Whispers and murmurs rippled through their ranks as they grappled with the shocking reality.

"Did you see that? I lost almost two years' worth of progress!"

"I can't believe this! My character was already in the three hundred, and now I'm barely above a beginner level!"

"It's impossible. This kind of EXP reduction is unheard of in the game!"

Their eyes darted back and forth, searching for answers, and then it hit them like a thunderbolt.

Elena was not an ordinary player character; she was an NPC — a battle combatant NPC!

A collective realization washed over them, and a chilling silence descended upon the group. They began to contemplate the implications of this revelation.

Could Elena be part of a hidden quest or event that Ren was undertaking? Was she a guardian of some sacred treasure or perhaps a gatekeeper to an unimaginable power?

The players gritted their teeth in frustration, realizing that as long as Elena was around, they wouldn't be able to touch Ren without suffering enormous EXP reduction.

It dawned on them that their intrusion into this encounter might have triggered an unintended consequence, and they had paid the price dearly.

As they watched Ren and Elena make their way back to the carriage, their frustration grew, knowing that they were now faced with a daunting choice.

To challenge Ren would mean risking not only their pride but also the painstakingly built character levels they had worked so hard to achieve.

The players were left with a bitter taste in their mouths, but their greed got the better of them. They decided to accept the punishing EXP penalty and revived on the spot, hoping to salvage some of their lost items scattered on the ground.

With Ren and the others already gone, they felt a sense of relief, thinking they were finally out of harm's way. They believed they could now salvage whatever was left of their items without further trouble.

However, as soon as their virtual bodies materialized on the ground, a series of hidden traps planted by Elena, following Ren's meticulous instructions, suddenly detonated.

Explosions rocked the ground, and the players found themselves dead once again, suffering yet another colossal EXP penalty that plunged their character levels into negative marks.

It was a crippling blow, and at this point, starting over from scratch seemed like the only viable option.

The players lamented and cried out in frustration, but more than anger, they were filled with profound regret over their life choices.

They realized they had underestimated the dangers of confronting Ren and should have backed away when they had the chance.

Their pursuit of loot and money had led them down a path of ruin, and now they were paying the price for their impulsive actions.

Word of the ill-fated encounter with Ren and the others spread like wildfire through the virtual gaming world of Arcadia.

The aggrieved players took to social media, forums, and chat channels to share their harrowing experiences and warn others to avoid Ren at all costs.

Some wanted to ensure that no one else would fall victim to the same dire fate they had suffered, while most wanted the other players to share the same unfortunate fate as them and remain quiet.

Their warnings were passionate and dire, echoing across the digital landscape. They described the massive EXP penalties, the devastating losses of character progress, and the overwhelming power of Elena, the NPC who had sided with Ren.

Screenshots and videos of the battle circulated, serving as stark reminders of the consequences of challenging him.

Posts and comments flooded gaming forums:

"Stay away from Ren, guys! Seriously, it's not worth the risk. We lost everything!"

"And that beautiful girl with him is an NPC! Don't be fooled! She is a force of nature, and Ren is no pushover. Don't mess with them!"

"Just had the worst gaming experience ever. Avoid Ren like the plague!"

"I thought I could take on Ren, but I ended up losing everything. Learn from my mistake!"

The warnings were heeded by players far and wide. The legend of Ren from World Conqueror grew, and a collective understanding emerged that challenging Ren was an exercise in futility as long as Elena was by his side.

No one wanted to risk their hard-earned progress, their precious in-game items, or their pride for a battle that seemed unwinnable.

This left Scar and the other guilds after Ren seething with anger, and they even increased the bounty on his head to entice a lot of players, but so far, no one wanted to take on the impossible mission.

Meanwhile, Ren, Elena, and Evie finally arrived in the Human Continent, a land known as the Empire of Renais.

Renais was a realm of grandeur and opulence, characterized by its towering citadels adorned with intricate golden filigree.

The capital city stood as a testament to the empire's wealth and power. Its cobblestone streets were lined with vibrant marketplaces, where merchants from distant lands peddled exotic wares and treasures from far-off adventures.

The empire itself was known for its cultural diversity, as it welcomed inhabitants from various races, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation. Elves, dwarves, and humans walked side by side, forging a society steeped in traditions that celebrated unity and harmony.

The Imperial Palace, a breathtaking architectural marvel, stood as the heart of governance and the symbol of imperial authority. With its ivory towers and sweeping gardens, it was a sight to behold, a reflection of the empire's commitment to art, culture, and unity.

"All right, Elena, this is where we part ways," Ren informed her with a serious tone. "Go and find the princess and rendezvous with us here."

Elena appeared uncertain. "Do you think she'll agree to come with me?"

Ren shared her uncertainty. "It's worth a try. You're both princesses, after all. She might be more inclined to listen to you."

Ren couldn't be entirely certain about the dynamics of NPC interactions beyond their designated roles. Elena's decision to follow him, despite her programmed purpose, had already hinted at a deviation from the norm.

Ren handed her the insignia that the princess Lorelai had given him after they defeated Jibblinplip. "Take this and show it to her. I'm confident it will jog her memory."

Elena nodded, accepting the insignia, and then proceeded on her way while Ren and Evie continued toward the Grand Benefactor's chapel.