LTTH C15

Chapter 15

“Curse you, Lich!”

“Draw back! Maintain as much distance as possible!”

“Lure it this way!”

“Ah… it’s over, uh…”

The Lich’s crimson eyes glowed with an intensity far beyond that of a mere skeleton. A foreboding black aura, as if plummeting into a deep abyss, enveloped it. Its fluttering robe bore a sinewy, serpentine air, exuding a clinging, unsettling presence. The monster bearing the return portal that had appeared from afar was a creature that could effortlessly trample skeletons beneath its feet.

Indeed, the wizards of the Mage Tower were formidable. And there were no fewer than a dozen such powerful individuals. This was a battle certain to end in victory. It had to be so. Yet why did this unsettling premonition gnaw at his heart?

“Healing Light…!”

Driven by that unsettling feeling, he called forth the skill repeatedly. The beams of radiance, extending far and wide, generated successive waves and even reached the advancing Lich. At that very moment, the Lich’s eyes fixed precisely upon Hansol.

[So, there is something amiss.]

“…!!”

“Speak!”

“What? What was that just now?”

The ominous voice spread as if resonating through space itself, and the creeping unease blossomed into utter despair.

A monster capable of speech. Its words were simple, but it was by no means a creature of simple mind.

To wield language was to possess intellect. Such monsters never appeared in low-tier Gates. Examining past precedents, only those at least of Grade A or higher had manifested such traits. Therefore, one could only arrive at a singular conclusion.

This new Gate was of at least Grade A.

‘Damn.’

Grade A Gates required that rankers form specialized parties to challenge them, bearing return items and risking failure.

Frankly, the Mage Tower’s wizards alone were insufficient. Moreover, wizards were ill-matched against a Lich. The Lich inherently possessed magic resistance, thus reducing the damage received from the wizards’ spells.

“……”

Glancing sideways, Hansol observed the wizard beside him. Though adorned with a serene smile, the man showed no intention of stepping forth. Whether he trusted the Mage Tower’s wizards or sought to test Hansol, he could not tell. Yet waiting for this man to move might prove too late—there were more than just hunters present here.

“Ugh.”

“Are you alright? Stay a little further inside.”

“…Sanctuary Declaration.”

Insufficient skill points.

Skill Points: 0

The number indicating remaining skill points in the system window was merciless indeed. Hansol did not regret having spent all his skill points in England. He had done his utmost there. But he could not help but feel anger at himself for still being merely Level 15 at this very moment.

“If only a few more skeletons remained…”

“Could you show us more then?”

His desperate words fell upon the ears of the wizard nearby. The wizard’s eyes, gleaming ominously as if intent on capturing him, bore into Hansol. Did he plan to abduct him? The infinite curiosity in those eyes was palpable, and yet Hansol found himself afraid. But at this moment, there was no time for such trifles. If he did not find a way here, all the civilians surrounding them—and the weary hunters—might perish. And, lamentably, Hansol was too merciful to abandon them, so he could only nod and surrender to fate.

“As you desire, so shall it be.”

The wizard’s face blossomed into a magnificent smile that could well be described as radiant, and from his outstretched hands flew beams of multicolored light aimed at the Lich. Those rays emitted an aura distinct from ordinary skills. They traced their paths and struck the Lich squarely.

[Hmm?]

The multicolored light permeated the Lich, causing the dark aura enveloping it to spread wide and seep into the ground, resembling a thick black mist covering the earth. That damp, chilling presence was much like the moment when Hansol first stepped into the Gate. Through the mist, the sticky earth parted and white skeletons began to reemerge.

This was not the power of the Lich, but that of the wizard. Seeing the skeletons gradually reclaim their forms, the wizard was suddenly seized by a flicker of fear.

“Show us.”

Hansol could say nothing to eyes that gleamed with a madness surpassing mere curiosity. He swallowed dryly and gazed toward the skeletons tirelessly resurrecting on the frontlines.

“To the skeletons as well, damn it!”

“They’re coming this way! Get ready!”

“Move the wounded! Step inside the glowing ground!”

The hunters’ hurried voices stirred Hansol. Clenching his fists, he turned his body.

These skeletons were resurrected because of him. He alone must bear responsibility. The wizards came second—afterwards.

‘First, the experience.’

With firm resolve, he took a step forward. The purified ground beneath his feet rustled softly, friction breaking through as his boots pressed firm. Navigating the throng alone was no simple feat, but the Holy Knight naturally parted the crowd and led the vanguard. Thanks to his aid, they swiftly and safely reached the edge of the shining ground.

“I shall take the lead.”

“Excuse me?”

Hansol’s hand, having risen as he considered which skill to invoke, froze midair.

The bravery of the young man who raised the glowing wooden sword to block the way was welcome indeed. Yet, the sight of one so lightly clad that it was embarrassing to call him a hunter—barely armed save for his wooden blade—left Hansol momentarily stunned.

Does this youth possess multiple lives? Though awakened as a hunter, even heavily armored hunters often sustained injuries in the Gates. To step forth clad in but a single garment among monsters was akin to begging for death.

“The life given to me by the Healer. This time, I shall protect the Healer.”

Alas, the youth’s memories were distorted. Hansol could assure that he had never saved him. The youth might have survived even had he not been appointed a Holy Knight against his will. His movements evaded the skeletons’ blows capably enough.

“And catching these monsters will benefit the Healer more.”

“……”

Indeed, it was more efficient. Honestly, the youth could slay the skeletons faster with his sword than Hansol could damage them through healing.

Moreover, the youth’s experience was flowing to Hansol. It was efficient in every sense. Yet… his conscience was pricked. Merely reaping the rewards while another labored was a bus he found hard to accept.

“Still…”

“Then.”

Resolving his uneasy feelings with hesitation, Hansol grabbed the youth and steadied him. The youth bowed politely, then, as naturally as breathing, raised his wooden sword and began sweeping through the skeletons.

Experience points gained.

Each time the youth’s sword cleaved a skeleton, a system notification floated in the air: ‘Experience points of monsters slain by the player are credited to another party member.’ Though such a fact might annoy most, the youth’s countenance showed not even a trace of displeasure.

“Argh!”

In fact, the youth intensified his efforts to seek out and strike skeletons. Hansol watched with conflicted eyes. At this moment, all he could do was offer the youth some healing and continue purifying the ground.

‘I must go out and purchase attack skills.’

A resolve formed that Hansol never would have entertained previously. Perhaps the youth’s desperate attitude had ignited a fire somewhere within. Whenever his mana refilled, Hansol called forth his skills without pause. Weak though they were, steadily his experience bar rose.

[Such tenacity is a commendable sight.]

Just a little more. Just a little more and all would be well.

Then the Lich, who had remained quiet until now, rose languidly, a faint smile playing about its lips. Its gaze fixed unerringly on Hansol.

That unmistakable look of enmity made him feel as though he had become the protagonist in his cherished childhood tales—as if facing the final boss. Yet, unlike any tale, the final boss of reality waited not for his preparations to conclude.

‘Damn it…!’

The Lich drew closer and closer, his heart only growing more urgent. Yet skeletons did not fall noticeably faster to the youth’s sword, nor did his skills gain strength; only his urgency intensified.

Is there nothing? Anything to at least buy some time?