A massive difference in damage flashed above their heads: 210 above Marcus's, and a brutal -660 above Elara's. Marcus immediately intensified his attack, desperate to draw the Dark Gold Bat King's full attention. He knew Elara's Health must be critically low.
"Elara, I've got aggro! Heal up, now! Don't get close."
The Bat King shrieked in pain as Marcus's Double Strike landed two critical hits, dealing -500 and -620 damage. Its eyes turned bloodshot, and it swiftly retaliated, focusing its fury on the Knight.
"Holy crap, that almost one-shot me! I was down to fifty HP!"
FreshwindElara watched her Health bar slowly refill, finally letting out a sigh of relief. She then focused on channeling her healing spells onto Marcus.
"Elara, get in that corner. I'll keep this thing right here. It'll have to go through me to get to you, and if it tries, you'll have plenty of time to top yourself off."
"On it."
A genuine sense of relief washed over Elara. This guy knew what he was doing, and he was actually watching out for his healer.
"You're a beast, Stonehaven. You're just eating its hits. I barely have to heal you."
Safe in the corner, FreshwindElara began to feel a sense of awe. Having personally felt the power of the Dark Gold Bat King, she now understood just how formidable the creature was.
Marcus let out a short, sharp laugh. Hearing that from a fellow player; especially one who was the opposite gender was the best kind of motivation. He redoubled his assault on the Bat King, his strikes becoming a blur. It was a classic case of a guy showing off for a pretty girl, and he wasn't above it.
During the prolonged fight, the Dark Gold Bat King's Health steadily dropped. Meanwhile, under the dedicated care of his Cleric, Marcus hadn't needed to use a single Health Potion. Victory seemed to be just around the corner.
"Screeeech…"
When its Health dropped below thirty percent, the Bat King realized it couldn't defeat this stubborn Knight. It suddenly spread its wings, beating them rapidly to whip up a dark storm. Its body became light and ethereal, and its speed doubled. It had activated its skill: Bat Cloud Form.
"Don't move, Elara! Keep your Health at one hundred percent!"
Seeing the Bat King's speed surge, Marcus quickly rushed to Elara's front, shielding her completely. He left no gap, fearing the Bat King might abandon him and attack her. If he were too far away, he wouldn't be able to match its speed and prevent her from taking damage.
"Got it."
Elara watched as the man suddenly positioned himself directly in front of her. His movements were fluid and precise; a controlled aggression that was impressive to watch. A feeling of profound respect washed over her. The sheer focus he radiated was so intense she could almost feel it, and for a second, it made her heart skip a beat, nearly causing her to fumble her next healing spell.
The Dark Gold Bat King lunged at them, but Marcus's swift, two-round Double Strike connected, dealing -300 and -200 damage. The creature let out a mournful shriek. However, just as Marcus prepared to press his advantage, the Bat King turned tail and fled, quickly diving into the swarm of Dark Bats outside.
'You have got to be kidding me.'
Marcus watched the Dark Gold Bat King disappear into the crowd. The urge to charge in was strong, but his rational side held him back. One mistimed step, one moment where the Bat King slipped past him, and Elara was a goner. He simply couldn't match its speed.
He cast Taunt at the fleeing Bat King, but the creature completely ignored him. 'Damn, my skill level's too low. It's totally resisting.'
"What a chickenshit!"
Marcus cursed the Bat King under his breath, then turned to Elara.
"Forget chasing it. Let's just grab the Cloud Root Water and get out of here."
"Sounds good."
"Screeeech!"
Just as they started walking toward the Cloud Root Water, the Dark Gold Bat King let out a cry and charged back at them, unleashing its Bat Sonic Attack.
Marcus quickly shielded Elara, giving her time to recover her Health, and met the charging Bat King with two more attacks. The Bat King shrieked in pain again, then flew back toward the exit.
'This thing is so annoying. I just want to wring its scrawny neck.'
"Stick close, Elara. Right on my six. We can't let this thing get a cheap shot on you."
"Okay. You be careful, too."
'You have got to be kidding me.' Marcus and FreshwindElara had only taken a few steps forward when the Dark Gold Bat King charged at them again.
The result was the same as before: the Bat King launched a Bat Sonic Attack, Marcus cleanly delivered two Double Strikes, and the creature flew back.
"Stonehaven, I think it's guarding the Cloud Root Water. It only ever attacks when we get close."
FreshwindElara had grasped the core of the problem.
"You're absolutely right. Okay, if that's the case, this overgrown mosquito isn't getting away. Stay sharp."
"I'm right behind you."
FreshwindElara felt a small, private smile form. He wasn't just giving orders; he was making sure she was okay. It was a simple thing, but it sent a wave of warmth through her.
Sure enough, as they continued to approach the Cloud Root Water, the Dark Gold Bat King immediately swooped in.
And, of course, the Bat King was the one who suffered the damage.
"Screeeech… Screeeech… Screeeech…"
Just as they were about to reach the Cloud Root Water, the Dark Gold Bat King let out a series of loud, frantic shrieks. Their actions had enraged it. A black aura enveloped its body, which began to swell. Its wings, in particular, expanded, giving it a majestic, terrifying presence.
"It's evolving! Elara, grab the water, now! We might have to run for it!"
"On it!"
FreshwindElara and Marcus sped up.
The evolving Dark Gold Bat King saw FreshwindElara about to reach the Cloud Root Water. Unable to complete its evolution, it charged at them.
Marcus quickly used Insight:
Nine-Winged Dark Gold Bat King: Level ???, Health ???, Skills ???, Currently Evolving.
"Elara, behind you!"
The evolving Nine-Winged Dark Gold Bat King was already over ten levels higher than Marcus. He couldn't imagine how monstrous it would be once the evolution was complete. After shouting his warning, he charged straight at the evolving creature.
He wasn't afraid of the Bat King for himself, but he was terrified it might use a massive area-of-effect attack that would instantly vaporize FreshwindElara. He would not let that happen. His only hope was to draw its attention and maybe, just maybe, burn it down before the evolution finished.
His attacks landed: -100, -80. His damage had been more than halved. Even more frustratingly, he only managed to hit the Nine-Winged Dark Gold Bat King three times before it used its superior Agility and speed to shake him off and fly straight toward FreshwindElara.
"Stone!"
Seeing the terrifying, transformed Bat King bearing down on her, FreshwindElara froze for a split second. She'd never been in a situation this dire. In her panic, the only name that came to her lips was his. It was crazy; they'd just met, but in that moment, he was the only anchor she had.
Somehow, she knew. She knew Marcus would protect her. As long as he was there, she would be safe.