Chef in the Apocalypse

Chapter 43: High Troll (1)

Amid the chaos and urgency of their flight, an odd yet desperate scene unfolded. The party, Jayce leading the way, devoured their provisions as if their lives depended on it—because they did. Sashimi vanished into Jayce’s mouth, potato chips were consumed with a haste that left crumbs in the wind, cream puffs and noodles met their end in a flurry of determined bites. The spectacle of their consumption in the face of danger would have drawn a chuckle in less dire circumstances.

But the backdrop of impending doom shattered any semblance of humor. The monstrous High Troll bore down on them, its pursuit turning the urban landscape into a war zone. Buildings crumbled like fragile constructs, crushed beneath the weight of its rage-fueled charge. The air vibrated with its imposing aura, and the party could practically feel the malevolence radiating from its massive form.

As Jayce continued to eat, his mind raced. His knowledge about High Trolls had him both informed and concerned. The level 30 threshold was already formidable; with the creature’s towering height, it was an indication of an even higher level. Level 40, he calculated, based on its size and the danger it posed. This was a foe that was beyond their current capabilities to face directly.

Yet danger had a way of igniting Jayce’s intuition, and it flared now like a beacon. The oppressive presence of the High Troll bore down upon them with an immediacy that sent shivers down his spine. Swallowing the last of his food, he bellowed a command, his voice resonating with authority, “SCATTER!”

The party reacted instantaneously, their actions well-practiced from their battles together. Diving to the sides, they evaded the impending threat—a steel beam launched with terrifying force from the rampaging troll. Colin, the giant amongst them, rose to his feet with swiftness that belied his size. His kite shield found its place, while the club Jayce had passed to him earlier materialized to a manageable size thanks to its special properties.

A primal roar erupted from Colin’s throat, an activating command to his taunt ability, though it seemed entirely unnecessary. The High Troll’s crimson eyes locked onto the weapon, its anger seemingly amplified by its very sight, quickly recognizing the club as its offspring’s weapon. It charged with colossal strides, each step shaking the ground beneath them.

Jayce felt his heart hammering in his chest, his mind racing as he assessed the situation. The High Troll’s reaction to seeing the weapon had proved his earlier theory of the reason for their pursuit.

Jayce’s eyes remained locked on the tumultuous clash unfolding before him. The High Troll charged at Colin with a speed that belied its massive size. A deep unease twisted within Jayce’s gut, a gnawing worry for the safety of his friends. But there was no time for hesitation. He activated his Executive Chef skill, a surge of strength flowing through his companions, boosting their morale and resolve in the face of this monstrous foe.

Beside him, Lianna began her incantations, her words a soothing melody amidst the chaos. The buffs she wove were essential to their survival, strengthening their chances against the High Troll’s onslaught.

“Formation!” Jayce bellowed, his voice cutting through the tension. The party, as one, shifted into their practiced battle positions. Jayce quickly outlined their strategy—ranged attackers targeting the head to disturb its vision, swordsmen aiming for the Achilles to hinder its movements.

As his gaze shifted back to Colin, he felt a pang of uncertainty. He met Colin’s eyes with an unspoken command, “Stay alive.” Colin’s casual reply, punctuated by laughter, eased the tension in the air. Jayce’s lips twitched with a reluctant smile, and his attention turned to the unfolding battle.

The party sprung into action, their movements coordinated and swift. Amber and Jackie, seasoned in their roles, conjured their spells. Jackie’s staff-powered ice lances rained down first, crashing onto the High Troll’s hulking frame. Yet, the troll’s formidable hide proved resistant, the ice shards skittering off its surface with a mere flurry of white marks.

Zane’s arrow followed, but it too was rebuffed by the troll’s unyielding defenses. Finally, Amber’s fireball exploded upon impact, yet it seemed to only enrage the beast further, rather than causing any significant damage.

As Amber’s spell dissipated, the High Troll swung a mighty fist, aiming to crush Colin beneath its fury. Jayce’s heart raced as he watched the near-death strike, his breath held. But Colin’s reflexes were keen, his body dancing nimbly aside as the massive fist pounded the ground where he’d stood. The giant warrior rolled to his feet in one fluid motion, his defiance a taunt to the monster before him.

The swordsman, emboldened by Colin’s agility, lunged at the creature’s heel, their blades attempting to sever the vulnerable Achilles tendon. Yet the High Troll’s hide was as tough as it was gargantuan. The swords merely scratched its surface, like flies attempting to penetrate armor.

With a violent shake of its leg, the High Troll expelled Paul and Ben, sending them tumbling through the air like ragdolls. Jayce’s breath caught as he saw the impact, but he forced himself to remain focused. They couldn’t afford a moment’s hesitation; the situation demanded their collective effort and determination.

The High Troll roared, its deep voice reverberating through the air, while the party fought with an unwavering resolve that matched the monster’s fury. Jayce’s heart pounded as he watched his friends clash against the titanic foe, the stakes higher than ever.

As Jackie, Amber, and Zane continued their ranged onslaught, the High Troll swatted away their attacks with an almost casual indifference. Colin, undaunted, pressed on, his shield held steady against the blows, his club held in a stance of unwavering defiance.

Yet the monster’s retaliation was fierce. A swipe of its colossal arm sent Colin staggering, his shield dented from the force. The impact seemed to shake the very ground, and Jayce’s grip tightened around his sashimi knife. He couldn’t stand by and watch his friends bear the brunt of the High Troll’s assault.

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