I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

The leader sighed and said, "We can only gather as much information as possible to avoid repeating the same mistakes. But from what I know, that place contains many precious treasures and secrets of knowledge. It would be a pity to miss it!"

After listening to this conversation, Zhao Yan and the others exchanged glances, "It seems the competition is quite fierce."

Lucy suggested thoughtfully, "Since we know there might be others looking for us, we must hurry and get on our way."

Afterwards, they adjusted their plans and sped up, hoping to be the first to solve all the puzzles. Meanwhile, those unfamiliar teams with the same goals were clearly not idle either...

As the sun set in the sky, both sides finally appeared in front of the mysterious entrance hidden in the thick fog at the same time.

"Everyone, please be careful. Unknown challenges are coming ahead. Remember to work closely with each other!" Zhao Yan raised his fist and shouted.

Ivan calmly analyzed the situation. "Based on what's happening right now, there's likely a mechanism or trap protecting the relic from easy access. We must be extremely cautious going forward."

At this moment, a soft light pierced through the darkness, illuminating the path leading deeper. "It seems that the only way to find the truth is to go inside!" Lina said optimistically.

Just as everyone was preparing to step into the depths of the ruins, a low and slightly threatening greeting inexplicably rang out in the air:

"Oh? What a coincidence! I didn't expect to meet you in such an occasion."

Everyone immediately became alert and quickly entered combat mode, facing the direction of the sound. "Who are you? What do you want to do?" Genos asked cautiously.

The man in the gray robe slowly stepped out from the shadows, revealing a meaningful smile: "Don't worry, we have the same goal, why not consider joining forces."

Faced with this sudden proposal, everyone was weighing how to respond next...

"Hmm... this condition doesn't sound bad, but..."

Just as the tension in the air seemed to be breaking, the remaining members of the other team gradually emerged from the shadows. Their eyes showed vigilance, but more importantly, curiosity and anticipation for the changing situation.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Fred, and these are my companions," the gray-robed man said slowly, motioning for the others to lower their guard. "We do share a common goal—to find the treasure within the ruins."

Hearing this, Alvin breathed a sigh of relief, but remained cautious. "Nice to meet you, Fred. But since we're all here for the same destination, why don't we get to know each other first?"

Lucy added in her gentle voice, "By the way, this is our captain, Zhao Yan. I'm Lucy, in charge of medical support. These are Lina, Genos, and Leon. I believe that by working together, we can reach our goal faster!"

"I see!" Another stranger standing nearby seemed particularly excited. "We're so lucky to have met such a formidable team! I just heard you even defeated the Earth Elemental Giant and the Black Bear in the forest before! Incredible!"

Zhao Yan smiled slightly and said softly, "It's not that exaggerated actually. It's mainly because of everyone's cooperation that we achieved victory."

Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, bringing a slight chill. The small animals not far away began to flee, as if foreshadowing the approach of something ominous...

"It looks like something's amiss." Ivan warned after observing his surroundings keenly. "We'd better come up with a plan before we act."

At this moment, a low yet slightly majestic voice rang out from the depths of the fog: "Foolish humans, you have finally arrived. Do not underestimate the power hidden here!"

Everyone immediately became alert, adjusting their stances and preparing to deal with the impending threat. A figure loomed ahead, surrounded by a dark purple light, appearing incredibly powerful and invincible.

"Who are you? Why do you come to disturb my peace?" the voice continued to question, with a hint of provocation in its tone.

"I...we're just passing by here looking for an important item." Fred stammered in response, obviously intimidated by the other party's powerful aura.

But the next second, Lina suddenly stepped forward and bravely shouted, "Hey, man, don't be so arrogant! We may be new here, but our strength should not be underestimated! And the 'item' you mentioned may be of great significance to us. Please let us pass!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked. Even Zhao Yan and the others couldn't help but nod in agreement. After all, to be able to speak so decisively in the face of such a powerful enemy was truly impressive.

An invisible pressure filled the air, and the entire space became even quieter. At this critical moment, Fred spoke again, trying to ease the atmosphere: "It sounds like there's a misunderstanding between us. Perhaps we could sit down and talk it out? How about exchanging information?"

"Well... this condition doesn't sound bad, but..." The other party seemed to be still hesitating, but his attitude had obviously softened a lot.

Just as everyone was holding their breath waiting to see what would happen next, a slight but unusually clear sound of footsteps suddenly came from a distance - it was obvious that in addition to the hostile force in front of them, there was actually a new player!

"Oh? It's getting more and more interesting. It seems that today's story has just begun..." The mysterious figure chuckled and then disappeared into the thick fog.

"Wait, don't go!" Genos shouted hurriedly, but he could only watch the other person disappear.

As the footsteps approached, everyone felt an unprecedented sense of tension and unease. Are the newcomers friend or foe? What kind of changes will they bring?

"It seems that we have to deal with more unknown situations for the time being." Leon said in a deep voice, while tightening the staff in his hand.

"That's right. No matter what, we have to understand the current situation first." Zhao Yan looked at everyone firmly, "Is everyone ready for battle?"

Lucy gently stroked her healing book and said softly but firmly, "No matter what happens, I will not let anyone get hurt."

Ivan looked determinedly at the unknown road ahead, silently vowing in his heart: no matter how great the difficulties and challenges, he must persevere to the end and never let any of his teammates be left alone...