The suburbs.
More than a dozen human Professionals raced through the fields.
The low farmhouse ahead suddenly collapsed, and a monster made entirely of black fire slowly crawled out of the ground.
"A Destruction Flame Demon!"
"It's a Flame Demon! Everyone, be careful!"
Someone shouted a warning.
The Professionals readied themselves for battle.
The Destruction Flame Demon stood seven or eight meters tall, the blazing fire covering its body scorching the earth into lava.
It rumbled:
"Lowly humans, your deaths-"
A cold gleam flashed and vanished.
The Destruction Flame Demon's voice cut off abruptly.
A streak of sword light swept back from beyond the sky and slid into its sheath with a clang.
The girl rested her hand on the sword's hilt, her expression calm.
Everyone fell silent.
"Keep moving."
Xiao Mengyu spoke as she gazed toward the darkened urban district ahead.
-the enemy blocking their way had been eliminated.
The group quickly set off, reaching the bridge leading into the urban district before long.
Someone was already waiting beside the bridge.
It was an armored humanoid wooden carving, accompanied by several powerful human Professionals.
"Up ahead is the territory occupied by the Destruction Faction. I believe everyone knows that once they establish a foothold, this planet will be destroyed sooner or later."
"Everyone, please fight with all your strength!"
The humanoid wooden carving spoke loudly.
Everyone also understood the current situation.
-to protect their own lives and those of their families, they had no choice now but to join the battle.
Several Professionals with powerful auras stepped forward, divided everyone into groups, and each led a team across the bridge.
Only Xiao Mengyu remained where she stood.
Only after everyone had left did she ask:
"Why did you specifically keep me here?"
The humanoid wooden carving looked at her,