"It appears we have company," Dagger remarked sharply, his tone betraying his readiness for battle as he detected the numerous approaching presences with his heightened senses.

"They're not even bothering to conceal themselves," Roark observed calmly, his keen perception alerting him to the approaching enemies. His confidence radiated as he remained poised and composed, prepared for whatever came their way.

"Seems they're rather confident in their abilities to take us down," Lance quipped sarcastically, his acute hearing picking up the approaching footsteps. His remark dripped with irony as he anticipated the impending confrontation.

"Their overconfidence will be their downfall," Roark remarked coldly, a predatory smile gracing his lips as he tightened his grip on his spear, ready for the impending confrontation.

"Shall we engage them head-on?" Dagger inquired eagerly, his daggers drawn as he glanced toward the door, anticipation evident in his stance.

"Not yet. We must also consider helping Ethan," Emily interjected gently, her voice a calming presence amidst the tension.

"I have a plan," Roark announced confidently, his tone tinged with intelligence as he surveyed his team.

"What's the plan?" Emily inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Lance and I will create a diversion to draw their attention away, allowing the rest of you to make your way to the young master," Roark explained, his voice laced with determination.

"Are you certain about this?" Emily pressed, her concern evident in her tone.

"Yes. Don't worry," Lance reassured her confidently.

"Alright then," Emily replied, her gratitude shining through in her tone.

As Lance and Roark swung open the door, they were met with the sight of a dozen Beast guild members advancing towards them, clad in menacing black and red armor adorned with the emblem of a roaring lion. The air crackled with surprise and fury as the guild members laid eyes on Lance and Roark standing defiantly in their path.

"They're with Ethan! Kill them!" one of the guild members bellowed, his voice dripping with hatred as he brandished his sword and charged towards Lance and Roark with reckless abandon.

The rest of the guild members followed suit without hesitation, armed with an array of weapons including swords, axes, hammers, and daggers. Their movements were swift and purposeful, their confidence matched only by their ruthless determination to eliminate the obstacles in their path.

The charging guild member's steps came to an abrupt halt as a guttural cry of agony tore through the air.

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"Aaaagh!!" he screamed in torment, his voice strained and filled with agony. He had been the first to reach Lance and Roark, but now he crumpled to the ground in shock and pain.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he gazed down at the spear protruding from his chest, realization dawning on him in his dying moments.

As the guild members turned towards their fallen comrade, their eyes widened in recognition of the spear embedded in his chest. It was a formidable weapon, long and sturdy, with a sharp, gleaming tip and a handle adorned in red and black, emblazoned with the emblem of a soaring Phoenix. Fear and rage mingled in their expressions as they realized the identity of the assailant—Roark.

With swift and precise motion, Roark had hurled his spear, his aim true as he targeted the leader's heart with unwavering determination. The impact was swift and lethal, his strike delivering a fatal blow to his enemy. His demeanor remained calm and merciless as he dispatched his foe with ruthless efficiency.

"Bullseye!" Roark declared proudly, his tone tinged with satisfaction and impressed self-assurance at the precision of his strike.

"Let's deal with the rest of them," Lance declared calmly, his voice steady and composed amidst the chaos.

The enemies, though shaken by their comrade's demise, quickly regained their bearings and attempted to mount a counterattack. Yet Lance and Roark left them no opportunity to retaliate.

Lance wielded his sword with remarkable efficiency, dispatching his adversaries with swift and precise cuts. His movements were graceful and agile as he deftly dodged and parried their blows. With lethal precision, he aimed for their throats, slashing and stabbing with deadly intent. Each strike was executed with skillful technique, leaving no room for error as Lance engaged in combat with his sword.

Roark swiftly retrieved his spear and joined Lance in the fray. With relentless determination, he wielded his weapon mercilessly, delivering powerful and brutal thrusts that struck down their adversaries with lethal force. He deftly blocked and deflected their weapons, unleashing fierce and ferocious attacks that pierced and ripped through their chests with savage efficiency. Each movement was executed with unyielding strength and merciless precision as Roark fought with his spear.

"Go," Lance commanded, his voice resounding loudly as he signaled to Ethan's team to make their escape.

"More are coming," Roark warned grimly, his tone alert as he pointed towards the other end of the corridor where another group of enemies was rapidly approaching.

"Alright, let's move. You remember the plan, right?" Lance affirmed with a confident and resolute tone.

"Of course. I do," Roark confirmed with a nod of understanding.

Without hesitation, they both bolted away, putting distance between themselves and their pursuers.

"They're running! Don't let them escape!" the players shouted, their voices filled with fury and determination as they gave chase.

Roark and Lance guided their pursuers towards the staircase, swiftly navigating their way until they reached a door adorned with a sign that read "VIP Entrance."

"Is this the one?" Lance inquired, his voice tense with urgency.

"Yeah," Roark confirmed, his eyes narrowing as he kicked the door open with a forceful blow.

"What?"

"What's happening??"

"What's going on?" the crowd murmured in confusion as Roark and Lance burst into the arena unexpectedly.

"Hello everyone!" Roark's voice boomed over the bewildered crowd as he waved enthusiastically, flashing a confident smile.

"Do you all want to see something more exciting than this tournament?" he exclaimed, his words carrying over the din of the confused audience.

"Yes!!"

"Yes!!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as they eagerly awaited the spectacle about to unfold.

With a bold leap, Roark and Lance descended from the VIP platform, landing gracefully on the sandy arena floor.

"How about a showdown between just the two of us against all of the participants?" Roark declared, his voice ringing out confidently as he gestured to himself and Lance, inviting the challengers to step forward.

"Hey, you can't just..." The announcer's protest was drowned out by the thunderous roar of the crowd.

"Yes!!"

"Yes!!"

The audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers and chants, rallying behind Roark and Lance. Their support was overwhelming, a wave of encouragement propelling the duo forward.

"Well, it seems the audience has spoken. In that case, let's shake things up a bit. Everyone, it looks like the rules have just been rewritten," the announcer conceded, succumbing to the fervor of the crowd's demand.

"Here's the new rule: Whoever defeats Roark and Lance wins, whether you do it solo or team up," the announcer declared, officially altering the course of the competition.

With the participants now fully briefed on the updated challenge, anticipation hung thick in the air as each contender readied themselves for the impending battle.

"Let the showdown commence!" the announcer bellowed, igniting the fervor of the crowd and signaling the start of the intense fight.