A few of them managed to break through, and suddenly, the path ahead cleared.
There hadn't been many goblins blocking the corridor in the first place—Galen Skylar sliced through them with several clean, decisive strikes.
After a tense while, they emerged from the narrow tunnel and found themselves back on open ground.
But it wasn't the same desert as before.
Instead, it was a vast plain.
"Did we go back?"
The group looked around, puzzled—until they spotted the crude thatched huts, the tattered red and green cloths tied to wooden posts, and the smoldering bonfires flanking a high sacrificial platform ahead.
A pungent, musky odor drifted through the air.
"…The goblin stronghold," Luceris muttered, her expression darkening as she instinctively shifted into a battle stance.
Galen and Celene Sirra both tensed as well, sharp senses picking up the thick malice hanging in the air.
Low growls and high-pitched laughter echoed from the brush. Blood-red eyes blinked open in the shadows.
From within the huts, goblins emerged—dozens of them—bearing crude weapons and snarling as they slowly closed in.
[Goblin]Level: 15–18
[Goblin Pitcher]Level: 18–20
[Goblin Cavalry]Level: 25–35
[Goblin General]Level: 40
It was a fully organized goblin warband—short-range, long-range, cavalry, even a commanding general.
Unlike most beasts, goblins were cunning, hierarchical, and capable of coordinated assault. For new adventurers, they were a nightmare.
"Battle positions," Galen growled, muscles coiled like a spring.
She would lead the assault, while Celene protected Luceris and carved out a safe space for ranged output.
"Momo! Time to let those arrows fly!"
There was no need for strategy briefings—they already understood each other instinctively.
Without waiting for the enemy to strike, Galen lunged forward, claws gleaming.
Splat!
A single sweep from her battle-enhanced form—a level 47 shapeshifter—left a trail of decapitated goblins in her wake.
The goblins howled and surged in retaliation, a wave of at least sixty or seventy creatures flooding toward them in a terrifying rush.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
From the rear lines, goblin pitchers hurled stones and javelins.
But none reached their target—Celene, her shield raised high, tanked the barrage without flinching.
Her timing and placement were perfect.
Observers outside the dungeon began to take notice.
On one viewing platform, Xia Nan, elegant in her cheongsam, frowned slightly."Three girls up against a goblin stronghold? That's cutting it close."
Rober Judge squinted at the screen."Their synergy is solid. One disrupts the enemy formation, the other forms a near-impenetrable defense..."
He paused. "If the long-haired girl is a mage or archer, they might just pull this off."
An elderly scholar stroked his beard thoughtfully."She's not afraid. In fact, she seems... excited?"
Solenne Virel nodded."The one with the shield's got potential. Good instincts, excellent stat distribution. When she's out, we're inviting her to VeldAcademy."
Juann' Vela, the demon warrior, chuckled."The shapeshifter is interesting. Reminds me of my own path. Fast, fierce, ruthless—definitely experienced in real combat. Our Demon War Guild would welcome her."
Around them, the other professionals exchanged glances—but said nothing more.
Back in the square, the crowd had grown noisy, fully engrossed in the battle.
Inside the instance—
Galen fought like a storm given form. Goblins scattered before her like autumn leaves.
But even she couldn't hold off every direction.
The surviving goblins quickly reassigned their aggro toward Celene and Luceris.
Celene stood firm, unmoving as a mountain. Attacks rained down on her, yet she didn't retreat an inch.
"I'll act now too…"
Luceris stepped forward, the system's mental interface shimmering.
A burst of radiant light enveloped her as Elysia's Dimensional Battlewear materialized.
The darkness lit up in an instant.
For a moment, the entire battlefield paused—goblins included.
"What… what's that?"
"Light Mage? No—the aura's wrong. Why is the glow pink?"
"What a stunning transformation. What kind of class is this?"
Everyone watching was mesmerized.
Luceris's figure transformed before their eyes—her silhouette, hair, eyes, even her ears shifted, replicating Alicia's form flawlessly.
Her hair was a soft cascade of rose gold, tied neatly behind her. Her uniform shimmered with magical flow. Wind fluttered the hem of her cloak like wings.
There was grace and power in every detail—a stunning beauty crowned by war.
Even hardened warriors watching were left speechless.
"Elf? Goblin? What in the world…?"
The viewing stands were filled with silent awe.
Someone whispered, "Is this some kind of variant demon class like Zhu Hao's?"
Zhu Hao shook his head."No. The demon class transforms through internal corruption. This is… different. Clean. Stronger."
"And the mana surge around her—after the transformation, it tripled."
"This class is insane…"
Back in the stronghold—
Celene turned in shock."Luceris?!"
She almost dropped her shield in disbelief.
Even Galen, mid-slash, froze for a beat."...Huh?"
Luceris ignored their reactions.
She turned her palm upward, and Past-Flown Blossoms appeared, its crystalline body pulsing with energy.
Mana gathered rapidly as she drew back her bow. Arrows of pure crystal formed midair.
She loosed the first volley without hesitation.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!
The arrows rained down, piercing goblin after goblin, each impact blooming with magical petals and explosive bursts of force.
The crystal seed mechanic activated in succession—every shot stacking blossoms until they detonated in an area-wide burst.
In seconds, half the goblin throwers were reduced to silence.
The rest stared, paralyzed in terror.
"I-I take it back," someone gasped outside."You call this an archery class could do?!"