"The only way to beat this monster is by using brute strength," Nox explained. Because of his brief encounter with the dreadfiend tyrant, he felt that he was the most knowledgeable person here.
The others thought the same. After seeing what he had done on the battlefield some minutes ago, nobody present doubted his leadership and simply listened with rapt attention.
"My sword counts as brute strength, right?" Theo asked, retrieving his jewel-encrusted sword. The blade gleamed dangerously, as if eager to drink the blood of its enemies.
Nox had never paid much attention to Theo, but from their few encounters on the battlefield, he had learned that the swordsman was very powerful. His level 55 wasn't just a number but held profound power behind it.
Nox had noticed that Theo never struggled against any of the emperor-ranked beasts. This was evident just from the luxurious appearance of his armor.
While the others were dyed with black and red blood, Theo remained spotlessly clean, as if he had never participated in the fight—like a bystander. If not for his cheat, Nox honestly didn't know who would come out on top if they were to battle.
That said, Nox figured that Theo Fanum would be one of the key players in this fight.
"Yes, your sword could be counted as brute strength," Nox responded to Theo. His gaze then settled on Kali.
"You… you're a berserker, right?" he asked.
Kali raised an eyebrow, not expecting Nox to talk to him at all. In fact, this was the first time they were speaking , and for some reason, he felt slightly nervous.
If it were back when he still considered Zara the strongest student in the special class, he would've been relatively calm.
However, after witnessing Nox's formidable power, he just couldn't look at him the same way anymore.
"Y-yes… I'm a berserker," Kali managed to stutter after a moment.
"Good." Nox nodded. "You'll join me at the front."
"T-the front?" Kali's eyes widened, his pupils trembling as he pointed at the massive boss monster. "We're going to fight that thing… a legendary-tier beast… at close range?"
Nox glanced at the boss monster.
The creature stared back with an arrogant look on its face, not even bothering to attack. It flexed its twin rune-etched axes as if daring them to make a move.
"Yes, we'll face it at close range."
"Count me in, kiddo!" Luthier slammed his hand on Nox's shoulder, hard enough to send pain spiking through his arm.
"I doubt you'll know my class," Luthier said. "It's called Iron Legion Commander. It's a military-type class that specializes in commanding and enhancing the strength of a small, elite unit. I can bolster our defenses and coordinate our attacks, making us more effective in close combat. Plus, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that'll make that overgrown lizard think twice before swinging those rune-etched axes around."
As he said this, he gently tapped his armor, causing it to glow faintly. It was clear that the trick was related to his equipment.
Nox nodded, appreciating Luthier's confidence and expertise. "Good. We'll need your coordination to keep this fight tight. Kali, you'll be our main damage dealer up front. Your berserker rage should be able to chip away at its health, especially if we can keep it distracted."
He paused, glancing at the rest of the group—specifically Zara, Glen, Blake, Nyx, and some female soldiers wearing robes that marked them as healers.
"The rest of you, focus on support. Healers, keep us alive. Zara, use your ice skills to freeze it when you can. Glen, from your sword, I take it your class is related to the warrior class. Even though it can heal itself, I want you to aim for its weak points—eyes, joints, anything that looks vulnerable."
Glen didn't speak for some reason and only nodded.
Nox then returned his focus to the others. "Nyx, your attacks are energy-based."
"I know," Nyx said through gritted teeth, irritated by the obvious statement.
As a paladin, all of Nyx's attacks were infused with holy energy, which would only empower the boss monster further.
"I'll just assist you guys with my barriers and holy shields," she added.
Nox nodded, then looked at everyone and said in a firm voice, "And for the love of the gods, don't let it flank us. If it breaks our formation, we're done for."
The group murmured in agreement, their earlier uncertainty replaced by a steely resolve. They had seen Nox's leadership in action, and now, with a clear plan, they felt a glimmer of hope against the dreadfiend tyrant.
"This kid… he's really exceptional," Luthier muttered, his eyes gleaming with admiration at how Nox had taken control without debate or opposition.
Kali, still visibly nervous, clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Alright… I'll do my part. But if things go south, don't expect me to hold back. Once I'm in berserker mode, I can't guarantee I'll be able to tell friend from foe."
Nox gave him a grim smile. "Understood. Just make sure you save that rage for the boss. We'll handle the rest."
Theo twirled his jewel-encrusted sword, the blade humming with latent power. "Let's not waste any more time. That thing's looking at us like we're its next meal. I'd rather not be on the menu."
Luthier chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "Agreed. Let's show this overgrown lizard what happens when it messes with the wrong group."
Nox turned to face the dreadfiend tyrant, his expression hardening. The beast loomed in the distance, its massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield. Its twin axes gleamed with an otherworldly light, and its eyes burned with a predatory gleam. It was a force of nature—a living embodiment of destruction. But Nox knew they had no choice. They had to face it head-on.
"Alright, everyone," Nox said, his voice steady and commanding. "Form up. Kali, Theo, Luthier—with me. The rest of you, stay behind us and follow the plan. Remember, this isn't about glory. It's about dealing with this thing as quickly as possible. I have somewhere to be and things to do!"
"Tsk. So it's all about you, selfish bastard," Blake chuckled playfully.
The group fell into formation. Kali stepped up beside Nox, his breathing heavy but controlled. Theo took his place on the other side, his sword held at the ready. Luthier positioned himself slightly behind them, alongside Lutton and Glen.
As they advanced, the dreadfiend tyrant let out a deafening roar, its voice shaking the ground beneath their feet. It raised its axes, the runes on the blades glowing brighter as it prepared to strike.
Nox tightened his grip on his weapon, his mind focused and clear. "Here it comes. Brace yourselves!"
The beast charged, its massive form barreling toward them with terrifying speed. The battle had begun, and there was no turning back.
However before they clashed, Nox paused in his step, a smirk tugged at the side of his lips. "System did you record that skill?"