"Waaaaaah!"
Malu screamed in terror and bolted.
The Lion Ape swung its massive hand down, smashing it into the ground. Earth and stones flew everywhere, and shattered rocks rained down on Malu like a torrential downpour. By chance, a round stone landed right beneath her foot.
"Eek!"
Her foot slipped, and she was about to fall flat on her face, but with an extreme maneuver, she somehow maintained her balance in an awkward pose.
The price was that the Ring of Affection flew from her hand!
"Oh no!"
Malu turned to grab the ring, but the Lion Ape was no slouch either. It leaped into the air and came crashing down at her with a furious roar!
"Mage Hand!"
At that critical moment, a phantom hand grabbed her body and yanked her out of the attack's range.
The Lion Ape's full weight slammed down. The earth shook and the mountains seemed to split apart. Even the surrounding trees toppled at the impact, crushing several unlucky monkeys beneath them.
"Th-thank you, Delu." Malu let out a long breath, steadied herself, and drew her twin blades from her waist, assuming a combat stance.
"Be careful." Delu gave a simple warning, gripping his staff with both hands as he began chanting.
"So this is the troop's leader?" Leon confidently brushed back his hair, his dazzling golden locks gleaming.
The Lion Ape looked utterly ferocious. Its white fur stood on end with fighting spirit, while the broadsword lodged in its neck gave it an even more demonic air.
He raised his sword and pointed it at the Lion Ape. "Everyone, go!"
"Low Rank Exhilaration Spell."
"Low Rank Fortification Spell."
"Flame Attachment."
"Mid Rank Sharpness Enhancement."
"Mid Rank Stonewall Defense."
"You've all been strengthened. Get them!"
One buffing spell after another flashed across their bodies.