"Ethan, Group 3 has found Mark." Emily announced, relief in her voice.

"Is he okay?" Ethan asked, his voice strained.

"Yes, he is okay." Emily confirmed.

"Good." Ethan nodded, feeling a surge of hope. He quickened his pace, ignoring the pain in his wounds.

"Where are you going?" Emily inquired, worry in her tone.

"I'm going to end this. I'm going to finish Griffin." Ethan declared with cold determination.

"Okay. I'm with you." Emily said, ready to follow him.

"No. You stay back. This is my fight." Ethan said, stopping at the foot of the stairs.

"But you might need backup." Emily argued, looking at Ethan's battered body.

"I can handle this. And..." Ethan stabbed his two swords into the ground, forming a cross. "Don't cross this line."

He climbed up the stairs, leaving Emily behind. He reached the door of the guildmaster's cabin and kicked it open. He saw a man sitting on a chair, facing the window.

"So you finally made it." The man turned around. It was Stephen, the guildmaster of the Griffin Guild.

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Ethan didn't waste time on words. His eyes flashed red as he unleashed his claws.

"You think you can defeat me, but you are delusional." Stephen said, smirking. He took out a syringe and injected himself with a liquid.

His body began to change, morphing into a hybrid of human and eagle. Wings emerged from his back, his head became beak-like, and his feet turned into talons. He had transformed into a Griffin-like creature.

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he watched Stephen's transformation. He gritted his teeth. His fury burned hotter than ever, fueling his resolve to end this once and for all.

The room erupted into a storm of violence, as the two combatants collided with savage force. The sound of wood splintering, and glass shattering filled the air, along with the cries of pain and rage from both sides. Stephen's wings span quickly, creating a powerful gust of wind that sent tables and furniture flying towards Ethan, who dodged them with swift reflexes. His blood claws sliced through the air, aiming for Stephen's vulnerable spots.

The fight was intense, a test of strength and skill. Stephen soared towards Ethan, slashing with his talons and wings, trying to overpower him with his newfound abilities. But Ethan countered with agile movements, weaving through the air currents and striking with deadly precision.

Ethan fought with determination, driven by the image of Mark's safety. He adapted to the airborne battlefield, his every move calculated to exploit Stephen's weaknesses.

As he observed Stephen's attacks, he spotted a pattern. A moment of hesitation, a slight tilt of the head, a predictable swing of the wing. He waited for the right moment, then moved with precision and speed. He dodged the sweeping wings, then slashed back with his claws, drawing blood and screams. His blood claws met flesh, marking the turning point in the battle.

Stephen staggered, weakened and wounded. Ethan seized the moment, and delivered the final blow. He brought Stephen to the ground and pierced his heart, ending the confrontation. The room fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by Ethan's heavy breathing.

"You shouldn't have touched my brother." Ethan said as he looked at Stephen dying slowly.

"You think you have won. But are you sure?" Stephen said with a twisted smile.

"What are you talking about?" Ethan asked, sensing something wrong.

"I know why you stayed. I know who poisoned your brother."

"Tell me who it is." Ethan demanded.

"You lose, Ethan." Stephen said.

"Tell me." Ethan repeated as he punched him.

"Hehe... you lose." Stephen only laughed before closing his eyes.

Ethan stood next to his dead body as he looked at the Griffin members around him, holding their weapons. He couldn't contain his anger and unleashed his ultimate skill.

"Blood domain." With those words, a circle of blood formed over the floor. And then, "Blood rampage." A wave of blood erupted from the ground, wiping out everyone except Ethan.

[???? Synchronization rate has increased to 39.6%]