Chapter 201: Too Loud, Too Late
The others had noticed too.
Of course they had.
The explosion alone made sure of that.
When the fire spears went off, every eye turned.
And what they saw..
Was the wolf dropping like it never stood a chance.
Two D rank monsters.
Gone.
Just like that.
Arthur stretched his arms lightly, then let out a fake yawn.
"Are you guys done yet?"
Torren stared at him.
"...Seriously?"
Arthur smirked.
"You’re taking too long."
Selene almost laughed.
Almost.
Ryn didn’t.
But there was a small smirk on his face as he focused on his fight.
"Focus."
Arthur raised his hands slightly.
"Alright, alright."
But his eyes stayed sharp.
Watching.
Ryn moved differently.
Not flashy.
Not overwhelming.
But steady.
His fight looked almost relaxed.
Like he was in control from the start.
The wolf circled him, snapping, testing.
Ryn didn’t rush.
He stepped back when needed, then forward when it overcommitted.
Each movement had a reason.
Each strike had intent.
It looked simple.
But it wasn’t.
Arthur watched for a second, then nodded to himself.
The wolf lunged again.
Ryn sidestepped.
His blade came out in a smooth arc.
SHHK!
The cut landed deep.
The wolf staggered.
That was it.
Ryn didn’t drag it out.
He stepped in once more and ended it.
Quick and precise.
"...Next time, keep up," he said sarcastically without looking at Arthur.
Arthur laughed.
"I was waiting for you."
"Sure."
On the other side, Torren was still holding.
Two wolves this time.
They moved around him, trying to find an opening.
But he didn’t give them one.
His shield stayed firm.
His stance didn’t break.
Althea’s buffs wrapped around him again and again, keeping him steady.
"You’re good," she said.
Torren grinned.
"I know."
One wolf lunged.
BANG!
It slammed into his shield.
The other tried to flank.
He turned just enough to block both angles.
"Not happening."
That gave Selene all the space she needed.
She drew her bow.
Calm and focused.
Her eyes locked onto the target.
Then..
TWANG!
The arrow flew.
Straight.
Fast.
It pierced the wolf’s neck cleanly.
THUNK!
It dropped instantly.
Torren let out a breath.
"One left."
Selene nodded.
"I’ve got it."
This one didn’t go down as fast.
The last wolf was more cautious.
It moved differently.
Dodging.
Shifting.
Trying to avoid her shots.
But Selene didn’t rush.
She adjusted. Changing angles.
Her arrows came one after another.
Not all meant to kill.
Some to pressure.
Some to guide its movement.
Arthur watched with interest.
She’s controlling it.
The wolf tried to escape the pattern..
Then one arrow clipped its leg.
It faltered.
Another hit its side.
Then one more..
Right through the throat as the wolf dropped.
Silence followed again.
Short and heavy.
Then Torren lowered his shield.
"...We’re getting used to this."
Selene exhaled.
"Don’t say that."
Arthur chuckled.
"Say it. Makes it more fun."
Althea shook her head.
"You’re the only one having fun."
Arthur didn’t deny it.
"...Maybe."
Then Nox spoke.
Her voice was calm, but there was something under it.
"Arthur."
He looked at her.
"Yeah?"
She hesitated for a second.
"...Be careful with that last attack."
Arthur blinked.
"The explosion?"
She nodded.
"It was loud."
Torren added, "Way too loud."
Selene crossed her arms slightly.
"We’re trying not to attract everything in the dungeon."
Arthur looked around once, then scratched his head lightly.
"...Fair."
He didn’t argue.
Didn’t brush it off.
Because they were right.
These weren’t normal wolves.
They moved in packs and they tracked.
If that explosion carried..
Then more could come.
Arthur exhaled.
"Alright. I’ll keep it quieter."
Althea looked a bit surprised at how easily he agreed.
"You’re not going to argue?"
Arthur shrugged.
"That’s not going to help the mission."
Simple. And true.
Because even if he could handle more..
That wasn’t the goal.
They weren’t here to clear the dungeon.
They were here to find the cause.
Arthur’s eyes dimmed slightly at that thought.
Still...
He wouldn’t mind more fights.
More chances.
More...
He glanced at something only he could see.
The faint interface carried a quiet confirmation.
Intent Points gained.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
Not bad.
Every fight mattered.
Every kill counted.
But..
He looked ahead again.
Not at the cost of the team.
He wasn’t reckless.
Not like that..
Ryn’s voice cut in.
"Wrap it up."
Arthur blinked once, then nodded.
"Right."
They moved quickly.
No wasted time.
Arthur crouched beside one of the wolves, cutting out the core parts they needed.
Clean. Efficient.
He tossed them over to Ryn without looking.
"Here."
Ryn caught them and distributed without hesitation.
Everyone got their share.
Fair
Once they were done, Nox stepped forward again.
Back into position.
Back into focus.
Arthur watched her for a second.
"...You good?"
She nodded.
"I’m fine."
He held her gaze for a moment longer, then smiled slightly.
"Alright. Lead the way."
She turned without another word and moved ahead.
Silent.
Fast.
The rest followed.
They didn’t move immediately.
They waited.
That was the pattern.
Scout first. Then they moved after.
Arthur leaned lightly against a tree, his senses stretching outward.
Listening.
Feeling.
The dungeon felt worse now.
Not just wrong.
Active.
Like something was shifting beneath it.
He frowned slightly.
Yeah... something’s off.
Then..
A sound.
Faint at first.
Then clearer.
Footsteps.
Fast.
Arthur’s head snapped up.
"...Nox?"
The next second..
She appeared.
Faster than before.
Way faster.
Her breathing was uneven.
Her eyes sharp.
"Get ready!"
That was all she said.
But it was enough.
Arthur straightened immediately.
His dagger was already in his hand.
Torren raised his shield.
Selene reached for her bow.
Althea’s hands lifted, ready to cast.
Ryn stepped forward.
"What is it?"
Nox didn’t slow down until she reached them.
"...They’re coming."
Arthur’s eyes narrowed.
"How many?"
She swallowed.
"...Too many."
Silence followed.
Heavy. Real.
Arthur felt it settle in his chest.
Then..
A small smile formed.
Not wide or careless.
Just..
Ready.
"...Calm" he muttered.
And this time..
No one told him to keep it quiet.