The team returned to the training ground, their minds buzzing with the lessons learned from the intense simulation. Ethan’s critical assessment lingered, a constant reminder of the steep climb ahead.
But Emily's encouragement echoed louder, spurring them on. With an air of determination, they regrouped, each member diving into their respective preparations for the forthcoming challenges.
Mia meticulously reviewed spell patterns, Leo honed his defensive techniques, and Dagger focused on swift, lethal strikes.
Days passed in a flurry of training sessions, strategy discussions, and moments of respite, each member relentlessly pushing themselves to their limits.
The bond between them grew stronger as they navigated through triumphs and setbacks, shaping themselves into a cohesive force.
Ethan observed their progress from a distance, silently acknowledging the subtle but palpable improvements in their coordination and skill.
As the day of the combined raid drew near, tension crackled in the air. Ethan gathered the team, his expression inscrutable.
"The raid is imminent. Are you prepared?" Ethan's voice carried the weight of expectation.
"We're as ready as we'll ever be," Emily affirmed, her confidence unwavering.
The team's resolve hardened, a quiet determination settling over them. They knew the challenges awaiting them would test their mettle, but they were prepared to face it head-on.
They exited the headquarters and were greeted by Trevor.
"Are you ready, young master?" he asked Ethan.
"Yes. Who is he?” Ethan said, pointing at the boy beside Trevor.
He was a skinny boy with brown hair and green eyes. He wore a red robe and a hat. He carried a staff in his hand.
"Young master, he is a new member for your team selected by guildmaster. "
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"It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” The boy said nervously, bowing his head.
Ethan didn't say anything, which made Trevor nervous.
"Young master, I know you are strong, but the Griffin guild can use any means. So I hope you understand." Trevor said, lowering his voice.
"Fine." Ethan said curtly.
"What’s your name?" Ethan asked the boy.
"My name is Mike, sir." Mike replied nervously.
"Okay. From now on you're in my team."
"Thank you sir." Mike said cheerfully.
"Let's go." Ethan commanded.
"Yes sir."
They all entered their respective cars and drove towards the gate. The gate was a large portal that connected the real world and the dungeon world. It was guarded by the government and only authorized guilds could enter it.
They got out of the cars and saw the Griffin guild’s elite members already standing there. They wielded expensive items and were quite larger than Ethan’s team.
Their leader was a tall and muscular man with a scarred face and a long beard. He exuded a fierce aura and wielded a special sword that glinted in the sun. His name was Erick and was known for his fierce swordsmanship.
As they saw Ethan’s team coming, one of them commented,
“Oh, you all are here. I thought you would have run away.”
He was a muscular and tall man with a sneer on his face. He wore a heavy armor and carried a long sword in one hand. He had a shield in his other hand.
"What did you say?" Leo said angrily, his eyes flashing.
"What are you doing here, kid? You should go home to your mommy." The Griffin member made fun of Leo's height.
"Say that again, you bastard?" Leo couldn't hold himself and tried to charge at him.
"Leo, calm down. We should not get taunted by them. Remember, we are here to clear the gate." Emily stopped him.
"Oh, you are Dagger, right? I've heard about you. You are rumored to be the best assassin of the black market. But I must say, you look nothing more than a coward." Another Griffin member said.
He was a tall and thin man with a smirk on his face. He wore a black cloak and a hood. He had a knife in his hand. He seemed to look like an assassin.
"Did you just call me a coward? You freak." Dagger shouted, his hand reaching for his dagger.
"Mia, stop him." Emily said.
Mia grabbed Dagger's hand and pulled him back.
"And you must be Ethan." Vincent said, walking towards Ethan.
He was a handsome young man with black hair and gray eyes. He wore a white suit and a blue tie. He had a confident and charismatic aura that made him stand out among his peers. He was vice leader of the team.
"Vincent, enough." Erick said.
"It's okay, leader. He looks nothing like his rumors." Vincent said, smirking.
"I've heard rumors that you are really strong, but you..!"
He wanted to say more, but Ethan lifted him up in the air, gripping his neck. He tried to get out of the grip by struggling his body, but failed.
All the present people were surprised by that. Leo and Dagger felt a surge of satisfaction for some reason. Mia shivered a bit and Emily looked at Ethan as if expecting this.
"Ethan, release him immediately." Erick shouted, reaching for his sword.
But before he could draw it, he halted his actions as he felt the immense bloodlust coming from Ethan.
Ethan threw Vincent and said, increasing his killing intent.
"Don't get in my way."
Vincent retreated to his team. And quickly entered the gate with them.
Ethan watched them entering the gate with ruthless eyes. He turned to his team and said.
"We have trained whole week for any situation but the gate could still give new challenges so don't get surprised but stay vigilant. And remember in this gate our enemies are not only monsters. Got it?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Let's go."
Ethan said, leading the way. They entered the gate and a status window popped up.
[Gorrok's Stronghold]
'For ages, the orc tribes remained entrenched within their separate territories, until Gorrok emerged as a unifying force, wielding war and sheer strength to unite them under his banner. Despite attaining unprecedented dominance, Gorrok's hunger for power remained insatiable. Seeking an enhanced might and deeper connection to his people's legacy, he set his sights on invoking the ancient tribal ritual.'
[Objective]
○ Stop him from completing his ritual.
[Time limit]
○72 hours