Chapter 44: Chapter 44 – Betrayal

Pant. Pant. Pant.

Regulate your breathing, Novus.

Whew.

Novus’ hand tightened around the Etched Villager’s Sword that had found its way into his hand mid-battle. After all, Novus' mana wasn't endless either.

The goblin throne room was in tatters as any previous decorations were destroyed either by Tham’s heavy staff or by the player’s calculated strikes going awry.

Slam!

Compared to earlier, Tham was slower. A missing ear, torn apart clothing, frayed muscles, cuts and signature puncture holes reminiscent of Cain’s spearhead were only some of the scars from Tham’s struggle. Yet, that annoyingly defensive marble-like colour was still present and shone in contrast against his rage-filled yellow eyes.

Novus surveyed the players and had to admit that they were in similarly dire straits. The players gripped damaged weapons and bloodshot eyes caused by Tham’s defensive skin and the debuff, Unrelenting Madness. However, Novus couldn’t help but admire the players.

Where did Cain find them?

Most had already died alongside Tham’s other two deadly skills: a charging strike that narrowly avoided Novus and a staff throwing ability that killed a large swath of players. Of those who had survived, Novus had no doubt they would grow to be powerhouses.

Little did Novus know; Cain had brought his topmost elites from his previous guild to the same beginner island as himself. This was all to tip the scales in his favour for dominating the quests and experiences on the island. However, Cain could never guess that a dark horse like Novus would appear and interfere with his pre-planned domination.

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Meanwhile, Cain paid just as much attention to Novus’ party.

Adrianne’s elusive movements and reaction speed were enviable as she intercepted and crippled Tham at critical moments each time.

Unexpectedly, it was Percival who played an equally important role. If it weren’t for his sensitivity to the ambient mana, the group would have been wholly devasted without his early warning of Tham’s staff throwing ability.

But the person Cain paid the most to was naturally their leader, Novus. Particularly, Novus' mana control.

Magic abilities and skills were the fascinations of many players. After all, who didn't want to quake the ground with a step? Or, step into the sky and freely fly like a bird! Unfortunately, magic wasn’t readily available in this game and required a high level of luck and skill to obtain. At least, it was like that on the beginner islands.

But, after hours of hunting and a sudden insight, Cain had a lucky breakthrough that enabled a simple rotation spell for his spear that made him proud. He was confident that nobody besides that jerk Hercules could rival his potential. But, Novus overturned this idea completely.

Novus continued to skillfully control mana outside his body, a skill Cain could barely achieve right now, to create flashes that blinded Tham. Not to mention that brief display of flaming swords that nearly emptied Novus’ mana reserve.

And all it took was Novus crunching a few herbs between his teeth to refill his mana. Where on earth had he gotten herbs like that from? His guild hadn't found any herbs with those kinds of effects!

Slam!

Meanwhile, Novus dodged another of Tham's strikes and read Adrianne's Spirit Eyes update.

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