Chapter 7 Demonicat (2)

More than twenty Demonicats loomed, attacking with eyes full of piercing hatred directed at Siegfrieds and his companions. Their gazes were sharp, piercing into the soul, reflecting deep dislike towards Siegfrieds and the men standing there.

Siegfrieds, with a sensitive heart, carefully observed the situation, pondering within himself, 'On the enemy's side, there are more than twenty Demonicats, while we only number eight, including myself. However, only four among them seem to possess fighting abilities...' Siegfrieds whispered as he assessed the situation surrounding him. 'Although I am capable of fighting and defeating some of them, it will be difficult to protect the others... They might become victims while I'm busy dealing with these Demonicats...'

The situation was truly unfavorable for Siegfrieds. He was aware of the inevitable casualties on his side, which was something he didn't hope for.

"For the protection of your friends... I will face these Demonicats alone," Siegfrieds shouted, glaring fiercely at the Demonicats.

None of the men answered him. They immediately stood guard in front of the women, becoming living shields to protect them. Siegfrieds swiftly threw several shields to them.

"Use these shields as your protection. Prioritize defense against attacks and refrain from attacking unless you're certain you can kill a Demonicat with a single strike. Never stray far from your comrades," Siegfrieds firmly instructed.

They all nodded and took the available shields. Even the women were equipped with shields for additional protection.

Without hesitation, Siegfrieds dashed forward and attacked the Demonicats one by one. With incredible speed, he stood in front of the first Demonicat and thrust his sword into its body. Siegfrieds didn't stop there; he continued moving to the next Demonicat, repeating the same action. Siegfrieds's primary task at that moment was not to directly kill the Demonicats but to injure them and reduce the likelihood of them attacking the victims.

Over ten Demonicats were already wounded due to Siegfrieds's attacks. When he was about to continue his assault on the next Demonicat, an arrow suddenly pierced his body. Siegfrieds quickly identified the source and found a Demonicat on a tree with a bow and arrow.

'Siegfrieds felt fortunate, 'Fortunately, this armor is so strong... that the Demonicat's arrow couldn't penetrate it...'

Siegfrieds decided not to pay attention to the Demonicat archers. He chose to wound and kill the Demonicats on the ground instead. The rain of arrows intensified, disrupting Siegfrieds's movements. He realized that the Demonicat archers posed a serious threat and needed to be eliminated first.

Brukk!

Just as Siegfrieds was about to attack the Demonicat archers, one of them fell with a split neck. Siegfrieds continued gazing in the direction where the Demonicat had been, until finally, a figure emerged.

"Hey... I need your help," the person said.

"Yes... deal with those Demonicat archers. I will handle the Demonicats on the ground," Siegfrieds agreed with his assistance.

Siegfrieds realized that he alone wasn't strong enough to fight over forty Demonicats. They needed someone's help to fight together.

The person leaped from one tree to another with remarkable skill, swiftly killing the Demonicats in their path. Siegfrieds looked on in admiration, captivated by the person's agility and speed.

"Siegfrieds observed the person's movements, 'He must be an Assassin... a fighter relying on speed and illusions, or one might say, the most cunning profession that exists...' Siegfrieds murmured. 'But, now is not the time to think about that... there are still a few Demonicats I must dispose of here...'

Siegfrieds attacked the Demonicats once again, catching them off guard as their companions were easily killed by the Assassin. They didn't even realize that Siegfrieds had approached with his sword ready to strike.

With extraordinary dexterity, Siegfrieds killed one Demonicat after another. He continued to fight until not a single Demonicat stood, including the ones the Assassin was engaged with.

"An incredible battle, my friend," Siegfrieds said, welcoming the Assassin as he descended from the tree. He also extended his hand for a handshake.

"You too," the Assassin replied, accepting Siegfrieds's hand. His gaze then turned to a group of people taking cover behind iron shields. "Who are they..."

"They are the Demonicat captives we rescued from inside the lair... What's the matter?" Siegfrieds asked.

"Nothing special, just so far... Have you explored every room in there?" the Assassin continued.

"Not yet, but there's a possibility that there are a few more victims still trapped inside... Especially considering the size of the lair, I'm sure there are three to five people still stuck there... However, for now, we need to escort them to the nearest city before we attack this lair again..." the Assassin suggested.

