Othniel had already reached the second level. However, the houses here appeared much more luxurious than those in the lowest level."The battle zone is here, but the one controlling this level must not be here," Othniel said, looking around.Othniel had already explored quite a distance, but there were no signs of anything suspicious."It seems there's nothing suspicious here, and I've already walked quite a distance," Othniel said. As Othniel was about to leave using his powers, he saw two people walking. Othniel immediately hid."They can't be newcomers from another country. If they're new, they should be in the lowest-level area, not here," Othniel thought to himself. Othniel tried to eavesdrop on their conversation while hiding. "Has anyone from another country entered the second-level area?" one of them asked."I didn't expect it either. He managed to kill all the village leaders, so we were tasked with finding new people willing to submit to us and lead the village area,"

Othniel heard the sound of a door being opened violently. He guessed it wasn't Lin Zear."Get out, quickly! You must accept your punishment," someone shouted from outside."You have disobeyed our rules! Or are you afraid to enter the next level?" he continued with an angry expression.Othniel went out to meet them."You're a damn fool who doesn't know the rules. We have to punish you! Don't you know the rules that have been set?" the man growled."Is your strength weakening, and are you afraid to fight again at a much stronger level?" he asked, looking down on Othniel."I'm not afraid at all! I already know that even if I hadn't come late, you already had a plan to trap me. Do you think I'm stupid?" Othniel replied calmly.The two men exchanged glances after hearing Othniel's words."You're quite clever for knowing the leader's plan. But you won't survive long unless you're willing to submit and become a slave. Do you agree?" he said, glaring sharply at Othniel. "I have no intention

"I have to heal Othniel, but how? I can't just go out and ask for help," said Lin Zear.Lin Zear's face looked confused and anxious."I'll try to channel my inner energy," he continued.Lin Zear prepared to channel his inner energy to Othniel.Soon after, Othniel regained consciousness. He gently clutched his head, feeling the pain."Finally, Othniel has regained consciousness, but he no longer sees me as his wife's shadow, does he?" Lin Zear asked herself."Othniel, are you okay? I can only channel my inner energy. I can't fully heal you," said Lin Zear."It's okay. You've already helped me. I'll heal my own wounds later," Othniel replied. Othniel tried to get up, and Lin Zear quickly helped him. "I can only treat your external wounds. You must also have internal injuries? You were unconscious for quite some time," Lin Zear asked, looking at Othniel."Thank you for helping me. I'll heal the rest of my wounds myself. I have various medicines," said Othniel. "Can you step out for

Lin Zear accepted the necklace given to her by Othniel."What's really going to happen, Othniel? You seem to know something," said Lin Zear."All right. I'll explain," replied Othniel."Do you remember when I went out at night to look for an antidote? I accidentally overheard two people talking. They seemed to be the leaders in charge of this level. You know this level is called the city leader level?" Othniel explained, and Lin Zear nodded in response."They said that if anyone enters this level from the lowest level but isn't originally from this country, they'll be tortured and their power taken," he continued."Goodness. So, do the people here actually know who isn't from this country? Then why do they act as if they don't know and let us in at night, as if they consider us citizens of this country?" Lin Zear replied. "That's just our assumption. We think they're unaware, but they're actually intentionally planning this," Othniel said."Some of them deliberately organized a comp

Lin Zear had regained consciousness, and Othniel immediately told Lin Zear to drink the potion he had made."I also made some pain relief ointment for you. It's for your wounds from the whipping," said Othniel as he handed the ointment to Lin Zear."Thank you, Othniel. You saved my life again. But can you help me again? I can't apply the ointment myself," Lin Zear replied with a hopeful look.Othniel was hesitant, but he was the only one who could help Lin Zear. Lin Zear couldn't do it alone."Alright. I'll help you later. For now, drink the potion I made first. It will help restore your strength," Othniel instructed.Lin Zear obeyed and tried to sit up. Othniel then handed the potion to Lin Zear. Without hesitation, Lin Zear drank the entire potion made by Othniel. "Goodness, Othniel! This potion is so bitter." Othniel chuckled, watching Lin Zear's expression after drinking the potion."It does taste bitter, but its effects are tremendous." Othniel said as he took the dirty cup a