"Now, Waldo is our strongest combat force! Once he successfully advances to Level 4, he can kill ordinary Level 5 monsters!"

"That’s right, Waldo becoming a Level 4 trial-taker means he alone could defeat Level 5 monsters! No matter how large the monster army is, it won’t be a threat!"

After learning that Waldo was about to advance to Level 4, many trial-takers were extremely excited. Other trial-takers advancing to Level 4 was indeed a cause for celebration, but it wouldn’t change the overall situation.

However, Waldo advancing to Level 4 was significant. After all, he was someone who, even at Level 3, could easily kill Level 4 beings. Once Waldo advanced to Level 4, his strength would undergo a monumental change. Even Level 5 monsters would be no match for him. With the power of Black Iron Castle, they might even withstand attacks from Level 6 monsters!

...

While many trial-takers were discussing and getting excited, a terrifying wave of energy suddenly descended upon Black Iron Castle!

Boom!

It was like billions of thunderbolts exploding. Above Black Iron Castle, dark energy surged like waves. It was like a roaring tempest, churning layer upon layer between heaven and earth. In the sky, endless dark clouds gathered, forming a funnel-like shape.

A terrifying aura of energy pressed down from above. Dark clouds loomed over the city, threatening to collapse it. The massive Black Iron Castle seemed tiny in front of the immense dark cloud, as if it could be destroyed at any moment.

However, at that moment, the surface of Black Iron Castle suddenly burst into golden light. Billions of runes rapidly pulsed, breaking through the darkness and leaving a sliver of breathing space. Yet, in the midst of the darkness, the golden light emitted by Black Iron Castle was not only weak but also gave the impression that it could be destroyed at any moment...

...

Around Black Iron Castle, an enormous number of monsters had gathered, unbeknownst to when they had arrived.

Countless monsters, densely packed, emitted a terrifying and bloody aura. Ripples of blood surged... In an instant, the world transformed into a hellish realm of carnage, as if endless mountains of corpses and seas of blood were floating within it.

A colossal monster sat on a massive throne made of piled-up bones. Its gaze was cold, sweeping over the golden-lit Black Iron Castle below. This was a monstrous being wielding a huge spear, with four pairs of enormous wings growing from its back. Its eyes, larger than lanterns, emitted endless terrifying murderous intent. This was a Level 5 monster!

The Level 5 monster looked down upon Black Iron Castle below, motionless...

In the distance, tens of thousands of monsters were rapidly assembling. The numbers were growing by the moment. In the blink of an eye, nearly a hundred thousand monsters had gathered. At a glance, a myriad of grotesque and hideous monsters formed a dark mass. However, there was an eerie silence...

It was like a well-trained, highly disciplined army. That was what was most terrifying... Monsters are naturally formidable, each one fighting as if their life didn’t matter. When organized and disciplined, they become a horrifying force capable of crushing anything in their path!

Watching the monster army fully assembled, the Level 5 monster moved, its four pairs of massive, alien-like wings suddenly spreading out. A fierce wind surged, like a torrential flood.

"Roar!"

A terrifying roar burst forth from its mouth...

...

Immediately after, the hundred-thousand-strong monster army, as if invigorated, roared in unison. The ground shook, the sky cracked, and endless thunder roared. The dark mass of monsters surged towards Black Iron Castle...

In front of this terrifying army of monsters, Black Iron Castle seemed too insignificant! It appeared as if it wouldn’t withstand the onslaught for long and would be destroyed...

Inside Black Iron Castle, many trial-takers had already fallen into panic. The aura exuded by the external monster army was simply too terrifying. Moreover, the presence of that Level 5 monster had significantly undermined the fighting will of the trial-takers. The roaring of the Level 5 monster seemed to contain a mental intimidation, affecting the spirits of the trial-takers!

Even though there were Level 4 trial-takers trying to stabilize everyone’s emotions, their efforts were evidently weak.

"Damn it, everyone, don’t be afraid! We have Black Iron Castle, even a hundred-thousand-strong monster army, even with Level 5 monsters, they cannot break through our defenses!" a Level 4 trial-taker shouted desperately.

Another Level 4 trial-taker yelled, "Everyone, stay calm! Activate the defense mechanism under our feet. United, we can definitely withstand the monsters’ attack!!!"

If all the trial-takers together activated the rune devices, with the defense of Black Iron Castle, they could actually withstand the monster army... But at this moment, many trial-takers were devoid of the will to fight. This made the situation very dangerous...

Just as everyone was at a loss, an even more urgent situation occurred! In the sky, the Level 5 monster with four pairs of huge wings made the first move against Black Iron Castle! Its wings fluttered, stirring up air currents and strong winds, creating a tornado-like effect...

The immense force propelled the massive body of the monster. Holding a spear, it moved towards Black Iron Castle as fast as lightning!

Boom!

With a massive roar, the spear struck Black Iron Castle.

"Suddenly, endless runes flickered.

The Black Iron Castle swayed precariously, as if it could be destroyed at any moment...

"Roar!"

A level five monster roared again.

Within its voice was a strange power.

Spreading out, it caused the complexions of the trial-takers in the Black Iron Castle to drastically change!

"Cover your ears!"

"Don’t listen, it will affect your mind!"

A level four trial-taker shouted.

But it was of no use.

All the trial-takers heard this roar.

And even if they didn’t want to listen, it was impossible.

The roar was too loud, covering their ears was useless.

After this roar...

More trial-takers were affected in their minds.

Their minds were filled with a roaring noise, a blankness, nothing else existed...

Seeing this scene, the few level four trial-takers in the Black Iron Castle turned pale.

It’s over!

In this state, many trial-takers have lost their fighting ability, and can no longer activate the defensive power of the Black Iron Castle.

Probably with a few more attacks from that level five monster outside, the Black Iron Castle will be breached...

"What should we do?"

"Are we only left with a dead end?"

"No, I am not willing to give up! Everyone, at this critical moment, let’s give it our all!"

A few level four trial-takers gritted their teeth, ready to fight.

They were also desperate.

If they couldn’t get through this, there was indeed only a dead end!"