Part-271

  James paused for a moment, catg his breath as the realization hit him. The archer goblins were physically weaker than the sword-wielders. Of course they were—they relied e, not brute strength. He could use that to his advantage. If he could keep them at a distand disrupt their attacks, he wouldn’t o rely solely on dodging. He could fight back.

  With renewed determination, James quickly sed the area for more stones. His eyes nded on a small pile he edge of the chamber, and he rushed over, scooping up as many as he could carry. The group of goblins was already advang, their eyes gleaming with malice, but James was ready.

  The first goblin archer drew its bow, preparing to fire, but James was faster. He hurled a sto the creature, striking it in the shoulder and causing it to drop its on. Without missing a beat, he threw ao the sed archer, hitting it square in the head. The goblin screeched as it fell back, vanishing in smoke.

  James allowed himself a small smile. This was w. The archers were vulnerable at range, just like he was. If he could keep them off bahey wouldn’t have a ce to nd a shot.

  The remaining goblins, both sword-wielders and archers, regrouped and began their final assault. James took a deep breath, his mind clearing as he focused otle ahead. His wooden sword felt light in his hand, the weight of the stones in his iving him a sense of trol he hadn’t felt before.

  The goblins came at him in waves, but James was ready. He parried the first sword strike with ease, his wooden bde meeting the goblin’s with a loud *g*. At the same time, he hurled a sto the archer, disrupting its aim. Anoblin lu him from the side, but James dodged and tered with a quick ssh, sending the creature tumbling to the ground.

  His movements were fluid, precise, almost effortless. It was as if all the training, all the battles, had led to this moment. He could feel the rhythm of the fight, the ebb and flow of the enemy’s attacks, and he danced between them like a leaf in the wind.

  Another archer fired, but James was already moving. He leaped to the side, rolling to avoid the arrow, and threw a sto the creature. The impact sent it flying, its body dissolving into smoke before it even hit the ground.

  In the end, it was almost too easy.

  James stood alone in the chamber, surrounded by the fading wisps of smoke that marked where his enemies had falle out a long breath, his muscles rexing as the tension drained from his body. The battle was over, and he had won. Again.

  James took a deep breath as he stood at the entrance of the Level 2 Early Midse of the Lamp of Time dungeon again. This familiar battleground had bee a routiop for him, but today felt different that's why he is trying twice today. He had been eyeing the Level 2 Late Midse for a while now, but instead of rushing forward, he made the calcuted decision to return here—his old proving ground. This time was about preparation, about solidifying his skills and ensuring he was truly ready for what y ahead.