Arnold's movements were very fast.

Too fast!

Although wearing heavy armor, this paladin's movements were incredibly agile, like a bright white lightning. Before Lorne could even react, his opponent had already approached him.

The longsword carried a pitch-black flame, carving an arc in the air.

Lorne clenched his teeth and instinctively jumped back, attempting to dodge. But the opponent's attacks were fierce and relentless, leaving him no chance to escape!

Behind him, he could hear Helena and Aze exclaim in shock.

Lorne's heart sank.

...Am I really going to meet my end here today?

Just as he thought that, Arnold's arm holding the sword suddenly trembled. The force of the attack decreased abruptly, and the arc traced by the blade changed direction.

Something incredible happened.

Lorne had actually managed to dodge the attack!

He stumbled back a few steps, creating distance between himself and his opponent. He noticed that Arnold was wincing in pain, blood seeping from his right shoulder and flowing down his arm.

So that's it.

Lorne understood.

That was the wound left by "Nassir the Holy Sword" when he fought Arianne earlier. Arnold's attack had aggravated the injury, causing him to weaken temporarily.

Arnold took a deep breath and switched to holding the sword with his left hand:

"Tsk, lucky escape... But next time, you won't be so fortunate!"

Next time?

Lorne couldn't help but smile lightly, thinking, I'm sorry, but next time I'll still be very lucky...

Indeed, Lorne's ability to dodge the attack earlier was not purely a stroke of luck. It was the effect of the "Ring of Fortune." As long as its duration hadn't expired, Lorne was blessed with extraordinary luck and fortune!

"Unfortunately, it only lasts for five minutes... Sigh, I should have kept this ring and used it in a casino later."

Lorne thought wistfully.

At the same time, Arnold launched a second sword strike! This time, his attacks were even more relentless, and Lorne's eyes couldn't keep up with his movements. He could only rely on instinct to move his body aside.

Another miraculous dodge.

...

Not far away, Arianne, bound by chains, had been closely observing the battle. She murmured to herself, appearing intrigued, "Interesting ability... He really is someone worth my attention..."

At the same time, on the other side of the room.

Helena and Aze couldn't believe their eyes as they witnessed Lorne's agile movements.

"How did Lord Arnold suddenly become so powerful?" Helena exclaimed calmly. "Could it be because he touched that 'altar'?"

Aze didn't respond, as his jaw had dropped, leaving him unable to speak.

Literally.

His entire lower jaw had fallen to the ground.

...

At this moment, Arnold couldn't help but feel baffled.

Utterly baffled!

Even among the highly skilled "Templar Knights," Arnold was considered one of the best.

He had always been confident in his own skills.

This confidence stemmed from extensive combat experience. No matter the opponent or the battlefield, he was always able to adapt quickly and find the most effective ways to counter his enemies.

But...

What on earth is this demon? How can he effortlessly dodge my attacks with his chaotic and unpredictable movements?

What kind of trick is this?

I can't make any sense of it!

Arnold glared fiercely at Lorne, his eyes bloodshot. It was obvious that the demon on the other side was scheming something and desperately trying to buy time... he had to stop him.

But why can't I land a single blow on him, no matter what?

"You don't look too good. Are you tired?" Lorne squeezed the third soul in his hand, calmly saying, "I've told you before, wait until you're in the right condition before attacking, but you never listen."

"Hmph, stop pretending, demon!"Arnold gritted his teeth, his face gradually losing color.

The move he used, "Soul Fire," was quite dangerous. Every swing of the sword would diminish his own lifespan. But to eliminate higher-level demons like Lorne, this was a necessary sacrifice.

"If this continues, you'll destroy yourself before I even have a chance to act," Lorne shook his head and sighed.

"Why bother? We have no grievances or disputes between us. And honestly, although I am a demon, I haven't done anything excessively evil... Is it just because I opened your so-called 'Path of Trials'?"

"The 'Path of Trials' is indeed a forbidden taboo, but that's only one aspect," Arnold paused his attack and answered seriously. "Besides that, there are other reasons..."

"Oh?" Lorne glanced at Helena and Aze not far away, then looked back at Lorne coldly and said, "So, you have no self-awareness at all? Look at your two disgusting subordinates and this Dungeon reeking of a foul odor... Every second I spend here is unbearable!"

"Sorry about that," Lorne replied irritably, purseing his lips. "The hygiene condition in my home is not the best... If you don't like it here, then leave."

"Do I have to make it so clear? Your existence itself is a sin. Zombies, skeletons, demons... You should all die!" Arnold roared, the black flames on his sword growing more and more intense.

... You should all die.

Lorne suddenly found it somewhat amusing.

This answer was not surprising at all. In fact, it was a normal person's normal thoughts.

Yes, we are detestable creatures. So even if we are looted by those robbers called "adventurers," it is only natural. And being purified by righteous knights, it's also deserved.

But, we are still "alive."

And we want to continue living.

So sorry, Sir Knight Arnold.

...

"Why do people fight against each other? Why can't everyone become friends?" The innocent question of the child came to mind at the last moment before his soul dissipated.

Why indeed?

Probably because we can never see others as the same kind of "people" as ourselves.

Lorne thought to himself.

He manipulated the System interface with his mind and took out the last item from the novice gift pack— the "Mystical Orb." It was a deep purple crystal ball with flowing light inside.

【Mystical Orb: Soul-binding item. Can specify a Dungeon resident, consume 'Evil Points' to enhance their strength.】

Yes.

As the Dungeon Lord, Lorne wasn't alone, nor did he need to face enemies head-on by himself. Nurturing the strength of his subordinates, discovering their strengths, and commanding them reasonably... That was the fighting style of a Dungeon Lord!

A message appeared in front of Lorne:

"Please select a Dungeon resident."

"Helena." Lorne had already decided on his target.

"How many Evil Points do you want to invest in the 'Mystical Orb'? (Currently has 5038 points available)"

"All of them!"