As Lucien, Andrew, Trevor, and the others returned as swiftly as they could, they were met with a scene beyond their worst nightmares.

Before them lay a gruesome tableau of mutilated bodies and severed limbs, stark evidence of Ethan's merciless rampage. The ground beneath their feet was saturated with blood, and the air hung heavy with the unmistakable stench of death.

"Commander!" Lucien gasped, his voice barely above a whisper as he recognized a solitary figure amidst the carnage, distinct from the others.

It was Gorgon, his revered leader and mentor, lying motionless on his back, his eyes closed and his chest riddled with multiple arrows.

Their horror intensified as they witnessed a demon-like figure gripping the neck of a giant wolf in its cruel claws. Despite the wolf's desperate struggles, it was futile. The creature succumbed to the relentless grip of the demon.

"What the hell is that?" Andrew gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief and shock at the gruesome sight before them.

"Young master!" Trevor gasped, recognizing the demon as he locked eyes with its crimson gaze.

"What?! Is he your young master?" Andrew demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief and alarm.

"Yes. He is Ethan." Lucien confirmed solemnly, his tone weighed down by the heavy burden of sorrow.

"Then we must intervene before he succumbs entirely to the darkness." Andrew declared, his voice urgent and resolute. The thought of Ethan losing himself and causing further harm drove him to action.

"Agreed. I'll bind him, and you two focus on stopping him." Trevor asserted, his tone authoritative and confident, exuding a sense of leadership.

"Sounds like a good plan." Lucien chimed in, his voice respectful and thankful. He placed his trust in Trevor's strategy, ready to engage in the upcoming battle.

"Wait. What about us?" Roark interjected, his voice filled with curiosity and concern. Alongside other team leaders, he sought clarity on their role in the impending conflict.

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"You all need to protect Ethan's family. Even though they're shielded by a barrier, with the Commander gone, Ethan might find a way to breach it," Lucien instructed, his tone serious and pragmatic.

Nodding in understanding, they swiftly dispersed to their designated positions, prepared to defend Ethan's loved ones from any potential threat.

As Trevor's binding spell took effect, Ethan strained against the golden ring of light, its radiant glow tightening around him like an unyielding shackle.

"Now, go!" Trevor's voice boomed with authority, urging his companions into action.

With determined nods, Lucien and Andrew wasted no time, sprinting towards Ethan, their resolve unwavering as they raced to thwart his descent into darkness.

"Forgive me, Ethan. But this might hurt." Lucien apologized, his voice filled with sincerity as he hurled multiple fireballs at their former comrade. Each fiery projectile aimed to weaken Ethan and jolt him back to his senses.

"I'm ready." Andrew affirmed calmly, his voice steady and focused as he infused his sword with aura. With precision, he swung the blade, sending a powerful slash of energy towards Ethan, intentionally avoiding striking his neck. His goal was to incapacitate Ethan and prevent further harm.

As the onslaught of fireballs and aura-infused attacks enveloped Ethan, a thick veil of smoke engulfed him, obscuring their vision. Uncertainty gripped Lucien and Andrew as they anxiously waited to see if their efforts had succeeded.

"Is it over?" Andrew asked, his voice tinged with hope and anxiety, his gaze fixed on Lucien for confirmation.

"Not yet." Lucien replied, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon him.

"Aaaagh!"

The air reverberated with a primal roar, sending shivers down their spines. Turning their heads, Lucien, Andrew, and Trevor beheld Ethan enveloped in a swirling crimson aura, his rage and power intensified to an alarming degree.

"He's... he's too powerful." Trevor gasped, his voice strained and filled with worry. His hands shook as he struggled to maintain the integrity of the golden rings. Blood trickled from his nose, and dizziness threatened to overwhelm him.

With a powerful blast, Ethan shattered the golden rings, causing Trevor to collapse to the ground, gasping for air as his strength faltered. Unleashing his formidable skill, Ethan conjured a spear of blood, its lethal point aimed directly at the fallen warrior.

"Trevor!" Andrew's voice rang out in a desperate cry, his eyes widening with fear and concern. Without hesitation, he darted towards his comrade's defenseless form, interposing his sword between Trevor and the deadly blood spear, determined to shield him from harm.

Andrew's sword vibrated with the sheer force of the spear, its deadly edge threatening to wrench the weapon from his grasp. Blood dripped from his nose, staining his shirt and the ground beneath him. Agony shot through his arms as he strained to maintain his defense against the relentless assault.

With each push, Andrew felt himself being forced backward, his muscles screaming in protest. Yet, fueled by determination and adrenaline, he somehow managed to divert the trajectory of the blood spear, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow to Trevor.

"You two, stay back. I'll handle him." Lucien declared, his voice resolute and courageous.

"But..." Andrew attempted to interject, only to be cut off by Lucien's firm interruption.

"You two are not in a condition to fight. You'd only get in the way." Lucien insisted, his tone unwaveringly rational and determined.

Andrew nodded reluctantly, his face pale and his lips tight with tension. Supporting Trevor, he reluctantly withdrew, feeling a heavy weight of helplessness and guilt pressing upon him.

Meanwhile, Lucien stepped forward, his gaze unwavering and his stance resolute. With determination etched across his features, he braced himself to confront Ethan alone, steeling his resolve in the hope of saving his friend from the grips of darkness.