The moment Daimon appeared, a shockwave of surprise rippled through the trio—Jake, Matthew, and Andy.
Their actions stuttered for a split second, the tension of the battle momentarily forgotten in the presence of this enigmatic figure.
They exchanged quick glances, their expressions a mix of awe and uncertainty.
Daimon's sudden appearance defied their understanding of the tower's mechanics.
His ability to materialize out of thin air seemed like a manifestation of the very shadows that surrounded them.
Jake was the first to gather his wits, his determination resurfacing. "Yeah, can you help us?" he called out, his voice projecting a mixture of urgency and hope.
Daimon's response was a simple nod. "Wait a minute," he replied, his voice holding an air of detached calm.
With a fluid movement, Daimon moved forward. His crimson sword, a deadly extension of his will, gleamed as it caught the faint light filtering through the trees.
As if time itself had slowed, he engaged the yellow goblins with a ferocity that was awe-inspiring.
Jake, Matthew, and Andy watched in astonishment as Daimon weaved through the goblins' attacks with an almost supernatural grace. His strikes were precise and lethal, each movement a testament to his mastery.
The goblins' resistance crumbled under Daimon's onslaught. One by one, they fell, their crude weapons no match for the crimson sword that seemed to dance through the air.
The battle was over almost as quickly as it had begun. The clearing, once a battleground, was now littered with the defeated bodies of the yellow goblins.
Jake's gaze remained locked on Daimon, his awe mingling with a newfound respect. Daimon approached the trio, his footsteps echoing a quiet confidence.
He regarded them with a gaze that was both piercing and enigmatic. "You owe me nothing. I merely acted on a whim."
Jake shook his head, admiration evident in his expression. "Regardless, you saved us. We're grateful."
Matthew's voice joined the conversation, his curiosity getting the best of him. "Your power… it's incredible. Are you a player like us?"
Daimon's lips curved into a faint smile, his response cryptic. "In a way, you could say that."
Andy, who had been mostly silent, spoke up. "Thank you for your help. We wouldn't have lasted much longer without you."
Daimon's smile lingered, a glimmer of warmth within the enigma that was his persona. "Names," he said, his voice almost inviting.
Jake nodded, introducing himself first. "I'm Jake."
Matthew followed suit. "I'm Matthew."
Andy, the one who had wielded the shield, completed the introductions. "And I'm Andy."
Daimon's gaze shifted between them, as if studying their very essence. "A varied group," he mused. "I find myself intrigued."
Jake's curiosity got the better of him. "Who are you, anyway? And how do you appear out of nowhere like that?"
Daimon chuckled softly, his laughter a soothing echo in the midst of the forest's serenity. "I am Daimon and It's just one of my skills."
The trio exchanged surprised glances. It was clear that Daimon was no ordinary player. Matthew leaned closer to Jake, his voice a hushed whisper. "He's got to be a high-ranking player to have that level of skill."
Jake nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Daimon with newfound respect and curiosity. Turning his attention back to Daimon, Jake ventured further. "May I know your ranking?"
Daimon's chuckle deepened, a hint of amusement dancing in his crimson eyes. "Definitely in the top ranks."
A knowing smile crossed Jake's lips. It seemed Daimon enjoyed maintaining an aura of mystery, a quality that only added to his intrigue. "Secrets can be entertaining," Jake mused to himself.
As if sensing their unspoken thoughts, Daimon's smile widened. "Indeed, they can be."
Jake continued his inquiry, his tone respectful. "May I ask which force you belong to?"
Daimon's expression turned contemplative, his gaze focusing on a point beyond the trio. He hadn't anticipated their next words.
"Eldoria," he replied after a moment, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.
Jake and his companions exchanged surprised glances, their initial awe shifting to a sense of camaraderie. "We're from Eldoria as well," Jake said with a grin.
Daimon's amusement was palpable, his lips quirking into a knowing smile. "It seems we've stumbled upon a coincidence."
Matthew laughed softly, a sense of kinship forming. "Small world, huh?"
Andy chimed in with a playful smile. "So, Sir Daimon, are you returning to the Eldoria camp? You're welcome to join us."
Daimon's gaze lingered on the trio, his enigmatic persona giving way to a flicker of genuine interest. "Why not? I'm curious to see the camp you all hail from."
The journey back to the Eldoria camp was marked by conversation and shared experiences.
Jake, Matthew, and Andy regaled Daimon with tales of their trials and triumphs within the tower.
In turn, Daimon spoke of his own encounters, though his stories remained shrouded in an air of mystery.
As they walked, Daimon's curiosity was piqued by their ranks. "And what ranks have the three of you achieved?"
Jake spoke up with a hint of pride. "We're C-Rank players. We've managed to pass the Hell Difficulty trials."
Daimon only smiled upon hearing this, a glimmer of approval in his crimson eyes. It was a subtle affirmation of their achievements.
"You are quite good," Daimon finally acknowledged, his voice carrying a touch of admiration.
Jake and the others exchanged pleased smiles, their camaraderie with Daimon deepening with every step.
Daimon, however, remained elusive about his own rank, maintaining an aura of mystery that intrigued them even further.
His enigmatic persona seemed to both draw them in and keep them at a respectful distance.
As their journey continued, they walked through the dense forest, the sounds of nature intermingling with their conversation.
The sun cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing play of light and darkness.
Eventually, after a long trek, they reached the familiar grounds of the basic camp of Eldoria.
Tents were pitched, and players were engaged in various activities—some training, some conversing, and others simply resting.
Daimon's gaze swept over the camp, his expression unreadable.