Better

Adam and Lancer approached a group of wild boars, each one snarling and stomping aggressively on the ground. They were formidable opponents, but Adam believed that he and Lancer were prepared for the challenge. He scanned the battlefield, carefully selecting their targets.

"Alright, Lancer, it's time to put our new strategy to the test," Adam said, his voice steady and focused. "I'll use [Battle Cry] to start. You engage the boars, and I'll support you from behind. Let's do this!"

Inhaling deeply, Adam activated his [Battle Cry] skill. A resounding shout reverberated through the forest, simultaneously bolstering Lancer's morale and striking terror into the hearts of the wild boars. The boars hesitated for a moment, their movements growing sluggish and less precise.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, Lancer charged forward with his spear, drawing the attention of the boars. He skillfully wielded his weapon, keeping the beasts at bay while ensuring that none could reach Adam.

"Hold your ground, don't let them regroup for a charge."

As the battle with the wild boars raged on, Adam assumed his role as commander, giving orders to Lancer in the heat of the moment. His voice was clear and authoritative, his instructions concise and effective.

"Lancer, left side, now!" Adam called out, directing his ally's focus toward a boar attempting to flank them. Lancer instantly adjusted his position, driving his spear into the beast's side.

"Use [Endure Pain], Lancer!" Adam ordered, noticing that his partner had taken a few solid hits from the boars. Lancer nodded and activated the skill, the pain from his injuries becoming more tolerable, allowing him to maintain focus on the battle.

"[Defensive Stance], now!" Adam shouted as the boars regrouped for another charge. Lancer braced himself, his body poised to absorb the incoming attacks with minimal damage.

With Lancer commanding the boars' attention, Adam continued to support him, seizing the opportunity to pick off weakened beasts when it was safe to do so without compromising their formation. He kept a watchful eye on the battlefield. "Lancer, I'm finishing off the one to your right. Stay focused on the others!"

Adam darted forward, using his [Stab] skill to harass and injure the targeted boar, keeping it off balance. Once the beast was sufficiently weakened, he executed a powerful [Cleave], finishing it off in a single, decisive blow.

As the battle continued, Adam's orders came in rapid succession, ensuring that Lancer was always aware of his surroundings and making the best use of his skills. "Lancer, there's another one coming from behind! Block it!"

Lancer's spear swept through the air, intercepting the charging boar before it could reach Adam. Adam noticed his [Battle Cry] was off cooldown, ready to be used again.

"[Battle Cry] is back up, get ready to go on the attack, 3, 2, 1. Now!"

Adam used the skill, and another powerful shout escaped his lips, causing the boars to pause their assault and freeze for a brief moment. Lancer, now empowered by the skill, capitalized on this moment by piercing one of the boars' throats, eliminating it from the fight entirely as it wheezed its last breath.

With two of the boars defeated, Adam and Lancer maintained their coordinated assault against the remaining beasts. Lancer's spear weaved gracefully through the air, holding the boars' attention while Adam nimbly darted in and out, striking down one weakened beast after another.

As the final boar crumpled to the ground, Adam and Lancer surveyed the carnage that had ensued. They had come out victorious, and their newfound teamwork had proven to be a formidable asset. Both warriors knew they had taken a considerable step forward in their growth, their bond as allies fortified by the intensity of combat.

The revised strategy had made a significant impact. Adam managed to maintain a clear overview of the battle while Lancer shielded him from imminent threats. They fought with precision, and their teamwork was flawless. As they continued to engage the forest's beasts, Adam discovered that he could better analyze the battle when he wasn't solely fixated on eliminating the enemy.

"I never thought fighting could be this...efficient," Adam remarked to Lancer, as they stood over their latest victory. "By working together like this, we're far more effective than when we relied on the element of surprise. Just imagine adding surprise back into the mix—we'd be unstoppable in this forest."

Lancer nodded in agreement, his eyes burning with determination. The two of them had become a force to be reckoned with, and the ease with which they dispatched their foes was a testament to their improved strategy.

Over the next couple of hours, the duo honed their newfound teamwork, and Adam could feel himself growing stronger with each victory. When they finally withdrew to another safe area for a moment's respite, he checked his level and was pleased to find that he had reached Level 4.

Lancer had also made significant progress, reaching Level 3 and trailing Adam only slightly in terms of experience points.

