Villain Ch 168. Foes
Allen let out a resigned sigh, his mind already working out a plan to handle the consequences of Alice's impulsive rampage. "Yeah, it was definitely reckless," he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "But, it shouldn't be too much of a problem for me," he reassured, a self-assured smile tugging at the corners of his lips. After all, he was almost reaching level 60, making him significantly stronger than the level 40ish players they had encountered. If things took a turn for the worse, he could always rely on his disguise as Al or unleash his Devil Emperor form to swiftly dispatch any opposition.
Alice couldn't help but beam at his confident response, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I knew this wouldn't be a problem for you," she chimed in, her voice brimming with playful encouragement. Her teasing nature momentarily subdued as she caught Bella's flat stare. She immediately pressed her lips together, feigning a seal of silence. "Alright, alright, I'll shut my mouth," Alice quipped, an impish grin dancing on her face.
"Just promise us you'll stay safe," Vivian chimed in, her voice filled with concern. "Mac is not someone to be taken lightly."
Allen offered them an assuring nod, his gaze determined. "I appreciate your concern, but trust me, I know how to handle him," he reassured them, his tone oozing with confidence. Deep down, however, a twinge of apprehension gnawed at his thoughts. Mac was a formidable opponent, and he couldn't afford to underestimate him. Nevertheless, he knew he had to stay composed and focused.
With a determined stride, Allen made his way to the portal room, his mind already fixated on the task at hand. Before entering the portal, he activated his Disguise skill, altering his appearance. As the portal enveloped him, he felt the familiar surge of energy, transporting him to Eyon Village.
The scenery transformed around him, revealing a picturesque village adorned with a serene bamboo forest. The tranquility of the surroundings belied the danger that lurked within the dungeon he sought. Consulting the map, he charted his course and swiftly began his journey toward the entrance of the dungeon. Time was of the essence, for he knew that if Mac caught wind of his presence in this disguised state, it would undoubtedly lead to an incredibly awkward confrontation.
Allen cautiously stepped into the gaping maw of the cave, his footsteps echoing in the eerie darkness. The once serene forest gave way to a haunting atmosphere, the verdant greens replaced by ominous shadows. The flickering light of torches mounted on the cave walls cast an eerie glow, illuminating the path ahead and revealing the grotesque figures that lurked within.
As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he could make out the hulking forms of undead creatures that shambled aimlessly. The stench of decay permeated the air. Zombies with rotting flesh and vacant stares, and skeletal warriors with rusted armor and jagged weapons, roamed around.
Allen's grip tightened around the hilt of his dual daggers, his senses sharpened as he prepared for any potential threats. He knew that this lower-level undead posed little challenge to his abilities. With swift and precise strikes, he dispatched the mindless foes that dared to cross his path, their fragile forms crumbling beneath the weight of his relentless onslaught.
With his Hiding skill, he hid among the shadow before he killed the players with his Backstab skill. It was easy for him. What he did was wait in a secluded spot or follow the group that just entered the dungeon and finish off the group one by one from behind.
Ten minutes later, Allen was almost done with his quest.
A player's body convulsed, a mixture of shock and pain coursing through his veins. The sudden attack caught him off guard, leaving him defenseless and at the mercy of Allen's deadly assault. Blood splattered from the wounds, staining his clothes and the surrounding area, as the force of the impact sent them sprawling to the ground.
[Kill players 8/10]
"Right, two more to go," Allen muttered to himself, his gaze focused and determined. He had successfully eliminated another player, leaving only two remaining targets. His eyes surveyed the lifeless body before him, and a sense of detachment washed over him.
Knowing he couldn't linger in one place for too long, Allen made the decision to move on, seeking out his next targets. He swiftly changed his position, navigating through the winding passages of the dungeon with practiced ease. Every step was calculated, every movement deliberate. His eyes looked for another target.
However, as he turned into another corridor, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. Two individuals were rapidly closing in on his location. Allen's senses heightened, his instincts sharpening. He prepared himself for a potential confrontation, ready to defend or strike if necessary. But on the outside, he maintained his calm.
"Excuse me!" one of the approaching figures called out, his voice filled with a mixture of urgency and hope. It was a voice that struck a familiar chord within Allen, although he couldn't quite place where he had heard it before. The two individuals, a herbalist, and a craftsman, stopped before him, their expressions a blend of curiosity and desperation.
"Can you help us?" the herbalist asked, his voice carrying a genuine plea for assistance. Allen observed the duo closely, taking note of their soloist status and their lack of affiliation with any guild.
"Yes? What can I do for you?" Allen inquired, his tone remaining cautious but open to their request for help.
But rather than words, the herbalist answered him with something else.
[Player_Eater sent a duel request to you. Do you accept his invitation?]
[Yes/ No]
"Please let me kick your ass for once," the herbalist suddenly blurted out, a mischievous grin spreading across his lips. Allen's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of irritation and recognition flashing in his gaze.
"Darren… Liam..." he muttered through gritted teeth, addressing both of the players. The revelation of their identities sent a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through Allen's veins. These were his former comrades, his once-trusted allies before Mac snatched them, now standing before him as foes.
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