"Attack!" shouted Evans.

The four of them leaped simultaneously toward the giant tentacle that reappeared from the sea. Water splashed into the air, creating a salty rain that bounced against their skin.

Evans swung his staff upward. "Storm Impact!"

Lightning danced around him and struck the tentacle of the King Kraken. The electric blast spread across the creature's wet skin, releasing smoke, but it was not enough to injure something as enormous as a mountain.

Another tentacle lashed toward them.

Daisy kicked off the half-broken mast and jumped high into the air. Her sword vibrated. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"Aqua Pierce!"

As the King Kraken's tentacle approached, she slashed upward three times. The slash created sharp waves of energy that shot toward the tentacle.

Sraaasssh!

The attack managed to hold the tentacle back for a few seconds but shattered right after. The tentacle came even faster.

Jump!

Spin!

Daisy swiftly dodged the incoming strike. She landed back on the ship as the mast she had just stood on flew away into the sea.

The ship beneath her shook violently. And this was only the beginning.

The two other adventurers joined in as well. Both carried large shields and a sword in their right hands.

When the tentacle was about to hit Evans, the two of them rushed forward and blocked it. However, they were thrown back and coughed up blood afterward.

"Are you alright, Guild Leader?" one of them asked.

Evans nodded. He glanced over and saw their trembling hands shaking in pain. One of them even had his arm bent unnaturally, broken, yet he still chose to keep fighting.

"I'm sorry," said Evans softly.

The two adventurers shook their heads. "It's fine. This was our decision. You should focus on finding a way to defeat that King Kraken."

"We're counting on you," the other added.

Evans nodded. He would try his best. He knew their hope was on him, and he didn't want to disappoint those who believed in him.

"Help me again! I'll strike once more," Evans said.

The two nodded without hesitation. They moved closer to Evans, preparing to protect him again.

The three of them nodded to each other, and in the next second, they charged forward together.

**

Crowne felt his body grow heavier. Pain filled his entire being. His bones were broken. He could not move at all.

"Ah, is it ending like this?" he muttered.

He was frustrated and regretful. He had not even met his mother for the last time, and yet… it was already over.

Crowne clicked his tongue in annoyance. Slowly, his body sank deeper. He thought everything was over until…

"My apologies, Master. It seems I've been too occupied with my own tasks," whispered Sylvara.

The voice echoed inside his head. Crowne did not respond, as he could no longer move his body.

"Master, say 'I accept you all,'" Sylvara whispered again.

Just as his eyes were about to close completely, he spoke those words weakly. "I accept you all."

At that moment, a light burst from Crowne's body. It was blinding, but soon dimmed again.

Then, a screen appeared before his face.

[Mission to tame 50 beasts completed!]

[Rewards obtained: 99,999 market points, weapon, artifact, and random skill.]

The next text appeared slowly, accompanied by a soft mechanical voice echoing in his mind.

[Artifact obtained: "Eye of Medusa" – A gaze that freezes enemies.]

A black-red orb appeared, floating before him. When activated, the targeted object would stop for a full second.

Cooldown: Five minutes.

[Skill obtained: "Eternal Mend."]

An ancient restoration magic that heals both physical and spiritual wounds instantly.

Can only be used on oneself.

Cooldown: 24 hours.

"Aaaarrrrgh!" Crowne suddenly screamed in agony.

Something pierced his eye. It felt as if his eyeball was being gouged out while something slithered into his right eye.

However, the pain vanished once the thing fused completely with his body.

Moments later, another light enveloped him. Within one second, his body was fully healed.

"Allow me to assist you, Master," whispered Sylvara.

Crowne nodded.

[Skill Devour Bond activated!]

**

Baaamm!

The front of the ship shattered. Slowly, the vessel began to sink. Daisy, Evans, and the two adventurers had almost run out of mana.

They had given everything they had, but it was useless. They simply were no match for the King Kraken.

"This seems to be our end," said one of the adventurers.

Daisy clutched her bleeding shoulder. She refused to accept this outcome. She still hadn't found her younger sister, Lina.

Her hands trembled, but her mana was nearly gone. There was little she could do.

"I'm sorry… for not being able to bring the Ballista back to Doomsty City. I'm sorry," Daisy whispered.

Tears began to fall. She hated herself for being so weak. She thought she had grown stronger, yet she was still far from it.

There were dozens, maybe hundreds, of people far stronger than her. Some were beings she could never even touch. If she tried, death would be her reward.

"Forgive your cowardly sister," Daisy said again, lowering her head in guilt. "I'm sorry!"

As exhaustion overtook them, a massive tentacle shot toward them, tearing through the air with a deafening roar. Evans and Daisy could only watch helplessly.

"Ah, this is our end," Evans muttered softly.

Yet, the two adventurers stepped forward. They stood with their shields raised. Their hands were broken, their bodies battered, but they still tried to fight back.

"Guild Leader, we'll hold it! Find another way!" shouted one of them.

Evans was stunned. His chest tightened painfully. As their leader, he should be the one standing there, not them.

Evans nodded. "Alright," he replied.

But before he could move forward, a massive blast of magic appeared before them.

The four could only stare in disbelief.

In that instant, time seemed to stop. Their breaths froze.

"Damn it. This really is the end."

However, a second later, the magical blast was deflected upward and exploded in the air. Their eyes widened in shock.

"Who…"

They saw a figure standing at the edge of the half-sinking ship. The person turned to them and said, "Sorry for being late."

At that moment, Daisy, Evans, and the two adventurers all felt relief. Even though victory was uncertain, they could finally breathe.

They were relieved to see Crowne standing before them.

"Thank you," they said in unison.

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