Dungeon King: A Lady Knight Offered by My Goblins

The Shadow Clan members were well-acquainted with Ethan and his previous heroic deeds that had saved their clan.

Consequently, they refrained from immediate opposition and instead chose to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Ethan.

"As the hero who saved the whole Shadow Clan, we are deeply grateful for your past actions," one of the Shadow Clan members began.

"However, didn't you state previously that the Power of Shadow is incapable of awakening the High Priest Sherry? Are you now saying something different? Is it that you were misleading us before, or are you misleading us now?"

Faced with the pressing inquiries of the Shadow Clan members, Ethan found himself momentarily at a loss for a convincing explanation.

He, too, struggled to rationalize why he had chosen this particular moment to enter the Valhalla of Shadow Clan.

After a brief contemplation, Ethan offered his explanation: 

"I did indeed mention previously that even the power of Primordial Light cannot awaken your High Priest. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Power of Shadow would also be incapable of accomplishing that."

"However, you must have noticed that I have been dedicating a significant amount of time pondering how to awaken your High Priest. Despite my prolonged deliberation, I have failed to find a solution."

"Hence, I decided to attempt a course of action that I had once deemed impossible to succeed."

"Moreover, you are aware that Sherry became the High Priest of the Shadow Clan not solely through the acknowledgment of the Hero Spirits of Shadow Clan. I hope to enlist the aid of the Hero Spirits in our endeavor to awaken Sherry."

Ethan's explanation was so candid and forthright.

He revealed his true intentions, and he believed that the elders of Shadow Clan would be able to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Upon hearing Ethan's explanation, the Shadow Clan members showed a marked reduction in anger.

They understood that Ethan's current actions were driven by his earnest desire to awaken the High Priest Sherry.

However, their predicament had not improved in the slightest.

The Power of Shadow still remained out of control, and it was growing in strength as they conversed.

At this point, Eck had taken refuge by Ethan's side, acutely aware of the escalating danger.

While Eck had long hoped to obtain Ethan's divine artifacts, when faced with danger, he realized that the one could ensure his safety was only Ethan.

"I believe that if the High Priest were awake right now, she would also prioritize addressing the issue of the Power of Shadow going out of control. Therefore, I suggest that you deal with this first," one of the elderly Shadow Clan elders spoke calmly, his voice filled with wisdom.

His proposal was to address the immediate crisis of the Power of Shadow's instability first.

Once that was resolved, they could collectively continue searching for a way to awaken Sherry.

Eck, at this point, whispered in Ethan's ear, "I believe his suggestion is reasonable. If the High Priest were awake, she would likely agree with it."

With the unanimous persuasion of those present, Ethan ultimately decided to address the issue of the Power of Shadow's instability first.

However, just as they were about to take action, the grand gates of the Shadow Clan's Valhalla suddenly swung open.

A figure familiar to all stepped into the heart of the Shadow Clan's Valhalla.

It was none other than Dart, who had been hiding within Valhalla all along.

At Dart's sudden appearance, panic swept through the assembly.

The Shadow Clan members began retreating rapidly, their fear stemming from the possibility of Dart launching another attack against them.

As Dart observed the panicked reactions of the Shadow Clan members, a faint smile graced his lips.

"There is no need to be overly alarmed," he began, his tone calm and measured.

"I am not here to target all of you this time. My sole adversary today is the one standing before you, Ethan."

Dart continued, his voice carrying conviction.

"Do not be deceived by him. He has never truly saved our Shadow Clan. His previous actions only led us deeper into crisis."

"The uncontrollable Power of Shadow is the gravest threat our clan faces, and it is Ethan who manipulates it from behind, the very reason High Priest has fallen into slumber."

Though Dart expressed his desire to reclaim the position of High Priest, he also hoped to garner the support of the Shadow Clan members.

With their assistance, his chances of defeating Ethan would increase significantly.

However, the Shadow Clan members remained skeptical, recalling Dart's recent rebellion, which had inflicted significant trauma upon their clan.

Ethan, on the other hand, remained unshaken by Dart's sudden appearance.

He even quietly rejoiced, seeing an opportunity to finally eliminate Dart once and for all.

"I never expected you would dare to return to the Shadow Clan's territory," Ethan retorted calmly.

"Previously, it was Sherry's excessive kindness that led me to permit your departure. However, now that Sherry has fallen into slumber, she cannot speak on your behalf any longer. This time, I finally have the chance to rid myself of you."

As Ethan uttered those words, he had already readied himself for battle.

Unlike the other Shadow Clan members who were filled with fear when facing Dart, Ethan believed that defeating Dart would be a relatively easy task.

He exuded confidence, fully prepared to confront his adversary and bring an end to the turmoil within the Shadow Clan.

Beside Ethan, Eck sensed the imminent danger and quickly retreated several steps, seeking refuge within the crowd of Shadow Clan members.

Shadow Elf, too, chose to distance himself from Ethan and Dart.

While he held confidence in his own abilities, he had no desire to become embroiled in a battle between these two stronger individuals.

Dart's expression grew more confident in response to Ethan's taunts.

"Ethan, are you perhaps a bit too self-assured?" he retorted.

"Your previous victory over me was only possible due to Sherry's assistance. Now that you no longer have her aid, you must face me alone. Moreover, my power has undergone a significant transformation. Allow me to demonstrate the formidable strength I've acquired."

Without hesitation, Dart raised his left hand, and on his palm, a deep crimson eye glowed.

Within this crimson eye, a profoundly potent Power of Curse was contained.

This attack from Dart took Ethan completely by surprise.

In their previous battles, Dart had always acted as a warrior.

However, this time, Dart revealed himself as a spellcaster, utilizing a different approach entirely.

Ethan found himself facing a spellcaster Dart, a scenario he had not anticipated.

Caught off guard, he struggled to adapt to this new form of combat as Dart prepared to unleash his enhanced powers upon him.

Although Ethan couldn't evade Dart's attack in time, the impact on him seemed relatively minimal.

He merely felt a slight pain in his head.

"Is this the extent of your attack? If this is all you can do, then you still won't be able to defeat me, Dart! You will pay for everything you've done!" Ethan declared boldly.

With those words, Ethan launched a counterattack.

He drew his shining spear and infused it with the power of Primordial Light.

The sword gleamed with a radiant yellow light as it swiftly closed in on Dart.

Dart watched Ethan's attack with a smirk, making no move to dodge.

Instead, he used the same attack method as before.

This time, the crimson eye on Dart's palm was larger than before, and the Power of Curse it emitted was much stronger.

In fact, it had become powerful enough to materialize.

Ethan's attack was directly blocked by the formidable Power of Curse, and he felt an increasing pain in his head.

"How are you doing this? Why is my head hurting more and more? Where did you acquire such potent Power of Curse?" 

Ethan demanded, retreating to a safer distance after his failed attack.

He realized that he had underestimated Dart and needed to reassess Dart's strength before continuing the fight.

At this moment, Dart chose not to continue his attack while Ethan was in such a weakened state.

Dart believed that defeating Ethan would be a straightforward task, and his primary goal was to shatter the self-confidence of Ethan.

In his mind, only by doing so could Dart relieve his own frustration.