Ren and the others were disturbed inside the carriage when a sudden cacophony of the coachman's voice echoed through the enclosed space, laden with alarm. "Augh . . . I believe we're under attack?"

Ren, Evie, and Elena exchanged swift, apprehensive glances. The unease that had lingered among them since their unexpected encounter earlier had now taken on a more ominous form.

Why was the coachman unsure?

They had a sinking feeling that this wasn't a random assault.

Ren swiftly turned his gaze towards Elena. "Stay here while we check it out," he said with finality. He believed it was best for Elena to remain hidden, considering that she might be associated with him with the cloak if someone recognized her.

However, Elena's response was resolute, her head shaking vehemently. "If you're concerned about my appearance and the possibility of someone recognizing me," she began, her voice steady, "then I have a perfect solution for that."

With a subtle but confident movement, Elena began to change her appearance right before Ren and Evie's eyes. It was a transformation so intricate and seamless that it bordered on the surreal.

Her hair, once cascading in platinum waves, subtly darkened into a rich chestnut hue. Her almond-shaped eyes shifted color from their striking emerald green to a deep, earthy brown.

Even the structure of her face seemed to evolve –– her prominent cheekbones softened slightly, and her nose took on a different contour.

As Ren observed this astonishing metamorphosis, it was as though he was witnessing the artful strokes of a painter crafting a masterpiece.

Elena's transformation was thorough, right down to the smallest details. Her attire changed, too, as the fabric seemed to alter its pattern and texture.

In mere moments, Elena had shifted from her distinct appearance to that of a different person entirely, a true testament to her skill in magic.

She now appeared as an unassuming traveler, unrecognizable even to those who knew her best.

Ren and Evie couldn't help but marvel at her incredible ability.

Ren's astonishment was evident as he regarded Elena. "You can change your appearance?" he inquired, genuine amazement lacing his words. The thought of possessing such a skill had never even crossed his mind.

He heard that kind of spell from before, but he wasn't sure whether he could use it or not. The [Phantom Cloak] was the surest way he knew that could hide his appearance.

Elena responded with an air of self-assuredness, a grin dancing on her lips. "That's right," she chimed, flipping her hair with a flick of her hand. "I know a trick or two. I'm certain that once Evie reaches my level, she can do it, too."

The subtle mention of Evie prompted a response from her, her voice as level as ever. "I'm not a hunter-mage hybrid," she pointed out.

Elena laughed heartily and slapped Evie's back, her enthusiasm unfazed by Evie's apparent disinterest. "Ahahaha, it's alright! You're an illusionist, dear. I'll teach you the magic when your stats reach the requirement. With your class, you're bound to be even better than me."

Evie was clearly taken aback by Elena's offer, and she stammered, "You . . . you'd teach me?"

Elena blinked, a look of mild confusion on her face. "Of course! You should have the power to protect Ren," she stated matter-of-factly.

Evie's demeanor shifted slightly, her face maintaining its usual impassivity. Did Elena imply that she was weak?

Perhaps it was true, especially when compared to Elena herself, but that didn't sit well with her, and she grumbled under her breath.

Elena then turned her gaze to Ren, her appeal for inclusion evident. "So, can I come along now?" she asked with an eager glint in her eye.

Ren nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

Ren and the others disembarked from the carriage. The moment they stepped onto the cobblestone path, the full extent of the peril became evident.

There, emerging from the road path and converging upon them like a swarm of vultures, were at least twenty-plus players. The guild emblems, besides some of their names, were a chaotic mix, each one representing a different faction.

And based on the menacing grin on their faces, they were up to no good.

This wasn't some chance encounter or accidental skirmish. They undoubtedly wanted to ambush them with the intent to kill.

The atmosphere crackled with uncertainty, like a brewing storm, as the players closed in, casting dark, elongated shadows in the dim light of the setting sun.

Ren maintained his composure, his voice a calm undercurrent amidst the tension.

"Do you need something?"

He had always been one to offer adversaries a chance to reconsider their actions, to back down, and to avoid the consequences of their folly. If they failed to seize this opportunity, it was their own doing.

One of the opposing groups chuckled with an air of bravado. "We're here to collect the bounty on your head!"

Ren wasn't surprised. He didn't even bother to inquire on how they knew where they were.

This was a scenario he had foreseen; Arcadia had countless eyes and ears, making it no surprise that his whereabouts were known.

But if these players were hell-bent on an unwinnable battle, then Ren was more than willing to oblige. Some opponents refused to relent until they tasted defeat firsthand.

"With just your numbers, I don't think so." Ren said calmly at the advancing group.

A quick exchange of uncertain glances and a collective darkening of the players' expressions followed.

Ren's calm demeanor and intimidating aura was enough to make them hesitate, yet their greed for the hefty bounty on his head pushed them forward.

"Don't let arrogance be your undoing!" one of the players retorted vehemently.

"Am I being arrogant?" Ren mused, a subtle smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Or have you simply failed to learn from those who've crossed my path before?"

Hesitation crept across several faces in the opposing group, but the allure of the substantial reward for his capture was too tantalizing to dismiss.

Besides, player-versus-player fights came at no cost to their experience points, and they carried nothing particularly valuable aside from their gear, so there was no drop of rare items here except maybe their equipment.