The moment enemy movement around the expedition team was confirmed, weapons came out across the formation.
Skills flashed along the front line before anyone had time to breathe, and the clash of weapons spread through the ranks like wildfire.
Because of their low levels, Martin and his party had been placed near the back.
Even there, danger waited behind the trees and inside the shifting shadows. The neutral-zone forest shook with every hidden cast, leaves scattering whenever stray mana brushed the branches.
Martin heard a rustle to the side, followed by the sharp snap of branches, and a heartbeat later, the enemies released a volley of magic and arrows.
Every projectile shot straight toward Night Espresso Guild's weakest members.
The projectiles never reached the vulnerable classes. Tanks shifted into place before the back line could panic, shields rising in a practiced wall.
