As the thick, dark fog enveloped the scene, panic spread like wildfire among the gathered players. The once lively atmosphere of anticipation and bravado gave way to chaos and confusion as the suffocating mist seeped into every corner of wherever their eyes could see.

The fog, dense and impenetrable, seemed to swallow everything in its path, obscuring vision and leaving players disoriented and gasping for breath. Frantic cries echoed through the dimly lit underground, mingling with the sound of bodies hitting the ground as players collapsed, overcome by the noxious fumes.

"W-what's going on?!"

"Don't breathe the smog!"

"Is this World Conqueror's doing?"

The panic was palpable, a tangible presence that hung heavy in the air as players stumbled and tripped over one another in their desperate attempts to escape the fog. Fear gripped their hearts like a vice, paralyzing them with uncertainty and dread as they struggled to make sense of the sudden turn of events.

Amidst the chaos, voices rang out, pleading for help and directives.

"Healers! Do something about this now!"

But even the most skilled healers found themselves powerless against the insidious effects of the fog. Their spells and incantations seemed to dissipate into thin air, unable to penetrate the thick shroud that blanketed the underground realm.

With each passing moment, more players succumbed to the darkness, their bodies going limp as they were overcome by unconsciousness. The ground became littered with fallen comrades, their inert forms a stark reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

"W-what's going on? The healers couldn't dissipate it?"

"My equipment, which usually negates status effects, doesn't seem to work either."

"What is this thing?"

In the midst of the turmoil, Ren and his companions stood firm, equally bewildered like the rest.

"Ren, did you do this?" Leonel asked.

Ren shook his head. "No."

"Then why aren't we being affected by this strange fog?" Sumeri questioned.

Ren remained silent for a moment, and Evie muttered, "Could this be . . ."

Ren nodded. "Yes . . . this is a domain."

"A domain?" Leonel and the others asked in unison. Before the group could further question what was happening, a voice resonated in the fog.

"Looks like you're in trouble. Need some help, Ren?"

As the thick fog began to part, revealing glimpses of obscured figures within, a tense hush fell over the scene. Slowly, the mist dissipated, unveiling a sight that sent shivers down the spines of those gathered in the underground realm.

Standing at the forefront, amidst the dissipating fog, was Azazel and his seven warlords. Each figure exuding an aura of authority and power that seemed to command the very air around him. Clad in battle armor adorned with intimidating designs, they radiated an overwhelming presence that left those around them feeling small and insignificant.

As the fog cleared completely, revealing the extent of the devastation wrought upon the gathered players, a wave of shock and disbelief washed over those present. More than half of the players lay strewn across the ground, unconscious and vulnerable, their bodies testament to the power of the domain that had engulfed them.

Vivi snickered as she observed the fallen players. "What's with all these weaklings? Can't even withstand Hubrion's domain?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mischievousness.

"W-who are they?" the players murmured in unison, their voices trembling with fear and uncertainty. Some took a step back as they realized the true nature of the figures before them — demons and devils, creatures of the Netherworld —but they weren't just ordinary demons, everyone could feel it. They couldn't decide either whether they were friends or foe.

"Who are they?" "Are they with World Conquerors?"

"S-Scar . . ."

Scar glanced over at Invayne and asked, "What is it?"

Something was clearly amiss. Invayne's face had drained of color, and she stuttered as she spoke.

"Those newly arrived demons and devils . . . t-their stats . . ."

Scar's brow furrowed. "What about their stats?"

"They're . . . t-their stats are like a World Boss!"

Scar stared at Invayne incredulously and swiftly retrieved a [Monocle] from his inventory to confirm her claim.

His expression turned ashen as he realized Invayne was telling the truth.

Each of the demons and devils that had arrived possessed stats comparable to a world boss!

It wasn't just Scar who was stunned; the revelation sent shockwaves through Sleeping Dragon, Fate Alliance, White Unicorn, and the other guilds gathered in the underground realm.

The air crackled with tension as the players grappled with the realization that they were now face to face with beings of unimaginable power and malevolence. With Azazel and his warlords standing before them, the players knew that they were in for a battle unlike any they had faced before — a battle for survival in the heart of darkness, where the stakes were higher than ever before.

"You guys," Ren muttered, shocked when Elena emerged from behind the warlords. "And Elena? You're already here?"

Elena beamed. "I got bored, so I went ahead here. I see that you have brought the entire crew. Hello, everyone," she waved.

Leonel and the others waved back at her, but they were still in a daze of what was going on.

"Yo! Ren, it looks like you're in a pinch?" Avaris said, laughing.

Ren raised a brow. "And you're still a snail, I see."

Avaris's smile dropped, and he transformed back into his devil form. "I just noticed that this snail form has a lot of advantages, like bigger food and bigger items and such. So I asked Malifira to concoct me potions so I could transform myself into a snail whenever I want."

Malifira chuckled. "I could permanently transform you into a snail too."

Avaris's smile dropped. "Please don't."

While Ren and the others were talking, the other guilds were whispering among themselves.

"Ren knew them?"

"World Conqueror knew those demons?"

"What is their relationship?"

Leone and the others on Ren's side wanted to know as well.

"Ah, sorry, I haven't introduced you yet, have I?" Ren said to the others.

"Forget about introductions!" Hubrion stepped forward with his giant axe in hand. "Let's take care of these interlopers first!"