Chapter 104: The First Floor Meat Grinder

Inside the inn lobby area, Ophelia wore a tense expression, her hand moving swiftly as she released one arrow after another.

At her waist lay a deep gash, blood gushing out from it. Her face pale, her previous jovial self was gone.

She was only a Level 10 Archer.

Being an archer had always given her pride. As long as she did not let her enemies get closer to her, she stood a fighting chance.

But now, she did not feel that way.

Against the deadly, swift Dark Tide beast, her profession felt lacking.

“Am I going to die here today?” she thought, biting hard at the corner of her lips as she released another arrow.

Her target swiftly evaded the attack.

The humanoid beast closed the short distance in a blink and swung its deadly claws.

Unlike Thoren, who could see the Dark Tide beast, other awakeners had to rely on their skills and perception.

This was why the Dark Tide was deadly to every awakener. It was the time when most awakeners lost their lives.

It was the meat grinder on the first floor.

Suddenly, every hair on Ophelia’s body stood on end, her instinct screaming of impending danger.

She reacted, following her instinct, turning in the direction of the danger, and released two rapid shots.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The human beast twisted mid-air and swung its claws.

“Aaah!”

A miserable scream escaped her lips as she stumbled backward.

A deep gash appeared on her arm, blood gushing out like a broken dam.

Her situation turned from bad to worse.

Without her arm, she was unable to pull her bowstring. Fear gripped her heart like a vise.

Her eyes wandered around, trying to escape, but everywhere she looked, darkness pressed in.

“Are you alright?”

Suddenly, a voice asked.

Hmm?

Ophelia widened her eyes as the darkness around her receded and she was finally able to see the Dark Tide beast.

[Shadow Husk]

Level: 10

[Trait 1: Dark Swipe]

– Every claw attack was infused with dark energy.

[Trait 2: Rotten Grasp]

– Slows the target briefly on hit

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the information about the Dark Tide beast. Now she knew why her reaction had been slower than usual.

But her mind did not linger on it too long as she shifted her gaze to Thoren. From the beginning, he had never looked at her; his gaze was locked on the Shadow Husk.

Against Thoren’s undead servants, the Shadow Husk stood no chance. A single hammer shattered it into pieces. Its body dissolved into ashes and disappeared.

With the Shadow Husk killed, Thoren did not receive any experience; its level was simply too low for him to gain any experience points. Still, the soul lantern managed to harvest the soul fire.

“Are you alright?” he asked again, staring at her.

She froze for a moment but recovered quickly. “Y-yes… thank you for saving me.”

“It’s nothing…” he replied as he began to move toward the second floor.

“Take care of your injury and don’t let down your guard,” he added as he climbed the steps.

On the second floor, Thoren encountered many Dark Tide beasts along the way.

Compared to the lobby, where there had been only a single Dark Tide beast, the second floor was teeming with them.

The battle on the second floor was more dangerous and devastating.

Many walls had been reduced to shards.

Fresh blood permeated the air.

Groans echoed in the air.

His undead servant cleaved all the Dark Tide beasts one after another. A girl lay on the ground, covered in blood, all hope lost when Thoren arrived and killed the Dark Tide Beast.

In another room, another girl cast fire spells continuously, burning everything around her and pushing the Dark Tide beasts back.

“They’re dead,” Thoren said as he entered the room.

The Fire Mage stared at Thoren for a moment before she asked with a shaky voice, “A-Are you sure?” Her mana had almost run out.

“Yes,” Thoren nodded. “Go and help your friend in the next room.”

Leaving the room, he encountered a girl holding a heavy shield as she tried to block the Dark Tide beast, acting on instinct.

But Thoren’s illusory, floating lantern allowed her to see clearly. She was shocked, her jaw dropping.

“Is this one of his abilities?” she thought with wide eyes.

Thoren did not care what was going on in her mind as he killed the two Dark Tide beasts.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Y-yes… thanks for the help.” She recovered from her daze and replied with genuine gratitude.

“It’s nothing. You can go and meet the others,” he said as he continued to the last room.

She nodded and looked at him for a moment before he rushed to the other sister’s room.

When Thoren arrived at Fidelia’s room, she was uninjured, but her body was covered in perspiration.

When she saw the sudden light, she gripped her sword tightly and was ready to strike when she saw him.

“What are you doing here?” she asked in puzzlement.

The Dark Tide was extremely dangerous, and moving around would only make him a target.

But looking at the illusory lantern, she furrowed her brow.

“I came to lend a hand, but I can see you can handle yourself pretty well.” Thoren replied.

“Ah! Thank you…” she nodded, appreciating his goodwill.

“Let go. Some of your sisters are injured and need immediate care.”

With that, he turned and left the room entrance. Behind him, Fidelia walked closely. Looking at the destruction around her, she was shocked.

It was only then that she realized she was not the only one attacked by more powerful Dark Tide beasts.

Arriving at the lobby, the others had already started treating each other. However, the girl lying unconscious on the ground made Fidelia shiver.

“Is she alright?” she asked as Thoren knelt beside her.

“She is fine,” one of the girls replied. “Thanks to Thoren, she probably would have died if he had not arrived on time.”

All the girls looked at him, their eyes filled with gratitude. Fidelia opened her mouth and wanted to speak, but he interrupted her.

“Don’t thank me yet. We’re not out of danger,” he said in a grim voice.

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