Just as we exited the dark forest and reached the shore of the previously known ‘lake’, we were stunned by the sight before us.

Not just the sight before us was horrible but the sky was more terrible than that.

I looked at the largest bird in the group straight in the eye as anger flashed in my eyes.

It was a [knight hawk], the lowest ranking noble among demonic creatures.

Now I understood why other beasts were running away from here.

And the reason the ‘small’ birds were here was also because of this fellow.

Its sharp purple eyes filled with greed met my bloodshot red eyes.

It was laughing and looking down at us as mere food to fill its stomach.

I glanced back at it, and its eyes sharpened.

But this food was more delicious for it because it was weak and most importantly, it was looking at me.

A big chunk of notorious meat filled with Mana.

A very good amount of Mana.

But… it was gravely wrong.

I looked at it and a playful grin spread on my face.

This was a boss battle and now, the boss was going to return to earth for its insolence.

I looked around and found everyone in front of me petrified.

They had a pale complexion as if they were going to die a miserable death.

This was… pathetic at this point.

They didn’t trust me enough to stay strong.

I looked to my side only to meet her eyes locking with mine.

With her eyes, she asked: ‘Will you be fine?’

At that, I smiled with amazement.

She already knew I was going to fight that cheeky bird in the sky alone.

It wasn’t something big if I had to say.

It was only a [Knight].

I could take on two of them if I went all out.

But, this lowly fat bird didn’t know what it had gotten itself into.

I slowly held her soft, rough hand and nodded without hesitation.

With my eyes, I said: ‘piece of cake.’

She smiled and a small sigh escaped her mouth as she shouted.

“Everyone! We will take out small ones. Leave the fat bird to Brian!”

My heart skipped a beat when she called it ‘fat bird’.

And just with those words, everyone came back to their senses.

As if possessed, they spread out and took their position in unison.

I walked to the other side of the lake as the fat bird screamed as if to signal the start of the fight.

-KLANK! -KLANK! -KLANK!

On one side, the clashing of metal was ringing.

-BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Some explosions rang out and struck the birds in the sky. 𝒃𝒆𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

The fight with the small birds was slow and lethal under her command.

Mages were using every bit of Mana they had saved in previous battles.

Miss Nolen was throwing many different potions at them from time to time.

They knew very well just how expensive these potions were so the respect in their eyes grew even more.

Their fight was quick and it looked like they would be ok.

So I turned my attention to the fat bird before me.

Small sparks of purple lightning were flickering around its body.

Just like any other noble demonic creature had, this dark thunder was a special ability of this demonic knight.

And lightning was weak against ice in terms of elementals.

A big smile spread out on my mouth under my mask.

This… was going to be fun.

I flicked my finger and a pure white wand appeared on my palm.

Pointing it towards the bird, I slowly said.

(Ice needles)

Hundreds of small sharp needles of ice shot towards it at a very fast speed.

-KYYYYYYYYYYY!

It screamed again and a purple shield appeared before it.

Though the needles were small, they could definitely pass through its shield.

The opposite effect of the elements was applied here and the bird somewhat knew what was happening.

Changing its tactics, it flew upwards.

High up in the sky, looking down, it somewhat smirked.

Spreading its wings widely, it flapped it in my direction.

Many black feathers with purple lightning covering it shot at a rapid speed.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

The arrow-like big feathers closed on me and my eyes widened in surprise.

(Ice wall)

I quickly created three different ice walls around me and quickly backed down using [Backstep].

Though the ice wall was a (tier-3) spell, using the physical type skill like [Backstep] was easy.

There wasn’t much burden on my mind.

The feathers collided with the icy walls but, they couldn’t pass through them.

With a deep sigh, I looked up at it.

These feathers could have been dangerous just now.

From the way I was draining my Mana, I thought it wouldn’t be long before it was drained.

The bird stopped in the air as if tired.

This was my chance.

I took another step back and took some potions out of my (item box).

Gulping the green and blue potions in one breath, I looked at my other side.

The fight was about to end for them and if this fat bird decided to go after them, it would be MORE dangerous.

The chance I had was enough to end this fight on my side.

“HEY! FAT BIRD!”

I heard the voice filled with authority, and I knew this… was my chance.

The bird looked at the other side without knowing itself.

I gathered a large amount of Mana and pointed my wand at it with a bright smile.

“Goodbye… fat bird.”

Icy blue Mana burst out from the tip of my wand.

[Ice javelin]

One of my strongest attack-type skills was one that was ranked (Yellow).

In total, I had five skills.

The strongest skill I had was (Green) ranked but, it wasn’t appropriate for the fight right now.

Six large spears of ice manifested and shot forward at the confused bird.

Just as the spicks of ice were about to touch it, its focus returned and it created a shield with all of its lightning.

-BOOOOOOOOOM!

The sky shook and shockwaves spread out in the surrounding.

The bird managed to block three of the six arrows but, it screamed in agony as the three remaining javelins stuck it.

One pierced its tough wings on the right, one pierced its neck and the last one pierced its main body.

Black blood sprayed out of those wounds, showering across the whole lack.

The once beautiful lake was now painted in disgusting green and black.

But that… wasn’t important right now.

I ran towards the other side.

Towards… her.

Using this power on such a strong enemy wasn’t something she could have handled after that much fight before.

She over-exerted herself this time.

For her, everything would be spinning right now.

This was normal but I couldn’t see her like that.

“Miss Nolen…”

I reached them and stood beside her.

She was already dizzy as she fell on my shoulder.

Holding her, I took out some potions and slowly poured them into her mouth.

I set down with her as I requested the others.

“Can you all give us some time? You can go back and call others.

Everything here is done.”

The sky was slowly clearing up.

Now that the ‘boss’ fat bird was dead, there was no threat left.

I had already taken out its core so it was truly ‘dead’.

Only, the area was still polluted by the demonic energy.

Well, light potions could help in that matter.

Everyone understood and walked back with a grateful smile.

Leaving the two of us alone.

As there was no one left, I looked around us.

I still didn’t like this heinous-looking place.