Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88 Chapter 20.6 - Dungeon

As we entered the lair of the boss monster, an overpowering stench of decay assaulted our senses.

The massive tree-like creature, its twisted form writhing with corrupted branches and foul-looking foliage, stood at the heart of the chamber. Its hollow, empty eyes glared at us with malevolence.

'Putrid Embertree Spirit.'

A monster that is intermediate-high rank 4. A monster that can deal with everyone here on its own without batting an eye.

That being not enough, surrounding the Putrid Embertree Spirit were several Sylvans, their presence adding to the looming threat.

Then, there is a reason why this party was sure that we could defeat the boss monster even though it is individually stronger.

It is because we have the numbers advantage. Dealing with many people is something that has always been hard, no matter how strong a person is since it multiplies the possible scenarios that could happen in the fight.

However, then, what do you think is the most annoying type of boss monster?

The one that fights with other types of monsters under his command. This is because the resources that would be left to deal with the boss monster would be relatively lower than it was supposed to be, making it harder to deal with.

Because of this, Anya wasted no time, her command clear and precise.

"Astron, Ethan, Emily, cover for the weaker monsters. Keep the Sylvans off us while Fred will buff the party," she ordered, her shield and spear at the ready. The three of us nodded, positioning ourselves to defend against the approaching Sylvans.

Faye, Hari, and Anya stepped forward to confront the monstrous tree spirit. Faye hefted her claymore, her body-strengthening skill at its peak. Hari's dual blades danced with fiery energy, ready to strike. Anya's focus was on the boss monster itself; her shield raised protectively.

ROAR!

The Putrid Embertree Spirit, sensing our presence, let out an eerie, echoing roar that sent shivers down everyone's spines, making everyone feel dread.

It was the start of the fight where the boss monster would imbue everyone with the status effect [Fear].

"Fred, purification." Anya immediately instructed Fred, as she rushed to the monster readying itself for the attack.

"U-understood." And Fred did what was told.

The boss monster raised its massive, twisted limbs and, with a deafening roar, unleashed a barrage of corrupted branches imbued with dark nature magic.

SWOOSH SWOOSH SWOOSH

"No, you are not passing me!"

As Anya raised her shield, she shouted, activating her skill.

THUD THUD THUD

And the branches reached to her shield. This was the start of the attack.

SWOOSH SWOOSH

Anya, Faye, and Hari moved with a synchronicity that came from years of fighting together. Anya's shield deflected the Putrid Embertree Spirit's dark magic attacks, Faye's claymore cleaved through the corrupted branches, and Hari's fiery blades sliced into the creature's bark-like hide.

"Astron! Careful!"

Of course, they were not the only ones that were fighting.

SWOOSH THUD CRACK

The Sylvans attacked from the sides, their agility and strength making them more formidable opponents than before.

'These are stronger. I guess this is the buff of Putrid Embertree Spirit.'

The reason why this monster was a formidable opponent was not because it was only strong on its own but because it also had the ability to buff its own creations.

'Sylvans.'

I, Ethan, and Emily fought valiantly.

The two's coordination and teamwork improved with each encounter. Emily's swordsmanship was precise, and Ethan's spear thrusts deadly.

My dagger skills also continued to evolve without stopping since Sylvan's were faster than before.

Even though Ethan was a lot more talented in terms of combat, Emily was doing her part of the job. However, the effects of the fog and Fred's skills started taking a toll on their body, and this was showing now.

'It is about the time.'

The constant sounds and tremors of the boss fight was entering my senses, and this should be the same for Fred.

SWOOSH

And because of those noises, nobody saw the small needle that was amplified with green-colored mana reaching Fred.

"Ethan, cover me," Emily shouted, attempting to create some distance between herself and the relentless Sylvans.

However, Ethan's response was disheartening. His body felt sluggish, and he struggled to maintain his usual agility. "I'm trying, but my body doesn't move as I want," he confessed, his frustration palpable.

And, at that moment, I could see Ethan's attention immediately turning to Fred.

'He realized.'

"This! It is your doing, isn't it?" As he mumbled to himself, I could see the scene that happened in the game. He was now probably seeing the flashbacks and putting everything together as it was in the game.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" And with a loud shout, he immediately gathered all the attention on himself.

"What is it, Ethan?" I could hear Emily as she also turned her head to Ethan.

"This guy betrayed us." And Ethan confirmed it, clearly looking at Fred.

"What?"

"Tch."

Fred clicked his tongue; however, soon, his annoyance turned into a grin.

"I guess you really are a Hartley, huh? I was going to offer your head to the boss, but I guess this will be for later."

With a malevolent grin, Fred began to chant an incantation that was unmistakably forbidden Demonic Skill.

He was using his skill, [Volatility].

That skill was not only effective against the people but also against the monsters. No, it was a lot stronger against the monsters since they were rather more likely to be controlled by their instinct.

ROAR!

Just to prove that the Putrid Embertree Spirit, already weakened by our relentless assault, suddenly went into a frenzied rampage.

SWOOSH SWOOSH SWOOSH

Its corrupted branches flailed wildly, striking both Sylvans and our party members indiscriminately.

I dodged one, two, three, four….The number increased as I tried to defend myself.