Chapter 87

Black Mountain Imp immediately reacted and moved closer to the mulberry picker without showing any emotion. At this moment, the two were walking on the wide port avenue. As long as one wasn't a fool, they wouldn't have the idea of ambushing. The 40-level guards patrolling nearby weren't just for show. Black Mountain Imp knew that the mulberry picker had an outstanding perception attribute and must have noticed something. However, he pretended to look around casually and found nothing unusual.

"Since we left the Temple of Tyr, I've seen them following us all the way," the mulberry picker said, pulling Black Mountain Imp along and running a few steps before ducking into a nearby alley.

"Players?" Black Mountain Imp drew the longsword from his waist, took off his shield, and hid in the shadows. Although tracking in the game is considered a hostile act, it's fine as long as it's done stealthily. Fang Yi often did this kind of thing. However, now that the two were going to find Turner, they had to find a way to deal with the trackers.

"From their attire, they are NPCs, and there are two of them," the mulberry picker said, casting Blessing and Enchant Weapon (which doesn't increase direct damage but enhances destructive power, such as making it easier to penetrate armor) on Black Mountain Imp, then stepping back to stand behind the warrior.

The newcomers were still cautious, even though they had lost their target, they still moved very quietly. However, this couldn't escape the notice of the high-perception priest. The mulberry picker, hearing the footsteps approaching from the other side, gently patted Black Mountain Imp.

The leading warrior was clearly very anxious and rushed straight to the corner. Suddenly, a dark figure darted out from the corner, and the two collided head-on. Two "−1" damage numbers appeared above their heads.

Without giving the other person time to react, Black Mountain Imp thrust the longsword forward. The sword was over three feet long, and the most comfortable distance for a thrust was actually more than two feet away. But at this moment, the other person was completely unprepared, and the opportunity couldn't be missed!

Although it felt a bit awkward, with all his strength, the longsword smoothly pierced the other person's abdomen. The sound of the blade piercing through the chainmail was unbearable. Black Mountain Imp flipped his wrist, not slowing his forward momentum, and turned around, swinging the heavy shield high and directly smashing it into the other person's face.

Black Mountain Imp still held the hilt of the longsword with his right hand, and the numbers representing secondary damage shot up from the warrior's head. The two trackers had already recovered, and the warrior grabbed Black Mountain Imp's arm with one hand while drawing the two-handed greatsword from his back with the other. The lizardman rogue behind him had already drawn two daggers and was preparing to dodge the warrior's shield strike.

But they were destined not to succeed. At this moment, the mulberry picker, hidden in the shadows, had already raised his staff, and a gray-black light flashed at the tip. "Command—Hold!"

Almost simultaneously, the lizardman rogue, who was about to dodge to Black Mountain Imp's side, felt a tightening and loosening sensation. Although it was just a moment, it was enough for the two who were well-coordinated. The lizardman's movement was hindered, and he stumbled, then felt a massive object coming towards him.

A dull "thud" sounded as the agile but frail lizardman rogue was struck in the nose by the steel shield, green blood spraying out over three feet. He let out a strange cry and fell to the ground, entering a dazed state. Black Mountain Imp broke free from the warrior who was trying to grab him with one hand, turned lightly, and as he retreated towards the fallen rogue, the Stomp skill had already covered the ground around the warrior.

The damage from the level 2 Stomp was still low, but the slowing effect had been triggered. Black Mountain Imp's longsword was already swinging towards the rogue's neck, and the warrior hesitated, unsure whether to rescue his teammate or go for the unprotected priest.

Two seconds later, when the warrior made up his mind and charged towards the priest with a 20% speed reduction, the mulberry picker's second spell had already taken shape. The Fear spell's ray accurately hit the charging warrior, whose face immediately turned a sickly green, and he involuntarily ran to the side.

The immobilized rogue was arguably the most fragile creature in "Miracle," especially when the attacker was a strength-based warrior. Black Mountain Imp quickly finished off the rogue in a few moves, then raised his longsword and chased after the warrior who had crashed into the corner. Soon, the warrior, who had recovered, saw the warrior with the longsword dripping with green blood and the elf priest beside him, who had switched to a mace and shield.

"Who sent you?" Black Mountain Imp and the mulberry picker stood on either side, cornering the tracker against the wall. "We don't have time for nonsense. Tell us your purpose, or join your friend!"

The blood from Black Mountain Imp's longsword dripped onto the ground, splattering into scattered bloodstains. The warrior swallowed hard, his face filled with madness. "Betrayal here is more painful than death!" The warrior raised his two-handed greatsword and charged through the gap between the two, only to be met by the steel shield with a small bloodstain and the glowing mace.

"If only real people were as loyal as these, but they're all fakes~" Black Mountain Imp proudly picked up the silver coins dropped by the other and put them in his pocket.

"The power of faith always exceeds our imagination, whether it's for good or evil. Don't be careless, Xiaoyao. These are just some small-time thugs, but we don't know which faction they belong to," the mulberry picker reminded Black Mountain Imp while hanging the white wooden shield on his back. "There might be more fights ahead. Check the potions in your belt."

The two quickly left the battle site, found a place to tidy up their gear, and then reappeared on the main road.

The southwest corner of West Gate was a slum, and the straight Oak Street was the main thoroughfare of the slum. However, the low shacks on both sides and the ragged residents made it impossible to associate this place with the wealthy main street, Wart Hog Avenue, on the east side of the city.

Every newcomer to West Gate was a bit uncomfortable with the name of the city's most prosperous street, but it wouldn't be long before the name Wart Hog Avenue became a symbol of status and wealth in their hearts, just as Oak Street symbolized poverty and chaos.

The mulberry picker and Black Mountain Imp walked on the uneven stone street, avoiding the dirty stains on the ground. The residents on both sides secretly watched the two strangers, trying to hide their figures in the shadows. The mulberry picker understood why; the fine weapons and intricately crafted adventurer's gear were too valuable for the people living here—strangers in the slums meant danger.

Black Mountain Imp frowned as he observed the dilapidated houses, feeling a bit heartache. At this moment, the figure of a begging little boy caught his eye. The small, thin body sat on the cold stone, staring blankly at the two strangers on the street.