As Shadow Celestial and Anna''s group dealt with the attacks from the evil spirits, significant destruction was inevitably caused around them. The items previously used by Anna and the others almost obliterated the deepest structures within the Night des headquarters, resulting in substantial damage to the entire facility.


    Since Shadow Celestial had sealed all the main doors of the Night des headquarters, the elders on duty inside were left in the dark about the situation. They gathered together to discuss what actions they should take next.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What on earth is happening? Why is there such an abnormal situation? All the doors inside the headquarters are closed! Has the headquarters been attacked?" one of the Night des elders asked in a panic.


    As an elder not known for hisbat abilities, he was particrly worried that the Night des headquarters was under siege.


    "We can''t draw any conclusions right now because we haven''t received any intelligence. Shadow Celestial hasn''t provided us with any information either," another eldermented.


    While the majority of the Night des elders were extremely anxious, some believed this was a good opportunity.


    Two of the elders stepped into the shadows. "Should we inform Elder Astra about this? If he can return in time, we might be able to takeplete control of the Night des," one elder whispered.


    The other elder quickly shook his head. "We can''t do that; this might be Shadow Celestial''s plot! Let''s observe the situation first! Once we understand what''s really going on, we can make a decision."


    "How much longer do we have to wait? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Shadow Celestial might also be trapped for some reason. If we don''t seize this chance, we could miss out on this unique opportunity!" The two Night des elders argued for a while, each harboring their own concerns.


    After some discussion, they ultimately decided to inform Elder Astra about the situation. As for whether to take immediate action, that decision should be left to Elder Astra.


    They quickly sent out the message, but Elder Astra was unable to receive it. At that moment, he was in the abyss, following Elder Seville as they made their way to the exit. They were determined to intercept Irving''s actions at the exit of the abyss. Even if they couldn''t eliminate Irving, they had to slow down his progress.


    Near the exit of the abyss, Irving, James, and Nick were all set and ready. They had opened a gateway to the Shelter Game world, and passing through this door would allow them to leave the abyss.


    However, just as James was about to step through the door, it suddenly shut due to some unseen force.


    "What''s going on? Why did the door we worked so hard to open suddenly close? Has another monster appeared in the abyss?" Nick asked Irving in surprise.


    Irving didn''t respond. He slowly turned his head and gazed into the darkness behind them.


    James and Nick followed Irving''s gaze but could only seeplete darkness; there was no sign of any presence lurking within.


    "Say something. Did you spot the enemy?" James whispered, lowering his voice.


    Irving still offered no answer. He simply tightened his grip on his weapon, readying himself for battle.


    While James and Nick pondered in confusion, the figures of Elder Seville and Elder Astra appeared a short distance away from the three of them.


    Upon seeing Elder Seville, James and Nick were both taken aback. They hadn''t expected to see him alive.


    Elder Seville, on the other hand, smiled eerily upon spotting Irving and the others.


    "You must be quite surprised, right? You probably thought I was dead at your hands. But in fact, I am very much alive, and I can still fight you!" Elder Seville announced, stopping about ten meters away from Irving and the others.


    He didn''tunch an immediate attack; his goal was merely to dy Irving''s movements. Attacking directly might not yield sess.


    Irving also refrained from attacking right away, as he was still assessing the situation. He scrutinized Elder Seville from head to toe, a smile suddenly spreading across his face.


    "You dare to show yourself before me again? Don''t forget who was responsible for your downfall. If I could defeat you once, I can certainly do it again. Aren''t you worried that I might eliminate you once more? Or do you think that with Astra''s help, you can defeat me?"


    When mentioning Elder Astra, Irving shifted his gaze toward him. He did not regard Elder Astra as a formidable opponent. In Irving''s perspective, had it not been for the Abyssal Demon during their previous confrontation, he could have easily dispatched Elder Astra.


    Elder Astra could feel the contempt radiating from Irving.


