Those who had left on missions had now returned, all visibly shocked as they looked at the blood-red mist that dyed the entire sky.

“Evacuate the citizens!” Arnold shouted to a nearby group, who immediately sprang into action.

As the people were led away, a figure darted toward the source of the Blood Bane Energy. It was the scruffy old hermit who had first detected the blood-red mist.

"What is happening?!" The old hermit was horrified to find the Blood Bane Energy far more terrifying than he had imagined. Despite having faced countless perils in his lifetime, his voice trembled with fear.

As if sensing the presence of the living, the monstrous Blood Bane Energy in the sky roared and condensed into a blood-red beam before firing at the old hermit.

Sensing the danger, the old hermit's expression became grim. He clenched his right hand, and a longsword appeared. With lightning speed, he slashed at the incoming beam.

The old hermit was powerful, certainly a level nine fighter. His s