Chapter 343: Lava Hound

Chapter 343: Lava Hound



"Ah!"

Suddenly, a dog-like creature, the size of a calf and covered in flames, burst out from the side of the caravan. It pounced on a coachman who was driving a carriage, knocking him to the ground, and bit off his head in one bite, chewing vigorously.

The coachman's body was also corroded by some kind of fire poison, quickly turning black.

"It's a Lava Hound!"

"Oh no!"

"Ding ding!"

Several archers from the Conis Mercenary Group reacted swiftly and fired multiple arrows at the Lava Hound.

However, their sharp arrows bounced off the hound's flaming body as if they had encountered natural rubber, leaving no trace.

The archers' attack, instead, attracted the attention of the Lava Hound. It immediately abandoned the headless coachman's body and, with a flash of red light and a wave of heat, rushed towards an archer who was shooting from atop a carriage.

"(Akadian) Ice Spear Thrust!"

The archer was standing not far from the white-robed mage Melita, who reacted swiftly. She quickly chanted an incantation and raised a slender, pale finger.

Suddenly, a sharp, translucent ice spear over five feet long appeared at the tip of her index finger.

With a powerful swing, she launched the ice spear towards the Lava Hound at incredible speed.

Although the leather-armored archer tried to block with his crossbow, he was knocked down in an instant.

"Bang!"

Just as the leather-armored archer was about to have his head bitten off, the Lava Hound was suddenly blasted sideways. For a moment, white cold air spread out, and frost formed on the injured archer's skin and eyebrows.

On the Lava Hound's abdomen, a fist-sized hole appeared, from which dark red blood was flowing.

"What? It's not dead? My Ice Spear Thrust is at least a thirty-fifth degree spell; how could it not kill it?" Melita's pretty face paled, and she exclaimed in shock.

"It's an environmental issue here!"

"We're too close to the underground magma. Under its influence, the fire elemental energy particles have increased, while other energy particles have decreased. Although the change isn't significant, it has reduced the power of my ice sorcery by about one and a half to two times!"

Soon, Melita figured out the reason.

Evidently, Melita's attack had deeply wounded the Lava Hound.

The injury made the Lava Hound even angrier, and it turned its ugly dog head towards Melita, who had inflicted the wound, baring its teeth and letting out a low growl.

"Wind Vortex!"

Fortunately, the other two male mages didn't stand idly by. Instead, they quickly took action, and the Lava Hound, which had just pounced out, was sent back to its original position by a powerful whirlwind.

"Slowdown Spell!"

After the three of them combined their efforts and successfully hit the Lava Hound with multiple spells, they finally managed to kill the tenacious creature.

However, there wasn't a hint of relief on their faces.

The Lava Hound's strength was even more challenging than they had anticipated.

The Lava Hound, specialized in fire, had a defense of at least thirty degrees. Ordinary first-rank spells couldn't inflict fatal damage to it; instead, they would only make it more ferocious when injured.

Moreover, the one they had just killed was just one of them. The problem was that Lava Hounds were also known for their numbers.

"I've always heard that Lava Hounds are formidable," one of the male mages said gravely.

"We still have time to turn back now."

"It's impossible to return now unless we abandon the entire caravan," Melita said with a grave expression.

The two male mages glanced at each other and discreetly took a few steps back. Clearly, from their perspective, it was out of the question to risk their lives for the caravan.

Their relationship with the caravan was merely a temporary cooperation to pass through the Hammerfall Tunnel together.

It wasn't that they were breaking their agreement, but the situation they faced had far exceeded expectations. The reward offered by the caravan was insufficient to justify such a significant risk.

"Quick, Janis, go and ask the adults in front for help," Melita decided in an instant.

Only by seeking help from the two adults ahead could they possibly overcome the current crisis safely.

As a member of the Northern Winterkeep Academy, Melita had always maintained a good relationship with the Cameron Family, which was also located in the North.

Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't abandon the caravan and leave on her own.

"Okay, Lady Melita," Janis, the chubby one, responded like a ball of meat and quickly rushed towards Rain, accompanied by the white-robed mage Melita.

At this moment, Rain, who was ahead of the Cameron Caravan, had already killed three Lava Hounds.

"This seems a bit different from what that chubby guy said earlier. Was he trying to fool me?" Rain couldn't help but think.

He didn't mind letting others follow behind him as he passed through the tunnel.

