Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 62: Your Talent is Great, But Now It's Mine

 

Advanced Talent - Quick Casting LV1, increases casting speed by 50%!

 

In Matthew's memory, Quick Casting was one of the most outstanding advanced talents.

 

When raised to its maximum level, LV5, casting speed could increase by 300%, a talent coveted by all high-tier and even super-tier spellcasters.

 

The most crucial aspect of Quick Casting was that it was a prerequisite for the legendary talent "Instant Casting"!

 

Matthew remembered how, after becoming a legendary spellcaster, he spent tens of thousands of gold coins just to learn the Quick Casting talent.

 

As for Instant Casting, he only acquired it after reaching level 35.

 

Now, as a low-tier arcanist, Matthew could learn this advanced talent early—how could he not be thrilled?

 

He had to capture this gnoll alive!

 

Your talent is great, but now it’s mine!

 

Matthew quickly made up his mind and shared his plan with Angela, who gave orders in a clear voice:

 

"Prioritize attacking the gnolls; the kobolds pose no threat to us. Try to capture the gnoll sentry alive."

 

The soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes locked on the gnolls in battle, not daring to let their guard down.

 

Though gnolls and kobolds sounded similar, their combat power was worlds apart.

 

Adult gnolls were massive, easily surpassing two meters in height, with some mutant berserkers even reaching three meters.

 

They were heavily built, often weighing around 130 kilograms, capable of wielding heavy weapons like short axes, large blades, and war hammers.

 

These gnolls had dark green skin covered in dark red fur, resembling tall, bipedal hyenas.

 

All gnolls had darkvision, but unlike kobolds, they did not fear sunlight or bright light.

 

They preferred to fight in groups, relishing ambushes, were known to be cannibals, and were experienced and formidable fighters.

 

Gnolls typically did not produce anything themselves, often capturing humans, goblins, and kobolds to use as slaves.

 

Most ordinary adventuring parties sought to avoid battling gnolls but could rarely escape their threats.

 

The 100 or so gnolls before them were clearly combatants from a small tribe, with an average challenge rating of 4+.

 

Matthew found them to be a perfect whetstone for sharpening skills.

 

Just as the kobolds were on the brink of collapse, with powerful gnoll warriors pushing past their bites and attacks to break through,

 

The whistling sound of arrows tore through the air, turning several gnoll assassins into pincushions.

 

These sneaky gnolls, skilled in poison, ambushes, and ranged attacks, posed the greatest threat to the soldiers, so Angela had them targeted first.

 

As for the gnoll sentries on watch, they had already been stealthily taken out by Yaya and Old Village Chief Field.

 

The gnolls fighting at the front remained unaware of the ambush until their comrades' howls echoed in their ears, causing them to finally turn around.

 

A burly Goldfang burst from the bushes, charging straight at the gnoll sentry protected by the gnoll warriors.

 

His immense strength and destructive power were on full display as he swung a long-handled steel axe, specially crafted by Butler Ralph.

 

Clang!

 

Sparks flew as blade met axe.

 

The poorly-made gnoll’s curved blade shattered instantly, and the gleaming steel axe carved deep into its chest.

 

Another gnoll, howling in rage, swung its axe from the left side to launch a sneak attack.

 

Goldfang roared, twisting his wrist to hook the broken body of the gnoll with his axe and violently hurled it aside.

 

Seizing the moment while the gnoll was dodging, he lunged forward with a powerful downward strike.

 

Crack!

 

The foul-smelling head of the gnoll flew off in a mist of blood, and its twitching body collapsed with a thud.

 

In just a single encounter, Goldfang had swiftly and cleanly felled two gnoll warriors.

 

He roared and charged back into the gnolls, barging left and right with brute force.

 

Even these brawny gnoll warriors couldn’t last a single round against him!

 

Goldfang’s bold actions quickly drew the gnolls' focus, and over ten gnoll warriors, including two massive berserkers, surrounded him.

 

The cloaked gnoll sentry raised its staff, preparing to chant and cast a spell.

 

An overwhelming sense of danger suddenly descended upon it!

 

"But where’s the enemy?"

 

A gleaming silver light shot down from the sky!

 

Yaya swooped down, unleashing a devastating Banishment Breath upon the gnoll sentry.

 

Shock and terror!

 

The gnoll sentry didn’t even have time to react before its entire body twisted and vanished on the spot.

 

The gnoll sentry had been banished!

 

Two massive fireballs followed, slamming into the gnolls.

 

Boom!

 

Over ten gnoll warriors were instantly killed, and Goldfang used the opportunity to break out of the encirclement.

 

The gnolls, gnashing their teeth, gave chase, only to run headlong into the approaching, well-formed ranks of soldiers.

 

The soldiers, now significantly stronger, showed no fear of the hulking gnoll warriors and clashed with them head-on.

 

Upon impact, the gnolls immediately suffered heavy losses.

 

Their brand-new steel shields withstood the gnolls' brute strength and weapon strikes.

 

The soldiers’ spears, swift as striking vipers, stabbed into the gnolls' bellies and chests while they were unprepared.

 

The gnolls writhed in agony, only to be crushed further as more soldiers pushed forward, reducing their space to dodge. Spear after spear impaled them, leaving them bloody and pierced.

 

In just two rounds, five or six gnoll warriors in the front row had fallen, while the remaining gnolls retreated in disarray.

 

Arrows rained down continuously.

 

Forcing the gnolls to split their focus on defending their vital spots.

 

Under mounting pressure, the gnoll warriors were steadily pushed back, panic and fear spreading among them.

 

Without their commander or leader, the previously coordinated and fierce gnolls began to lose the will to fight.

 

The front-line gnolls tried to work with their comrades to break the soldiers’ lines.

 

But just as they charged forward, the injured gnolls quickly retreated.

 

The front-line gnolls, unprotected, collided with the soldiers' unrelenting force and were immediately battered and bloodied.

 

Angela narrowed her eyes, drawing her sword and shouting:

 

"Advance!"

 

The "Inspiration Aura" spread out.

 

The soldiers, filled with newfound strength, charged forward with a mighty roar.

 

With their overwhelming momentum, they scattered the disorganized gnolls.

 

The gnolls, unable to mount a proper defense, scattered and fled, just as they had once pursued the kobolds.

 

What followed was a one-sided pursuit and slaughter.