As the words reached their ears, their faces turned ashen. Their hearts pounded in their chests, and they swallowed nervously.
Fortunately, they stayed alert and didn't rush into following those people.
Had they chosen to follow, it was hard to imagine that the golden gate didn't lead back to where they came from, but to certain death!
In the crowd, Merlin couldn't help but give a mocking smile, shaking his head dismissively. He had already guessed that the beautiful woman, Quinella, wouldn't let them return to their origin so easily.
Although Quinella had appeared to kindly warn them earlier, Merlin knew it wasn't a warning at all, but rather a subtle encouragement.
For all of them, including those people, being brought to this mysterious place had left them confused, fearful, and wary. When the opportunity to return arose, they would obviously seize it without hesitation.
Thus, without anyone noticing, Quinella had indirectly brought about their demise. Of course, the blame didn't rest solely on her, but also on those who foolishly trusted her, including the arrogant, burly man.
"This woman is truly intriguing," Merlin murmured, his gaze fixed on Quinella.
Despite her goddess-like beauty, her demeanor was far colder and more ruthless than he had anticipated.
*Clap!*
Quinella clapped her hands, and the sound snapped the crowd out of their daze.
"Alright, let's get to the point," she said calmly, her eyes flashing with a playful blink. "You're probably wondering why you're here. Don't worry; I'll explain everything."
She scanned their faces, her gentle smile returning as she continued, "The reason you're all here is simple: to save a world called Altheran from the demons' invasion. That world is unique, and I, along with the gods in the palace of the gods, will not allow it to fall. That's why we've brought you here to assist. Do you understand now?"
At Quinella's explanation, the crowd's eyes widened, their shock barely concealed.
"The gods? Saving a world?" They murmured, their minds overwhelmed with confusion.
Although most of them believed in gods, the reality of their existence was still shocking. Moreover, learning that they had been summoned to save a world made the whole situation feel like an impossible dream.
Among those still processing the information, a tall, burly man with a face full of scars stepped forward. His face twisted with anger.
With trembling hands, he pointed at Quinella and demanded coldly, "Are you mocking us? You brought us here to use us as tools for your war against demons? Do you think we're nothing more than objects you can manipulate at will? And if you're truly gods, why don't you handle this yourselves? With your power, stopping a demon invasion should be easy, right?"
His words immediately snapped the crowd out of their daze. They glared at Quinella with anger and contempt.
"What he said is right! Do you think we're just tools? Damn you!" One of them shouted, and the dissatisfaction spread like wildfire.
Quinella remained unfazed, her expression calm as she let out a small, helpless sigh.
"I understand that you're all very angry, and as a representative of the Palace of Gods, I apologize for that," she said with a tone full of regret. "However, we are completely helpless. We cannot directly intervene in the invasion. Despite being gods with extraordinary powers, there are strict prohibitions and taboos that prevent us from interfering in the affairs of the mortal world. So, I sincerely ask for your help."
With that, Quinella bowed her head humbly—an act that immediately stunned everyone. The woman, possessing such ethereal beauty and high status as a goddess, had chosen to humble herself before them, which left them in shock.
The anger on several faces, including the burly man's, slowly faded. They were now confused, unsure of how to respond.
"Furthermore, we didn't bring you here directly; it was the gods of your respective worlds who did," Quinella continued, slowly lifting her head.
"The gods of our worlds?" The burly man and the crowd behind him were once again struck speechless.
"Yes, the gods of your worlds. They worked with us, each sending one sacrifice—and you are those sacrifices," Quinella explained calmly, a faint smile curling at her lips.
They swallowed nervously, their bodies tensing. They had assumed their presence here was due to the woman before them, but they never could have imagined it was the gods of their own worlds behind it!
Meanwhile, Merlin, who had been listening silently, couldn't help but be stunned.
"Sacrifices from different worlds? Does that mean the gods of my world sent me here?" His eyes narrowed in bitter realization.
Now, he finally understood why the "mysterious voice" had offered help—it was meant to sacrifice him!
"Damn it! I've really been played," he muttered through gritted teeth.
After a moment, however, the anger in his chest faded. He realized the mysterious voice's promise was to save him and ensure his survival. Despite being a sacrifice, he was still in good health, meaning the woman had kept her word.
Merlin let out a quiet sigh, then glanced around at the others. Each of them looked grim and sorrowful.
"It's no wonder their clothes are so strange and unique—they're from another world," he muttered softly, raising an eyebrow.
At first, he was taken aback by their appearance, which seemed out of place in this world, and briefly wondered if they were cosplaying. But once the truth was revealed, everything clicked into place.
"So, what's your decision? Will you help us?" Quinella inquired softly, her gaze sweeping over each of them.
The burly man and the crowd behind him fell into silence. Had they been asked whether they wanted to help, the answer would have been a firm no.
After all, they had families in their own world and didn't want to be torn from them. But with the harsh truth that it was the gods of their world who had abandoned them, they understood that returning home was no longer an option.
With a soft sigh, the burly man lifted his head and spoke firmly, "Alright, I'll help."
One by one, the crowd behind him echoed, "We'll help too!"
Their response clearly pleased Quinella, and her smile widened in delight.
"Good! I'm pleased with your answers," she said, nodding in satisfaction.
However, her expression shifted subtly, her once-gentle gaze gradually hardening into indifference.
"But before we proceed, there's something I must tell you," Quinella continued, her voice calm.
The crowd was caught off guard by her sudden shift and quickly adopted serious expressions, ready to listen.
"Due to the limitations of our power and certain rules, we cannot take all of you to the Altheran world. Therefore, we've devised a special test. This test will evaluate each of you, and only those truly worthy will have the chance to enter Altheran," Quinella explained, her tone casual.
"A special test?" They were all taken aback, not having expected such a thing.
The burly man frowned, his doubt apparent as he asked, "If only the worthy will be allowed into the Altheran world, how many will qualify? And what happens to those who aren't worthy?"
Everyone, including Merlin, exchanged curious and anxious glances, waiting for Quinella's response.
Sensing their unease, Quinella let out a soft laugh, then answered coldly, "Only ten will be deemed worthy. As for the rest… their fate is clear—death."