*Your party member Lancer has reached Level 3 as a [Warrior], He may select a new [Warrior] skill*

'Ok, Lancer has reached level 3, which means a new skill. He's a warrior like me so the abilities are the same. I need to find some Tank skills that will complement his battle style.'

After browsing the different skills Adam decided on [Taunt].

[Taunt](Common)(Tier 0): A warrior's ability to draw enemy attention can protect their allies from harm. Unlocks the skill to taunt one or multiple opponents, making them focus their attacks on the warrior for a short period. The effectiveness of the taunt depends on the warrior's level and the enemies' resistance to taunting effects. Reduced effect on taunt based on the number of enemies taunted at one time.

'Ok, [Taunt] will be critical for his playstyle. The last fight would have been even easier if he could use taunt to ensure that he held the attention of the boars. [Shield Bash] would have been nice but he doesn't have a shield right now. Might be a good skill to pick up on his next level up.' Pleased with their progress, Adam decided they should take a brief respite in another safe area before embarking on their journey back to the hive.

As they rested, Adam considered the types of squad members his team still lacked, such as a healer. He knew that a more well-rounded team would make them even more formidable. "If we can find a healer and maybe even an archer to join our squad, we'll be invincible," he mused aloud, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

With their immediate goals accomplished, Adam decided it was time to head back to the hive to rest and Adam wanted to confront the General for his transgressions. He and Lancer set off, moving through the forest with renewed purpose.

As they made their way back, they couldn't help but notice an increased frequency of goblin patrols. They hid in the underbrush, watching as the goblins approached the site of one of their previous battles. The goblins surveyed the scene, their faces twisted in confusion and fear.

"Wha' kinda beastie could'a done dis?" one goblin asked, his voice shaky.

"I dunno, but it's pow'rful," another goblin replied, his eyes darting around nervously. "Whatev'r it is, we need ta be careful."

As they continued to examine the area, the goblins began to grumble about their chieftain, who was forcing them to expand their territory, much to their displeasure.

"I can't stand dat chieftain," one of the goblins muttered. "He don't care 'bout us, only 'bout gettin' more land."

"Shh, don't let any'un hear ya say dat," another goblin hissed, glancing around anxiously. "Ya know wha' happens to dissenters."

"Aye, but have ya seen da chieftain's boar mount?" a third goblin chimed in. "Now, dat's a mighty beast! I wish I had me one o' those."

"Dat boar be smarter than it looks," the first goblin added. "Maybe someone oughta tell da chieftain to treat it better, or it might turn on 'im."

The goblins exchanged wary looks before continuing their patrol, leaving the scene of destruction behind them. Adam and Lancer observed from their hiding spot, taking note of the direction the goblins were heading. As the goblins disappeared into the forest, Adam contemplated the new information they had just overheard.

"These goblins could become a problem for us during our hunt," Adam whispered to Lancer. "They're expanding, and they're clearly afraid of this chieftain of theirs even if they are unhappy with him."

Adam etched the direction of the goblin patrol into his memory, vowing to explore their village at a later time. He needed to learn more about their chieftain and their intentions. But for now, more pressing matters awaited them at the hive.

As they journeyed back to the hive, Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Their teamwork had vastly improved, and both of them had grown stronger as a result. However, he knew that there was still much work to be done to become the formidable force he envisioned.

'It's challenging enough to manage just Lancer in my squad. If I were to add another member, it would be harder to keep track of everyone's skills and positions. Maybe I should ask Mom to find someone to teach me leadership at home. Or perhaps she could teach me herself? After all, she's a regional manager of a major company.'

Grinning wryly, he thought, 'I might as well learn something useful before going to sleep that will help me in the Dreamverse. I mean, I'm way ahead of my studies, thanks to having an extra 24 hours, I suppose.'

Reflecting on his classmates enjoying their time together outside of school while he considered receiving homeschooling in leadership after school made him chuckle. "I'm like a 15-year-old trapped in an 8-year-old's body—one that spends his nights killing beasts and fighting mythical creatures."

Upon returning to the hive, Adam found his mood darkening the further he delved into its depths. He knew he had to confront the General and set the record straight. The General's actions had been entirely inexcusable.

With a sneer, Adam thought of the General, 'You nearly got me killed, but I've come back better and stronger. Now it's my turn.'