Garrett's facial muscles were taut as he raised his hand, casting defensive spells one after another: Advanced Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows, Arrow Reversal, Stoneskin, Deflection Ray, Radiant Shield...
One by one, he cast these spells on himself, Bernard, and Mr. Baronsimo. He even managed to cast one on Radon.
The group glowed with layers of light, which then subtly receded, becoming invisible. Only those with extrely keen senses could perceive the power radiating from Garrett and his companions, signaling their readiness.
In addition to defense, there was also offense. The head of Garrett's oak staff was already adorned with a string of light orbs, ready to fire at any mont;
Bernard gripped his massive bone club, while Mr. Baronsimo drew a shield and a knife, ready for action. Cirilla casually took down her longbow and, muttering to herself, drew a decorative arrow from her quiver;
Even Appa lowered his enormous horns, pawing at the ground, ready to charge.
Their intent was clear:
Clear the path, let us pass, and nothing will happen; if you don't, we have the power and determination to fight our way through!
The High Shamans looked serious. Even though they couldn't instantly recognize the spells Garrett used, they could sense the formidable power and intent of his group:
They might be able to use their numbers to overpower Garrett's group, but at least half of them would likely die in the process.
The High Shamans were tense, and the chieftains and warriors without spellcasting abilities were even more so. The chieftains in the front row tightly gripped their wooden clubs, bone weapons, long knives, and maces, so tightly that the handles were wet with sweat.
And the apprentice shamans, warriors, and ordinary soldiers in the back...
"Whoosh—"
"Swish—"
Whether it was a calculated test from the leaders or a nervous slip, an arrow and a cloud of gray smoke flew towards Garrett. They didn't penetrate his defenses, easily blocked by the protective armor around him.
Garrett's face darkened. He leapt onto Appa, crouching low behind the Silver Moon Deer's neck:
"Go!"
One hand grabbed Appa's mane while the other subtly cast a Grease Spell. The slippery grease spread outwards from him, followed by a loud boom as a massive air blast exploded in front of them.
The High Shamans, struggling against the blast, stumbled and slid to the sides...
Appa charged forward, Bernard and Mr. Baronsimo flanking him with weapons ready. Cirilla, seemingly strolling leisurely, followed at the rear, her bow sweeping aside chieftains who tried to block their path.
"Stop!"
"Stop!"
"Please stay!"
Voices shouted from all directions. Garrett, lying low on Appa's back, silently cleared the Grease Spell from his teammates' path. For others, he didn't bother, feeling generous for not adding another layer of grease.
Around them, "Bang," "Bang," "Boom," "Clang," Bernard's bone club swept through, Mr. Baronsimo's shield deflected attacks, and he occasionally swung his knife.
One step, two steps, three steps... so far so good, no one injured, and they've broken through two layers of defenses. Just two more, and the path ahead would be clear...
"Moo—"
A massive bovine roar shook the platform. Garrett turned sharply, seeing a bright glow through his Detection Spell. At least level 15, minimum!!!
This is beyond ! Even Cirilla would need to transform to fight it!
Fortunately, the glow didn't attack directly but ford into a giant wild ox. In a blink, it charged towards Garrett, landing on the nearest warrior.
Garrett watched as the warrior roared, his body thickening, skin darkening, resembling cowhide. An apparition of bull horns appeared on his back. He lowered his head, bent forward, and braced against Appa's chest:
"Heh—"
Despite Appa's massive weight and montum, the warrior stopped him in his tracks!
"Damn..." Garrett muttered. This ability felt leagues above Bull's Strength, more like "Bull Possession"?
Thinking chaotically, Garrett gently patted Appa, casting Bull's Strength. Instantly, Appa reared up, kicked out, and sent the warrior flying.
The sound made Garrett shiver. He glanced quickly, relieved to see the warrior's chest intact and no blood from his nose or mouth. It seed "Bull Possession" provided thick skin along with strength?
Kicking away the obstacle, Appa resud his charge, covering several ters. Ordinary warriors closed in, but Garrett ensnared them with Web Spells, binding them in place.
"Whew... finally out." Reaching the bottom of the fourth mound, Garrett sighed and glanced back:
"One shouldn't be too accommodating... next ti, better to take a detour than accept an invitation!"
He began summoning a Phantom Steed, ready to lead everyone out. The second steed had barely appeared when a gust of wind signaled a High Shaman landing before Appa.
Reflexively, Appa moved forward to kick. But the High Shaman stood firm, arms spread, his frail body seemingly unable to withstand a single hoof.
In his ditative vision, Garrett saw no protective glow around the Shaman, indicating no defensive spells.
Garrett quickly restrained Appa. The High Shaman looked up, speaking urgently in rapid succession:
"Please calm down! We are not trying to detain you forcefully!"
"We just want to discuss sothing with you! Please hear us out, it won't take long!"
"If you still wish to leave after hearing us, I will personally ensure your safe passage!"
Garrett sighed softly, dismissing the Phantom Steed. The High Shaman visibly relaxed, waving his arms outward:
"Disperse! Everyone, move aside!—I will talk with our esteed guest."
Seeing the sincerity, Garrett nodded slightly and dismounted from Appa, listening to the old man solemnly ask:
"Esteed guest from afar, are you in a hurry because of urgent matters?—Can we help solve your issues in exchange for you staying a few more days to heal our tribesn?"
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