NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 186: MISUNDERSTANDING II
Brian, along with Elizabeth and Stagnant Water, made their way toward the Argus Guild, hoping to purchase information on Nemesis's whereabouts. Brian remembered that Nemesis had clashed with the Grey Empire in the past and believed they shared a mutual desire to bring it down. He had discussed this with Elizabeth—along with the empire's dark nature—and she had chosen to support him in the fight against it.
As the trio approached the guild, they stumbled upon a chaotic scene. A lone female player was fiercely attacking and defeating the guild members of Argus.
"Stay put, bro. This isn't your business," Stagnant Water said, placing a firm hand on Brian's shoulder. He knew his friend's tendency to rush in and help others without fully understanding the situation.
"I have to help them," Brian said, his voice filled with urgency, seeking some form of approval.
But Stagnant Water remained firm.
"He's right," Elizabeth added. "You don't even know what's going on or who started the fight. Jumping in without knowing the reason won't solve anything."
Brian sighed heavily, forcing himself to stay back and simply observe the conflict unfolding before them.
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Lilith hadn't even summoned Cerberus—there was no need. Relying solely on her own strength and skill, she effortlessly dismantled the players who dared oppose her. Her movements were fluid, her dodges precise, and her counters devastating. She glided through the battlefield with ease, exploiting every opening without hesitation.
Brian, Elizabeth, and Stagnant Water watched in quiet awe. There was a mix of amusement and admiration in their eyes—her combat skill was undeniable.
Lilith barely exerted herself, treating the large crowd of attackers as nothing more than a mild inconvenience. She was enjoying the fight—something she hadn't done in a long time. As a being who had once reached level 500, she had long since outgrown most opponents. Even when holding back, there were few who could offer her a decent challenge. And those who could wouldn't fight seriously; losing could cost them their reputation, not to mention the sheer destruction such battles could cause.
"I'm sorry, but I have to step in. More people will suffer if I don't," Brian finally said, his tone serious. He turned to Elizabeth and Stagnant Water, unable to keep watching the one-sided massacre. The terrified and desperate expressions on the guild members' faces gnawed at him.
"Wait—!" Stagnant Water tried to stop him, but Brian was already sprinting into the fray.
"Enough! Let them go!" Brian called out to Lilith, forcing a pause in the battle. Lilith turned her gaze toward him, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.
"Another one? Are you here to meddle too?" she snapped, visibly annoyed at the constant interruptions.
"I don't want to fight. I just want you to stop attacking them. Clearly, you're stronger than they are. There's no need to keep this up," Brian reasoned, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
"You think I want to waste my time on these weaklings?" Lilith scowled. "If they had just let me through like I asked from the start, none of this would've happened."
"You must pay for hurting our guild members! And we'll never let you get near our guild master!" one of the surviving members shouted, defiant.
Brian's expression darkened as he heard their words. He drew his sword from his inventory. "So you are here to harm the guild master," he said coldly, falling into a dangerous misunderstanding.
"Hah?" Lilith huffed. "Of course I am! When I see that idiot, I'll give him a piece of my mind. He's lucky if he survives."
"Then I have no choice but to stop you." Brian dashed forward.
He slashed horizontally, forcing Lilith to leap back. But midway through the motion, he altered the attack into a stabbing thrust—catching her off guard.
Clang!
His blade struck something solid just inches from her abdomen. A translucent layer of petrified air had formed between them—Petrifier had reacted in time to shield its master.
Lilith quickly jumped back, widening the distance.
Brian recoiled slightly, surprised by the unexpected defense. He prepared to strike again.
[Close your eyes!]
His concept's voice rang out in his mind like an alarm. Confused but trusting, Brian obeyed just in time. A wave of invisible power passed through him, sending a chill down his spine.
"What was that?" he asked aloud, still rattled.
[You're lucky you listened. That serpent on her shoulder—it's an ancient petrifier. Make eye contact with it, and you're done for,] the concept warned grimly. [Avoid its gaze at all costs.]
Brian's grip tightened on his sword. He now understood—this wasn't just a skilled opponent; she was far more dangerous than she appeared. He entered a cautious stance, every sense heightened.
Taking deep breaths, he charged again. He swung with purpose, pushing Lilith on the defensive. She dodged with grace, her fingers transforming into claws mid-motion.
She slashed in retaliation, but Brian was ready. He had grown accustomed to clawed enemies thanks to his encounters with demons.
Back and forth they fought, exchanging blows with deadly precision. At first, Lilith held the upper hand, relying on her vast experience and razor-sharp instincts. But as the battle dragged on, Brian began to adapt—his premonition abilities allowing him to read her moves and counter with growing confidence.
Lilith's eyes narrowed. She wasn't the strongest demon in physical combat, but she was among the best. And yet this player—this human—was matching her. His swordsmanship, timing, and adaptability were exquisite.
She broke away momentarily, panting slightly. The fight had been wearing her down. She had already fought dozens of players before Brian showed up, and now she was beginning to feel it.
She considered summoning Cerberus.
But just as she began to channel the summoning spell, a familiar voice echoed from the guild building.
"Lilith?" Aaron called, stepping into view. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw her locked in combat with a stranger. Confusion clouded his face—after all, Lilith shouldn't be able to log in to Apocalypse.