Chapter 131 Comfy Barrel

Larry acted swiftly, rushing to intervene alongside Suzuka, who used her quick problem-solving skills to address the situation by lying David flat on the ground unconscious. However, the damage had already been inflicted, casting a grim shadow over the scene. Hermit, the goblin captive, bore the brutal marks of a merciless beating. The bandits had enjoyed their sadistic tendencies, subjecting him to cruel torments and relentless torture. His already fragile condition had been further shattered by David's brutal beatdown, leaving him in a state of unimaginable suffering. 

Larry, realizing the severity of the situation, administered a red potion to Hermit, hoping for some improvement. However, it was well known that potions and healing crystals held minimal effectiveness when it came to mending the wounds of creatures like goblins. These remedies were primarily designed with the intention of healing human-based life forms, rendering their potential benefits uncertain in the case of monsters.

Arin, calm and composed, assumed his role as the guard. As Suzuka moved to deal with David, he stationed himself at the entrance of the cave, poised for any threat that may approach. Gripping his sword tightly, he kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, his trusty bow resting within easy reach, ready to unleash its deadly arrows at a moment's notice. The air grew tense, and a menacing aura emanated from Arin, signaling that anyone who dared to challenge their safety would face dire consequences.

David lay knocked out on the cold, unforgiving stone floor, unconscious and motionless. Larry carefully scooped up the stinking, filthy, battered, and frail Hermit into his arms, feeling the weightlessness of the goblin's frail body. He gently laid Hermit on a softer patch of ground, his eyes scanning for any signs of further damage. Meanwhile, Suzuka swiftly moved to grab David and gently lay him in a corner, ensuring he wouldn't get in the way.

After a few minutes of examination, the grim reality became evident. The vicious beating had been merciless, lasting only moments, yet its impact was devastating. Hermit, a small figure that of a child, had endured the full force of David's metal-plated boots. Both of the goblin's arms were broken in multiple places, and his ribs jutted out from his torn flesh. His face was crushed and unrecognizable. Larry's hands were stained with Hermit's blood, and he couldn't stop it. 

With a heavy heart, Larry's voice carried a tinge of sorrow as he addressed the group. "I'm sorry, everyone. Our quest has been in vain. Hermit will not survive another hour. The potions and crystals we possess will offer little comfort." His gaze then shifted to Suzuka, a mixture of regret and resignation etched upon his face. "I'm sorry, Helen. It appears you won't be able to claim that promised reward. The coins were agreed upon Hermit's safe arrival in town."

Suzuka's mind raced with a thought as she swore, "No way in hell am I letting go of that coin! If potions and crystals are ineffective, then perhaps my half-monster blood can provide a glimmer of hope. It saved Bill's life when he was in critical condition, it should work on a damn goblin too."

There was no time to waste but she didn't want them to see. "Larry, go check the cave entrance and assist Arin. I will feed Hermit all of my potions, maybe he will survive somehow. I have a good quality one up my sleeve." She lied so he wouldn't know her secrets. 

Larry's voice carried a tinge of despair as he spoke, "If you don't think it's pointless, go ahead and give him your potions. Just know, it won't do much good. It might ease his pain a bit, but it won't change the fact that he's going to die in agony." With a heavy heart, Larry turned away and made his way to Arin, taking up position near the cave entrance. He remained vigilant, his gaze fixed on the outside, ensuring their safety.

She rushed to Hermit's side and knelt down, swiftly retrieving a knife. With no one watching, she cut her hand and carefully applied her blood to Hermit's bleeding wounds. Gently, she pushed his broken bones back into alignment as best as she could, drawing from her own experience in mending her own fractures. Although her blood reacted with Hermit's injuries with less intensity than it did with Bill's, she noticed a slight bubbling effect and managed to halt the bleeding. Within just a few minutes, the wounds began to appear significantly improved.

Hermit displayed scarce signs of life, occasionally coughing up blood and convulsing while grunting in agony. The crushed features of his face, subjected to David's boot, had ceased bleeding and swelling. Huddled on the cold, damp floor, his fragile form exhibited feeble flickers of life amid the relentless torment. Every breath was a battle accompanied by convulsive coughs that shook his weak frame. His feeble snapped-in-half limbs trembled uncontrollably, revealing the intensity of pain coursing through his body.

Having done everything she could, she now entrusted the task to the goblin. With her cut now healed, she made her way toward Larry and said. "I've done all that I can. It's up to him now. The only question that remains is who will stand guard for the night?" She asked with a hint of curiosity.

Larry responded, "You should rest. The situation outside is fine for now, no monsters in sight. I and Arin will take turns standing guard. You've been on your feet for two days straight. It's time for you to get some rest."

Without a word of complaint, Suzuka settled herself on the ground, her back resting against the cave wall, and drifted off to sleep. The early morning arrived swiftly, bringing with it a lingering sense of danger as the pursuing monsters remained shrouded in the shadows, occasionally revealing themselves to serve as a chilling reminder of their presence, instilling fear within the group.

