Bab 62: Battered

As he stared at his opponent, Alden's expression turned extremely grave. 

This Dark Elf differed from the one he had faced before. The strange markings on its skin were a shade of deeper blue and it seemed taller as well. That was not all. A terrifying aura surrounded the corrupted creature.

Alden's hair rose on end, his instincts screaming at him to flee, to do anything other than face this overwhelming foe. 

This… Expert. 

'Blasted Asterons!' 

He cursed. 

Why was he about to battle something two whole ranks above him? 

Never mind that the Dark Elf doubtless had greater mana reserves, higher mana purity and greater attunement to its power than him, it also probably had much more combat experience than him. 

Alden did his best to stop his legs from shaking. He straightened his shoulders. He was the only thing standing between the Dark Elf and Celeste and the others not on the front lines. 

He couldn't cower.