"Waaaah!"
Maru screamed in terror and took off running.
The Lion Ape swung its massive hand and slammed it into the ground. Earth and stone flew everywhere, and shattered rocks rained down on Maru like a downpour. By sheer coincidence, a round stone landed right beneath her foot.
"Aah!"
Her foot slipped, and she was about to fall flat on her face, but with an extreme maneuver, she somehow maintained her balance in a bizarre pose.
The price was that the Beloved Ring flew from her hand!
"Oh no!"
Maru turned to grab the ring, but the Lion Ape was no slouch either. It leaped into the air and came crashing down toward her with a savage roar!
"[Mage Hand]!"
At that critical moment, an illusory giant hand seized her and violently yanked her out of the attack's range.
The Lion Ape's full weight crashed down. The ground shook, the earth split, and even the surrounding trees fell over from the impact. Some unlucky monkeys were crushed alive beneath them.
"Th-thank you, Dru." Maru let out a long breath, steadied herself, and drew the twin blades from her waist, assuming a fighting stance.
"Be careful." Dru gave a brief warning, gripping his staff with both hands as he muttered an incantation.
"So this was the monkey troop's leader?" Leon confidently brushed back his hair, his brilliant golden locks gleaming.
The Lion Ape looked vicious and menacing, its white fur standing on end from battle lust. The large blade lodged in its neck only added to its demonic aura.
He raised his sword toward the Lion Ape and declared spiritedly, "Let's go, everyone!"
"[Lesser Inspiring Spell]"
"[Lesser Fortification Spell]"
"[Flame Enchantment]"
"[Intermediate Sharpness Enhancement]"
"[Intermediate Stone Defense]"
"You've been strengthened. Get in there!"
One buffing spell after another flashed over them.