Chapter 31: Life Force

"Well done, Robin!" Fitz Knight's voice came from the other side of the battlefield, his long spear tracing a pale‑blue arc in the air, striking at the Earth‑Raging Bear's left leg joint.

Although the Earth‑Raging Bear was wounded, its ferocity did not lessen; its massive paw slammed down onto the ground, instantly cracking several bottomless fissures, rocks spouting up like a fountain from below, trying to block the knights' assault.

"Don't give it a chance to breathe!" Damia Great Knight Leader shouted, the Ashen Messenger swung again, golden Life Force turned into a massive light blade, cleaving straight into the Earth‑Raging Bear's chest.

Xiaoduo's tower shield plunged into the ground, LiuLingGuangMu rose again, blocking the Earth‑Raging Bear's counterattack.

Malizi Knight's long‑awaited strike split a huge gash in the rock armor on the Earth‑Raging Bear's back.

This time, the lava fluid oozing from the wound failed to heal quickly, and the Earth‑Raging Bear's movements became noticeably slower.

Robin stood on the wall, his gaze fixed on the Earth‑Raging Bear's movements.

The beast's Life Force was extremely tenacious; they had to seize every chance to deliver a killing blow.

He quickly drew his bow to full tension, the arrow again aimed at the Earth‑Raging Bear's left eye.

"Lily, Eric, cover me!" Robin whispered, his voice carrying undeniable resolve.

The archery technique he had just grasped required a long charge time, making it easy to be attacked by the beasts on the mountain wall.

Lily and Eric immediately understood, both guarding Robin's side, blocking any attacks that might approach.

"Swoosh—"

Robin's arrow left the string again, bearing a tawny glow straight toward the Earth‑Raging Bear's left eye.

This time, the arrow's speed was faster, its power stronger, like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

"Puff!"

The arrow struck the target precisely, piercing the Earth‑Raging Bear's left eye.

The intense pain drove the Earth‑Raging Bear into a frenzy; it raised its head and let out a mournful roar, its massive body shaking violently, as if it could collapse at any moment.

"Now!" Damia Great Knight Leader shouted, the Ashen Messenger, with a mountain‑splitting force, slashed at the Earth‑Raging Bear's neck.

Fitz Knight's long spear, Xiaoduo's tower shield, the Kaiyin brothers' chain maces and battle axes, and Malizi's one‑handed cross sword— the six knights' attacks struck the Earth‑Raging Bear's vital points simultaneously.

The Earth‑Raging Bear's roar abruptly ceased, its massive body crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The battlefield fell into a brief silence, then erupted with thunderous cheers.

Soldiers on the wall raised their weapons, celebrating the hard‑won victory.

Robin let out a long sigh, slowly lowering his powerful bow; his body was already exhausted, the Life Force within him completely drained— not even a third arrow, let alone normal combat, was possible.

Robin slumped in a corner of the tower, his muscles feeling as if all strength had been sucked out, even raising his arm proved unusually difficult.

His breathing was rapid, fine beads of sweat covered his forehead, and the powerful bow in his hands hung limp beside him.

Nevertheless, his eyes remained bright, carrying a hint of unhidden excitement.

Damia Great Knight Leader walked over, crouched, and carefully examined his condition, then showed a satisfied smile: "Not bad. Though you're severely fatigued, you haven't sustained any serious injuries. A few days' rest will restore you."

He patted Robin's shoulder, his tone unreservedly admiring: "I haven't seen a Knight Level archer in many years; I didn't expect someone so young to already know how to condense Life Force onto an arrow to boost its power. This talent isn't something everyone possesses."

Robin forced a slight smile, saying, "Thank you for the praise, Grand Knight Leader, I just… did my best."

As Damia Great Knight Leader finished speaking, many veteran knight apprentices nearby turned their gazes toward Robin.

Their eyes held complex emotions—surprise, envy, and even a trace of subtle jealousy.

Knight Level archers are exceedingly rare throughout Winston City, and Robin, a newly emerging youth, had already reached that level.

"Knight Level archer… how old is he?" a knight apprentice muttered low, his tone incredulous.

"I heard he was just a regular militia member before; I didn't expect him to advance to this level in just a few months," another replied, his eyes full of mixed feelings.

Robin ignored the gazes, his attention fully focused on Damia Great Knight Leader's words.

Condensing Life Force onto an arrow is a technique he discovered after upgrading his system's archery to the first level; he didn't expect the Grand Knight Leader to see through it at a glance.

"Grand Knight Leader, how did you discern that?" Robin asked curiously.

Damia smiled, pointing at the arrow that pierced the Earth‑Raging Bear's right eye: "An ordinary arrow, even if it hits the bear's eye, couldn't cause that much damage. Your arrow carries a special energy fluctuation—the breath of Life Force. Though still faint, it's already impressive."

Robin nodded, deeply admiring Damia Great Knight Leader's insight. He was about to ask something else when distant cheers interrupted him.

After the Earth‑Raging Bear was slain, the beast tide finally began to recede.

Outside the city gates, militia and townsfolk poured out, beginning to clear the battlefield.

The ground littered with beast carcasses was gruesome, yet it meant abundant loot—beast hides, bones, meat, all valuable resources.

"Looks like we can have an extra meal tonight," a townsman laughed, dragging a wild boar carcass, his face full of joy.

"Yeah, the hides can fetch a good price," another replied, excitement in his tone.

"Robin, get plenty of rest," Damia Great Knight Leader stood, his tone caring, "We'll handle the rest. Once you've recovered, I'll talk to you again about Life Force."

Robin nodded, watching Damia Great Knight Leader depart.

He leaned against the tower wall, slowly closing his eyes, feeling the power within him gradually returning.

"Robin, are you okay?" Lily's voice came from beside him, her tone worried.

Robin opened his eyes, seeing Lily, Eric, and Tomson standing before him, their faces full of concern. He smiled lightly and said softly, "I'm fine, just a bit tired. A short rest will do."

Lily exhaled a sigh, her face breaking into a smile: "Your performance just now was amazing! We all saw it; that arrow was truly divine!"

Eric also nodded, his tone admiring: "Robin, your current strength already far surpasses ours. Looks like we'll have to work twice as hard to keep up with you."

Tomson scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and said, "Robin, you'll have to teach us more in the future!"

(End of Chapter)