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

A soldier looked around vigilantly: "What's that sound? It feels a little off..."

The wizard next to him said thoughtfully, "It's really strange... It's like something is secretly watching us..."

In this unsettling atmosphere, a group of people embarked on a new journey that was unknown and full of dangers...

Gavin's team began to move towards the core of darkness, surrounded by a strange and oppressive atmosphere. The wind occasionally blew through the forest, but it felt as if something unclean was hiding there, watching their actions.

A young villager, his face pale, tightly gripping his dagger, whispered to the old hunter beside him, "Uncle, do you think we can really succeed?"

The old hunter's eyes were firm as he patted his shoulder encouragingly. "Of course you can! Have you forgotten how Gavin and Leon defeated those beasts before? This time will be no exception."

As the team continued to advance, a huge black shadow suddenly flew across the sky. A perceptive little girl pointed at the night sky and screamed in fear, "Look over there! What's that?!" Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a huge, winged bat with a ferocious face. It circled in the air several times and let out several terrifying screams.

"It's the Night Demon!" Aiden immediately recognized the monster's identity, "It's obviously coming for us. Everyone get ready to fight!" Before he finished speaking, the terrifying creature swooped down and headed straight for him.

At the same time, the people responsible for holding back the troll group were also caught in an arduous battle. The villagers gathered into a solid human wall at the entrance of the village, using simple but effective weapons to resist the monsters' fierce attacks again and again.

A young man, brandishing a spear, bravely and fearlessly stood before a group of children, his eyes gleaming with unprecedented determination. "Don't be afraid," he whispered, comforting them. "We will protect this homeland until the very end."

Elsewhere, Lin Fan and Aiden continued to descend deeper into a dark, narrow cave, surrounded by jagged rocks. A faint light gradually appeared ahead, filling them with both anticipation and a touch of nervousness. "This place is truly bizarre..." Lin Fan whispered to himself, clenching his talisman in his hand, ready to strike at any moment.

"Be careful," Aiden warned. He suddenly stopped and raised a staff blazing with blue flames, illuminating the chilling, eerie space around them. As the light cleared, a bizarre, magnificent, and terrifying scene unfolded before them: countless slender structures intertwined like spiderwebs, forming a vast nest. Deep within, a heart-like object slowly beat, emitting an eerie red glow. "That's the Heart of Darkness!" Aiden exclaimed excitedly.

At the same time, Elder Astell's deep, powerful voice echoed from afar. "I sense a powerful force approaching this area. I'm afraid our plan has been discovered by the enemy. Time is running out. Please act swiftly!" Gavin's heart trembled at these words, but he remained calm and composed, shouting, "Everyone, listen up! Follow the established plan. We must protect our homes and families at all costs!" His voice resonated like the sound of iron clashing, inspiring everyone present and strengthening their resolve.

At this moment, the troll, finally unable to contain its inner fury and rage, launched another fierce attack. Each of its powerful punches dealt a severe blow to the defenses. However, at this critical moment, Leon suddenly leaped out of the formation and rushed forward, his fists blazing with dazzling lightning. "Stop!" With a roar that resounded through the heavens, his thunderous fists struck the target with unerring precision. After a loud rumble, the giant beast retreated several steps, a look of rare panic evident.

Just when everyone thought victory was imminent, an unexpected change occurred—the severely injured monster seemed to sense its impending fate. It suddenly raised its head and gazed into the sky, letting out a long, shrill howl. Suddenly, dark clouds descended, and a storm was approaching...

Just as the world seemed poised to collapse, Aiden quickly completed the final strokes of the complex spell. The previously motionless heart-shaped object began to vibrate violently, then erupted in a dazzling light that instantly illuminated the entire space. "Go!" the old man urged without hesitation. The next moment, everyone combined their strength to shatter it, and the darkness dissipated.

When everything returned to calm, they were surprised to find they hadn't escaped the danger zone, but had instead entered an even larger, darker underground maze. "Wait... do you feel something's different here?" Lin Fan suddenly asked, his expression growing serious as he surveyed the surroundings. "Could it be that the real crisis has only just begun..." Lin Fan's words were like thunder, silencing everyone around them. At this moment, a slight but audible gasp was heard from the group, followed by a trembling voice from a young villager: "What... does this mean?"

The old hunter tightly gripped the bow and arrow in his hand, frowning, "It means we have to keep fighting. We are not out of danger yet." His tone was steady and powerful, and it was obvious that he had quickly planned the next strategy in his mind.

At the same time, Aiden's eyes grew sharper, as if he could see through everything. He slowly said, "The atmosphere here is becoming increasingly turbid and sinister..." He then raised his staff, and a warm white light slowly emanated from its top, carving a path of light through the darkness. "Follow me."

"Wait!" an armored, seemingly experienced female warrior interrupted. "While Mr. Aiden's abilities are unquestionable, I believe we need to advance in groups. This will ensure both speed and mutual support."

Gavin nodded in agreement and quickly made arrangements. "Good idea. Lin Fan and Aiden, you will lead the charge to reach the source of darkness. Leon and I will lead a small group to deal with any threats along the way. The others, led by the old hunter, will remain here to guard against any unforeseen circumstances."

Upon hearing the plan, a timid girl couldn't help but grab her mother's hand and ask, "Mom...will we be safe?" Her mother gently stroked her hair and reassured her, "Don't worry, with these warriors here, nothing will happen. Look how calm and decisive Captain Gavin is."

The team quickly split into several groups and began their respective actions. As they went deeper and deeper, the pressure they felt also increased.