Global Necromantic Specialist

Jiang Taotao glanced at Marsh, then at Ling Zhen, her expression full of disdain.

She found Ling Zhen's actions despicable, but there was no denying that without a strong damage dealer, clearing a Nightmare dungeon was nearly impossible. The trials couldn't be completed without sufficient firepower.

Right now, every team was desperately searching for mages, making Ling Zhen highly sought after. That was precisely why he chose this moment to make his move, putting Jiang Taotao in a tough spot.

If she removed Marsh from the team, the group's average level would increase, which would make things easier. However, replacing Marsh with a lower-level substitute wouldn't be too difficult—certainly easier than finding another capable mage.

Ning Yiyi wanted to speak up, but Marsh gently pulled her back, signaling her to stay quiet.

She knew exactly what Ning Yiyi was about to say.

If they forced Marsh out of the team, Ning Yiyi would undoubtedly leave as well.

Marsh remained silent, his expression calm as he observed the situation. Now, it was up to Jiang Taotao to decide.

After struggling internally for a moment, Jiang Taotao finally made her choice.

She turned to Ling Zhen, her tone firm. "Ling Zhen, you should leave the team."

Ling Zhen had been confident in his position, certain that Jiang Taotao would choose him over Marsh. But her decision stunned him.

"What?" His voice wavered with disbelief. "Captain, if I leave the team, your trial will be canceled."

He narrowed his eyes. "Don't you want to enter Chuang 02 Seminary?"

Jiang Taotao's voice was steady. "Of course, I do. But have you forgotten my class?"

She was an Elf Knight.

Knights had their own code of honor.

She couldn't bring herself to remove Marsh after everything he had done.

Ling Zhen scoffed, his face twisting in anger. "Fine, don't regret it."

With that, he left the team.

Now that mages were in high demand, he knew he wouldn't have trouble finding another group.

At that moment, Marsh stood up.

"Let's enter the dungeon," he said calmly.

Jiang Taotao blinked in surprise.

Did he not understand the situation?

The two factions had already reached a stalemate, and no one was allowed near the dungeon entrance.

Yet Marsh walked forward, as if completely unfazed.

Ning Yiyi followed, bouncing happily behind him.

Jiang Taotao hesitated. What was he thinking?

Duan Gao and Miao Yu exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to follow.

Jiang Taotao took a deep breath. If things go south, I'll just turn back.

As long as she was there, she could ensure everyone's safety. The opposing faction wouldn't dare to kill them.

"Let's go," she ordered.

As captain, her words held weight.

Duan Gao and Miao Yu followed hesitantly.

Jiang Taotao walked beside Marsh, her grip tightening around her shield.

The nerves were setting in.

She had no idea what was about to happen.

The moment they approached the dungeon entrance, the warriors of Sakura Country reacted aggressively.

"Back off! Don't come any closer!"

"Shenxia scum, leave now!"

Their bows were drawn, staffs raised.

The message was clear—if they dared to approach, they would be attacked.

But Marsh didn't even flinch.

He continued walking.

Jiang Taotao's heart pounded in her chest.

Duan Gao and Miao Yu stiffened.

Only Ning Yiyi remained carefree. "Relax. Trust Marsh. Everything will be fine."

The shouts grew louder.

"Brother, stop! You're going to get yourself killed!"

"Let's go protect him!"

Many recognized Marsh. If it hadn't been for his skeleton warriors earlier, they wouldn't have survived.

Although they didn't know what he was planning, most of them still chose to support him.

Ling Zhen scoffed. "Idiot. You're asking for death."

The warriors of Sakura Country didn't hesitate any longer.

A storm of arrows, spells, and attacks rained down on them.

Jiang Taotao instinctively raised her shield.

But before the attacks could land, Marsh pointed a finger forward.

Swish!

In an instant, twenty skeleton warriors materialized around them.

They formed an impenetrable wall, blocking every single attack.

Jiang Taotao's jaw dropped.

Everyone stared in shock.

"Holy crap, that's a lot of skeletons!"

"How does he have so many? What kind of class is this?"

"Those skeletons are insanely tough! They aren't even reacting to the attacks!"

The warriors of Sakura Country continued their assault, but the skeletons didn't budge.

Marsh remained completely unfazed.

"Enter the dungeon," he said.

Jiang Taotao hesitated.

But Marsh's calm demeanor reassured her.

She chose to believe in him.

The party entered the dungeon.

The skeleton warriors followed them inside, vanishing along with them.

The moment they were gone, the standoff outside resumed.

No one else attempted to enter.

Instead, the focus shifted.

"They actually went in."

"A team of just five people."

"It must be Nightmare difficulty."

"Do you think they'll survive?"

"Doesn't matter. As long as those Sakura Country bastards don't get in, it's fine."

Inside the dungeon, Jiang Taotao finally exhaled.

"We actually made it in."

Ning Yiyi giggled. "Told you! Just trust Marsh."

Jiang Taotao frowned. "But we don't have enough firepower. How are we supposed to clear this dungeon?"

Ning Yiyi was only a level 19 assassin—not nearly strong enough.

As a knight, Jiang Taotao's damage output was low as well.

They could handle normal difficulty, but Nightmare?

It seemed impossible.

Ning Yiyi smiled. "Don't worry, Marsh has it covered."

Jiang Taotao hesitated. "But he's only level 17."

Ning Yiyi grinned. "His skeletons are strong."

Jiang Taotao sighed. She had no choice but to trust Ning Yiyi.

"Alright, I'll try to tank as much as possible. Miao Yu, keep the heals coming. Duan Gao, buff us up."

Miao Yu nodded. "Got it, Sister Taozi!"

Duan Gao started casting buffs.

But before he could finish, Marsh was already moving forward.

They encountered their first monster—a massive, two-meter-tall mermaid warrior.

Marsh cast Detection.

[Mermaid Elite Warrior (Enhanced Elite Monster)]

[Level: 21]

[Strength: 2000]

[Agility: 1200]

[Intelligence: 800]

[Constitution: 2200]

[Skill: Scream]

Marsh's skeletons rushed forward.

The first row of skeletons unleashed a barrage of attacks.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The mermaid warrior collapsed instantly.

[You have defeated a level 21 Mermaid Elite Warrior. Experience +10,000.]

[Obtained: Fish Skin ×10]

Duan Gao froze.

What just happened?

How did they suddenly gain experience?

Jiang Taotao's eyes widened.

That was a Nightmare dungeon monster—an enhanced elite, no less.

Even with a full team of high-level players, it would have taken at least a minute to defeat.

But Marsh's skeletons?

They took it down in seconds.

Her voice came out in a whisper. "Did they just… one-shot it?"

Ning Yiyi beamed. "I told you, Marsh's skeletons are strong!"

She skipped ahead, following Marsh.

Duan Gao panicked. "Wait! I haven't finished buffing!"

Jiang Taotao snapped out of her daze.

"Forget the buffs! Just keep up!"

Then she ran after Marsh, her heart pounding with excitement.

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