"Still, it looks like all the enemies have already gathered over there."

Lin Zhong was causing a commotion on that side. When Su Han mentioned they were ready to move out, Aester glanced back at the spot where they’d just fought—but all he saw were criminals swarming there.

Their sheer number made even the corner of Aester’s mouth twitch slightly. Compared to this crowd, the earlier group of criminals was child’s play.

"Otherwise, why do you think I used Starburst? If they can think, they’ll sense danger and investigate. Besides, the noise was so loud even Lilianne’s team must’ve heard it."

Lin Zhong’s group stood atop a building’s roof. Though the ruins looked like a death trap, the rooftop itself was surprisingly safe to walk on.

From this spot, they had a clear view of the earlier area—and stayed hidden.

"So this was your real goal?"

Aester watched Lin Zhong, who’d lost Snow White to lean on and now slumped against a pillar. It wasn’t nearly as cozy as resting against her warm, furry form.

"What do you think?"

Lin Zhong smiled. He could’ve easily taken down the airborne BOSS alone earlier, yet he’d chosen this exhausting method instead.

Aester wouldn’t believe it was accidental. Lin Zhong wasn’t the type to recklessly drain his stamina just to show off.

But Lin Zhong had indeed planned it. He knew exactly the damage and consequences his attack would bring.

The Starburst explosion would draw nearby criminals’ attention—and Lilianne’s team’s too. It’d also thin out minion encounters and the BOSS’s guards.

Lin Zhong exploited the criminals’ psychology. This wasn’t a supernatural Dungeon Instance; human minds in humanoid monster raids were predictable and easy to manipulate.

Their danger sense would make the enemy BOSS send scouts, avoiding another messy wave-pull like before.

Striking straight for the leader was now the quickest path. It let Charlotte and Alice safely practice on minions while Sebastian guarded them effortlessly.

Against the earlier human-wave tactics, the trio would’ve struggled to survive—especially Alice, the short-legged mage who needed time to chant spells. She’d have had no chance to run.

"Just like Sebastian said—you’ve got a dirty mind."

"Pot calling the kettle black~"

Lin Zhong and Aester exchanged grins. Nearby, Sebastian muttered under his breath:

"You two tacticians both have filthy minds."

"Alright, break’s over. Time to move~"

Lin Zhong stood up and stretched lazily. After resting long enough—and with Aester’s top-tier support healing him—it felt twice as effective.

"Daddy~"

Snow White waved her tiny hands toward Lin Zhong. Her soft voice and adorable face were unbearably cute, melting everyone’s hearts.

"Huh? What is it?"

Lin Zhong had slowly accepted this ‘daughter.’ Why? Su Han had fully embraced her—and how could anyone resist such cuteness?

"Wanna ride on Snow White?"

Snow White waved, her innocent smile tugging at their hearts. Everyone turned to Lin Zhong with a silent threat: *Nod, and you’re dead.*

"No thanks. I’ll fly."

Their stares made his skin crawl—he dared not agree. Though Snow White could transform into a giant wolf to carry him, picturing that sweet little girl as a mount was just... unsettling.

Lin Zhong pointed behind him. Ice crystals slowly coalesced into a pair of wings.

*Cuteness really is justice...*

Lin Zhong sighed quietly, then gently pulled Charlotte along as he flew toward their target.

"Mommy will carry you."

Su Han tucked the golden glimmers at her waist, scooping Snow White into her arms. The girl was lighter than expected—just an ordinary child’s weight.

With a light leap, Su Han jumped down and chased after Lin Zhong.

"Let’s go too."

Aester flicked his wings, grabbing Alice’s arms to soar off. Sebastian followed close behind.

Meanwhile, Lilianne neared another BOSS’s location. Strangely, no minions had appeared along the way—no ambushes like earlier.

"What’s going on? There are far fewer people."

The maid scanned their surroundings. Minions that used to pop up every few steps had vanished entirely.

She hated those disgusting criminals, yet their absence now sent chills down her spine.

This was a raid instance, not a multiplayer or solo dungeon. These humanoid monsters weren’t AI—they had independent minds. That’s why raids were harder.

They’d set traps, tail you, and strike in unpredictable ways.

"Because of that sound earlier."

Lilianne stated flatly. She was certain it caused this situation.

But it eased their path. In raids, unlike smaller instances, clearing minions wasn’t mandatory—only BOSS kills mattered. Multi-BOSS raids were common.

That’s why Aester’s mention of multiple BOSSes hadn’t fazed her. Completing a raid required all BOSSes dead.

Minions were just obstacles to the real targets.

She knew that blast was Lin Zhong’s doing. Aester excelled at analysis, but tactics were Lin Zhong’s strength—and his plan had worked.

Fewer monster encounters and BOSS guards meant an easier fight. Lilianne quickened her pace toward the target.

She understood those minions wouldn’t stay put long. They had to eliminate their leader before the horde returned.

"That guy really is terrifying as ever..."