Emily, Leo, Dagger, Mia, and Mike watched in awe as Ethan and the orc chief, Gorrok, battled fiercely. The orcs also admired the fight, cheering for their leader.

Ethan and Gorrok exchanged powerful blows, their blades and fists colliding with tremendous force. Their auras, crimson and dark, clashed in a dazzling display of light and darkness.

The ground shook, and the temple quaked as the two warriors unleashed their skills. Gorrok slammed his hammer on the ground, creating a large dark wave that swept across the floor.

Ethan dodged it by leaping towards Gorrok, throwing one of his swords at him. The sword pierced Gorrok's leg, making him stagger. Ethan took advantage of the opening and lunged at Gorrok aiming for his heart.

However, Gorrok grabbed Ethan's head and threw him to the ground, sending him flying away.

Gorrok pulled out the swords from his leg and chest, feeling a surge of pain. He realized that he was losing and decided to honor his opponent by using his ultimate skill.

"Try to survive this if you can, human warrior," he said, as his dark aura intensified, enveloping him in a sinister shroud.

Meanwhile, Ethan activated his skill [Blood rage], enhancing his crimson aura further. He felt a surge of adrenaline and determination, ready to face Gorrok's final attack.

With a deafening roar, Gorrok unleashed his ultimate power—a whirlwind of darkness erupted from his body, pulsating with overwhelming force. Ethan, entrenched in his crimson aura, also countered with his full strength.

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The clash was cataclysmic—light and darkness exploded in a blinding flash that rocked the temple to its core. The combined force sent shockwaves in every direction, toppling pillars and sending debris flying. Emily, Leo, Dagger, Mia, Mike, and the orcs watched in astonishment and dread as the battle reached an unprecedented crescendo.

In a burst of resolve, Ethan channeled his inner strength, transforming his hand into a beast-like claw. With a resounding cry, he surged forward, penetrating the tough hide of Gorrok, aiming straight for his heart.

The collision was fatal—light and darkness faded in a final blast that silenced the temple. The dust settled, revealing the aftermath. Gorrok lay on the ground, his form slowly dissipating into the ether, defeated but with a solemn nod of respect towards Ethan.

Ethan, battered and bruised, sat near his corpse, panting heavily. The crimson aura surrounding him faded as he glanced at the fallen orc chief, acknowledging the valor of his adversary.

He glanced over his shoulder at the orcs and was surprised to find respect instead of hatred in their eyes.

He wanted to ask them why they were making such expression but couldn’t as he heard a certain sound and saw the orcs turning into fine particles.

[Congratulations! You've cleared the quest]

[Your rewards are being given]

[The Gate is closing down]

[Please move back to the entrance]

"Are you alright?" Emily approached him carefully and asked in worried tone.

"Yes, I'm fine." Ethan composed himself and replied, "We shall get out of the dungeon now."

He stood up and started walking back to the gate entrance.

----------

There were many players waiting in front of the Gate portal. This also included Wanda and Norman, who were worried about their son.

They soon saw Ethan coming out of the gate, followed by his team. Wanda immediately rushed towards him as she noticed Ethan covered in blood.

"How did you get so much hurt? Are you alright? We should quickly go to the hospital." She exclaimed.

"It's okay. Let's go home." Ethan said calmly.

"No. You should go to the hospital." Wanda insisted.

"Okay, fine." Ethan agreed reluctantly.

Wanda and Norman felt a bit surprised as quickly as he got convinced while Emily wondered what he could have seen in those engravings and those orcs.

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[Griffin Guild headquarters]

"Sir, the plan failed." A man with brown eyes and in suit reported to his guildmaster. He was the vice guildmaster of Griffin, Samuel.

"I hadn’t expected him to be this powerful." Stephen said.

"What should we do, boss?" Samuel asked.

"Start the plan B." Stephen said coldly.

"But Boss.. Are you sure?" Samuel hesitated as he knew Plan B was not a good plan.

The Plan B was kidnapping Mark to lure Ethan in the trap.

"Yes. I'm sure." Stephen said bluntly.