Dragon's Wrath: The Cursed Returnee

While they were crossing the capital, Ethan saw many people leaving the place by using boats and choppers. Although the government was using everything it could, it was evident that some people would stay behind and won't leave on time. To avoid the worst-case scenario, the only option was to eliminate all the monsters in the other world. However, given that the spawning rate never decreased, no one even considered that plausible.

"What do you think about this stupid spawning rate, Hannah?" Ethan asked. "Not to mention, why the heck does the dungeon only spawn ghost monsters?"

"At first, we had no idea, but after we received a report of your activities while you were working and helping a friend, we came up with a few explanations. By the way, the next time you don't tell me about this kind of job that you accept, I will skin you alive."

"It probably won't happen again," Ethan said. "Probably… anyway, what you concluded?"

"Let's start from the beginning, about how ghosts are born. Sometimes, when people die, they become ghosts. However, there are people who can use magic to transform spirits into ghosts. We call those people Soulmancers. Even though those people have a lot of power over spirits and ghosts, they can't control everything about them. For example, for a ghost able to use curse magic to appear, someone has to die full of regrets. People who die without regrets can't become ghosts that apply curses and rarely even become ghosts. So, we assumed that those monsters you are facing… are the spirits of the inhabitants of an entire world."

That was terrifying… for someone to use all the members of a sapient species of a world and turn them into monsters just to weaken the strength of another species was… disturbing, to say the least.

"I see. So, does that mean that the hero failed to save the world on the other side of the dungeon and worked with someone to turn all the inhabitants of that world into ghosts? Considering that some of the ghosts can even use armor and weapon, it seems we aren't looking for a single perpetrator. The hero of that world is definitely involved in it."

Ethan frowned when he heard Dante's voice. It looked like Hannah also gave them some magic items that could grant them the chance to use Telepathy. Regardless, Ethan also seemed that such an idea was plausible, but Dante seemed too sure of it.

"We don't know that yet, and until we obtain enough evidence, we can't jump to conclusions. While I can't say if the hero is involved or not, it would make sense that the perpetrator of this incident isn't working alone. My guess is that they used some spell to put their entire world to sleep and used some kind of magic item to harness all the spirits that died since most living beings can't live without water for long. A person with that much power wouldn't be able to craft so much armor and swords, after all."

That was also something that made sense in Ethan's eyes. One could become a mage and a blacksmith, but reaching the true potential in both was nearly impossible in a single lifetime. Ethan fought countless creatures that could live hundreds of years, even thousands. Still, even those who decided to follow a single path in order to reach new heights in their skills. Given that people like summoned heroes existed, it was only natural to face those beings. An ordinary creature couldn't follow a half-assed determination.

Regardless, not even summoned heroes could become proficient at many things with their cheat-like abilities. Ethan was a fine example of it, he used Omni Hero for almost a year, and he defeated all his foes in another world. Still, then he found Dante, and he somehow was even stronger than him when he completed his job.

"Good, now we know what happened, but we didn't hear anything about the solution to this problem," Emily said.

"Well, to be honest… there is no simple way to solve this issue. We can only be patient. Given the strength of the monsters, we can't just use anyone capable of using magic. Attacking the horde of monsters in what world with some massive area of effect spell seems like a good idea, but it is too risky since we don't know what we might find there. Moreover, this same thing has happened in four other places. Caution is our only option."

That was too obvious, but in the end, Ethan didn't want to put too much weight on Hannah's shoulders by wanting a clear and proper solution to the situation.

"We will think of a solution eventually. For now, let's buy time and slow down the monster's advance," Ethan declared. "Hannah, can you monitor the location of the underground monsters and inform Aline and Emily to get rid of them as fast as possible? The rest of us will help in stopping the horde."

"I can… the question is: are they willing to cooperate with you all?" Hannah asked.

"We will focus on the mission and follow the commands of our operator, and that is who you are," Dante declared. "As long as we obtain the results necessary, we will continue to do so."

"All right… first of all, regroup with each other and wait for further orders. I need to confirm something," Hannah declared and then ended the call.

After not so long, Ethan, Ian, and Emily met with Dante and Aline in the northern part of the city. Aline was building some obstacles with her earth magic to slow down the horde that was quickly approaching, and Emily soon joined her while leaving a few paths for the soldiers to retreat. It looked like the heroes of that country were protecting the other sides of the city, and Isaac soon headed to help them.

"All right, I obtained the permission, and you all don't have to disguise yourselves any longer. Few people are around to watch you all," Hannah declared. "Don't hold back and fight to your heart's content."

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