The Confrontation

[Moments Earlier]

Adonis was livid the moment he saw Jet beside the Guildmaster.

He didn't want to imagine it, but upon recognizing the corpse's attire, and the fact that Jet was standing right next to it, it was obvious who the culprit was.

The Guildmaster's corpse was also oozing an incredible amount of Miasma despite there been nothing of the sort in the air around them.

That meant someone infused such an incredible amount on him.

'I see no one strong enough to do that here. Jet is standing next to the corpse, so it has to be him!' Such was Adonis' thought process.

In essence, this particular Dragon Spy not only had access to Spatial Magic, but also Miasma; he was an incredibly powerful indeed.

When Adonis' rational mind questioned him about the possible motives of the Jet in this instance, he shrugged the question off.

There was no need for him to think of some twisted motive of a Dragon.

'He wanted to make him an Undead, that's for sure. The amount of Miasma oozing from that body isn't normal for a natural process.' Adonis could clearly tell.

Someone was controlling the entire thing, and who else could it be but the malefactor before him?

'It's still surprising that he would do such a thing in front of witnesses.'

Adonis gritted his teeth as he lifted his gaze and stared at the crowd behind Jet. They seemed to be over three thousand, quite a bit more than his own group of two thousand.

If this was everyone, then that meant only a little over half had survived the Grand Calamity Class Dungeon and made it this far.

'They don't seem apprehensive of them at all. And that is that white shield around them? It looks similar to mine, but… it feels different.' Adonis creased his brows as his gaze met Lux, who stood right in front of the group.

'Is this her doing? Is she somehow taking everyone hostage?'

No, it didn't look like it—especially the latter.

'They don't look anxious. Ever since our arrival, their faces have brightened up considerably…' Adonis could observe the faces of the crowd, and there was none of fear or fright.

Hostages wouldn't act like that. Unless…

'They don't know that they are hostages. If that's the case, and Lux is keeping them as collateral, then I'll have to think of a way to break them out while dealing with Jet.'

Adonis glanced behind him and looked at Britta, who glanced at him with a worried look, but he nodded slowly.

'I've explained the whole thing to Britta and the higher-up Adventurers. They didn't believe me at first, but after presenting thorough evidence, and them seeing this with their own eyes, I'm sure they are now fully on my side.'

If need be, they could of some assistance, but it was probably best they remained behind him. If the Dragon decided to go all-out, it could be fatal for them… and that was the last thing Adonis wanted.

'The Adventurers City has lost too many lives already. I can't let more skilled humans sacrifice themselves in vain.'

If it came down to it, he would have to increase his output in order to match the Dragons. Plus, he still had reliable allies that could help.

'Everyone is on standby, waiting for my signal. The moment it displays more power than I can handle with my disguise, they'll pitch in and assist.'

That wasn't all too.

'I don't want to resort to it, but if worst comes to worst, we'll have to expose our identities. If that'll allow us to fight on equal or superior footing with these things… then I suppose it's inevitable.'

The only problem right now was the absence of Rey on their side, which meant he was in Jet's group. Adonis couldn't see him, but considering how bountiful the crowd was, he was most likely just among them in some capacity.

'If the situation calls for it and we all attack Jet, Rey should be able to pick up on it and join us. Noah could also do the same.'

It would even be most effective, since the Dragon Spies couldn't wouldn't be expecting attacks from their camp like that.

'Even this confrontation is throwing him of. I can sense it…'

He could see the act of innocence on the part of the Dragon Spy, Jet, so it seemed like he wasstill trying to keep his disguise.

'Too bad I see right through you!' Adonis growled as he made some statements to the Dragon, stalling for a bit more time so he could think of what to do about the hostages.

'I still have the advantage of him underestimating me and not knowing my full capabilities. If I surprise him by slightly amping my power, and then systematically using more powerful attacks at strategic moments, then…' A slight smile tugged at his lips, though no one could see it.

His face was merely a mask of rage.

Adonis was still thinking when he heard a particular statement from the Dragon Spy that sparked uncontrollable rage within him.

"My friend, it seems you—"

Fiery anger burned inside Adonis, and the burst of fury sent him dashing away from his position as he charged at Jet like a missile.

~WHOOSH!~

His body was instantly coated in light, and the pressure of the wind caused his hair to fly backwards. In no time at all, he was right in front of the target.

Clenching his fist, Adonis sent a powerful blow—much stronger than what he was meant to display—to the enemy.

He could sense the shock on Jet's face, and he could see the downright confusion he displayed.

'You didn't expect me to be this strong, did you?!' Adonis grinned inside as he thrust his fist.

But—

~BOOOOOOM!~

—It hit the briefcase of the Dragon Spy right before reaching his face.

As he watched the enemy slide away, Adonis clenched his fist and readied himself for direct combat.

"Don't call me your friend… filthy Dragon Spy!"