Chapter 70: Unexpected

At that moment, a knock came from outside the door.

Robin opened the door and found Men Luo standing outside, a hint of urgency on his face.

"Robin, something's happened in the Mining Area!" Men Luo said hurriedly. "An expedition team discovered a high‑rank monster deep in the vein; the situation is extremely dangerous, and we need you to go support them immediately!"

Robin's gaze sharpened instantly; he swiftly grabbed the Great Horse Leather Steel Tang Sword and the Pulley Composite Bow, and said firmly, "I'll go right away!"

Men Luo nodded, turned around, and led the way.

Robin followed closely, his heart filled with battle intent.

This mission was not only a challenge but also an opportunity.

He intended to use Global Experience to improve the Basic Meditation Method; if that worked, he guessed that future upgrades to Meditation Method would have to rely on Global Experience alone.

Robin stood at the entrance of the Mining Area, his eyes scanning the gathered crowd, a slight surprise stirring within him.

Twenty‑four Knights were already assembled here, including two Great Knights; their auras were steady and powerful, each surpassing the Damiya Great Knight.

What surprised him further was that the eccentric Third Apprentice Wizard was also present, standing aside, clutching a crystal‑inlaid staff with an indifferent expression.

"It seems this situation is more serious than we imagined," Robin whispered to Men Luo.

Men Luo nodded, his tone carrying a hint of gravity: "The high‑rank monster's strength is no small matter; it's said to have already wounded several Knights. The Mining Area supervisor had to summon everyone, even calling in Wizard Apprentices."

Robin's gaze lingered on the Wizard Apprentice for a moment, silently calculating.

A Wizard's power is crucial when confronting a high‑rank monster, especially those capable of casting area spells, who can often turn the tide at a critical moment.

At that moment, the Mining Area supervisor approached, his face grim, his voice edged with urgency: "Everyone, the situation is urgent; I won't waste words. The high‑rank monster is a Rock Armor Earth Dragon, with extremely strong defense and the ability to manipulate rocks for attacks. We must deal with it quickly, or the district's safety cannot be guaranteed."

"Rock Armor Earth Dragon?" Men Luo was startled, saying, "I've read descriptions of this monster; they live deep in ore veins, feed on minerals, can control rocks for attack and defense, and are extremely hard opponents."

The supervisor continued: "We've devised a battle plan. The two Great Knights will handle the frontal containment, while the other Knights attack from the flanks. The Wizard Apprentice will cast spells to weaken the Rock Armor Earth Dragon's defense. Everyone, be careful and do not act alone!"

"Robin, you're with me," Men Luo patted Robin's shoulder, his tone showing a hint of trust.

Robin nodded, his gaze steady on Men Luo: "Alright, we'll move together."

Men Luo patted Robin's shoulder again, a trusting smile on his face: "Having you by my side puts my mind at ease. This mission isn't simple; that Rock Armor Earth Dragon is not easy to handle."

Robin tightened his grip on the Great Horse Leather Steel Tang Sword, his tone confident: "Don't worry, if we can't beat it, I'll take you and retreat together."

"Haha, how did you read my thoughts?" Men Luo laughed, wrapping an arm around Robin's shoulder.

The two quickly joined the Knights' ranks and set off toward the deep vein.

Inside the Mine Cave, the light was dim, the air thick with a damp, earthy scent, and occasional low roars echoed from afar, as if warning them of the looming threat.

Robin walked while adjusting his breathing rhythm, employing the Dragon Devouring Breathing Method to keep his Life Force fully replenished.

"Robin, did you notice?" Men Luo whispered, a note of caution in his voice, "The Rock Armor Earth Dragon's roar is getting closer, and the ground's tremor frequency is increasing."

Robin nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings: "It may have already sensed us. Everyone, stay alert and be ready to fight at any moment."

At that instant, a violent tremor erupted in the Mine Cave ahead, followed by a massive rock crashing down from the ceiling, blocking their path.

"Bad! It's coming!" a Knight shouted loudly.

Robin swiftly drew the Pulley Composite Bow, his gaze fixed ahead.

The massive form of the Rock Armor Earth Dragon slowly emerged from the darkness, its body sheathed in heavy rock armor, eyes flashing crimson, steam spewing from its mouth, like a monster crawling out of hell.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!" the two Great Knights commanded loudly, then charged forward.

Robin didn't hesitate; he quickly nocked an arrow, aiming at the Rock Armor Earth Dragon's eye. He knew the monster's defense was formidable, and only striking its weak point could cause effective damage.

Swoosh!

The arrow sliced through the air toward the Dragon's eye. Yet just as it was about to hit, the Rock Armor Earth Dragon suddenly lifted a forepaw and blocked the arrow.

The arrow struck the rock armor, producing a crisp sound, but inflicted no damage.

"Indeed hard to deal with," Robin muttered softly, a cold glint in his eyes.

At that moment, the Rock Armor Earth Dragon let out a deafening roar, then slammed its forepaw onto the ground. The earth cracked instantly, countless sharp rocks erupted upward, hurling toward the Knights.

"Careful!" Robin shouted, dodging swiftly. His movements were quick and agile, the Spirit Snake Breathing Method fully manifesting at that instant.

Men Luo and the other Knights also dodged, yet several Knights were pierced by rocks, letting out painful cries.

"We can't keep this up!" Robin thought. He swiftly drew the Pulley Composite Bow again, aiming once more at the Rock Armor Earth Dragon's eye.

This time, he infused the arrow with his Life Force, and a faint earth‑colored glow immediately spread over it.

"Earth Explosion Arrow!" Robin shouted softly, then released the bowstring.

The arrow shot out like lightning toward the Dragon's eye. This time, the Rock Armor Earth Dragon couldn't block, and the arrow struck directly.

Boom!

The arrow exploded on the Dragon's eye, the massive impact causing it to emit a painful roar and stagger backward.

"Well done!" Men Luo shouted loudly, then brandished his long sword and charged.

Robin didn't stop; he kept drawing and nocking, aiming at the Rock Armor Earth Dragon's other eye.

Only by completely depriving it of sight could they create more opportunities for the Knights.

Swoosh!

The second arrow sliced through the air, hitting the target again. The Rock Armor Earth Dragon lost its vision entirely, wildly swinging its forepaws, trying to strike the surrounding Knights.

"Now!" the two Great Knights commanded loudly, then led the Knights in a fierce assault.

(End of Chapter)