After the payment was made, the party group led the way out of the forest path, guiding Ethan's team through the dark woods.

He had no idea who these players were. Their levels and guild names didn't appear as usual because the tower system hid that information.

Still, Ethan could tell that they were about the same level as Vio or Megan.

He based this on their surprised reaction earlier, even though all he had given them was a Rare-grade Crystal Spirit—something useless to high-level players like him.

Ethan narrowed his eyes as he noticed the man leading them suddenly turn off the forest path, right when they came across another group of lizard monsters.

They're not fighting them?

Since the man didn't fight, Ethan knew they were heading deeper into the forest.

Going deeper at night will only make things worse. The number of monsters inside is much greater than those outside.

And what he feared happened. The man in front stopped walking as a group of five lizard monsters surrounded them.

They weren't only in front—more monsters appeared behind, completely surrounding the group. Ethan glanced over his shoulder sharply.

This is bad.

"Damn! We're surrounded!" shouted the man.

"You should've stayed on the dirt path instead of leading us deeper," said Ethan.

"You got a problem with that?"

"We followed you because we paid you. And now you're leading us to our deaths!" Ethan snapped.

"They're just low-level lizards. If you can't handle them, you don't deserve to be on the second floor," the man barked back.

This guy… he's completely irresponsible.

The man and his teammates started attacking the lizards in front, while Ethan and Leon faced the ones behind.

"Lyodra. Neryss."

[Aggressive Mode: Soul Servant]

[Neryss Abyssborn (Lv.10) || SR Rank || Passive → Aggressive || 1000 MP]

[Lyodra Vulkanis (Lv.10) || SR Rank || Passive → Aggressive || 1000 MP]

Lyodra and Neryss floated forward, their small chibi bodies glowing brightly in different colors.

The light shone across the dark forest, catching the attention of everyone, including the other party ahead.

Some of them turned, clearly seeing the glow come from the man named EthanArk.

Moments later, Lyodra and Neryss returned to their adult forms—two perfect female figures armed with their own weapons and powers.

Leon smiled. With Ethan's Soul Servants fighting, he was sure the monsters would fall easily.

Just as Leon was about to draw his bow, Ethan extended a hand to the side and shook his head.

"Save your energy for later," Ethan said.

Leon looked confused at first, but he nodded and stepped back. He put his bow away, letting Lyodra and Neryss handle the five lizards ahead.

Ethan and Leon simply watched. Their calmness shocked the other team.

None of them had expected that the man called Ethan was this powerful. Without lifting a finger, his two Soul Servants took on the entire enemy group.

Risa watched closely, amazed by the power of Ethan's Servants. She had only seen Neryss before, but now she could see Lyodra as well.

Fire and water—two elements that shouldn't be able to exist together. Yet here, they moved in perfect harmony.

Within minutes, Lyodra had slain three lizards, while Neryss finished the remaining two.

All five fell lifelessly, and the system message appeared before Ethan.

[Congratulations, you have obtained loot]

[+1250 EXP || +500 Gold || +500 Contribution Points || +5 Moon Fragments]

The battle was over. Ethan turned and saw the other party still struggling against their last two lizards. The monsters' HP bars were nearly empty.

"Need help?" Ethan asked, crossing his arms.

"No need... we got them," one of the men replied.

Five minutes later, they finally managed to kill the remaining lizards. They looted their drops, though Ethan couldn't help but notice how weak their combat ability was.

After using some HP potions, the man motioned for Ethan's group to follow again. Ethan cleared his throat and continued walking behind them.

Lyodra and Neryss began to glow once more—their aggressive mode had ended, and both reverted to their chibi forms.

Fortunately, no more monsters appeared as they continued through the forest.

Between the trees, Ethan spotted faint lights shining ahead. The man from the other party explained that the glow came from a village.

It had been built by explorers from various guild alliances who had cleared this floor long ago—a resting place for players.

For materials, they cut trees for wood, gathered stone for the foundations, and brought the rest from the lower floors.

As they emerged from the forest, Ethan saw the settlement more clearly. It looked almost identical to the village on the first floor.

Maybe the same architect designed both.

Players filled the village—some relaxed at taverns, others visited item and equipment shops, and a few simply strolled through the streets.

Risa looked in awe at the sight. It was rare for her to see such liveliness since these people weren't from her Blood-Cursed tribe.

"Welcome to Ahren Village. It's led by the Narrow Fate Guild—an A-rank guild," the man explained.

"Thanks," said Ethan.

"Of course."

After guiding them there, the man and his party went their own way, disappearing into the village streets.

Ethan finally breathed in relief. They had reached safety. No more monsters, no more forest. The first thing to do now was find a place to stay.

"Let's find an inn."

He and Leon walked deeper into the village, scanning the buildings. Soon, Ethan spotted one—a decent-looking inn just ahead.

When they entered, a smiling receptionist greeted them warmly and asked what they needed.

"We only have one room left. It's a suite," she said.

"How much per night?" Ethan asked.

"About 20,000 Gold."

"I'll take it," he replied.

The receptionist nodded. Ethan didn't hesitate; this was their only option. He couldn't let Risa sleep outside in the cold.

Even though it was just one room, the suite was large enough. Ethan thought it was fair to take it, especially since he and Leon wouldn't share the bed with Risa.

That wouldn't be right.

After receiving the key, they went up to the third floor and opened room number 7 of 10.

The suite was spacious, with a wide soft bed. Risa was amazed—it was much larger and more beautiful than her room back in her village.

She entered first, followed by Leon. There was a long sofa inside, enough for either Leon or Ethan to use. Risa would take the bed.

"You stay here and watch over Risa. I'll go out and get some food," Ethan said.

"Alright."

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