Just as the atmosphere in the group became tense again due to this sudden threat, a young villager broke the silence with a trembling voice: "That laughter... it sounds like the laughter of a legendary evil creature. Can we really handle it?"
“Don’t be afraid,” Anna’s voice was calm yet powerful. “As long as we stand together, there is no problem we can’t solve.” Her encouragement brought a sense of comfort to the people, but it also made those around her feel more uneasy—after all, they were facing a being that sounded terrifying.
Just then, Lilia suddenly spoke up, "Although I haven't experienced anything like this, if you need more help... perhaps the things my team left behind can be useful." As she spoke, she walked to a pile of equipment that looked quite old not far away. "Here are some potions specifically for dealing with monsters, as well as some protective gear. Maybe these can be of help in a critical moment."
Hearing this, Rex's eyes lit up. "Great idea, Lilia! Distribute these to everyone; it's always good to be fully prepared."
The villagers began to systematically receive the items and helped each other put on protective gear and prepare any weapons or supplies that might be useful. Although everyone understood that what awaited them was likely to be an even more dangerous ordeal than before, no one was willing to give up hope.
Just then, a seasoned-looking veteran named Samir emerged from the corner. As he inspected his shield, he looked at the others, his eyes filled with unwavering confidence in victory: "Remember, in such dire circumstances, the most important thing is to trust your comrades. With each other's support, we can overcome any enemy, no matter how strong."
Chen Ge nodded in agreement, "That's right, just as Samir said. Now, everyone, please silently recite our oath in your hearts—never to be separated, to fight to the end!"
As these impassioned words fell, the entire team seemed to become much more determined. Even those who had previously seemed somewhat hesitant straightened their backs, their faces revealing a brave and fearless expression.
Just then, that mysterious and eerie laughter rang out once more. "Oh? It seems I'll have to add some real difficulties for you!" Before the words were even finished, a strong tremor ran through the air—as if the entire underground palace was shaking.
The villagers scrambled for cover to protect themselves from the falling rocks, but some, overwhelmed by panic, lost their composure. Amidst the chaos, Carlos shouted, "Stay calm! Don't panic, just follow the training!"
“Yes! Listen to Carlos!” Wright chimed in. “We all know what we should do. If we just hold on, we have a chance to escape!”
As time passed and everything returned to a relatively stable state, everyone gathered again to discuss their next move. Suddenly, faint footsteps approached from afar, almost identical to those when the giant beast had appeared, but this time they seemed different.
"Hey everyone... don't be so tense this time, okay?" A figure slowly emerged from the shadows. It was a smiling, thin man. "Looks like our relationship still needs to deepen! I'm Witt, one of the managers here. Actually, that whole farce was just a misunderstanding."
The villagers stared in surprise at the man who called himself Witt, then gradually relaxed. Rex, however, remained wary and asked, "What misunderstanding are you referring to? Why are such strange and terrifying sounds coming from here?"
“Haha…” Vittor nodded and laughed, “That was a test I specially arranged. Of course, seeing you all perform so well is truly gratifying.” He then became serious and said, “In fact, the real door hasn’t been opened yet! And I hold one of the key keys in my hands…”
The group exchanged bewildered glances, a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Women like Lilia and Anna, in particular, stared wide-eyed, eager to learn more about the secrets hidden deep within the labyrinth. Just as they were about to press for more details—
“Wait, let me explain first.” Witt smiled and waved for everyone to quiet down. “Everything has its own meaning, and you’ll soon find out.” His gaze swept around the room before finally settling on Rex. “But first… you have to prove to me that you deserve all of this!”
And so, a thrilling new chapter unfolded within this underground labyrinth filled with unknowns and challenges. But who will ultimately unravel the mystery and claim the glory of the hero remains to be seen…
The story ends abruptly here, leaving many questions unanswered. How will our heroes respond to the challenges posed by this new character in their next adventure? Will they be able to unravel the mystery and achieve the victory they've longed for? Anything is possible…
While everyone was still reeling from the shock of Werther's sudden appearance, Anna was the first to recover. She stepped forward, her gaze resolute: "In that case, we are willing to accept your test. But please tell us, what is the meaning of this test? How can it prove our worth?"
The villagers nearby began to whisper among themselves.
"This person doesn't seem that scary..."
"But what did he just say? He said he'd give us even more tests? This is really going to be tough..."
"No matter what, as long as we fight alongside Rex and the others, that's enough."
Rex followed up by adding, "Indeed, if this is a hurdle that must be overcome on the road to success, then we will not hesitate to face it and overcome all obstacles."
Seeing everyone's resolute attitude, Victor was even happier. "Excellent! This is exactly the kind of mindset I admire!" He took out a seemingly ordinary bunch of keys from his pocket and handed them to Rex. "Take this; it's one of the tools needed to open the door to the next challenge. But be careful—only the purest heart can activate its power."
The moment they received the keys, almost everyone present held their breath, the air thick with excited anticipation. "So, where should we go now?" Lilia asked curiously.
"Keep walking along this tunnel, and you'll find a large gate at the end. Remember to stay alert, as there will be more surprises and challenges ahead!" After saying this, Victor mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a room full of puzzled yet excited gazes.
The team regrouped and set off, groping their way forward in the darkness. As the footsteps drew closer to their destination, a sense of tension unconsciously tightened in everyone's hearts.
They finally arrived at the entrance, and sure enough, as the man had described, a massive metal gate stood there. Carlos gently touched the gate: "This is the gate we're supposed to open... I hope this key will really come in handy."
As Rex inserted the treasure into the keyhole and turned it, the entire space seemed to vibrate—at first so slightly as to be almost imperceptible, then gradually intensifying until a deafening roar erupted! A blinding flash followed, causing everyone to involuntarily close their eyes…
As the light gradually faded, a completely different scene unfolded before them: a vast and magnificent world that amazed everyone!
Exclamations of surprise echoed from all around—
"My God, where am I?"
"That's absolutely spectacular!"
"So this is the true core of the dungeon!"
The place was not only luxuriously decorated, but also filled with a strong magical aura; various rare treasures were scattered everywhere, emitting an alluring light that beckoned people to explore.
In the very center stands a colossal sculpture, seemingly the solemn and dignified master of this mysterious labyrinth, seated there...
Samir exclaimed in amazement, "I never imagined such a hidden world existed... No wonder that man named Witt said we still had a long way to go!"
Just then, a gentle yet authoritative voice echoed in the air. "Welcome, warriors, to this place. I am the true guardian of this dungeon." As the voice faded, the light and shadow on the sculpture suddenly came to life, transforming into a phantom yet lifelike figure, which continued, "But I must warn you, the trials here are far more severe than anything you have encountered before. Are you sure you are ready?"
Hearing these words, a sense of tension welled up within him again, but this squad, having weathered countless storms, was no longer the same as when they first encountered crisis. Rex gripped his longsword tightly, his gaze unwavering. "That's right, no matter how dangerous or difficult the path ahead may be, we will give it our all."
Anna nodded in agreement and looked at her companions. "Did everyone hear that? As long as we work together, there's nothing we can't overcome!"
And so, under the watchful eye of this ancient guardian, an unprecedented adventure officially began...
At that moment, a strange wind blew by, giving people a sense of inexplicable chill.
"Can you feel it? It seems like something's about to happen..." Wright whispered a warning.
"Let's not worry about that for now, let's just take it one step at a time." Lilia smiled slightly, her tone revealing a sense of open-mindedness and fearlessness.
What will happen next as they venture deeper into the world?
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