As the tournament reached its halfway point, the matches had unfolded with intense fervor, showcasing the players' remarkable skills and unwavering courage. The crowd had been swept up in the excitement, their cheers and applause reverberating through the arena with each thrilling battle.

"Now that we've reached the midpoint of our tournament, it's time for a well-deserved break," the announcer declared warmly, offering his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.

"You all should also take this opportunity to rest and recuperate. Rooms have been prepared for you all," Raon added politely, addressing Ethan and his team. With a nod, he exited the arena, leaving them to their respite.

Ethan and his team trailed behind their guide, navigating the corridors until they arrived at their designated room.

"This is your room, sir," the member announced, opening the door to reveal their temporary quarters.

"Boss, everything seems clear. No signs of tampering or surveillance," Leo reported cautiously, his tone tinged with vigilance. Having meticulously searched the room for any potential traps or bugs, he awaited Ethan's confirmation before proceeding further.

"Okay," Ethan replied tersely.

"Then, sir, I'll take my leave. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call," the member said respectfully.

"Wait," Ethan interjected.

"Yes, sir? What can I assist you with?" Boris asked politely.

"What is your name?" Ethan inquired.

"It's Boris, sir," Boris gave the prompt reply.

"Okay, Boris, can you tell me why you're here in the Beast guild?" Ethan inquired, noting Boris's timid demeanor and contrasting it with the guild's reputation for brutality and savagery.

"Because, sir, I don't have any place to go to," Boris replied with a hint of sadness, his gaze cast downward as he avoided meeting Ethan's eyes.

"You can go now," Ethan said gently, sensing Boris's discomfort. He refrained from pressing further, recognizing the weight of Boris's words in his solemn expression.

Boris nodded silently as he exited the room, closing the door behind him with a heavy sigh. Despite his wishes to escape the clutches of the Beast guild, he felt trapped with no viable options for freedom.

"Young master, when do we attack?" Roark inquired, curiosity lacing his tone as he sought guidance.

"We need to wait for the proper opportunity," Ethan replied calmly, his voice steady and composed. "For now, rest, but stay alert. "

-------

[Next morning]

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"Excuse me, sir, our guildmaster wishes to meet you," Boris announced timidly, his voice quivering with nervousness as he delivered the message to Ethan.

"Okay. Lead the way," Ethan replied calmly, his demeanor composed as he anticipated the invitation from Raon.

"I apologize, sir, but the invitation is for you alone," Boris added, casting a sympathetic glance at Ethan's team gathered behind him. He wore an expression of apology and concern, knowing he had to convey the message that they were to remain behind.

"Understood. Everyone, remain here," Ethan commanded firmly, his tone carrying authority and decisiveness as he gestured for his team to stay put.

"Take care," Emily voiced her concern with a gentle tone, her affection evident as she wished Ethan well.

Ethan nodded in acknowledgment before departing with Boris. With confidence radiating from his every step, he maintained a vigilant awareness as he navigated the corridors, alert to any potential threats or surprises.

"I can only guide you this far. The master's room is straight ahead, then turn left," Boris informed Ethan, preparing to depart. However, he was caught off guard by Ethan's unexpected question.

"Do you want to have a place to go to?" Ethan inquired, his tone laced with curiosity and compassion. He genuinely wanted to understand Boris's situation, sensing the sadness that surrounded him.

Boris remained silent, his expression betraying his confusion and inner turmoil. Unsure of how to respond, he grappled with Ethan's question, feeling the weight of its implications.

"If you do, then take this and head to Gradion City," Ethan said, extending a token to Boris before continuing on his way. His gesture was one of generosity and kindness, offering Boris a chance for escape.

As Boris gazed down at the token, a swirl of emotions swept through him. The emblem of Phoenix adorned its surface, a symbol of hope and opportunity. Surprised and grateful for Ethan's unexpected act of kindness, Boris looked up to find Ethan already forging ahead. Hesitant yet hopeful, he pondered whether to heed Ethan's advice and seize this newfound chance for a fresh start.

Ethan approached the door and pushed it open, revealing Raon seated comfortably on a cushion at one end of the table. Raon's demeanor exuded relaxation and smug confidence as he awaited Ethan's arrival.

"Please, take a seat," Raon offered courteously, his tone laced with politeness and underlying cunning as he extended the invitation to Ethan.

With measured caution, Ethan complied, settling into the seat opposite Raon. His posture remained tense and defiant, a silent declaration of his resolve as he prepared to face Raon head-on.

"Would you care for some tea?" Raon inquired with a friendly demeanor, his hospitality masking his underlying deceit as he extended the offer to Ethan.

"Why did you call me?" Ethan demanded, his voice tinged with coldness and impatience as he cut straight to the point, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Join us," Raon proposed, his tone now serious and direct, exuding confidence as he broached the subject of Ethan joining his guild.

"What!?" Ethan exclaimed, his tone laced with disbelief and disgust at Raon's proposal.

"I want you to join our side," Raon reiterated firmly, his tone unwavering as he persisted in his offer for Ethan to join his guild.

"What kind of nonsense is this?" Ethan demanded, his anger palpable as he vehemently rejected Raon's proposition, feeling insulted and offended by the suggestion.

"This isn't nonsense, Ethan. Consider this: How much do we truly understand about the system?" Raon's tone was earnest, prompting Ethan to ponder.

"The system has bestowed upon us powers, skills, and steered us toward greatness. But have you ever questioned its true origins and purpose?" Raon's voice took on a contemplative edge, inviting Ethan to delve deeper into the mystery.

"Take a look at these," Raon urged, presenting a collection of scrolls. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and pride as he revealed his discoveries to Ethan, eager to share his revelations.

"We stumbled upon these scrolls within the Labyrinths, and they suggest that the system was crafted with the sole purpose of ensnaring a singular entity. Just imagine the sheer strength this being must possess," Raon explained, his tone tinged with awe and intrigue.

"And you want to control him?" Ethan retorted sarcastically, a hint of amusement mingling with his disdain as he anticipated Raon's intentions.

"No, Ethan. We wish to help him. He is the true God, and you are his vessel. So we need your help to awaken him from his slumber," Raon clarified passionately, his sincerity mingled with a hint of delusion as he unveiled his audacious plan.

"A true god? You're deluded," Ethan scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery and scorn as he dismissed Raon's belief.

"What are you implying?" Raon inquired, his curiosity piqued and a flicker of unease dancing in his eyes as he sensed Ethan's knowledge.

"Forget about it. First, answer me this: Why did you poison my brother?" Ethan's voice turned cold and steely, his demeanor calm yet seething with fury as he confronted Raon about his heinous crime.

"Oh! If it is about that, then when we first got the scrolls, we thought about creating a perfect vessel. For that, we needed a perfect body, and your brother had it. So we did that." Raon said, with a relaxed tone. He was casual and remorseless, as he explained his actions.

"But it turned out to be a failure, as our assumptions were wrong. Anyway..." Before Raon could finish his sentence, a sudden sharp pain pierced through his neck.

Ethan, unable to tolerate any more of Raon's callousness, swiftly drew his sword from his imprint and sliced off Raon's head with ruthless efficiency. His actions were swift and decisive, fueled by a mixture of anger and justice.

As Ethan made his way towards the door, a voice halted him in his tracks.

"Hey, you shouldn't interrupt someone mid-sentence," the voice chided.

Turning back, Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Raon sitting there, his head miraculously reattached to his neck. A smirk played across Raon's lips, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he taunted Ethan with his apparent invulnerability.