Dungeon POV
It seems like one of them finally managed to reach level 15. This is excellent news since it means that it's only a matter of time before they fight the boss. Higher level delvers that can go even deeper mean so much more now that I rarely get new faces anymore. I knew it would happen eventually, but it seems like all the stone rank and below adventurers in the kingdom who want to delve are already here. Others did come from outside the kingdom but most of them ranked up from wood to stone and then left.
Having had a few years to go over Clyde's memories it makes sense why I'm having trouble getting people to delve. It took so long to sift through the memories because it's like trying to do research in the world's most disorganized library. I'm not sure how small this kingdom is, because even Clyde doesn't know, but Clyde believes it to be the smallest nation in the world. What he does know is that a significant portion of the nation's youth is here. Eventually I will be large enough to stand on my own regardless of where I am but for now, I just have to work with what I've been given.
Focusing back on Clyde's party they're now well rested and are heading towards the rooms exit. I wasn't sure at first, but it does seem like they're going to try the wolf path now. It seems Cole's level up gave them just the encouragement they needed. Cole doesn't even bother using taunt this time as him and Clyde rush out to meet the wolves head on. Two of the wolves try to get around them but are soon confronted by Darrel and Chandra.
Cole surprisingly is able to make quick work of the wolf attacking him. Just in time for the alpha wolf to lunge at him. While Cole was dealing with that Clyde was determined to win without getting bitten this time. Meanwhile in the back row Darrel had a water vine wrapped around a wolf's throats. The outcome of this match clearly already decided. Chandra on the other hand was having a bit more trouble. She was no longer at a disadvantage but couldn't seem to land any significant blows either. Fortunately, it didn't take too long for Darrel to pop the other wolf's head clean of and come to aid Chandra. with them working together that poor wolf didn't stand a chance. At the same time Cole and Clyde managed to deal with their wolves. Unfortunately, not without getting bitten.
Clyde's armor absorbed most of the damage from the bites making this as close to a flawless victory as they're ever likely to get fighting enemies of equal level. Besides which it's the next room that's really going to test them. That's because they don't know it yet, but this is the room with the mini boss. It's just a normal wolf that I increased to level 17 but those two extra levels on top of the other five wolves should prove quite the challenge.
Soon enough they're rested and ready to go. As they enter the room Cole doesn't hesitate to cast taunt this time. Three of the wolves immediately converge on Cole. Lily instantly begins casting the defense buff on Cole as two of the wolves make their way around to either side. Chandra and Darrel aren't exactly idle though. As for the mini boss itself, it has chosen to attack Clyde. It's clear that my mini boss has the upper hand in this fight with Cole not doing much better against the three level 15 wolves.
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To an outside observer both sides would appear to be evenly matched despite the level difference. Possibly due to all the experience they've had fighting wolves specifically. This supposed stalemate is doomed to be short lived though. The turning point in this match actually came from Darrel who managed to nail the wolf he was fighting in the side. While that didn't kill the wolf it was slowed down significantly. It seems Darrel has gotten really good at rapid firing those ice spears. These two factors allow Darrel to take down that wolf for good soon after. After this he wasted no time in going to help Chandra.
He created a water vine that ensnared the wolfs back feet keeping it in place. Not only did this prevent the wolf from attacking, but it also allowed the throwing knife Chandra launched to actually hit its mark. This help came just in time as Chandra was about to run out of the throwing knives, she'd been using to keep the wolf at bay. A few more throwing knives and the wolf was put down. This left only four wolves including the level 17 alpha mini boss.
Lily by this time is still casting the defense buff but has switched targets from Cole to Clyde. Despite this both of their armors are starting to resemble a used chew toy. Although I will say that Cole's armor is faring better due to it being made of metal instead of leather. Soon enough Darrel sends a water vine to wrap around the waste of the level 17 wolf while Chandra simultaneously sends the last of her throwing knives towards the three wolves attacking Cole.
The water vine isn't able to hold it for long, but it does hold the wolf long enough for Clyde to actually land a hit on the wolf's shoulder. Watching the wolf's leg go from grey to a dull red thanks to all the blood Clyde knows this fight is over. He still doesn't lower his guard though as he tries to approach from the wolfs wounded side. Meanwhile Cole watched as two knives struck one wolf killing it instantly while another wolf was struck by a third knife which severely wounded it, and two more knives missed completely. Chandra's accuracy when throwing multiple knives is surprisingly high, but now she's out of knives which is probably why she doesn't normally do that. She isn't completely defenseless however as she always keeps a dagger on her for just such an occasion. This one looks like a larger version of her throwing knives. I'm still unclear what the distinction is except maybe size.
Cole uses the opportunity to launch a diagonal strike towards the injured wolf decapitating it before it has a chance to recover from the shock of suddenly being injured. After this Chandra wisely slips into the background knowing she'd only be in the way without her throwing knives. instead, she focuses on looking for traps something she hasn't really had a chance to do in this room yet. With the other two wolves gone it doesn't take much effort for Cole to deal with the remaining wolf.
Darrel on the other hand sends an ice spear towards the mini boss. My mini boss dodges it even while being injured but that puts him in range of Clyde's sword. This dance goes on a few more rounds with Darrel sometimes being the one to score a hit. Eventually though my mini boss is too injured to evade, and Clyde is able to land the killing blow.
After this they spend a long time recovering. Lily was finally able to reach level 15 after healing Clyde and Cole as much as she could. After which they gathered all the wolf meat. When that was done, they finally decide to check on the treasure chest. Clearly liking what they find. They are all grateful for the potions. The coins don't go unnoticed either but with the potions they can keep going.
