Chapter 20 – The Crimson Campfire
Chapter 20 – The Crimson Campfire
Tyler, Milo, and Vitamin Ape ventured into the depths of Yandi Forest, the air thick with humidity and distant crackles of residual magic. Tyler had equipped his reinforced titanium gear, choosing the twinswords over the heavier claymore. Their sleekness fit his style — agile and lethal. He felt stronger than ever, ready to take on the threats ahead. But one thing surprised him more than the looming threat of the Storm Wizards.
Vitamin Ape’s level.
[Temporary Companion: Vitamin Ape, Level 100]
“Wait… you are level 100?” Tyler asked, staring at the stat display hovering near his companion.
Vitamin Ape gave a calm nod, his voice steady. “I don’t go around flaunting it. But this forest is my home. I’ve lived here for decades. I’ll protect it— no matter what.”
Tyler muttered, “Level 100… damn. That’s the highest I’ve seen so far.”
He was impressed, but also worried. Would this ape-shaped juggernaut absorb all the experience from the fight? But on the other hand, Tyler was equally curious. What did level 100 combat even look like?
[Entering Enemy Field: Storm Wizard Camp]
They reached the outskirts of a clearing ringed by towering blackwood trees. In the centre lay the Storm Wizard camp.
There were six Storm Wizards, ranging from level 60 to 64. All of them wore bright crimson robes and identical red cone-shaped hats — known famously as Storm Wizard Hats. They stood around a massive circular formation of stone pillars, carving ancient symbols into them with glowing runes. At the centre sat a meditating Storm Wizard Elder, whose sheer aura radiated an oppressive heat. He was level 80.
Tyler narrowed his eyes. “They’re distracted. If we pick one off, quick and clean, we can retreat before the others react.”
With that, Tyler crept toward a Storm Wizard who had wandered farther from the others. It should’ve been easy. Quick hit, back away. That was the plan.
But as he leapt forward—
“Fireball!”
Six voices rang out in unison. Six spheres of burning red light streaked toward him.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Each fireball collided against his armour. Tyler felt his body sear as the damage notifications flashed before him.
[-300 HP]
“Damn it!” Tyler gasped, retreating rapidly behind cover. “If I was still wearing that old metal gear, I’d be toast!”
Milo ducked next to him, panting. “We can’t afford to mess up like that again. We need a plan.”
“I know that!” Tyler snapped. But truthfully, he had nothing.
This story originates from NovelFire. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Vitamin Ape stepped forward. “I can take a few hits. I’ll distract one, maybe kill them fast.”
“No,” Tyler shook his head. “You’ll only get one shot before they blast you. We need something smarter.”
Then it clicked.
“What if… they couldn’t cast?” Tyler looked up, eyes narrowing. “What if we just stopped them from using magic altogether?”
He turned to Milo. “My spider web skill— maybe if I bind them, they can’t move or chant. Worth a shot.”
Milo nodded. “And the Elder?”
Tyler sighed. “That’s on you. You’ll shield Vitamin Ape if the elder attacks. Freeze core might stall him.”
It was risky. But that was the plan.
Tyler equipped his Black Wizard Hat, boosting his PE pool to 38. Five webs. That’s what he needed.
With swift movements, he cast [Spider Web] five times, targeting the nearest Storm Wizards. Magical strands lashed out, binding them where they stood.
Vitamin Ape charged at the sixth wizard. As expected, the wizard hurled a fireball.
BOOM!
It hit — but the ape barely flinched. He roared and lifted his hammer.
But just then, the Storm Wizard Elder opened his eyes.
He raised both hands.
A gigantic fireball formed — twice the size of the others.
“Milo! Now!”
Milo jumped in front and activated [Absolute Defence].
But the fireball exploded against him—
[-125 HP]
It had pierced through the skill.
“Milo!” Tyler cried, but he couldn’t move. His job was to hold the bindings. He prepped his charm bombs just in case the wizards broke free.
Milo, wounded, gritted his teeth and activated [Freeze Core]. A wave of frost surrounded the Elder, slowing him.
Tyler looked at Milo, guilt sinking in. Maybe I should’ve given him the titanium gear earlier… if he dies because of this…
Vitamin Ape, meanwhile, ignored the burns and swung his [Celestial Smith’s Hammer]. Fire licked his fur, but he pressed on. The hammer began to glow faintly.
He raised it high and with a bellowing roar—
BAM!
A blinding flash of light. The storm wizard was obliterated.
Tyler gave the signal. They retreated and regrouped.
The plan was repeated. Spider webs again, same coordination. The second wizard fell. Then the third. They were making progress. Milo managed to use [Freeze Core] perfectly to interrupt the Elder’s spells.
But when Milo jumped in front of a fireball aimed at Tyler, Tyler grew angry.
“You idiot!” he shouted. “I can take a hit. You can’t. Start levelling up, damn it!”
Fourth wizard down.
Now two left.
Tyler equipped his Reinforced Titanium Helmet, restoring his PE. He joined the frontline. Milo and he would hold the Elder in check. Vitamin Ape and Tyler each faced one wizard directly.
It worked. Tyler used [Forcepush] and [Sprint] in combination, slashing with his twinswords.
The fifth and sixth Storm Wizards fell.
[Level Up! Tyler Level 65 → 66]
[Attribute Points: +1]
Only the Elder remained.
Tyler clenched his fists. “This one’s mine.”
He activated [Sprint], dashing forward. As the Elder began casting, Tyler used [Screech].
The wizard staggered. Fireball missed.
Tyler closed in, dodging another barrage — just barely. Screech had thrown off the Elder’s aim. The fireballs were now landing around him, but never on target.
But the effect wore off.
BOOM!
[-125 HP]
Tyler gritted his teeth and attacked relentlessly with his twin swords. Another fireball hit.
He swapped to his Claymore, activated [Rage], and slashed.
SLASHHH!
The Storm Wizard Elder was sliced in half.
But in his death, his body ignited.
KA-BOOOOM!
A fire explosion knocked Tyler backward. Flames consumed him.
[Level Up! Tyler Level 66 → 67]
[Attribute Points: +1]
[HP Restored]
The fire fizzled.
[Acquired Item: Storm Wizard’s Hat (PE +75%)]
[Quest Completed: Dark and Forgotten Magic]
[Acquired Runestone — Fireball]
[Skill: Fireball]
[Shoot a fireball toward a target, dealing 50 burning damage. PE Cost: 10]
Tyler stood, breathing heavily.
“That… was not fun.”
Milo leaned on his staff. “You say that, but you’ve got that look again.”
Tyler smirked. “What look?”
“The one before you do something stupid and charge at a stronger mob.”
Vitamin Ape chuckled. “You’ll both get stronger. But for now, rest.”
Tyler looked at the glowing runestone in his hand. Fire danced on his palm.
“Yeah… one step closer.”