NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: Three Fighting Sides
Suddenly, a horde of twenty goblins abandoned their roasting meat and burst back through the fence gate, their eyes glinting with excitement as they slammed it shut behind them. A deafening horn blared from within the goblin village, summoning a swarm of goblins clad in makeshift armor, emerging from their ramshackle huts. They scrambled up rickety stairs to a roughly constructed platform, while others gathered around a flickering fire. With deft hands, they dipped arrows into a viscous gel before igniting them in the flames. The goblins passed the fiery projectiles upward to the goblins looking over the wall. Soon, the air was thick with the scent of smoke as they notched their bows, unleashing a barrage of blazing arrows toward the unsuspecting heroes.
The adventurers stared in horror as a barrage of flaming arrows arched overhead, plummeting toward them like a deadly meteor shower. They grouped together around Herald, forming a tight circle. Herald thrust his staff into the air, unleashing a radiant green glow that illuminated in a half bubble around him. A shield just big enough to enclose them burst forth, solidifying into an opaque green barrier that shielded them from the onslaught. Arrows struck the shield with a fierce hiss, some narrowly missing their clothes as they huddled beneath the protective dome. But with each fiery collision, the shield's brilliance dimmed, becoming more transparent, a stark reminder that time was running out.
They charged as one, seeking refuge behind the crumbling ruins that stood defiantly against the onslaught. Herald swiftly dispelled the shield that had cloaked them in protection. Valen, eyes blazing with resolve, drew her bow and unleashed a flurry of arrows at the advancing goblin horde. Max, filled with wild glee, brandished his enormous double axe and a formidable metal shield. He twirled his axe with a flourish before charging forward, using his shield to absorb the rain of flaming arrows. Valen remained steadfast, providing cover fire as the rest of the group surged behind Max. With a mighty swing, Max struck the fence, the sound reverberating through the air. The atmosphere was thick with smoke and moisture, which Herald expertly used to conceal their movements. With a powerful crash, Max created a breach in the fence, and the adventurers stormed through. Once they crossed the threshold, Valen dashed across the clearing, diving into the gap behind them.
Soaring high above the chaos, I descended upon the towering spire at the heart of the goblin village. Below, the writhing vine, Bob, slithered through the throng, relentless in its pursuit, while the petite flower Biter remained perched on my shoulder, a silent sentinel.
Max was a whirlwind of fury, dispatching goblins with ruthless efficiency, while Valen and Misty raced toward the towering wooden structure I was sitting on the top of. They ascended the spiral staircase, cutting down foes on each of the four platforms with precision. Upon reaching the summit, Valen unleashed her wrath, clearing the rooftop of goblins before turning her gaze to the battlefield below. Misty swung her wand, the brilliant pink crystal, crafted in the form of a unicorn's horn, gleaming atop a white handle that pulsed with enchanting energy. With a flourish, she unleashed a cascade of bubblegum-pink light, the air filled with the melodic chime of sparkling magic. As she spun and struck poses like a true magic girl, she directed a beam of healing light toward Max, enveloping him in a shower of glittering sparkles that seeped into his skin, mending his wounds.
"Your wand is so cringe, even the guy who made it was disgusted with himself. He probably had nightmares for a month after making it," said Valen.
"Aww, are you jealous? My wand is super magical!" Misty giggled, dazzling the goblin with sparkles while it lunged at Ryder with a spear.
"I swear, who ever heard about attacking with glitter?"
"Don't underestimate glitter, glitter is fierce!" Misty said while shooting out another pink and glittery light.
"I can't believe I'm stuck on this tower with you, Glitter-Bomb."
Bob stealthily climbed up the tower and appeared beside me at the top. Instinctively, I reached out to pet what I thought was its head. It wriggled joyfully as the little flower brushed its petals against my palm. I gently stroked its petals in return. "I believe it's time to recruit a few more companions into my team. I'm not entirely sure how powerful I am." I extended my magical aura, which manifested as a dark green light visible only to me. I pushed my influence as far as I could, managing to reach about twenty feet, but I had to concentrate; otherwise, it would snap back to ten feet, not counting the carnivorous plants I control directly. "Apparently, at my current level, I can command three carnivorous plants without needing them to be within my aura."
"Bob, could you snag a goblin for me and then create a flower that can release spores? We need more vines in this area." With a cheerful bounce, Bob dashed down the tower. He stealthily maneuvered through the grass, ensnaring a goblin's legs as it sprinted by, arrows in hand. The goblin tumbled face-first, only to be swiftly enveloped by the carnivorous vine before it could regain its footing. In mere moments, it was cocooned, the vine's paralyzing spikes emerging to transform the goblin into fertilizer, absorbing its blood and burying the remains. Bob then discarded the leftovers and lunged at another unsuspecting goblin, who was about to stab Ryder from behind. With a swift motion, Bob jabbed his vine into the goblin's mouth, silencing any cries for help. He spun around, wrapping the goblin tightly like a cocoon, and devoured it as well.
I was transfixed, watching Bob dart through the chaos with unbelievable speed. Thank goodness he was on our side. After dispatching five goblins, he erupted in a dark green luminescence that sent shockwaves through the crowd. The goblins, recognizing the danger, screeched in terror and scattered, abandoning their comrades to flee in every direction, consumed by fear of the glowing figure. They disregarded the battle around them, driven solely by the instinct to escape. Then, Bob vibrated, emitting a deep, resonant rumble, and from a spot on the vine, small white petals began to emerge, swirling like a storm of light.
Coming Next Time: Beautiful Destruction
Before me lay a mesmerizing spectacle, an exquisite charm that whispered of peril, a deadly grace that sent shivers down my spine.