Chapter 70: Sudden Mutation

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“Why aren’t you using a bow, Scavenger Qilin?”

As soon as I approached, someone couldn’t wait to question me. Clearly, my constant use of a dagger in battle had left them doubting whether I truly possessed any ranged attack abilities.

I couldn’t be bothered to explain. I simply slid the Silver Beast Dagger into my belt and took out the hardwood longbow, slinging it across my back. With this typical archer-warrior look, any last trace of their suspicion evaporated.

“Good! Having someone with ranged attacks will make things much easier. Everyone, recover your MP for now. Once we’re rested, we’ll deal with the rear Ogre Warriors! Then, get ready to break out!”

The speaker was a Lionfolk Warrior with second-tier strength. Among the group, his gear was the most complete—his helmet and boots even shimmered with a faint silvery light…

For a miner to possess two pieces of silver equipment was a mark of wealth; moreover, his combat power was probably the highest among them.

Of course, “among them” didn’t include me… I never intended to fight a level 20 mini-boss. My sole purpose remained to get out of this place.

…

However, the Ogre Commander was not so easily deterred.

We had barely rested a minute before new developments unfolded in the tunnels ahead and behind us:

First, three Ogre Warriors respawned at the cave’s far end. The instant they appeared, the Ogre Commander lured them away with an incomprehensible cry.

Then, the Ogre Commander swiftly used a summoning ability—two hexagram arrays flared, and suddenly six more Ogre Warriors and six Ogre Beasts materialized at its side!

Yet the Ogre Commander seemed aware these fifteen minions posed little threat to us, so it didn’t send them charging immediately. Instead, they arranged themselves in three neat rows—Ogre Beasts in front, Ogre Warriors in the center and rear—blocking the tunnel entrance.

By this point, even the dullest among us realized the Ogre Commander was plotting something new. Promptly, we got to our feet and split into two groups, rapidly spreading out!

As I moved with one group, I quickly surveyed the rear tunnel…

The archer’s Eagle Eye skill aided me. Through the gaps between the Ogre Fighters, I discovered a secret that made my heart race. Concealed in the shadows of the tall Ogre Fighters were numerous scrawny, short Ogre Warriors. I couldn’t tell exactly how many, but there were certainly not fewer than twenty!

“Damn it… Looks like the Ogre Commander plans to take matters into his own hands!”

With Ogre Warriors blocking both exits, anxiety gripped me. Without betraying any emotion, I quietly switched my Silver Beast Boots for Windvine Boots, which could only be equipped at level 15.

The moment I put them on, a sensation of comfort and lightness spread through my feet—I was pleased. As expected of top-tier level 15 silver gear, it was far superior to the level 7 bronze boots.

Windvine Boots (Silver Gear): Defense 12-15; Magic Defense +1; Agility +6; Movement Speed +5%; Strength Requirement 10; Agility Requirement 33; Durability 100%; Level Requirement 15. Class: Archer.

By now, the Ogre Commander had parted the Ogre Beasts to forge a path and stepped forward. No one seemed to notice my change of boots, nor would anyone be bored enough to focus on a man’s shoes at a time like this.

…

“As planned, eliminate the Ogre Fighters first!”

“Quick!!”

The Lionfolk, clearly the leader, barked a heavy command. He and the six people beside him wheeled around and charged at the Ogre Fighters in the rear tunnel!

The other six showed no hesitation and followed suit.

I frowned, glancing at the cunning Ogre Commander, then back at the thirteen who had hurled themselves forward, hesitating but not moving.

To be fair, the Lionfolk’s plan was sound—Ogre Fighters were still the greatest threat to us, other than the Commander. As long as we eliminated them, the Commander would be unable to deal with us all. Without Ogre Mages, the remaining Ogre Warriors and Beasts posed little threat.

But for some reason, the presence of those hidden Ogre Warriors in the opposite tunnel left me uneasy:

How did those Ogre Warriors get there? Why were they lurking so silently at the back? What was the Ogre Commander’s true scheme…? I had no answers. According to what I’d learned at the Mech Academy, when facing an unknown enemy, if time permits, uncovering their true strength should be the top priority.

But as I glanced at the Ogre Commander, less than a hundred meters away, I knew I could be attacked at any moment. Time was not on our side.

At that moment, disaster struck!

“Ogre Mages! There are Ogre Mages in the tunnel!!”

“Damn it! I’m trapped! Someone get in there and take them out! Don’t let the Ogre Mages cast ‘Rockfall,’ or we’ll all be dead!!”

The Lionfolk’s terrified shouts thundered in my mind:

Ogre Mages? How are there Ogre Mages!?

I whipped my head around and was shocked by the chaos before me:

The team, which had been so confident only moments ago, was now in utter disarray! Four Ogre Fighters had broken away from the tunnel and were grappling with four second-tier warriors. The remaining nine—including the Lionfolk—were all deeply trapped in a black swamp about five meters across, most of their bodies submerged, unable to break free.

Opposite them, dozens of Ogre Warriors were charging out of the tunnel, with two Ogre Mages visible within.

In an instant, a hail of iron projectiles flew toward the players trapped in the swamp… Even with second-tier strength, they struggled desperately under the barrage of attacks from dozens of first-tier monsters, forced to gulp down potions just to survive.

Suddenly, a chill sank into my heart: the Ogre Commander!

I looked back—sure enough, the Ogre Commander was striding toward us, a ferocious grin splitting its face…