CHAPTER 88: THE ARRIVAL OF ETHANARK

***

Eight days before the event ended.

Central Forest Area.

Ethan didn’t want to waste time. The event would end soon, and he needed to act. He was sure that what he was about to do was the right thing.

To reach the southern region, it would take about one to two more days. Ethan had to rest several times before arriving there.

Luna didn’t know why they were traveling so far south, but when she saw Ethan’s serious expression, she was certain he was doing something important.

After resting a few times, Ethan began moving again, sometimes leaping forward to save time.

By jumping strongly ahead, he believed he could reach the southern region faster.

Not long after, Ethan arrived at the southeastern forest area that had once been burned.

Seeing that forest meant he was close to Arkan City.

Ethan leaped onto a branch and climbed to the tallest tree. From there, he stood on a high branch where he could observe the landscape around him.

Arkan City was clearly visible in his sight, though he couldn’t see what was happening inside.

Ethan had to move closer if he wanted to observe their activities and meet the members of LionArk.

To stay safe, Ethan jumped from tree to tree, moving much faster even though it took more energy.

It only took him fifteen minutes to reach the outer edge of the southeastern forest. He crouched on a branch, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Several players were seen going in and out of Arkan City. Many of them seemed close to one another, even though they were from different guild teams.

LionArk seemed to have united them.

Among them were Nuwa and Luca, who had just returned from the forest.

Their arrival was warmly greeted by the other players, as if they had forgotten their hatred toward Ethan.

Just as Ethan was watching them, his attention shifted to the side when he noticed a guild team returning from a monster hunt for Star Essence.

There were six of them, their average level around forty-three, with the highest at forty-seven.

The difference in strength between the northern and southern regions was obvious.

Ethan drew his sword and charged downward toward them before they could leave the forest.

Hissy helped by firing five poisoned spikes at five of them, leaving one man alive to call LionArk into the forest.

"Y-You... EthanArk?" one of the men stammered.

"Go and tell LionArk that I’m waiting for them here," Ethan replied.

The man trembled in fear when Ethan focused his gaze on him. Even though the black mask hid Ethan’s face, his presence alone was terrifying.

The man grew even more frightened when he saw his poisoned teammates struggling with Venomfang’s deadly toxin.

Not wanting to waste time, he ran toward Arkan City. Some players saw what had happened to him but said nothing—only LionArk needed to know.

In the forest, Ethan stood on the branch above them, letting the five men writhe from the Venomfang poison.

One of them, a female warrior, gathered the courage to speak.

"Why... did you come back?" she asked weakly.

"The guild rankings have changed. The Northern Guild Alliance is unstable. There will be a major conflict in this event," Ethan replied.

"Sword Liberation rose to third place. Was that you?" the woman asked.

"Yes."

"You have no right to know what I’m planning!"

Not long after, Leni and six LionArk members rushed into the forest after hearing that EthanArk was waiting for them.

Ethan gave one condition—no one else was allowed to listen to his discussion with LionArk.

Lara had also heard that Ethan had come to the city. She became excited and determined to meet him.

There were many things she wanted to discuss, especially about the guild’s rising rank.

But Ethan had no interest in talking about that with her.

LionArk arrived at the forest. Ethan ordered Hissy to extract the Venomfang poison from the five injured players.

The poison was successfully removed, and their conditions quickly improved.

They left the forest, leaving Ethan alone with Leni. Only Leni spoke to him—none of the LionArk members listened.

"I’m glad to see you’re safe, Mr. Ethan," Leni said.

"The situation in Uruk City is unstable because of the ranking changes. I’m worried some of them might target Arkan City," Ethan replied.

"Why would they do that?" Leni asked.

"Because Sword Liberation isn’t part of their alliance. That makes Redemption Sword or maybe Scavenger a target."

"So, you came here to warn me about this?" Leni asked. Ethan nodded.

"There are eight days left before the event ends. I’ll have my final battle four days before it ends."

"Listen to what I’m planning—it’ll be valuable for LionArk."

Leni narrowed her eyes and nodded firmly, her gaze sharp. She was ready to hear Ethan’s plan, since not many players in Arkan City knew what he was preparing.

The woman nodded again and cleared her throat, signaling she understood what she had to do.

For Ethan, the last ten days of the Thousand Stars Event were a crucial moment that would decide everything.

"Don’t be late and don’t be careless. You know that, Leni," Ethan said firmly.

"I understand completely, Ethan."

Ethan turned toward Luna, who stood nearby. She reached out her hand, and Ethan took it.

He smiled behind his black mask, then removed it and knelt beside her.

"Luna?" Ethan called softly. Luna turned quickly, her blue eyes locked on Ethan’s handsome face.

"I have to fight a very dangerous battle. I don’t want you to get hurt."

"So, for the next few days, you’ll stay with Miss Leni, alright?" Ethan said, placing his hand on her cheek and brushing her hair gently.

Luna looked scared and turned to the side, glancing at Leni. Leni smiled warmly, knelt down beside her, and reached out her hand.

"I’ll take care of you until Ethan comes back for you, alright?" Leni said kindly.

The girl pouted and refused. She didn’t want to be separated from Ethan because she was afraid Leni couldn’t protect her.

Ethan smiled and summoned Hissy, letting it stay near Luna.

"If anyone tries to hurt you, Hissy and Leni will protect you," Ethan said softly.

At last, Luna nodded slightly, though her face still showed a pout. Ethan hugged her tightly, hoping she would be safe. He promised to see her again after everything was over.

Ethan put his black mask back on, stood straight, and took a deep breath.

Leni held Luna’s hand tightly, promising to protect her with all her strength.

"Please take care of her, Leni."

"It’s alright. Don’t be so formal, Mr. Ethan."

He nodded. After telling Leni everything, he headed north, his hand gripping the Bloodblade Ashura.

Ethan’s eyes glowed red through the mask’s eye holes—a sign that his aggressive mode was active.

Leni returned to Arkan City and told everyone what had happened, especially about the big battle that would soon take place.

"Prepare your gear properly. Protect your Star Essence. Train hard."

"Where did Ethan go, Leni?!" Lara shouted.

Leni turned and smiled when their eyes met for a moment.

"He went north to fight the Northern Guild Alliance... alone."