26: A Timely Assistance

Witnessing the fox-girl in a state of imminent danger, Defolta rushed right into the fray as she performed the remarkable feat of jumping from the cliff and instantly slicing one goblin in half from above. Since the cliff was not so high, she suffered no injuries from the height and was perfectly fine after introducing her bloody self with her landing.

"One down, nine more to go." Defolta stood up menacingly while her murderous gaze pierced right through every goblin who had the displeasure of now looking at her, "Come, if you wish to share the same fate as your friend over here."

Rage kicking in, the goblins were taunted, and they charged straight at her with reckless abandon. Defolta smirked confidently and brandished her blade. Even with nine goblins who were out for her blood, she never once faltered and prepared herself for the thrill of open combat.

The first goblin came and attempted to strike using his wooden club from above. The attack never connected as Defolta's strength proved more superior as she swatted the primitive weapon away with her blade and instantly decapitated the goblin's head in a clean motion. The second goblin came from behind and was about to aim Defolta's head from the right side. With quick reflexes befitting a Magical Girl, Defolta swiftly kicked the Goblin directly in his neck and sent him propelling at his three other companions which caused them all to stumble down clumsily. As Defolta was about to make her next move, she witnessed an arrow imbued with lightning piercing through a goblin's head who was dangerously closing the distance at her. The lightning cackled and sent the goblin shaking profusely to the ground.

Promptly turning her head to the source of the elemental arrow, Defolta saw the fox-girl with her recurved bow in hand.

"Keep on distracting them, stranger!!" The fox-girl requested loudly while she readied her arrows to be fired from her bow.

"Got it!!" Defolta agreed as she dashed to another goblin. With a swift strike, she managed to damage the goblin's chest as it growled in pain. The goblin was only given no room to react when Defolta's fist lunged right at the injured part of its chest and ripped its heart out, activating her Heart Crusher skill. Defolta's sadistic smile bear in full display as fear immediately took over the rest of the goblins when they involuntarily fell to the ground. After all, it was one of the convenient effects of the Heart Crusher skill, inflicting fear among weak-willed enemies who witnessed the gruesome death of their ally.

This gave ample time for the fox-girl to launch two arrows simultaneously. True to its aim, the arrows landed at two goblins, right at their respective heads again, with deadly precision.

One of the goblins, to its credit, did not give in to the fear and managed to shrug it off with its sheer will that was stronger than the rest of its green skinned brethren.

"Look out!!" The fox-girl was not quick enough to fire her next arrow and could only stare in horror as the goblin proved to be quicker as well and lunged right at the Magical Girl with a great speed that was faster than the others.

To the fox-girl's confusion, she witnessed Defolta being the epitome of calm and even resorted to lowering her blade, as if daring for the goblin to come right at her.

Just as the goblin was going to attack, it abruptly halted on its tracks and instantly dropped its weapon. Defolta wasted no time and pierced her blade straight at the goblin's face, ending the poor fool's life in an instant.

"A neat application of the Domination skill." Defolta thought proudly of how she utilized the newest spell in her arsenal. One second of the Domination spell used was more than enough to stun her enemy briefly before making the decisive blow. Not to mention, it only cost 10 Mana to do so, which was cost efficient for a spell used to potentially put anyone at a stop, as long as their Minds were lower than her. Defolta highly doubt that this tactic would work against experienced Witches and others with a Higher Mind than hers.

Since the rest of the goblins were stricken with fear, it took no effort from Defolta to finish them off alone. She certainly savored every moment of the goblin's terrified looks before stabbing them in their chest.

***

It no doubt left quite a strong impression on the fox-girl who now eyed the stranger with newfound worry. Don't get her wrong, the fox-girl was definitely grateful for the help, but the display of utter brutality and violence was certainly unnerving.

How the stranger felt no remorse in killing, even if it was a group of monsters, but humanoid monsters still. To say nothing of her even ripping one of the goblins' beating heart off, with a wicked smile on her beautiful face no less!!

It was like witnessing a demon fight while it wore human skin.

The stranger also displayed remarkable skill in combat, showcasing brute strength coupled with a dexterous body that was capable of swift and unwasted movements.

And the fox girl wondered what kind of unnatural feat she did at the part when the goblin suddenly stopped just like that. Perhaps some kind of magic, then? In addition to her combat expertise, was the stranger a Witch as well? That spell was awfully familiar, most likely the Domination spell that many of her Witch peers love to employ.

The stranger shortly after was then joined by another figure, a young girl, who stayed close by her side.

When she saw the stranger and her child companion approaching, the fox-girl fixed herself up and mustered a smile to welcome them. The stranger did assist her after all, despite the unsavory method, so it's only right to show the respect and appreciation that was deserved.

"Thanks for the help, stranger." The fox-girl placed a hand on her hip, "I thought I was a goner back there."

"You're welcome." The stranger answered with a smile, "Although, you seem to be quite capable by yourself, even without my help."

"Haha, please, you jest. Even I'm no match against that many goblins." Maybe she could handle it, maybe not. Who knows? No use in dwelling at the what ifs, even if she was rather confident in her own skills in the bow. What matters was she was alive and breathing right here.

The fox-girl chuckled in response and then, as social protocol demanded, she introduced herself while offering to shake her hand,

"My name's Yolan, a Ranger of the Eagle Order. What's yours, stranger?"