But if the chubby guy had been deceiving him, asking him to take the lead, then the situation was entirely different.

"Rain, this monster seems much stronger than the Lava Snakes. Should we..." Anna looked at Rain with concern as she glanced at the Lava Hound, which was lying on the ground, the size of a calf.

Although Rain was still fighting one-on-one, Anna was concerned for his safety against these unexpected creatures.

"It's fine, I'll go ask that fat guy. They should be just behind us." Rain waved his hand, dismissing her worries.

But before Rain could turn around, a shout came from behind.

"Sir! Sir!" A rotund man with a protruding belly, named Janis, was running towards Rain, waving frantically.

Beside Janis was a woman in a white robe, a beautiful young mage named Melita.

"Sir, there are Lava Hounds in the Hammerfall Tunnel now. Let's retreat together!" Janis panted, catching his breath.

Upon hearing this, Rain understood that they hadn't anticipated this situation either.

However, as the two quickly approached, they saw three massive Lava Hounds lying on the ground, each as large as a calf, with their heads pierced by a single sword strike.

Janis and Melita stood in shock, not knowing what to say next.

Especially when they noticed that these Lava Hounds had met the same fate as the Lava Snakes, killed by a single sword strike to the forehead.

Both of them had the same thought.

Perhaps, to them, these highly dangerous Lava Hounds were no more challenging than a knight slaying a pet dog in the eyes of this formidable man.

Meanwhile, a Horned Eagle Beast was using its sharp claws and beak to tear into the tough hide of a Lava Hound, happily feasting on the infant-fist-sized red crystal core.

"Your strength is truly admirable, sir. I am Melita, a wizard from the Northern Winterkeep Academy." Melita bowed slightly to Rain, introducing herself.

At the entrance to the Hammerfall Fort, Rain had only glanced at them from a distance, but now, as they approached, he couldn't help but take a closer look.

Melita wore a fitted white wizard robe with a slit at the neckline, held together by a brooch at the top. Despite this, one could easily catch a glimpse of her fair, towering chest through the gap.

Her waist was slender, but her hips flared out, giving her an attractive curvy figure. With her beauty and talent, Melita was indeed a stunning wizard.

Furthermore, judging by her aura, if she hadn't deliberately concealed it, she seemed to be a rare First Rank Ice Mage.

And she had mentioned the Northern Winterkeep Academy?

Rain recalled Olenna mentioning this wizard school, located in the Frostwind Tundra.

Before their departure, Olenna had briefly informed Rain about some notable places in the Frostwind Tundra, including the Northern Winterkeep Academy.

This was the advantage of having a powerful organization backing you; they had records of various places, even if not entirely comprehensive.

"Hello, Wizard Melita. I'm Rain, and this is my companion, Anna," Rain greeted her, not revealing his true identity.

Melita quickly glanced at Anna, noticing her spotless white wizard robe. She realized that Anna hadn't participated in the recent battle.

Or perhaps, she had been protected by the young yet immensely powerful Rain.

This further emphasized Rain's formidable strength.

He had single-handedly slain over a hundred Lava Snakes and the three Lava Hounds before them.

However, his aura didn't seem to reach the level of a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, indicating that he was a First Rank Wizard with a high level of Mental Fog.

Melita glanced at the Knight's Longsword in Rain's hand, trying to recall something. She remembered that he had been holding a staff earlier, but now he wielded a sword.

While this detail wasn't crucial, it suggested that Rain was not only a skilled wizard but also a proficient swordsman.

A First Rank Wizard and an experienced Grand Knight?

That was indeed rare.

"Sir Rain, the thing is, you may not be aware, but while Lava Hounds often travel in packs like Lava Snakes, there's one key difference. Lava Hounds are usually led and commanded by a Lava Hound leader."

"A Lava Hound leader?" Rain's eyebrows rose, piquing his interest.

"Yes, a Lava Hound leader is typically a Two-Headed Lava Hound."

"The strength of a Two-Headed Lava Hound far surpasses that of a common Lava Hound, reaching the level of a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard."

"So, continuing through the Hammerfall Tunnel is no longer a viable option." Melita quickly explained the reason for their immediate retreat.

"Indeed, Sir Rain, I, Janis, on behalf of the Cameron Caravan, am willing to offer one thousand imperial gold coins to hire you to accompany us back to the Hammerfall Pass," Janis said, biting his lip as he offered the highest price he could afford.

