"So, it's a mutated individual, but this level 50 dragon is quite troublesome..."
furrowed his brow, slowly retreating to the back of the group, using everyone in front of him as human shields.
The mutated earth dragon before them was not to be trifled with!
Its body was far larger than a typical earth dragon, and the spreading frost beneath it was enough to make S. tense.
Even if an entire team of players appeared, S. wouldn't feel this level of danger, but this was a mutated earth dragon!
Without a knight to draw its attention, without a mage to deal large-scale damage, and without a priest to heal wounds, their team composition was already abstract.
Seven thieves facing a level 50 monster far surpassing their own level would be a disaster if they fought recklessly!
But in times like these, backing down was not an option!
Otherwise, all the authority S. had painstakingly built up would vanish instantly!
Thinking this, S. shouted, "It's just an ice-based earth dragon. With the six of us, we can take it down! I'll lead the charge!"
might lack humanity, but he wasn't stupid.
In this situation, if he backed down, the others would become even more terrified, leading to complete collapse and death.
So, S. charged forward!
Unfortunately, the short sword that could easily cut through steel didn't perform as expected.
It only left a shallow white mark on the ice-based earth dragon's scales. This exaggerated defense left S. dumbfounded!
His short sword was an [Epic] quality hunting knife with a sharpness trait.
It had easily pierced through earth dragons and other players' defenses before, but now it couldn't even scratch the surface!
"What are you standing around for? I'll distract this beast; you guys wait for an opening! If I die, do you think you have any chance of surviving? Once other teams of players find you, they'll pounce on you without hesitation! Only if I survive do you have any hope!"
Facing S.'s urging, Donovan swallowed hard, his body trembling with fear. To say he wasn't scared would be a lie, but he also understood that S. had a point.
If S. died, their hope of getting out of here would vanish!
With this in mind, Donovan shouted and momentarily forgot his role. As a thief, he charged directly at the ice-based earth dragon.
Seeing this, S.'s eyes flashed with disdain. If he had a chance to do it over, he would never have recruited such an idiot into the team!
However, Donovan's charge successfully diverted the dragon's attention for a moment, allowing S. to escape!
Seeing S. retreat rapidly, Donovan's heart sank!
"S. what are you doing!"
"Got it."
Exiled Immortal nodded, descending and finally dropping John and Elaria from about thirty meters.
From beneath S.'s feet, countless vines burst from the ground, intertwining and forming a staircase, catching Elaria and John steadily.
Looking down at S., John smiled grimly.
"S., long time no see. We meet again."
"Do... do I know you?"
looked up, meeting John's murderous gaze, and his heart skipped a beat.
"Of course! We're old acquaintances."
John began to descend the staircase slowly, continuing, "You might have forgotten, but I remember everything clearly."
Catching sight of several players trying to flee, John activated his power, and a gray-black mist emanated from his body, spreading rapidly!
With just a breath of this black mist, S.'s companions instantly fell to their knees, their eyes becoming increasingly glazed, a lewd smile on their faces as if they were lost in fantasies.
Seeing this, Elaria's face turned pale, clearly recalling some unpleasant memories. Despite John having told her he had taken the power of the creature sealed in the labyrinth, seeing him use it was still unsettling for her.
"I'll take care of the others," John said gently, taking Elaria's hand. The warmth of his touch slowly calmed her.
"I'll hold them off, but I won't kill them."
"I completely understand. Just make sure none of them escape. Though I doubt they have any thoughts of running now."
Having inhaled the [Lust] mist, they had lost their sanity and become puppets at John's command, making escape the last thing on their minds.
"Now, it's your turn, S."
"...I get it, you're that anonymous player? But I don't even know you; we have no enmity!"
"Save your breath. You're not getting away today. Killing me might be your only chance."
"Don't be so arrogant! Killing me is no different from murder!"
"Coming from you, that's a joke," John sneered, eyes full of mockery. "Do you even remember how many people you've killed? Probably not. But that's okay, we have plenty of time. I'll help you remember everything you've done."
"In your dreams!"
shouted, disappearing in an instant.
The next moment, he sprang from John's shadow, his dagger gleaming with a sinister light aimed straight at John's forehead!
But as S. thought victory was within his grasp, he suddenly realized John was smiling at him!