Now it seemed the dungeon was mocking them and not everyone was able to quickly switch gears.
The constant grinding noises made for an oppressive atmosphere, while the slowly rising walls put pressure on everyone and evoked a deep fear of the unknown that hid behind them.
The unknown had always been an adventurer’s worst enemy. Ironically, this was especially true for the more senior ones, as it was they who most relied on years of experiences to quickly and accurately assess every situation they found themselves in. Whereas for newbies, on the other hand, anything they encountered was a completely new and foreign, anyway.
Still, there was not much they could do, but helplessly continue to watch and pray. No amount of encouragements or reprimands or clever tips could possibly do any good in such a situation.
The speed at which the walls were moving upward was slow. So slow that by the time they were completely raised, more than enough time would have passed for them to prepare for any eventuality, to come up with a battle plan to face whatever it was that awaited them behind those walls. This realization in itself allowed them to somewhat relax, to find their bearings, and to adjust their mindset.
Accordingly, the grating sound of stone scraping against stone, picked up as well. It became almost impossible for the group to focus on anything else.
“Look! It’s hard to see anything without light, but… don’t they seem empty? Maybe-”
“Maybe what?” an especially restless man holding tightly onto his bow interrupted with an eager tone. “Do you know what’s going on?”
The woman ruefully shook her head and explained, “It just reminded me of the recording of the first group. The trap they encountered. Remember?”
“What are you suggesting?”
“Just a speculation. Maybe that one is also just a dud. Maybe it''s all just meant to be a psychological trap. To unnerve us. Otherwise, someone or something should be inside. No?”
All the greater was the disappointment when they realized their companion was spouting nonsense and indulging in wishful thinking.
Everyone knew that psychological attacks such as this one would only be employed if they were followed up by an actual, physical attack.
Because, where was the sense of unsettling someone if the next moment they were to be let off the hook?
Without anyone’s notice, from behind each of the four rising walls, a creature fell to the ground.
klack klack klack klack klack klack klack klack klack klack klack klack
Without giving the invaders any time to adjust, thirty-two long legs squeezed through the openings of their respective chambers and rushed towards the blindsided group, who were stumbling over themselves and didn’t know which way to face.
Before the group could form anything even remotely resembling a combat formation, four pairs of chelicerae were already upon them. Only their trained instincts kicking in prevented the group from being wiped out right there and then.
“Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.“Focus them down one-by-one. Start with that thing on the left. Just wait until I- No! Not yet. What are you-?!” The shouts turned into desperation.
The wounded specimen immediately changed its target.
everyone at risk.
A single hit of a qualified tank would be more than enough to account for the aggro generated by a single regular attack of a similarly leveled damage dealer. The most difficult part in all of this was for the tank to actually connect his attack without opening himself up to the numerous legs and jaws aiming for him.
But it was still doable.
Rob waited for the perfect moment, just when his target was about to leave his range of attack and swung.
thud
did connect. But its effect was almost entirely negated by the thin but surprisingly durable chitin armor of his target. For an instant, the spider stopped its tracks and threateningly raised its bulging abdomen. Only to, moments later, continue its chase undeterred.
And thus the situation was about to derail.
Turning around for a single attack was one thing.
Turning his entire back, and for a prolonged time, towards the remaining three enemies while chasing the other one, was a whole different matter.
It certainly was not a valid option.
Several options came to mind.
First was to have Jesse, their [Bowman], directly make up for his mistake and have the spider chase him into the middle of the room and in position for Rob to once again try to take the enemy off of him.
This option was quickly dismissed. It involved too many legs in too narrow a space. Things would turn only even more chaotic than they already were and put both Jesse and him at unnecessary risk.
But this approach was also war from ideal.
The room was simply too small.
Also, this plan would mean that Jesse could not actively participate in the battle.
Most importantly, however, these were unfamiliar enemies with unfamiliar skill-sets. Who was to say they didn’t have the ability to web their enemies in place and directly prevent such strategies? In that case, Jesse’s death would be all but certain.
Not a gamble Rob was willing to make.
“Styr,” he called out.
“Boss,” a guy in heavy armor, carrying a sword but no shield, answered.
“You try to tank it! Once you got it under control, everyone burst it down. Use everything you’ve got. I can manage for some time, just try to be quick. And don’t forget to throw me some heals every now and then, Jill.”
“
When with a sudden Bang, the front door of the Society flew open.
“
huff puff
At that thought, Magda’s expression became ugly again. Seeing this, the man didn’t dare delay any further.
“
“What?!” That got everyone’s attention, not just Magda’s. Every head in the room immediately snapped towards him, making him feel very uncomfortable.
“I don’t know how any of us could’ve missed it for so long. But we found an inscription, outside the crypt, just above its door. Her highness figured you would want to hear of this immediately, so-”
“Alright, alright we get it,” a man sitting next to Magda interrupted impatiently. “Just out with it.”
Ahem
“overcome yourself, or be overcome by death.”