After witnessing Rain's combat prowess, Janis was confident that with Rain's help, they could safely retreat from the Hammerfall Tunnel without any issues.

Although this would mean a delay in the caravan's arrival and significant breach of contract penalties, it was far better than the alternative of total annihilation.

"Oh, I see." Rain's expression turned pensive.

"So, a Two-Headed Magma Hound is equivalent to a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, almost legendary in strength?" Rain asked, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"That's manageable." Rain nodded, confident in his abilities.

"Then why not continue forward? Your caravan must be in a hurry, right?" Rain looked at the two with a hint of confusion.

He could tell that the Cameron Caravan was also in a rush, perhaps due to a deadline for delivering goods, which was why they had to pass through the Hammerfall Tunnel, which was not yet cleared of hazards.

Otherwise, they could have simply taken a detour and avoided the tunnel altogether.

"Huh?" Melita and the stout Janis blinked, their eyes wide as they stared at Rain.

Hadn't they been clear enough in their explanation?

"There might be a Two-Headed Magma Hound up ahead, a formidable creature comparable to a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard. Do you understand?" Rain explained further, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness.

"If it's just a Two-Headed Magma Hound, it shouldn't be a problem. I can handle it." Rain added, sensing their concern from their eyes.

"Oh..." Janis wiped the sweat from his forehead, his small eyes darting towards the white-robed female mage, Melita, standing beside him.

Rain's calm demeanor made it difficult for Janis, an ordinary man, to gauge if he was boasting or speaking the truth.

"Sir Rain..." Melita's heart echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Rain's strength but questioning his confidence.

However, such doubts remained unspoken, as she couldn't voice them directly.

"You two, just follow behind Rain. If it's just a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, I believe Rain can handle it." Anna said softly, glancing at the chaotic caravan behind Janis.

Anna's calm expression as she mentioned the Second Rank Liquidation Wizard caught Melita's attention, prompting her to change her decision.

"Janis, let's move faster! We'll follow Sir Rain!" Melita ordered, her voice carrying authority.

"What?!" Janis exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden change of plans.

Hadn't they agreed to return with these two adults? Why the sudden decision to continue?

But moving forward was indeed beneficial for the caravan, especially with Melita's trust in Rain's abilities.

"Okay, okay!" Janis quickly complied, urging the caravan to pick up the pace.

Anna's demeanor intrigued Melita. When she mentioned the Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, there was no change in her expression or eyes, indicating that in her mind, Rain could easily handle a wizard of that caliber.

This was the reason Melita decided to continue with Rain. After all, no one would risk their life on a whim.

Meanwhile, two male mages at the back of the caravan exchanged glances, perplexed.

Weren't they supposed to convince the two adults to return with them? Why did they decide to move forward instead?

As they approached, they saw the three Magma Hounds Rain had slain, and their pupils constricted in surprise.

But after a moment's thought, one of the mages couldn't contain his worry. He approached Melita and said, "Although this man is powerful, a Two-Headed Magma Hound is not like a common Magma Hound. It's a formidable creature, and I've decided to withdraw."

"Sir Rain said he's confident in dealing with the Two-Headed Magma Hound," Melita tried to reassure him.

The male mage had unspoken thoughts. Rain was indeed strong, but his aura indicated he was a First Rank Wizard, just like them. How could he guarantee defeating a creature comparable to a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard?

"I agree," the other male mage chimed in.

"Wait, you two—"

Before Melita could persuade them further, the two male mages quickly retreated.

Rain didn't try to stop them. He wouldn't deliberately showcase his strength to prove he could escort them safely through the tunnel. Everyone had the right to choose.

By this time, Anna had reached the middle of the caravan and crouched beside a wounded archer from the Conis Mercenary Group, his left arm injured. "May I take a look at your injury?" she asked gently.

"Of course, ma'am," the archer replied, his face filled with surprise and gratitude.

Soon, a thick green light emanated from Anna's palm as she placed it over the archer's wound. The green light enveloped the injury, and within seconds, it began to heal.

"Hmm?" Melita watched, intrigued. She recognized Anna's magic as Nature-based, a rare talent among humans, even rarer than Ice magic.

Furthermore, Melita had read about this particular spell in ancient texts, a Druid's 'Healing Touch.'

