Try to split them up

A divide and conquer strategy was the best choice, you decide. Scanning the surroundings, you find exactly what you need. Quietly, you begin to charge your fireball.

They were still spread out after the battle. You aim for a low rock cliff beside them and throw the fireball. It lands on target, and the fireball detonates. The rock cliff had been holding back lava like a dam, and breaking it made the molten rock shower forth. The unfortunate Elven archer was caught by the initial spray and died instantly from the **** fire damage.

You have leveled up!
Level 6 -> 8
Health: 56
Mana: 48
Physical Attack: 8
Physical Defense: 8
Magic Attack: 16
Magic Defense: 16

New Ability!
Molten Cloak
Briefly covers yourself in flames, burning enemies in contact with you for 100% magic attack per second. Mana cost 20.

"Stay back!"
"Kyaa!"
"Niru's dead, damnit!"

With lava flowing down the middle of the cave, the party was now divided. The two mages who were standing further behind were cut off from the tanks, Hrin and Syl.

There was no way around it.

"I'm sorry, Mardy, Tull, but I think we'll head for the surface first. The Balrog Core's too important to lose. We'll meet back in town. Good luck!"

The mage and the priest nods in glum acceptance. Although the **** penalty was harsh, Hrin was right. An item as rare as the Balrog Core was worth more than everything their entire party owned.

They part ways. You watch Hrin and Syl walk past your hiding spot. You could go after the two casters first for their delicious experience, or you could go after the Balrog Core immediately. It was a tough choice.