With the Assassin's proposal, Siegfrieds and he escorted the victims to the nearest city. They removed the armor they were wearing and replaced it with cloth provided by the Assassin.

By the way, the Assassin's name was Salveig. He was also a player like Siegfrieds and had been playing in this world for a week. Unlike Siegfrieds, who experienced technical issues when he first entered the game, Salveig didn't encounter the same problem and started his adventure in the beginner city. Of course, Salveig was unaware that Siegfrieds had just entered the game a few hours ago and experienced technical difficulties back then. No one would believe that story, considering Siegfrieds's power nearly matched Salveig's strength.

"Thank you for helping us escort them... They will soon be taken care of and receive the necessary treatment," the gatekeeper said, receiving the victims from Siegfrieds and Salveig.

"Thank you... We will search for other victims," Salveig replied, turning around.

They quickly returned to the forest and headed towards the lair they had previously visited. Siegfrieds gazed at the city gate with awe-filled eyes. It was the first time he had seen such a massive gate and towering walls up close.

'It's truly amazing, like a medieval city...' Siegfrieds thought with burning excitement.

Siegfrieds and Salveig continued their journey towards the deeper lair of Demonicats within the forest. They walked cautiously, ready to face any possible attacks.

"Salveig, you were truly amazing in the battle earlier. I'm impressed by your speed and agility," Siegfrieds said, attempting to start a conversation.

Salveig grinned arrogantly. "Of course, I am a skilled Assassin. Speed and precision are my primary expertise."

Siegfrieds nodded, appreciating Salveig's honesty. "I'm certain your presence here will greatly help us in facing these Demonicats."

They both kept walking, traversing narrow paths and hidden labyrinths. Eventually, they arrived in a large, dark chamber within the Demonicat lair. Tall stone pillars loomed around them, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Perhaps we should split up to search for any remaining victims," Siegfrieds suggested, breaking the silence. "I'll take the right side, and you can try the left. We'll meet back here when we're done."

Salveig nodded, and they separated, moving towards different sides of the chamber. Each of them proceeded with caution, trying to avoid any noise that could alert the Demonicats nearby.

As Siegfrieds walked along the dark corridor, he heard a faint rumbling sound in the distance. He slowed his pace, attentively observing the source of the noise.

Suddenly, a Demonicat emerged from a door beside him, wielding a staff charged with magical energy. It swiftly attacked Siegfrieds, attempting to disable him with its magic.

Siegfrieds agilely dodged and swiftly retaliated against the Demonicat. They engaged in a fierce battle, with Siegfrieds's sword clashing against the sturdy Demonicat staff. However, Siegfrieds's superior strength and fighting skills ensured his victory. He successfully incapacitated the Demonicat and continued his journey.

Meanwhile, Salveig traversed through narrow and winding corridors. He stealthily advanced, noticing suspicious movements and sounds around him. Suddenly, a group of Demonicats appeared in front of him, ready to attack.

"Twenty Demonicats... Looks like I'll be busy," Salveig murmured, tossing a smoke bomb into their midst. The smoke obscured the Demonicats' vision, giving Salveig an opportunity to launch his assault.

In an instant, the Demonicats fell one by one. Salveig combined his speed and agility with his expertise in using concealed weapons, mercilessly dispatching the Demonicats.

After the intense battle, Siegfrieds and Salveig reunited in the agreed-upon chamber. They appeared tired but satisfied with their accomplishments.

"I found some remaining victims and managed to bring them to safety," Salveig said, wiping sweat off his forehead.

Siegfrieds smiled and nodded. "I also protected a few victims and escorted them to a secure location. It seems we've successfully cleared this lair."

They both looked around, witnessing the destruction left behind by the battle. The Demonicat lair was in ruins, devoid of any signs of life.

"We should report our success to the gatekeepers and ensure that the surviving victims receive the care they need," Siegfrieds suggested.

Salveig agreed with a nod. "Indeed, and we must also ensure that the surviving victims receive the care they need."

They both stepped out of the Demonicat lair, feeling relieved and proud of what they had accomplished. Despite their different backgrounds, they managed to work together effectively and defeat the enemy.

Their journey was far from over. Many adventures and challenges awaited them in this gaming world, and Siegfrieds and Salveig were ready to face them together.