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

The red-haired girl thought for a moment and nodded, gritted her teeth: "Okay, but I hope to get corresponding compensation after this is over."

Thus, amidst the interplay of forces, the improvised alliance embarked on a journey full of unknowns...

Just as the group was about to embark on their journey, a faint whisper suddenly emanated from the deepest reaches of the cave. "Hehehe... the game has only just begun..." This remark not only sent a chill down everyone's spine, but also foreshadowed what might unfold next. As the makeshift alliance embarked on their journey to their destination, a sense of tension and anticipation permeated the entire group. The corridor was lined with mottled stone walls, carved with strange runes and depictions of unknown creatures. The dim torchlight stretched shadows, adding a touch of mystery and unease.

"It's so scary here... The people in the paintings seem to be staring at me." Passerby A whispered, his voice echoing in the empty corridor.

"Hey! Focus and stop daydreaming!" shouted a soldier dressed as a soldier nearby. He was one of the people responsible for clearing the obstacles ahead. "There's no time to be idle now."

Arya walked ahead, holding the map tightly in her hand. She turned back and said to the crowd, "Everyone, be alert. We may encounter danger every step of the way."

"You're right, Arya," Aiden added. "We must support each other to succeed in this adventure. We must all be prepared for any eventuality."

Suddenly, the ground shook slightly, and several large stone slabs fell from the ceiling, narrowly missing the explorers. "What's going on?" Carol asked alertly, her staff emitting a soft light that illuminated the surrounding darkness.

Just when everyone was still in shock, a very ordinary-looking traveler named C shouted, "Wow, that's great! I was almost crushed just now! It was so thrilling!" His tone was mixed with fear and excitement. It was obvious that he was both terrified of the sudden situation and enjoyed the thrill.

"Don't be too happy too soon." The man in black said coldly, "This is just the beginning. The real challenge is still waiting for you."

"Hey, what do you mean by that?" The red-haired girl glared at him, her eyes revealing strong dissatisfaction and challenge.

Before she could get an answer, they encountered their second challenge—a horde of strange-looking underground creatures suddenly appeared, attacking with terrifying noises. The battle quickly began. Thrall bravely rushed to the front lines to fight the monsters, while the mages and other ranged units quickly dispersed, casting various spells from a safe distance.

"Watch out to the left!" someone warned. Then, a flash of lightning pierced the night sky, illuminating the entire cave. With a loud bang, several targets were eliminated. "Now they should know how powerful we are!" the man said proudly, seeming very satisfied with his performance.

After a hard fight, they finally eliminated all the enemies in sight. Just as everyone was about to breathe a sigh of relief, they suddenly heard a faint but clear sound of footsteps coming from afar. Everyone immediately became alert, mentally prepared to face new enemies or unexpected situations.

Footsteps approached, not carrying any murderous intent. A small, child-like figure appeared around the corner. "Big brothers and sisters, are you looking for that legendary treasure? I can help you," he said, his voice clear but remarkably calm, as if he knew a great deal.

The crowd immediately started talking:

-"Oh my god, isn't this the lost little guy?"

-"Why does a child need to know so much? He seems quite clever though."

-"Maybe he knows something? Why don't we listen to what he has to say first?"

"Really? Then do you know what to do next?" Arya asked the child curiously, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Follow me," the child replied confidently, turning and leading the way.

Looking in the direction the child had gone, Carol turned to the team and said seriously, "Since we've decided to follow him, we should continue to divide into groups as planned and remain vigilant. After all, no one knows what awaits us ahead."

Led by the child, the group traversed the winding path, encountering several challenges along the way but overcoming them with wisdom. However, when they finally reached the last corner before their destination...

"This is it, right?" The child suddenly stopped and turned to look at the people following him. "But remember, no matter what happens, you must not destroy anything here! Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous!"

"Thank you!" Arya said gratefully. "We'll go in now."

Just as everyone was about to step into the seemingly ordinary room, a series of brisk footsteps echoed outside. "Wait for me—" another stranger ran up from behind, panting as he spoke, "I'm the last Core Crystal holder... I'm willing to join you on your mission..."

This sudden change has caused waves of anxiety in everyone's heart again. No one can predict what the future will be like.

"Why are you here at this hour?" Carol asked suspiciously.

“The story doesn’t end here.”

With the arrival of a new ally, the unknowns of what they would face remained uncertain. As everyone looked at each other in bewilderment at the sudden appearance of this newcomer, the child spoke again, "We don't have much time. Regardless of how he got here, he now holds the key, so we should let him join us." As he spoke, the child looked at Carol and the others with a look of trust and expectation.

"Okay, but you have to keep up with the team. Also, please introduce yourself, stranger." Carol nodded slightly in response. Although she was still wary in her heart, she knew that in the current situation, one more person means one more hope.

The newcomer nodded in understanding. "I'm Reynolds, a mage from a distant kingdom and the last guardian of the Core Stone." He spread his palm, and a small, glittering pebble appeared in the air, emanating a gentle yet undeniable power. "I was ordered to bring it here, but I didn't expect the journey to be so arduous. Fortunately, I finally made it."