A graceful figure carrying a massive greatsword and wearing a black mask stepped into the room.

CLANG! 

The greatsword was casually thrust into the ground, shattering the wooden floor in a wide area. Web-like cracks spread outward madly.

At that moment, Anakin and Valen's expressions turned extremely grim. Their long-handled warhammers were already in hand, and they glared furiously at the intruder.

“Human, tell us your purpose!!”

Valen barely maintained his composure, his eyes locked on the figure. He could faintly sense an immense power hidden within that graceful body.

He felt a deadly threat.

Anakin, however, couldn’t hold back. He shouted angrily, “Damn bastard, what did you do to Mors?!”

“Your companion has already become my spoils of war. As for our purpose? Dwarves, my master wishes to see you.”

The voice beneath the mask was lazy and proud. “So, do I have to beat you down and drag you, or will you come willingly?”

As soon as she finished, her aura surged violently, strong and terrifying.

In the confined space, the two dwarves felt as if they were facing a dragon.

Valen’s expression turned bitter. “Level 15?!!”

He turned his head to glance at Anakin, who still looked ready to charge forward, gripping his warhammer tightly. Valen could only sigh.

“I need to know your master’s intent. Otherwise, even if we die in battle, dwarves will never yield!”

Hearing this, the masked figure suddenly sounded bored. “What a dull dwarf. Can’t you ever take the initiative to attack?”

???

Valen’s face turned black at that remark. I'm a Level 14 warrior with heavy injuries, do you really expect me to initiate an attack against a terrifying Level 15+ being like you?

What, did I forge weapons so long I burned my brain in the forge?

“Forget it. My master merely wishes to invite you. He has no ill will toward you.

He’s very interested in the mithril vein, and also has the power to annihilate the Beastman army and rescue your people.”

Anakin was seething. “Why should we believe you?? Cunning human, dwarves do not yield!!”

“Whether you yield or not doesn’t matter to me,” the masked figure replied nonchalantly, hefting the greatsword and walking out of the room, clearly bored. “Stanley, you take care of this.”

Outside, Stanley heard the order from his superior and entered the room with a wry smile.

He had witnessed Betty cleave a transformed Level 19 Lava Demon in two with just two strikes. He knew exactly what kind of terrifying power was hidden in that graceful body.

Although that Level 19 Lava Demon had only been a product of Polymorph and Cologne hadn’t been able to unleash its full strength, not even half, Level 19 was still Level 19. No one cared about the details. Everyone only remembered that the powerful woman had one-shot a Level 19 Lava Demon.

As for the process, who cared?

As Stanley entered, Valen and Anakin again felt tremendous pressure.

Not just one Level 15, there was a second!!

Even the young dwarven prince Anakin lost his fearless expression. One Level 15? Maybe one of them could sacrifice himself to let the other escape.

But two Level 15s? That was way beyond what they could handle.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Stanley, Vice President of the Dark Pact of Green City.

Respected friends, there’s no need for such hostility. The Majestic has instructed us that dwarves might become our partners in the future.

Trust me, we harbor no ill will toward you. Otherwise, you would’ve already been flattened by that lady just now,” Stanley said calmly, seeing the defiance in Anakin’s eyes.

“Perhaps you don’t know, just moments ago, that lady killed a Level 19 Lava Demon with only two strikes on the battlefield.

Her power far exceeds your imagination.”

Hiss~

The two dwarves gasped in unison. Two strikes to kill a Level 19 Lava Demon???

Even their level 18 patriarch couldn’t do that!!

And most critically, with their sharp instincts, they could tell the mysterious and powerful being before them wasn’t lying.

Their mental pressure multiplied severalfold.

Stanley’s eyes glinted with amusement as he continued to apply pressure.

“Also, if you look out the window behind you, you’ll notice there are quite a few men in black on the street.

We’ve already sealed off several blocks in the area. Without my permission, no one leaves.”

Still not done?

Valen gave Anakin a signal. The latter turned around cautiously and peered out the window. Under the glow of street magic lights, he immediately spotted several black-clad figures patrolling.

Each of them looked sharp, professionals.

Turning back around, Anakin slowly nodded at Valen.

Valen’s heart sank to the bottom.

“Dear dwarven friends, trust me. I mean you no harm.

Otherwise, you wouldn’t even have the chance to be speaking with me right now, you’d already be tied up and kneeling before the Majestic.”

Stanley spread his hands. His towering stature was especially oppressive standing over the naturally short dwarves.

“How can I be sure what you’re saying is true?”

Valen stared at Stanley intently, ready to counter at the slightest hostile move.

“You don’t need to trust me. In fact, the Majestic already expected that you wouldn’t.

Any doubts you have, the Majestic will answer them himself.”

“Majestic? Could it be that Majestic from Green City?” Valen squinted slightly, weighing the pros and cons.

“No, not that one. I’m talking about Majestic Iro of the Dark Pact.”

Stanley was already growing impatient. His eyes turned cold.

“Become enemies or allies, the choice is yours.

Become enemies, and you’ll be kneeling before the Majestic.

Become allies, and you’ll be granted an audience.”

His tone was domineering and absolute, and he had the strength to back it.

Valen shook his head, lowered his warhammer, and slightly raised his chin.

“Human, take us to your master. Whether he is a friend or foe to dwarves, we’ll know once we meet.”

“Master Valen,” Anakin said with reluctance.

“Anakin, dwarves do not fear death, nor do they fear sacrifice.

But right now, we are the hope of our people. At all times, I expect you to think with your head.

Kindness can make you a good patriarch. But without enough wisdom, you’ll never lead our people to survive.”

Looking into those expectant eyes, Anakin bowed deeply, letting his warhammer fall dejectedly to the floor.

Stanley smiled in satisfaction. “Trust me, the Majestic will surprise you. You dwarves have made the right choice.”

“Let’s hope so,” Valen replied, calming his thoughts and preparing for the worst.

Facing a group of unknown humans, he didn’t know what would happen next.

But the choice was no longer in his hands.

Either way, they were destined to face a battle they couldn’t win. Going to meet the man was the lesser risk.

Stanley turned and exited. The two dwarves followed close behind.

After descending the stairs and exiting the inn, Stanley suddenly turned and scanned the patrols in the street.

With a glance, he spotted three figures in the crowd that looked slightly out of place. That strange aura made them stand out.

He gestured subtly, and the three immediately approached with bright smiles.

“Lord Stanley!”

Stanley nodded with satisfaction.

“Hun Yuan, Thunderhands, Cheng Kun, you three did well this time. Come with me to meet Majestic Iro.

I believe the Majestic will take great interest in you.”

The three players, who had successfully located the dwarves, looked at each other with excitement.

This was a huge win. Stanley had just given them a task to track down any overlooked dwarves.

As luck would have it, the day before, Cheng Kun had spotted two dwarves entering this inn. At the time, he’d tried to approach them about quests, but the dwarves were too cautious and returned to their room the moment he came near.

Annoyed, he had mentally marked the location of the two dwarves.

He never expected to stumble into such a perfect opportunity today.

“Yes, Lord Stanley!”

The three were thrilled, Majestic Iro, a true super boss, far stronger than even Stanley.

If they could latch onto him like they did Stanley, what more could they ask for?

The three players exchanged glances, eyes full of longing for a true big shot.