5. Need to Win

Everybody turned their attention towards the newbie with mysterious job and skills when Leon asked him for their next course of actions.

“Hmm, I thought you were the leader? Why the hesitation?” mocked Clyde with a smirk. “Just focus on the objective, take down that Alpha Fenrir.”

Receiving that kind of remark, Leon couldn’t help but to get annoyed. Knowing the objective was one thing, executing it was another part of the story.

ROAR!

Their banter needed to be paused for a while, since the Alpha Fenrir didn’t really like to be ignored. With a swift leap, it pounced on the group, leaving them no choice but to get dispersed in an attempt of evasion.

“I knew it, you bastard! But since you’re acting all high and mighty, why don’t you continue your façade by giving us your insight?” protested Leon after getting back up.

“Yeah, I would love to, but how do I do it without knowing what my teammates abilities are?” complained Clyde while trying to assess the situation. “It’ s not my fault that you guys didn’t give me a warm welcome, let alone introductions!”

“Uhm, Clyde, is it? My name is Lottie, and I’m a Thief,” Lottie approached Clyde with a dash while introducing herself. “That man with horned helmet is Ralph, his Class is Berserker. And that lady dressed in crimson is Lucielle, the only member here who can wield magic.”

ROAR!

That introduction was successfully completed in such a brief amount of time before rudely interrupted again by the Alpha Fenrir. Though their number was not as big as before, but the remaining regular Fenrirs still proved to be an obstacle to the party, disrupting their flow of communication.

“Thanks, Lottie! In return, I will let you know a little bit about myself,” responded Clyde with a charming wink. “People know me as Clyde, and I’m a Gambler.”

The members frowned to hear Clyde’s short yet enigmatic introduction, especially at the part of his job’s information.

“A Gambler?” Ralph wondered while fending off the Fenrirs coming his way. “Leader, I thought you were looking for a Healer?”

“Yeah, Leon! Explain yourself! That’s not what you told me when you said you got a promising new member!” protested Lucielle. Her spells completely obliterated the remaining Fenrirs, leaving only the big boss of the pack.

ROAR!

The Alpha Fenrir joined to corner Leon, not with accusations, but with its deadly fangs. Leon rolled aside, barely escaping the threat and catching his breath in the process.

“Give me a break, guys! You know we don’t have a lot of time and we need this mission to further increase our chance of being relevant!” argued Leon. “It’s not like I had any choice!”

The mental burden that was in Leon’s mind dulled his movement, and that was utilized perfectly by the dungeon master. The Alpha Fenrir swung his claws at Leon, giving him no time to react. He thought it was all over. But as everyone forgot his existence, Clyde had calmly come to the rescue, as the pointer arrow of his roulette board stopped on the panel he aimed.

[SKILL: BEGINNER LUCK]

[SLOW DOWN ONE ENEMY]

The Alpha Fenrir’s claws had slightly decelerated. Leon might be an asshole, but his skill was considered as the real deals, even among other already well-known veteran players. The chance that had been bestowed to him by Clyde was more than enough for him. Not only he successfully eluded the attack, Leon could also launch a decisive counter attack, slashing down the paw of the mighty beast in a swipe.

“That’s it, Leon! Show him who’s the boss!” cheered Lucielle, before chanting a spell to support her boyfriend. “I’ll join in on the fun!”

A huge fireball came out of Lucielle’s wand, and it made its way to the Alpha Fenrir who was still recovering from the previous attack. It landed a clean hit on the beast, engulfing it in a widespread smokescreen.

“Great! We did it!” Lucielle hoorayed, thinking they cleared the dungeon already. Her euphoria would later teach him not to celebrate too early, as the canine king rushed towards her for a sweet vengeance.

ROAR!

It was too fast for her eyes to follow. Maybe the Fenrir leader missed its aim thanks to the smokescreen, but still the impact took Lucielle down.

“NOOO!!”

Leon who was overtaken by anger dashed toward the Alpha Fenrir, while ignoring his chance of successful attack. The beast didn’t even flinch, as its tail was enough to swipe the Knight’s desperate attempt, hurling him crashing down on the ground.

“Damn, you fellas are too gullible, it seems,” commented Clyde from the distance. “I must admit I’m new to this game, but even from an amateur point of view, you guys are still naïve.”

“Shut up! All you did was commenting on unnecessary things and spinning that suspicious roulette!” scoffed Leon who couldn’t stand to be criticized by his member, especially by a greenhorn. “Is your class a Commentator instead?”

“Bitch please, I’m a Gambler, true and through,” said Clyde. “It’s all thanks to me that your ass was saved back then, and this is what I got in return? It’s not my fault that your skills got lousy for being provoked by a simple mere beast.”

“The situation is looking quite grim, fellas. Thus, please hear out my proposal!” announced Clyde further. “Yo Lucy, you okay, right?”

“I had a hard time to move my body around, but nevertheless I am fine!” reported Lucielle. “And stop giving me such a casual nickname! Even Leon didn’t bother to do so!”

“Yeah, yeah, please pardon me for having a difficulty to pronounce your sophisticated name,” uttered Clyde. “I assume you can still use your magic, right? Send another one but make it into countless tiny fireballs, that should prove as a good distraction.”

“After that, it would be sure to retaliate. Ralph, tank yourself up and receive that attack. Don’t worry, I will support you with my roulette,” explained Clyde again. “The big Fenrir will leave itself open after that attack. Lottie, you see the tiny crystal in its front paw? Utilize your speed and show us why you’re a Thief!”

“The beast should have its strength reduced after having its crystal stolen. Mr. Leader, you will be responsible for a special delivery in form of a finishing blow! Of course, I will oversee all of you by putting my luck on the line!”

The Feisty Five minus one looked at each other. Will they entrust their lives for this new recruits to gamble on?