Facing John, who had fallen into contemplation and showed no reaction to his words, Lucas's face flickered with anger.
He bellowed, "I'll say it one last time, exit the trial immediately, or I'll make everyone in Stellarburg join me in death!"
Seraphina's eyes showed a flicker of worry in response to Lucas's threat.
However, John suddenly laughed.
He walked towards Lucas while coldly chuckling, "You can try."
John's words not only startled everyone but also made Lucas's body stiffen.
He wore a look of disbelief, staring at John in shock.
Was this guy insane?
Did he genuinely want to doom everyone in Stellarburg?
"Isn't it said that all members of Hidden Stars are saintly? What's with this guy?" Lucas cursed inwardly, surprised that his threat had no effect on John whatsoever.
This immediately put him in a dilemma.
Given the choice, he certainly wouldn't opt to awaken the Crimson Demon.
Because the arcane to awaken the Crimson Demon required a significant amount of his own blood.
One misstep, and he could very likely die here.
Who doesn't fear death?
Lucas, a prodigy of House Carter, even in his current plight, had a future that was infinitely bright.
Watching John approach relentlessly, Lucas felt a wave of panic inside.
He feigned calmness, "Peasant, do you think I dare not awaken the Crimson Demon? Let me tell you..."
Before Lucas could finish, John's expression turned icy, and suddenly, a cyan light illuminated him, conjuring a wind shield around his body.
"Zephyr Shield!"
In an instant, John vanished from his spot.
By the time Lucas reacted, John had already materialized in front of him.
"I hate it when people call me a peasant!"
Murderous intent flooded John's eyes as he wielded an ice spear, conjured from nowhere, thrusting it lightning-fast towards Lucas's skull with a Ground Spike.
John's attack was so sudden it took everyone, including Lucas, by surprise.
Lucas cursed, "Damn it, you maniac!" as he scrambled to dodge, retreating explosively and narrowly avoiding John's strike.
"Bang!"
The ice spear struck the giant coffin, exploding into countless tiny ice crystals.
Taking advantage of Lucas's unsteady form, John pressed forward, kicking fiercely into Lucas's abdomen.
Lucas was sent flying by John's kick, crashing into the coffin with a thud.
"Ugh!" He spat out a mouthful of blood, then slowly slid to the ground.
Looking down at Lucas, who was curled up on the ground clutching his stomach with a purplish face, John said indifferently, "Weren't you going to awaken the Crimson Demon? Why don't you go ahead?"
Those who had calmed down felt as if their inner flames had been doused with gasoline, magnifying their anger manifold.
Their eyes reddened, faces twisted with distorted anger.
Some even picked up their weapons, casting hostile glances towards Victor, Black Ghost, and others.
Baron and the rest realized something was wrong.
Theodore said gravely, "This is a Dusk Sect skill, capable of awakening the deepest evil within a person's heart. If this continues, everyone here, except for us, might be controlled by him, and that would be troublesome."
Baron and Alexander frowned, sensing the difficulty of the situation.
The Dusk Sect was best at manipulating desires and bewitching minds.
Such skills were hard to defend against, and both of them, being melee-class fighters, were at a loss.
Eldritch observed the crowd's condition and then said in a deep voice, "Let me try."
As he spoke, a golden staff appeared in his hands. Then, his body emitted a rich golden glow.
A cloud of golden light slowly gathered in the mid-air, followed by a drizzle of golden light rain falling from the sky.
Everyone touched by the light rain felt a wave of warmth, as if they were being purified by the light itself.
Those bewitched by Black Ghost quickly saw the red in their eyes fade, regaining clarity of mind.
"Purifying Light!"
Baron let out a long sigh of relief, a look of gratitude in his eyes.
"Purifying Light" was a high-tier skill of the Sacred Word Priest, capable of restoring HP and MP of allies on a large scale and purifying negative effects.
In all of Stellarburg, only Eldritch had the ability to use this skill.
They were fortunate to have invited Eldritch over, or the consequences could have been unimaginable.
Those who had been bewitched by Black Ghost also felt a wave of relief upon regaining their senses.
These cultists are truly too sinister, ensnaring us with their schemes when we least expect it.
The crowd felt disgusted by Black Ghost's tactics, their expressions turning sour.
Alexander, known for his short temper, was especially furious.
His expression darkening, he said, "I can't control what happens in the trial, but you sewer rats shouldn't get too cocky!"
"Roar!!!"
The twin-winged golden lion beneath Alexander, sensing its master's rage, let out an angry roar.
Golden flames ignited on its body, and a powerful aura swept across the entire area!
Alexander, clad in golden armor, sat atop the twin-winged golden lion, holding a massive golden sword.
He coldly said to Black Ghost, "Even if a dark god truly descends, you lot will definitely die before everyone else!"
Simultaneously, a gigantic golden six-armed deity emerged behind Baron.
He merged with it, and the majestic Radiant Visage suddenly opened its eyes.
In an instant, a dazzling Gold Flash shone brightly!
At the same time, Theodore's eyes shimmered with a deep oceanic blue light.
Magical power surged around him, and one could faintly hear the sound of waves crashing and the sea's roar!