    Although he was extremely angry, Elder Astra ultimately chose not to speak.


    "You have indeed killed me before; I do not deny that," Elder Seville said with a smile. "However, times have changed. In the abyss, you will not easily defeat me. And even if you manage to ovee me, you will not be able to leave here easily."


    As Elder Seville spoke, Irving could feel the power of the abyss around them growing stronger. It seemed that Elder Seville truly had the ability to harness the forces of the abyss.


    "I don''t understand," Irving said, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Why do you continue to oppose me? Are you still a member of the Night des?"


    Irving asked this question because he hoped to gather more intelligence. In the current situation, Elder Seville remained rather enigmatic.


    Elder Seville did not borate further; he merely nodded at Elder Astra. Then the two of themunched an attack on Irving and the others.


    Elder Seville disyed significantly enhanced strengthpared to before. Not only did he use powerful dark spells, but he also augmented his physical abilities with the power of the abyss.


    Elder Seville was even able to suppress Irving in closebat. As the battle progressed, Irving felt an increasing amount of pressure. He realized that he, along with James and Nick, needed to find a way to escape from these two enemies quickly.


    "You really are persistent! I don''t want to keep fighting you. If you can maintain peace with me, I am willing to grant you even greater power. Isn''t that what you desire—the power of darkness? I can give you that power, as long as you help me eliminate the Night des. They have betrayed you in the past. You no longer need to be loyal to the Night des."


    Throughout the fight, Irving continued tomunicate with Elder Seville. Elder Seville did not refuse to engage in dialogue.


    "I certainly want more powerful dark abilities," he replied calmly. "And I believe you can indeed grant me that power. However, my targeting of you this time is not solely for revenge. This time, I am acting on the orders of a great being. You may not know it yet, but you have been deemed an enemy that must be eliminated by this great being."


    Elder Seville''s revtion left Irving in shock.


    Irving believed that no great being truly sought to eliminate him. After all, he had previously coborated with many high-ranking entities.


    "Who exactly is this great being you''re referring to? Is it the Lord of the Abyss?" Irving spected. In his view, only the Lord of the Abyss could possibly have a reason to want him dead. Aside from the Lord of the Abyss, the only other entity that could be considered a great being was the Dark Overlord. However, the Dark Overlord was still in a state of gestation and had not yet fully manifested. Even if the Dark Overlord could lead to the world''s destruction upon its birth, itcked self-awareness before that.


    In response to Irving''s question, Elder Seville merely smiled faintly.


    "You are not entitled to the answer to that question. If you manage to kill me again, I might consider revealing the possible answer. Until then, everything is left for you to specte."


    After saying this, Elder Seville unleashed an even greater power. He not only seeded in suppressing Irving but also forced him into a position of constant retreat. Irving found himself needing assistance from James and Nick.


    While James and Nick were able to gain a certain advantage against Elder Astra, their teamwork was wless, causing Astra''s condition to deteriorate rapidly. Seizing the opportunity, Nick provided assistance to Irving.


    Although the battle was fierce, both sides clearly couldn''t guarantee victory. Each retained some strength, nning to reveal their hidden power at the most critical moment.


    Meanwhile, changes were urring in the abyss. It seemed that something was drawing closer from the depths of the abyss. The door behind Irving and the others began to close slowly.


    If they couldn''t pass through the door quickly, they risked being trapped in the abyss forever. Being trapped in the abyss meant certain death, as the abyss''s power could continually erode human will. Humans could only withstand the encroachment of the abyss for a limited time.


    Noticing the door was slowly closing, Irving resolved to unleash all his remaining strength. He aimed to drive back the two elders in battle, allowing at least James and Nick to escape the abyss. Although he would encounter danger himself, he had means to protect himself.


    "Get ready, you two! I''ll hold off the enemies; you go through the door and leave the abyss!" Irving shouted to James and Nick.


    James and Nick were taken aback, looking at Irving in confusion.