Larry approached Suzuka, gently rousing her from her slumber with a hushed tone. "Helen, wake up. We need to keep moving. The sun is up, and we shouldn't waste daylight. Everyone is ready to leave."

"I'm up, Larry. I'm up. How's that cursed goblin managing? I hope he didn't kick the bucket and die," Suzuka inquired with a touch of irritation.

"To my pleasant surprise, he's still alive. Your potion worked wonders. I was certain he wouldn't last long, but he's in a stable condition now. I believe he'll survive. Well... if we can safely deliver him to my client in town, that is," Larry replied, a note of relief in his voice.

"We'll make it happen, Larry. Just make sure that damn David stays away from us, and we'll be fine," Suzuka declared, casting a wary glance around the cave.

She spotted David standing near the cave's exit, while everyone else prepared to depart. "Larry, I won't trust David with the responsibility of carrying the goblin. I'll handle it myself. He's bound to mess up as he always does, or worse, intentionally tries to harm or kill him. I won't take that risk, and that's my final decision. Don't even try to talk me out of it."

Larry nodded in agreement. "As you wish. Our priority is to ensure a safe return. We'll support you in any way we can. I'll keep a close eye on David throughout the journey, ensuring he doesn't cause any trouble or mess anything up. You can focus on your task without worrying about us."

With those words, Larry strode out of the cave, joined by David and Arin, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats. Meanwhile, Suzuka, unwilling to waste any more time, hurried outside the cave and grabbed the barrel out of the bushes, and hastily walked to Hermit's side. She placed the barrel on the ground and saw that it was awfully nasty inside. After a second of hesitation, she grabbed Hermit by the neck tightly, as if he was a dirty rag.

Hermit was rising his withered hand toward Suzuka with his mouth gaping open as wide as it could, choking, gurgling, and gagging, trying to say something. His frail tiny fingers tried to pry open her iron grip on his scrawny neck. He was gasping for air and crawled like a newborn baby, a display of his weak state. But she ignored him and threw him into the barrel like he was some dead fish. She forcefully shut the lid and secured the barrel firmly on her back. With hurried steps, she left the cave and began walking in the direction indicated by Larry.

As Suzuka emerged from the mouth of the cave, an eerie silence hung in the air. Little did she know, lurking above, one of the monstrous creatures had set its sights on her, preparing to launch a surprise attack. In a split second, it leaped from the cliff, aiming to claim its unsuspecting prey.

But Suzuka was vigilant and attuned to her surroundings, she sensed the impending danger. With fast reflexes, she sprang into action. In a dazzling display of skill, she executed a graceful double spin, propelling herself into the air. The goblin felt the full display of her graceful movements as he was banging and bouncing against the walls of the barrel as she delivered a thunderous strike. Hermit bashed his head into the wall and knocked himself out. 

 In a split second, her heel connected with the creature's skull, a devastating strike propelled by every ounce of her strength. The force was staggering, causing the beast's head to cave in upon impact against the unyielding might of her steel-plated shoe. The resounding crunch echoed through the air as the creature's lifeless body crashed to the ground with a thunderous thud.

The group stood in awe as the raw power unfolded before their eyes, but there was no time for exchanging compliments. In a sudden surge, several other ferocious beasts, seizing the opportunity, lunged forth from their hiding places, launching swift and savage attacks. Larry and Arin swiftly retaliated, expertly parrying their strikes, turning the monsters' aggression against them.

However, Suzuka, recognizing the perfect moment, seized it. Tapping into her magical prowess, she unleashed gravity magic. The monsters, caught off guard by her unleashed might, were ensnared in her devastating spell. Their feeble attempts to escape were in vain, as Suzuka's spell crushed them mercilessly, reducing them to a gruesome heap of blood-soaked flesh.

 The group, momentarily stunned by the display of Suzuka's might, quickly regained their composure, knowing that their battle was far from over. Larry urged the group to keep moving, "Let's get out of here before more of them showed up. They are getting more aggressive, we should hurry. If we won't make it to town by night we are in serious trouble. With no place to stand our grounds, we will be picked off one by one and dragged into the darkness of the night. Assume the formation and let's move, people."

A few hours into the journey, Larry's concern for Hermit's well-being grew. Hermit had been quiet for quite some time now, raising suspicions about his condition. Turning to Suzuka, Larry expressed his worry, "Helen, we should make a stop and check on Hermit to ensure he is alright."

However, Suzuka was eager to maintain the pace and unwilling to waste any time, disregarding Larry's suggestion. She swung the barrel from side to side, causing the old goblin inside to rattle like a ball trapped in a bottle. The goblin's grunts and moans of pain echoed from within the barrel as he collided with its walls under the force of Suzuka's shaking.

With a cheerful tone, Suzuka reassured the others, "See, he's fine! Still alive and kicking. There's no need to stop. But we need to hurry up if you want him to stay that way."