It seemed this human girl, Anna, had learned the magic of the Druids.

But how could that be possible?

Unless...

This girl wasn't human, but an elf!

Just then, two male wizards who were leaving the group happened to pass by Anna and witnessed this scene, both of them momentarily stunned.

A thought almost identical to Melita's flashed through their minds.

After understanding the situation, their expressions differed.

One of them revealed a trace of greed in his eyes, but after glancing at Rain, he quickly concealed it.

The other shook his head, seemingly feeling regretful, perhaps thinking that Anna would likely perish if she stayed here.

Just as the two of them left, the entire caravan quickly finished their preparations and was about to set off when everyone heard frequent roars and commotion coming from behind. Two figures in black robes, their faces filled with panic, rushed towards the caravan. One of them had a burning flame shield surrounding his body, while the other had a faint cyan airflow swirling around his legs, clearly the effect of the Wind of Swiftness.

Suddenly, several fireballs the size of a human head flew towards them, forcing the two to dodge frantically.

But the male wizard with the flame shield seemed to react too slowly, and a fireball hit him. Although his innate magic resisted the attack, he stumbled, almost falling to the ground.

As he adjusted his stance, another massive fireball came from behind, twice the size of the previous ones.

"Ahh!"

The male wizard instantly turned into a human torch, staggering a few steps before collapsing to the ground, motionless.

The other man, his face filled with terror, rushed back in terror, shouting, "A two-headed lava hound is right behind us!"

What?!

Indeed, a three-meter-tall two-headed lava hound, leading four or five common lava hounds, emerged from the darkness behind them, causing the entire caravan to panic.

Even the caravan's guards, including the well-equipped Conis Mercenary Group, paled in fear.

After all, the strength of lava hounds already surpassed their combat capabilities.

Forget about the obviously stronger two-headed lava hound; even those four common lava hounds would be a challenge for the entire caravan to withstand at this moment.

Hearing the commotion from behind, Rain rushed to the rear of the group, sensing the dangerous aura emanating from him. The two-headed lava hound stared at Rain, not immediately launching an attack.

"On the left, there's another one on the left!" someone in the caravan shouted in alarm.

On the left side of the caravan, another giant two-headed lava hound, leading three or four common lava hounds, appeared, gazing at the caravan as if they were looking at food.

"I told you all to leave quickly, and now you're surrounded," the surviving male, his emotions seemingly agitated, cursed at Melita.

"Damn it! We're all going to die!"

There were actually two, a male and a female, two-headed lava hounds!

How could they deal with this?

"Two of them? Could this situation actually happen?!"

Melita's face instantly turned pale.

At the same time, she made a decision.

It seemed that she could only use that thing.

"Lord Rain, I'll hold off the one on the left for a while. Please take care of the other one as soon as possible!"

Melita's face showed pain as she quickly took out a transparent ice crystal the size of a finger from her pocket, then began to chant.

"In the language of Akkad, great ice spirit, heed my call."

A large white air vortex appeared in front of her, and soon, a three-meter-tall monster made of swirling cold air and snow appeared before everyone's eyes.

Its upper body was humanoid, while its lower body was a rapidly rotating vortex of cold air. Its face was a circular, gaping mouth, emitting a howling blast of freezing wind.

"Blizzard Elemental!"

Melita believed that even if Rain was strong, he wouldn't be able to handle two two-headed lava hounds.

In this situation, she could only try to delay them as much as possible, hoping that Lord Rain could kill one of the two-headed lava hounds first.

But there were still so many common lava hounds.

Even with her trump card, the summoned Blizzard Elemental, Melita didn't have much confidence in holding them off.

But the next moment, a pitiful howl came from behind, and Melita looked up, only to freeze in place.

"What... what..."

Several meters away, the two-headed lava hound was lying in a pool of blood, its forehead pierced, and both heads oozing dark red blood.

Its death was identical to that of the previous lava hound!

The other common lava hounds seemed startled, staring blankly at the figure that had killed their leader, not moving an inch!

Melita rubbed her eyes and looked again, confirming that the two-headed lava hound was indeed dead!

For a moment, the entire scene felt surreal.

Could she have fallen into some kind of illusion created by a creature?

Melita pinched her palm, feeling the sting, which finally convinced her that what she was seeing was real.

The unbelievable scene before her eyes was indeed true.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end