Seraphina urgently needed to converse with John; she was eager to grasp the unfolding events. Drawn to the surface by whispers of the 'Song of Faith,' her confusion grew as to why Bob hadn't briefed her on such a critical matter. She had tasked Will with visiting the nine towns to elucidate the dungeon's transportation mechanisms. Upon her arrival in the royal city, the melody she overheard during John's combat had sparked a debate. Accusations flew, branding John as villainous for monetizing faith. Yet, Seraphina recognized the energy required for the dungeon to resonate with music. Learning that the song could accompany battle, her resolve to champion John's cause only intensified. The notion that John was bestowing faith within the dungeon precisely when reminders were most needed struck a chord with her. It distinguished him as a benefactor, not an opportunist. Compelled by urgency, she sought him out, driven by a singular motive: to ensure his well-being.

The door to John's room swung open, and he emerged, a starkly different figure than before. Clad entirely in black, his attire seemed to be woven from shifting shadows. Today, his usual fishing hat was absent, revealing piercing green eyes that held a coldness within them. The green hue was ordinary, but it was the bright, blue, block-like pattern within that drew attention. His presence exuded an intensity so formidable that even Seraphina found herself retreating a few steps. "Sorry, John, something urgent came up, and I needed to speak with you," she said. John raised his right index finger in response. "Didn't you grant me this place? I informed the guards I was in closed-door cultivation and not to be disturbed, warning that any interruption would be met with destruction," he stated. Seraphina's expression shifted from shock to fury. "I wasn't informed of your closed-door cultivation," she retorted. John answered, "That doesn't surprise me. However, there's something I need to show you." With that, John strode forward, passing Bob, as fifteen guards lined up behind, anticipating an unfolding spectacle.

With a single step, John's fly-rod materialized in his right hand. The swish of the breeze was soon followed by the clink of metal striking the ground. In an instant, John reappeared before Seraphina. "Your first mistake," he began, "was giving me a gift only as a means for you to come and go as you please. You never truly gave this place to me; you merely allowed me to stay. The guards don't heed my commands—are they here for my protection, or do they watch me as one would a prisoner? In essence, you deceived me, Seraphina. My disappointment in you is profound. Even if your intentions were to warn me of impending danger, the fact remains that you lied. Let it not happen again." She met his gaze with a nod, her eyes conveying a deep understanding of his sentiments and the reasons behind them.

John approached a vast crowd, his gaze piercing and unsettling. As he drew near, someone shouted, "Here comes John, the man peddling faith—what a farce!" With a single step, John closed the distance, touching the heckler's forehead with his index finger; the man collapsed, silenced forever. John surveyed the crowd sternly. "I shall not justify my deeds to those harboring malice against me. The dungeon requires energy to resonate with the song of faith. My actions serve as a reminder: to conquer formidable foes and navigate the initial nine levels, you must harbor faith in yourselves. This lesson is for your benefit. There's no need to invoke the song unless you seek to stir your spirit. Many here have never braved the dungeon's depths, voicing discontent merely to experience the melody without contribution. Those unwilling to embark on their journey do not merit the song of faith. I grant you thirty seconds to clear my path, you inconsequential beings. Choose now."

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The audience was initially startled by John's tone, which conveyed a sense of indifference that made them feel chastised like children. Guilt was their first reaction, but as more people joined, they began to question the influence a single individual could exert. Dismissing him with laughter and ridicule became their defense. However, it was not until the final moments that the full weight of their predicament dawned on them. When the countdown hit zero, John acted decisively. With each stride, he would reappear 100 feet ahead, and all those within a hundred-foot radius would fall. His movements were methodical, reminiscent of a farmer harvesting his crops, leaving a trail of impact with every step. It took john almost a minute to make to the front of the dungeon. He left a river of blood in his wake. not a single person followed john into the dungeon entrance. He stopped just outside of the dungeon and then spoke.

"In response to your unwarranted aggression, I presented you with a choice before proceeding with my actions," he said, turning to Seraphina. "It's important for you to know that the individual who orchestrated this assembly is none other than your head guard, Bob. His intent was to corner me and then exploit the crowd to eliminate me. Given that you were unaware of my secluded cultivation, I surmised he would keep you in the dark, anticipating that I would cause an uproar. He assumed you would not condone my behavior and would personally intervene. I believed it was necessary for you to understand the extent to which your directives and the term 'guest' are disregarded by your people. Consider the possibility that there have been others who could have been valuable to you yet were 'handled' by Bob."

John entered the dungeon's threshold and declared, "Dungeon, set a penalty for these faithless souls. Banish them from the first nine levels until the second song graces the air, a reminder of their forsaken faith. For the coming year, impose a twofold toll for their defiance. Should they seek a scapegoat, Bob's the one to thank for the surcharge. Pursue me if you must, but that's your choice." With that, he commanded, "Max, teleport me to my new home on the tenth floor." And with his departure, a lone black crow feather was all that remained.