The Dragon's Wrath: Ashes of the Fallen Read Free Page B

The thought of choking on smoke for an hour wasn't exactly appealing, even if there weren't any negative health implications.
    Eh, but that was neither here nor there.
    The situation in front of us was at least bearable.
    The lighting that was barely serviceable before at least did not disappoint, and remained a constant. To think that we would all be glad to see a few torches spread randomly throughout the cave interior. Well, what little light the torches provided was at least reassuring, even if the situation was excessively dreary.
    I suppose a bright and cheerful dungeon would be a misnomer of sorts, anyways.
    Walking forth, the priest actually slipped on some moss and fell to his ass, earning him a kick and a laugh from the dwarf. No words were said though. The situation was oddly serious, even if there were only trash groups ahead.
    Exiting the tunnel pass and entering the large opening with its domed ceiling that curiously showcased our dancing shadows as the flames moved to and fro, we came to a halt as we stared on.  Before us squat a group of goblins, not unlike the previous goblins we had seen. But in the fashion of increasing difficulty, the group of goblins had made a substitution with their members.
    The prior groups had been made up of two [Outcast Goblins] and three [Outcast Minor Goblins], and now that had been reversed. There were three [Outcast Goblins] now along with two [Minor Goblins]. Suffice to say, the difficulty ramped up rather quickly from only a moment before.
    Also in consideration was the adjustment in level.
    These goblins ranged from level 38-40 opposed to the level 35-37s on the first floor, while the minor goblins were now level 28-30 over the previous level 25-27. Yeah, they were now slightly more experienced, more skillful, did a bit more damage, could take a bit more damage, and probably moved slightly faster as well.
    Hell, I was still only level 31.
    For a beginner dungeon, they really upped the difficulty from the first floor.
    At least, that's what I thought until we actually pulled.
    Throwing out a [Chain Lightning] and following with our duo chain combo of alternating [Lightning Bolts] and [Frost Bolts], we made quick work of the goblins to the point where it was almost silly. In theory we were expecting some resistance, or at least I was, but in practice it only took another ten seconds per group.
    The second floor wasn't that fresh after all.
    Oh well.
    It didn't take more than twenty-five minutes for us to reach the end of the second floor and to come face to face with the mini-boss and his entourage. Instead of the two [Goblins] and two [Minor Goblins] standing by the [Goblin Guard's] side, there were four [Outcast Goblins]. Going by the fact that the prior trash had upgraded in a similar fashion, it seemed rather inconsequential to me but the group wasn't as positive or anywhere near as confident as they were a minute ago.
    "So this boss is actually kinda difficult," said the dwarf while stretching his arms out. "Basically, I can't tank all five at the same time, so it'll take some creative mixing."
    "Huh?" I said immediately. I was at a loss as to what creative mixing was supposed to mean, and didn't quite follow. My best guess was that he meant we needed to change strategy. If that was the case, it didn't seem like a big deal.
    I really couldn't understand the sudden loss of confidence they shared.
    The dwarf looked over at me and sighed slightly. "Been 'ere twice, killed the boss once," said the dwarf. "The way we got it to work last time, was the archer pulled goblins off me and they killed them as quickly as they could. Peel fast enough, and we're good. Too slow, and I die, we lose."
    "Eh I think we can do better than that," I stated clearly and without hesitation. "I figure us two mages can get a good jump on the group and then we'll fall back and pull the goblins to the room we were just in. I'll immobilize one and pick another off you to off-tank when I can. As long as