Just as August turned a corner, a group of players clad in dark crimson armor with dragon emblems emblazoned on their chests came into view.
They moved together, laughing loudly as their clanking weapons drew attention.
One of them stopped suddenly, squinting in August's direction. His eyes lit up with recognition, and he pointed.
"Wait a minute… isn't that Aleman?"
The others turned to look.
"Yeah, that's him!"
"Didn't he steal loot from us in the Ogre's Dungeon?"
"Independent player or not, that guy's dead meat. Let's get him!"
Before August could even process what was happening, the group charged toward him with weapons drawn.
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[ System Notification: Warning! Hostile Dragon Fang Guild Members Approaching ]
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"Oh, come on," August muttered as he broke into a sprint.