Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 538

538 Chapter 120.4 - Infernal Nexus

"That is understandable, and I'm not saying that you all should start trusting me instantly. But let's put this to the test. If it doesn't work, we can reassess. For now, let's see how we do with me calling the shots."

With the team's initial resistance fading and the logic of my proposal sinking in, I saw a shift in their attitudes. They were seasoned fighters, and they understood that flexibility was key to survival, especially in a place as dangerous as the Infernal Nexus.

"Fine by me," Dorian said, crossing his arms but with a more relaxed posture. Elena, who had been one of the more vocal opponents earlier, nodded slowly as well, her eyes thoughtful.

Kurt, who had already accepted the logic of the change, stepped forward, his voice carrying professionalism.

"You've got my support, Astron. If this strategy helps us complete the mission more efficiently, I'm all for it."

'Not bad.'

There is a reason why most of the elites on guilds are chosen by not only in terms of talent but also in terms of soft skills.

They may not be deemed as important for inexperienced people, but that is not the case when you become a hunter who has been in the industry for a while.

Communicating, understanding, and not being directed by your emotions.

These are all things that one needs to possess in this industry.

Lila, who had been watching the exchange quietly, gave a small nod. "Why not try? It's not like we will lose too much. And from what we have heard, you are a quite talented hunter, so we might as well see it ourselves."

With the team's support confirmed, I felt the shift in our dynamic. While they weren't yet fully comfortable with the change, they were willing to give it a chance. That was enough for now.

"Alright," I said, stepping into the role with the calm confidence the situation demanded. "We're close to the core of the dungeon, and the challenges ahead will likely be even tougher. Stay alert, and follow my lead."

As we moved deeper into the dungeon, I scanned the surroundings, detecting the subtle fluctuations of mana that indicated the presence of more enemies. The path narrowed slightly, the walls glowing with an intense heat that made the air shimmer. I could sense the build-up of energy ahead—another wave of fire golems, similar to the Magma Golems we had just faced.

"We're approaching another group of fire golems," I informed the team quietly, my voice steady. "This time, we'll change tactics as needed. I'll direct the formations based on their movements and weaknesses."

Kurt nodded, his expression serious but trusting. "Understood. Just give the orders, and we'll follow."

As we neared the next chamber, the golems began to stir. These ones were slightly different from the previous wave—larger, with thicker armor and a more intense glow emanating from their cores.

'Still, the core of the formation will not change.' They were clearly designed to be tougher and more resilient, their molten exteriors promising a harder fight, but in the end, their being stronger is meaningless in the face of the right strategy.

"Golems ahead," I called out, my voice low but commanding. "Prepare for engagement. Gareth forms a barrier on the left; Dorian and Elena take the right flank. Lila, keep your golem centered and ready to intercept. We'll focus on their legs and joints first to limit their mobility."

The team moved swiftly, following my directions.

As the golems began their slow advance, I observed their movements carefully, analyzing the flow of mana within their bodies.

The mana cores were well-protected, but I could see the faint lines of energy running through their joints and armor—weak points that we could exploit.

"Dorian, target the joints at the knees. Elena, focus on the upper arms with freezing spells to slow their movements," I ordered. "Lila, have your golem apply pressure to their center mass to keep them from advancing too quickly."

The team executed the plan with precision. Dorian's dual swords flashed as he darted in and out of the golems' reach, striking at the knees with calculated strikes. Elena's ice magic crackled in the heated air, her spells connecting with the golems' arms and causing steam to rise as the intense cold clashed with their fiery cores.

I continued to monitor the battle, adjusting our formation as the golems responded to our attacks. Gareth's barriers shifted to block incoming strikes, while Lila's golem took the brunt of the force, holding the line and preventing the golems from pushing us back.

As I observed, I finally found it—a slight flicker in the flow of mana around the golems' cores, indicating a vulnerability.

It was faint, but it was there, just beneath the thick armor.

"Keep them occupied and maintain pressure."

With that, I nocked an arrow, coating it with fire-attributed psions to match the golems' elemental affinity. The Starpiercer Arc hummed with energy as I pulled the string back, aiming carefully at the exposed weak point.

SWOOSH!

The arrow flew true, striking the golem at the exact spot I had identified.