Chapter 67: Nobel Prize-Winning Insight

POV Eliza

In the evening there was a longer meeting for further planning.

“We next encounter a combination of mummies and lichs. The mummies aren't a problem for us, but the lichs present us with greater challenges than we thought. If the mummies are standing in front of it as shields, we need a better plan.” <Cornelius>

“Those lousy wizards. They don’t hold still when I want to hit them.” <Ansgar>

“Hmm, there’s little we can do against these fact. We have to take it on.” <Javier>

“What magic spells do you have? Do you have any stronger spells like fire?” <Cornelius>

“Hmmm, just the fireball, but it has explosive area damage and hits you too. If only I could see her sooner. The range of the spells is greater than my radius of vision.” <Javier>

“Can’t you just throw a fireball into the darkness? Then we’ll see the monsters.” <Ansgar>

“Hmm, but if I don’t hit anything then it was a costly failed attempt.” <Javier>

“Is there no other spell that can help us? “<Ansgar>

“Can’t Liss do a useful spell. She also sees the monsters in front of us better than you.” <Eleonore>

"No I haven't. I’m not a magician either.” <Eliza>

“Then Javier has to cast the spell. Unless there is something better in light magic.” <Cornelius>

“Unfortunately no, Corni. I'll take care of it when we get back to Lightburgh." <Eleonore>

I nodded, even though I had my doubts about the plan. I was afraid that when Javier threw the fireball, all the monsters in the area of ​​effect would activate at the same time. Then they came in a horde, but if the heroes wanted it that way, that's how they got it. Eleonore’s comment was also interesting. She never got involved in the discussion, but as soon as it concerned me, she didn't stay quiet. She hid her disapproval of me less and less.

Using this tactic, we entered the dungeon again the next day and quickly reached the exit to floor 10. There we saw the same picture of a natural cave again. On the first group of monsters I discovered, Javier cast a fireball. There was a mummy and a lich. After that I left the two monsters to the others. Since there were only two of them, they were quickly defeated. While Cornelius fought the mummy, Ansgar sprinted towards the Lich. We did the same with the next group of monsters. As soon as I spotted them, Javier cast a fireball in that direction. After we defeated a few groups of monsters in this way, I turned to the others.

“I find it strange that there are no individual monsters here. Groups only. Therefore, I fear that with this tactic we will quickly run out of mana.” <Eliza>

“Is that true, Javier? Is your mana running low?” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, not yet, but I’m holding back and otherwise don’t do any magic. But if in doubt, we still have mana potions.” <Javier>

“You heard it. We have everything under control.” <Eleonore>

“Very well, noble heroes.” <Eliza>

I bowed my head and otherwise refrained from commenting. I didn't feel like dealing with Eleonore's hostility.

Then we came to the first cave. Here Javier cast a fireball again and activated a larger number of monsters. As soon as the two melee fighters had engaged the 5 mummies in combat, I ran past them and onto the first of 6 lichs at the far left. I felt myself being hit by several spells, including from behind again. So Eleonore targeted me again. Damn witch.

This fight lasted significantly longer than all previous fights. While I focused on the lichs from the left edge, Javier and Eleonore either cast spells on the other lichs or on me and the other two tried to defeat the mummies as quickly as possible. Since it was a large cave, there were also many monsters present. We defeated them but suffered major injuries. I also only had a third of my HP left, so we were forced to retreat for the time being. Cornelius immediately called an emergency meeting. You could tell he was annoyed and frustrated with the outcome of the last fight. The tactic he came up with doesn't work very well with larger groups of monsters.

“I want to know why we performed so bad. I want to have an assessment from everyone. Ansgar, you start.” <Cornelius>

“The mummies were tough and I had too many at once. That's why they were able to score a lot of hits. I couldn’t reach the stupid Lichs because of them.” <Ansgar>

“So you had too many opponents at once and you didn’t have enough distraction. I see. We will work on better coordination and the right distractions. What about you, Javier?” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, I can only use fire arrows against the mummies since I would hit you with the fireball too. Nothing has changed since the last meeting. That's why I could hardly take care of the lichs." <Javier>

"Eli?" <Cornelius>

“I have no problems.” <Eleonore>

I thought that was a rumor and a total understatement. In addition, this statement did not help us. You really didn't have anything in your head that was worth thinking about.

“No one said that either, Eli. Liss?” <Cornelius>

“There aren't many clues you could give me, but there were at least some. We agree that we need to work together even better.” <Cornelius>

You deserved the Nobel Prize for this insight, leader.

“Our biggest problem is visibility. The fireball is not a reliable solution. Eli, isn't there a light spell that illuminates a larger area?" <Cornelius>

“Yes, there is. I learned it freshly.” <Eleonore>

Really now? Then why hadn't you used it long ago? And couldn't you do it in our fight?

“Then use this soon. This way we can recognize more monsters and are better prepared.” <Cornelius>

I wasn't sure yet whether that would save us. And you were way too lenient with Eleonore. I suspected that this would cause other problems. And I was right, as will be shown the next day.