny followed, "I'm a mid-range fighter with a spear. I don't possess any magic abilities."

Evelyn was next, saying, "I'm an archer, and I have some knowledge of wind-related magic."

Finally, it was my turn. I began, "My weapon is..." but Isabella interrupted me.

"Okay, that's enough," she said bluntly, cutting me off.

I protested, "Hey, you didn't let me finish!"

Isabella responded, "We all know what your weapon is."

I sighed, realizing that my attempt to keep my weapon a secret had been in vain. Isabella had seen our spar against Evelyn and witnessed my clumsy attempt to use my sword.

With our abilities and weapons established, Isabella continued with the battle plan.

"Alright, here's what we'll do," she said, her voice taking charge. "I'll provide magical support from a distance with fire spells. Creepy, you're our frontline swordsman, so your main role will be to engage the Frostbite Wolf up close and distract it. Sunny, you'll use your spear for mid-range attacks and provide backup for Lucas. Evelyn, your archery skills will be crucial for hitting the wolf's weak points."

We nodded in agreement, each of us understanding our roles in the upcoming battle. It was clear that Isabella had taken the lead, and her strategic thinking would guide us through the encounter.

With the battle plan in place, we moved closer to the Frostbite Wolf's coordinates, ready to face the Anti-Monster as a coordinated team.

A few minutes later we reached our destination.

The dense Nova Forest loomed around us as we approached the Frostbite Wolf coordinates. It was a gloomy atmosphere, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the occasional distant howl.

"Creepy use blood scent to lure them outside of the cave," Isabella said as we reached the cave where Frostbite Wolf was.

"But how do I do that"

"Idiot use your sword and cut the small part of your hand to leak the blood"

Warning bells are ringing in Lucas's head as she says that.

She is completely crazy, as he describes her in the .

"Isabella don't you think that will be overbite" Even Evelyn is trying to defend me.

"Evelyn that's the best option we have right now, they are in the cave we head there there will be a casualty from our side"

"But how" this time sunny was the one asked.

"Think about it, If I use my fire spell inside that narrow cave it could be heat you or this creepy Lucas here."

There was a point in her logic.

"Fine, I'll do it."

There is no point in argument here.

I did as Isabella instructed, cutting my hand slightly to release the scent of blood. It felt unnerving, like inviting danger willingly, but there was no turning back.

As the scent wafted out into the air, the atmosphere grew tense.

Isabella's rationale was clear - we couldn't risk using fire magic inside the narrow cave. The howling response from within the cave confirmed our success in luring them out.

It's the universal sign that attracts predators, especially for wolves gifted with a receptive smell 14 times greater than humans. They can smell blood from a mile away.

after 2 minutes.

"Howl"

A howling sound could heard from the cave.

"Howl"

A pack of six Frostbite Wolves emerged, their silver fur glistening under the daylight. It was a creature both beautiful and deadly.

The wolf's frigid breath misted the air as it let out a low growl, sizing us up as potential prey. Its blue eyes gleamed with malevolent intelligence, and its teeth, sharp as ice shards, hinted at the deadly danger it posed.

Their grace and speed were a marvel, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Anti-Monsters. Each wolf was a formidable opponent on its own, but together, they posed a significant threat.

Isabella took a step back, positioning herself a safe distance away. She raised her wand, her eyes focused on the upcoming confrontation.

"Creepy Lucas, remember, engage it up close, but don't let it get too close. Sunny, stay ready to support Lucas from a moderate distance. Evelyn, aim for its weak points from afar. And I'll provide magical cover and support as needed."

"One pack..." Evelyn muttered as she nocked an arrow onto her bowstring.

As the wolves approached, we observed their coordinated movements. It was fascinating how they utilized their abilities to hunt. One would distract the prey while another would go for the kill.

Lucas couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. This was the first time he would face an [E-] rank monster, and there were six of them. The memory of his near-death encounter with a guardian flashed through his mind, a reminder of the unforgiving nature of this world.

