Monster Tide

From his vantage point, Ethan could see the dark clouds swirling in the distance, rapidly approaching. This apartment was a separate dimension owned personally by Claudia. Hence, this place would be safe from any situations down below. Ethan felt relieved because he had found this place. At least if unforeseen circumstances were to occur, he could retreat here into hiding.

"Alright. The storm and monster tide are coming," Ethan said. Then he turned and found Irene standing beside him, also gazing at the storm.

"Do you want to join in this hunt?" he asked.

"I'm not sure. There are so many monsters out there. Even with my current strength, I'm not too confident," Irene bit her lip. Of course, she wanted to participate in the storm, especially with the rewards that Claudia mentioned. However, if it seemed as dangerous as this, she wasn't too eager to join.

"Hey, don't worry. I can help you," Irene turned when she heard Ethan's voice. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Ethan nodded with a smile. But his smile never reached his eyes.

Irene stared at him for a few seconds. Then she asked, "Let's be honest with each other, alright? You must want something from me if you want to help me."

Based on what Irene had observed from Ethan over the past few hours, he wasn't someone who would do something without self-interest. He always had goals for his own benefit. And right now, Irene felt she had figured out his true motive for helping her.

Ethan shrugged his shoulders. "Well, now that it comes to this, I guess I can only be honest. Actually, I want to help you because you said you're from the Evernight family."

'Just like what I had thought.' Irene nodded. "I understand that. Of course, I can help you if you help me. If you can help me climb to higher floors, I won't forget your favor."

Ethan gave a brief bow, looking satisfied. "I will try my best, Mrs. Evernight."

Irene smiled. Now that they understood each other, she felt she could move more freely.

"Shall we go to the event?" Ethan asked.

Irene nodded. "Yeah. Let's go to the event."

After that, they both left Claudia's apartment. The Floor Guardian could only watch them with anger boiling inside her heart. She didn't say anything even when those two humans freely entered and left her domain like it was some sort of cottage.

Claudia let out a sigh. 'Just you see, Ethan Holmes.'

She was preparing a plan to free himself and revenge.

---

As the first ominous rumblings of the approaching Storm echoed across the horizon, panic spread like wildfire among the group of Invited gathered alongside Ryan. Their faces contorted with fear, eyes wide with dread as they beheld the darkening sky and the encroaching tide of monstrous creatures that surged forth from the heart of the tempest.

"What the fuck is that?" one of the Invited exclaimed. His voice full with disbelief and terror as they watched the advancing army with horror.

"They're... they're monsters…" another muttered, voice trembling with fear as they clutched their weapon tightly with hands trembling as well. His knuckles white with tension.

Ryan's gaze swept over the scene before him, his features grim and resolute even in the face of overwhelming danger. He could sense the fear radiating from his companions.

"Stay calm, everyone!" Ryan called out, his voice steady and commanding despite the chaos unfolding around them. "Stick together, and we'll make it through!"

But his words offered little comfort to the terrified group. Their eyes darting nervously between the advancing monsters and the man who suddenly become appointed as their leader, seeking reassurance that seemed diminished with each passing moment.

The first ranks of the monster tide drew closer, their roars echoing like thunder in the air. Ryan raised it high into the air.

The blade gleaming in the dim light as he channeled his energy into a powerful incantation. A radiant aura erupted from the tip of his blade and enveloped the area of five hundreds meters around him in its light.

Waves of energy pulsed outward from Ryan, spreading in a shimmering ripple that stretched to the Invited.

As the light touch them, the Invited felt a surge of power coursing through their veins. Their senses sharpening and their muscles tensing with newfound strength.

A sense of invigoration washed over them.

Those within its reach of his light could feel their attributes doubling in potency, their bodies suffused with a raw, primal energy.

They all looked at Ryan with admiration in their eyes.

"Stay close to me, then we will kill those monsters together!" he said.

"Yeah!"

The cheers of those liberated from fear filled the forest, reaching Ethan and Irene's ears as they stood atop the cliff.

"What kind of Talent is that?" Ethan asked.

"I've heard of it. Just like I thought, he comes from House Bright. They have a Talent to provide buffs to people around them that can double their Attributes," Irene explained.

Ethan nodded.

"CHARGE!" Ryan's voice echoed through the forest.

With that command, he led the charge of the Invited around him.

"This is a great opportunity. Let's blend in with them so that we can benefit from the effect as well," Ethan suggested. "Kill as much as you can. I'll be right behind you."

Irene nodded, and they jumped into the midst of the Invited. In no time, they seamlessly integrated into their ranks, becoming part of their force.

Ethan felt another surge of power coursing through his body. His already impressive Attributes were now doubled, making him undoubtedly the strongest person in this Floor.

With a grin on his face, Ethan drew his bowstring and released Aether arrows that pierced through the heads of multiple monsters in one swift motion. No one noticed what he had just done.

The two armies clashed in a fierce and chaotic battle, a swirling maelstrom of steel and shadow. Each strike was infused with the power of their doubled attributes, cutting through the enemy ranks with great ferocity.

Ethan and Irene fought side by side, their movements fluid and precise as they carved a path through the heart of the monstrous horde. Ethan's Aether arrows found their marks with deadly accuracy, while Irene's shadow-infused daggers left a trail of fallen enemies in their wake.

'This is great!' Ethan smiled, his excitement clear in his face.

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