Ethan's eyes fluttered open, a newfound vigor coursing through his veins like a surge of electricity.

With each beat of his heart, the world around him slowly came into focus, revealing the familiar faces of his companions: Hans, Andrew, Trevor, and his loyal teammates, their expressions a blend of relief and concern as they hovered anxiously by his side.

Amidst them lay the silent testament to Asura's wrath: the lifeless bodies of numerous players strewn across the battlefield like discarded pawns in a game of merciless slaughter.

The sight was a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded in his absence, the weight of their sacrifice pressing down upon him like a leaden shroud.

"Young master, you are back," Trevor's voice cut through the turmoil like a beacon of hope, his presence a steady anchor amidst the chaos that threatened to engulf them all.

"Yes. Are you all right?" Ethan's concern for his allies shone through, his voice trembling with emotion as he surveyed the carnage that surrounded them.

Despite the turmoil within, his instinctive leadership surfaced, his thoughts already turning towards the safety and well-being of his companions.

"We are fine. What about you?" Emily's inquiry carried the warmth of camaraderie, her voice a soothing balm amidst the chaos that surrounded them.

Her eyes searched Ethan's face, seeking any sign of the ordeal he had endured, a silent plea for reassurance in the midst of uncertainty.

"I'm fine. Anyways, what happened here? What did he do?" Ethan's gaze swept across the devastation, his heart heavy with the weight of the tragedy that had unfolded in his absence.

The sight of the lifeless bodies strewn across the battlefield filled him with a profound sense of sorrow and regret, his mind racing to comprehend the magnitude of the carnage that had occurred in his name.

"He eliminated all those players. He also strengthened your body and told us to be prepared," Trevor recounted, his words laden with the gravity of their situation.

""Prepare against what?" Ethan probed further, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as he sought to unravel the mystery left in Asura's wake.

"Ego of Lunancy. He told us that the only way to defeat him is by improving your Asura martial arts," Trevor revealed, the urgency of their task echoing in his words like a clarion call to action.

The weight of their mission settled upon them like a heavy cloak, the looming threat of Sauron's imminent return casting a shadow over their every move.

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"Hmm...Okay. I will improve it. Is there anything else?" Ethan's response was measured, his resolve unyielding as he accepted the challenge that lay before him.

His determination to rise to the occasion burned bright within him, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.

"No, young master," Trevor affirmed, his voice tinged with admiration for Ethan's unwavering courage and determination.

"Alright. Let's go back. We have one last work to finish before thinking about Lunancy," Ethan commanded, his voice resonating with a resolute determination that sent a ripple of conviction through the group.

The mantle of leadership rested firmly upon his shoulders, his words a rallying cry for unity and purpose amidst the turmoil that surrounded them.

"I understand, young master," Trevor acknowledged, his voice tinged with a solemn reverence for the gravity of their next endeavor.

The weight of their mission hung heavy in the air like a shroud, a reminder of the justice and retribution that awaited them in the confrontation with the Dragonfang guild.

As they turned to leave the battlefield behind, each step forward carried with it a sense of purpose and resolve.

Their hearts were heavy with the weight of the sacrifices that had been made, but their spirits burned bright with the fire of righteous indignation.

------

[Phoenix Headquarters]

The meeting room was charged with a palpable sense of purpose as the executives and elites of the Phoenix guild convened, their anticipation hanging heavy in the air like a storm on the horizon.

Each member of the guild sat poised and alert, their eyes fixed on Ethan as he stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding the room with an aura of unwavering authority.

"Dragonfang need to be punished for their sins now," Ethan declared, his voice cutting through the tension with a steely resolve that brooked no opposition.

His words echoed in the silence that followed, reverberating off the walls of the meeting room like a solemn decree from on high.

"Son, are you sure about this?" Norman's voice, laced with paternal concern, broke the brief silence that followed, his eyes searching Ethan's face for any sign of hesitation or doubt.

"Yes. I am, father," Ethan replied, his voice firm and resolute as he met his father's gaze with unwavering determination.

In that moment, the weight of their shared history and the burden of leadership hung heavy between them, but Ethan's conviction remained unshaken, a testament to the strength of his character and the depth of his resolve.

"But you've just come out of the Labyrinth. You should take some rest," Norman insisted, his voice tinged with genuine concern as he watched his son standing before him, the weight of their shared responsibilities evident in the lines etched upon his brow.

"Yes, young master," Trevor echoed, his loyalty to Ethan prompting him to support the elder's advice.

His gaze flickered with a mixture of concern and respect, a silent plea for Ethan to consider his own well-being amidst the chaos that surrounded them.

"No. I can’t waste any more time. There are only few months left until the fourth Labyrinth opens. So I want to finish this as soon as possible," Ethan countered, his voice firm and resolute despite the weariness that threatened to weigh him down.

The urgency of his words hung heavy in the air like a tangible presence, his determination to confront their enemies and secure their future driving him forward with unwavering purpose.

"Alright. How would you like to deal with them?" Norman asked, his voice heavy with resignation as he recognized the irrevocable decision in his son's eyes.

The weight of their shared responsibilities bore down upon them like a crushing weight, the burden of leadership pressing heavily upon Ethan's shoulders.

"Instead of engaging in full-scale conflict with their entire guild, I suggest a more direct approach. I propose a challenge to their guildmaster, a formal duel between him and me. Dispatch a letter to them, outlining the terms. The duel will take place in three days on the Phoenix guild’s training grounds," Ethan stated, his voice steady and resolute despite the tumult of emotions swirling within him.

The determination in his eyes burned bright, a beacon of unwavering resolve amidst the uncertainty that shadowed their path.

"Will he accept it?" Emily's question hung in the air like a shroud, a reflection of the uncertainty that gripped them all in its icy embrace.

"If he cares for his guild members' lives, then he will," Ethan stated confidently, his voice ringing with conviction as he spoke.

His knowledge of the enemy's pride and honor assured him of the outcome, his faith in the righteousness of their cause unwavering in the face of adversity.

The room fell into a contemplative silence as they all considered the gravity of the upcoming duel. With Ethan's words still echoing in their minds, they each knew what was at stake.

The fate of their guild, their comrades, and their world hung in the balance, and they would stand united behind their young master, come what may.