Terry knew that in times of crisis, not everyone would be willing or able to lend a helping hand to those in need. The world was full of complexities and challenges, and not everyone had the resources or capabilities to assist others in every situation. However, despite this reality, Terry couldn’t help but feel that those in positions of power, including the guild masters, could have done more.

He believed that with great power came great responsibility, and it was the duty of those in authority to look out for the well-being of their fellow humans. While he understood that everyone had their own concerns and priorities, Terry couldn’t shake the belief that humans in positions of influence should have shown more compassion and empathy.

The recent events they had faced only strengthened his conviction. They had witnessed the destructive power of the trolls and the impact they had on innocent lives. It was a reminder of the immense suffering and devastation that could occur when people with great power chose to remain indifferent or act solely in their self-interest.

Before long, George and his guild members showed up, and then they began to work on dealing with the corpses. Despite the enemies and their actions, it seemed that they didn’t cause much harm in the last few weeks since they arrived... Still, after looking around, the group found some corpses of humans thrown away.

It didn’t seem like George and the others recognized them, and while that was for the best, they still acted a bit guild over it since they were unable to stop such a threat on their territory.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the frigid cold of the night descended upon the group. The biting wind seemed to pierce through their clothes, sending shivers down their spines. Despite their weariness from the day’s battle, there was no respite from the freezing temperatures. With the darkness surrounding them, they knew they needed to find shelter and warmth.

Terry and the rest of the group ceased their activities, recognizing that working through the night would be futile in such extreme conditions. Instead, they huddled together, seeking solace and warmth around a blazing fire they had managed to build with whatever wood they could find. The flames danced and crackled, casting a flickering light that held the darkness at bay.

"I guess it is safe to assume that the enemy is waiting for us on the other side," Vanessa started a conversation to make everyone forget the cold. "What should we do once we cross the portal? Should we bring more people with us?"

Vanessa’s concern for the safety of the guild masters was evident in her actions. She kept a watchful eye on each of them, ensuring they were well-covered and making use of the restoration wand to heal any injuries sustained during their earlier battles.

Despite the temporary reprieve, the group’s minds were still preoccupied with the task ahead. The gravity of their mission weighed heavily on their shoulders, knowing that their success could determine the fate of their world. Each guild master understood the importance of their role, and they were all eager to protect the people they cared about.

"The enemy is waiting for us, probably with a massive army on the other side," Terry said. "Relying on numbers won’t work. Even more so if the overlord is close, it might kill people instantly."

As the night wore on, the guild masters couldn’t shake off the thought of the red troll they had faced earlier. The memory of its immense strength and resilience lingered in their minds, serving as a grim reminder of the power the overlord possessed. They knew that if the red troll was a mere glimpse of what they might face, then the real challenge awaiting them would be on an entirely different level.

Whispers among the group indicated that everyone shared the same concern - the overlord was likely to be a force to be reckoned with, many times more formidable than any opponent they had encountered before. The realization of the danger ahead weighed heavily on their hearts, and it was hard to ignore the uncertainty that lay ahead.

"Do you think that the overlord of the trolls would be smarter than the fire dragon who didn’t use his minions to attack us when he showed up?" Rebecca asked.

"I want to believe that the enemies are at least that smart. Otherwise, it will be embarrassing to keep losing terrain to them," Terry replied.

Terry observed the group, sensing that his serious demeanor was beginning to dampen the mood. Realizing this, he knew he had to take action to change the atmosphere. He took a deep breath and straightened his posture, ready to lift their spirits.

"Anyway, I will deal with the overlord. You guys can face the small fries," Terry declared. "I don’t know how long the fight will last, so I would advise you all to pace yourselves and stay close to the portal."

"You should listen to your words and stay close to the portal as well," Vanessa said. "As long as we stay alive, we can always try again, so don’t insist if the battle seems hopeless."

Terry couldn’t deny that Vanessa was right. He couldn’t just rush headlong into danger without thinking of the consequences. They needed a well-thought-out plan to deal with the overlord. However, there was another pressing concern on his mind.

As he gazed at the group, his thoughts were drawn back to the numerous portals scattered all over Earth. Each one of them posed a potential threat, and closing even a single portal was no small task. It could take weeks of continuous effort, and they didn’t have that luxury of time.

He knew that he couldn’t relax about it. The safety of their world was at stake, and every moment counted. The urgency weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that they needed to act swiftly.