Demon King: Hero, don’t run away!

26: Chapter 26: Drew a Circle 26: Chapter 26: Drew a Circle So that’s it, the goblins captured so many people not only to lure us up the mountain but also for sacrifices.

According to Sekamens, the mastermind behind the scenes seems to only conduct sacrifices every so often, and even those are ranked by precedence, with the more annoying sacrifices being offered first.

Given this, as long as they remain quiet, the people who are captured are mostly still safe, and there’s no need to worry about failing to meet the requirement to rescue ten captives.

Countless similar scenarios rapidly surfaced in Yang Yu’s mind.

If the story were to unfold as usual and they didn’t stop the mastermind in time, it would either summon an unstoppable being or become an unstoppable being itself.

The task of dealing with the source was a race against time, and a bad turn of events could mean a direct GAME OVER.

“How did you manage to escape, no matter how.

We followed the rescue team up here.

Because we encountered goblin traps and ambushes, the rescue team is currently regrouping and waiting for reinforcements, and they sent me out to collect intelligence.

Do you have any valuable information?

Like what kind of being the mastermind is, or where their precise stronghold might be…”

“Sent you for intelligence gathering?” A flicker of surprise passed through Sekamens’ eyes, but he quickly accepted this fact, “Not sending a designated Scout, but sending you, it seems like you’re truly trusted by them.”

“Now’s not the time to discuss such things, answer my question.”

Don’t think flattering me will make me happy.

Even though you’re clearly an NPC, when it comes to grabbing monsters, you still don’t hold back one bit.

Just as Yang Yu saw a goblin reaching his killing bloodline and was about to free his hands to deal the finishing blow, Sekamens would always come over and stab the creature to death with precise timing.

Among NPCs, he was the most frequent and diligent at stealing kills, and Yang Yu almost suspected that Sekamens was sent specifically by the game to target him, stealing last-hit kills.

“I can understand such urgency.

My intuition also vaguely tells me that something bad is about to happen.”

Although rejected when trying to forge a good relation, Sekamens shook his head with a rueful smile,

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any substantial intelligence here.

We haven’t seen the shape of the being that commands the goblins.

We only know that a number of Elite Goblins often go in and out of a large log cabin, and they always come out extremely respectful.

I reckon that’s where the mastermind is hiding.

As for their camp, we just escaped from that place…

do you have a map?”

Yang Yu took out a map, and Sekamens marked a circle on it.

“They settled their camp here.

Apart from the numerous defending goblins, their encampment is also full of traps.

We suffered a lot when we escaped, so you must be careful.”

The mastermind was more cautious than imagined.

Yang Yu stroked his chin and looked at the task of dealing with the source again,

Relying on himself alone, he probably had no way to handle the mastermind.

Indeed, it was necessary to rely on the team’s strength, but depending too much on the team’s strength and not dealing the final blow would likely prevent him from completing the task of dealing with the source.

Yang Yu pressed, “Any other intelligence?”

Sekamens shook his head, “That’s all I know.

If possible, could you take me to see the rescue team?

Although I don’t know the locations of all their traps, I remember the way we escaped.

It could definitely be of use.”

Yang Yu gestured dismissively, “You and your teammates are very tired, you wouldn’t be of much use.

You should take your teammates and go rest as soon as possible!”

Sekamens was somewhat taken aback by Yang Yu’s decisive rejection.

Yang Yu had no choice, the Silver Wind Team led by Sekamens all had their hit points in the red, with their Physical Strength and mana running low, and they were also suffering from fatigue DEBUFFS, taking them into battle would be akin to a free giveaway.

Though they could use herbs and the Priest’s Healing, the cost of healing was too high to be worthwhile.

The Priests in the rescue team were probably busy treating the injured from the recent battle and wouldn’t spare the effort to heal them extensively.

Yang Yu had plenty of herbs for restoring HP, but very few for restoring Physical Strength.

The day before, he had used too many herbs to level up for the fight, and had practically cleared out the store of herbs that could restore Physical Strength.

Yang Yu decided to reserve the remaining Stamina-boosting herbs for the boss, and it was inconvenient to distribute them to others.

“But…” Sekamens was unwilling to resign himself to this situation.

It was the first time in his many years of adventuring that he felt so disheveled, and he would not easily give in without personally seeing the goblins suffer, “Just let me come with you!

Having me along can reduce your losses.

I still have Stamina, and even if it’s just me, I want to go.”

Yang Yu sighed, “True, you are in better condition than the rest of them, but there are bound to be dangers in the forest, and you should save that stamina to protect your teammates.”

Sekamens looked towards his team; his team was more exhausted than he had thought, and as their leader, he could not disregard the lives of his squad members.

“I understand…”

Sekamens hadn’t finished speaking when Qi abruptly interjected.

“Young Yang Yu, I am extremely grateful for your rescue.

But I think it would be better for our captain to follow you.

The goblin camp is far more dangerous than you imagine, with many hidden traps.

I’ve discovered them and informed the captain, he’ll definitely be useful.”

“Although the captain can indeed be a bit arrogant at times, his Strength is not to be underestimated.

Having him by your side will give you extra combat power,” Iron Wall said.

“Healing Technique,” Rococo lifted her hand and used the last bit of her mana and stamina to cast a healing spell, bringing Sekamens’ Physical Strength and HP back a bit with the Great Validation Technique, “Captain, you must save them.

Don’t let those adventurers suffer any longer.”

“You all…

everyone…” Sekamens’ eyes were moist with gratitude.

He had almost given up, but he hadn’t expected every member of his team to give him their utmost support.

Witnessing these moments unfold before him, Yang Yu could no longer in good conscience dismiss Sekamens’ request and shared some of his own herbs with the Silver Wind Team.

“The majority of the goblins should be gathered on the path that our rescue team will take, so as long as we’re careful, there shouldn’t be too much danger on the periphery of the forest.

This time, we’ll accept your proposal under duress, but I must warn you, you need to keep your arrogance in check.

We don’t know the full extent of our opponent’s capabilities, remember not to act rashly and suffer a great loss over something minor.”

“Yes!”

Sekamens’ face lit up with joy, and in his heart, Yang Yu only silently prayed that he wouldn’t come over to steal his kills again, especially the final boss.

After accepting Sekamens into their group, Yang Yu found Bai Jin who had been quietly standing by and whispered something into her ear, instructing her to lead the Silver Wind Team around to avoid detection and safely reach the outskirts of the forest.

Additionally, Yang Yu handed over He Meng, who had been slacking off, to Bai Jin, smiling as he lightly threatened He Meng to ensure Bai Jin’s protection.

“The one who formed a contract with me is you; if someone needs protection, it’s you.

Why should I protect someone else?”

He Meng initially wanted to refuse, but…

given that Yang Yu had provided so much, she could only begrudgingly accept Yang Yu’s proposal while sweetly munching on Clover.