As the wolves closed in, Lucas found himself in a precarious situation. He knew he had to rely on his swordsmanship and the limited use of his [Movement Art: Stellar Stride Grade 3].

It was a technique he hadn't fully mastered, but he had ten seconds of the first movement at his disposal.

The battle began.

Lucas darted forward, clashing swords with one of the wolves. The sound of steel meeting sharp claws filled the cave. The wolf lunged, and Lucas narrowly dodged to the side, avoiding a fatal strike.

Isabella, standing at a distance, began chanting incantations. Fiery sparks danced around her fingertips as she prepared to unleash her fire magic.

Evelyn notched an arrow and drew her bowstring, aiming for a wolf that tried to flank Lucas. Her shot was true, and the arrow pierced the creature's side.

Sunny, with his spear in hand, provided support from a medium distance. He jabbed at a wolf that came too close, fending it off with skilled manoeuvres.

Then the other lunged at Sunny jabbing at the first one, its jaws clamping onto his spear. He struggled to maintain control, but the wolf's strength was overpowering. I rushed to his aid, striking the wolf with my sword, and it released its hold on the weapon, retreating with a whimper.

That wolf charged at Sunny and suddenly lung at me again, its agility unmatched.

My sword clashed with its teeth, but I could feel my strength waning. Isabella's fireball soared past me, engulfing the wolf in a blaze. It howled in agony before collapsing, defeated.

Amid the chaos of battle, Lucas felt a surge of adrenaline. He parried another wolf's attack and countered with a swift strike. His sword bit into the creature's flank, and it howled in pain

The wolves were cunning and agile, but we fought as a coordinated unit. Isabella's fire magic seared through the air, scorching one of the wolves. Evelyn's arrows found their marks, taking down another.

As for Lucas, he felt the strain of battle, his breaths laboured. In a critical moment, he activated his [Movement Art: Stellar Stride Grade 3].

Time seemed to slow as he dashed through the fray with blinding speed, avoiding the wolves' attacks.

The Forest echoed with the sounds of combat, fire, and the howls of wolves. We fought fiercely, our synergy as a team gradually overpowering the Artificial monsters.

Amid the intense battle, one of the remaining Frostbite Wolves unleashed its chilling power. A cold mist emanated from its maw as it prepared to freeze its prey. This wolf was different; it could emit freezing breath and wield ice magic, and it had its sights set on Sunny.

With a swift leap, the wolf lunged towards Sunny's head, its icy intent clear. I reacted instinctively, my body moving before I could think. I tackled the wolf mid-air, crashing into the ground with a thud.

The impact rattled my bones, but I couldn't afford to stay down. The wolf writhed beneath me, snapping its frosty jaws. I struggled to maintain my grip on its snapping maw, but my strength was waning.

Meanwhile, Isabella and Evelyn were occupied with another Frostbite Wolf, and Sunny was temporarily immobilized by the freezing magic. It was a one-on-one fight, and I had to rely solely on my abilities to overcome this frosty adversary.

The wolf's icy breath blew across my face, numbing my skin. I could feel its frigid energy seeping into me, threatening to immobilize me. Desperation fueled my efforts as I grappled with the relentless wolf.

I managed to roll away from the wolf's icy breath just in time, avoiding being completely frozen. With a burst of energy, I lunged back at the wolf, my sword clashing with its frosted fur.

The battle was fierce, a contest of wills between a determined swordsman and a formidable Frostbite Wolf.

Time seemed to stretch as the struggle continued, each movement a test of endurance. Beads of sweat mixed with icy droplets of condensation, freezing against my skin. My arms ached from the strain, but I couldn't give in.

Finally, with a well-timed thrust, I plunged my sword into the wolf's side.

It howled in agony, its icy breath dissipating into the air. The wolf's movements grew sluggish, and it collapsed, defeated.

I stood there, panting and victorious, having overcome the frosty challenge on my own. The battle had been intense, and I had emerged victorious, albeit battered and exhausted.