Hearing this, John''s face grew ev grimmer.


    If there was one thing Johncked the most right now, it wasn''t opportunities or chances. For John, the most preciousmodity was time.


    If John had another year, he could pottially rival not just the so-called [Apostles] or [Divine Emissaries], but ev [Gods]!


    But the problem was, he didn''t have ough time to improve his strgth.


    Since his rebirth, he had be gued by constant danger.


    First, [Deception] awoke, followed by [Lust].


    After barely dealing with [Betrayal], he thought he could finally rest, only to counter Hades and a [Divine Emissary] back-to-back.


    Each emy''s appearance was like adding fuel to the fire under John''s feet, ready to burn the wood nk he stood on and plunge him into an abyss.


    "Sigh... I can only take it one step at a time."


    "John, rather than waiting for death, why not take the initiative?"


    Seraphina shook her head and said gravely, "Think about it, why hav''t the [Divine Emissaries]unched a full-scale attack on you yet?


    In my opinion, it''s not because they don''t understand your strgth, but quite the opposite.


    They know your strgth and ar''t confidt they can take you downpletely.


    That''s why they hav''t attacked rashly.


    This proves that with your currt strgth, ev if you can''t win outright, you can at least hold your own.


    If you don''t take this time to clear out your emies, wh their strgth grows and they unite, you won''t stand a chance!"


    John bit his lip and remained silt for a long time before reluctantly saying, "Do you think I don''t understand that? The problem is, I have no idea where they are. I''m in the light, they''re in the dark. How can I take the initiative?"


    "For this, I have a solution! John, do you remember what I told you before you wt to the underworld?"


    "I think... I remember some of it."


    "I thought it was just a hope of mine, but you actually managed to kill Falms and get everything needed. Maybe I can help you locate their presce. You still have Falms'' head, right?"


    Hearing this, John''s eyes lit up, and he said, "Yes, I still have it. Can this stupid dragon actually be useful?"


    "Of course! Don''t underestimate Falms. Before being tamed by Hades, he was a creation at the level of a [God], much stronger than you might think."


    "What else can I do to help?"


    "For now, just give me the dragon head. However, I''ll be upied with this for a while, probably a t days."


    "No problem. T days... I should still be in Talcavano. It''s ough time!"


    With Seraphina''s assurance, John felt a bit more relieved.


    Being unable to pinpoint the emies'' location and constantly being on the defsive had be troubling him. But gaining the upper hand would change everything.


    Whether he chose to attack or toy low and develop, John would have more options, instead of passively waiting, which had be frustrating.


    Now, he didn''t need to worry about that anymore.


    ...


    That Night


    ria, blushing,y on John''s shoulder, her breath a bit heavy, asionally kissing his cheek.


    "It tickles..."


    "Just bear with it. This is a momt to deep our feelings, don''t spoil it."


    ria yfully red at John, th after a momt of silce, she suddly chuckled and said, "Honestly, John, I think everyone has developed a psychological aversion to Mine No. 3. It''s be a day, and no one mtions it at all."


    "It''s understandable. Being swallowed by a frog and almost digested would be a blow to anyone."


    "Actually, I think this is a good opportunity, John. Don''t you feel that you''ve be protecting us too much?


    I''m fine since my pottial is already limited. If I can''t be a yer, my strgth won''t improve.


    But it''s differt for H and the others.


    They still have a long way to go.


    By trying to face all the dangers alone, ar''t you being a bit unfair to them?"


    Hearing this, John fell into deep thought.


    ria was right. John''s inttion was to be a shield for hispanions, protecting them from all harm.


    But was that really the right thing to do?


    As yers, they were meant to face dangers and hardships, growing stronger through trials and tribtions.


    However, it seemed John''s protective nature was counterproductive to that goal.


    Thinking back, a simple Mountain Toad, a monster with no real offsive capabilities, had managed to put Exiled Immortal and the others in a desperate situation.


    Perhaps, as ria suggested, his protection was actually hindering their progress.


    "I... sigh, ev now, I''m not sure what the right thing to do is."


    "Give them some freedom. You can''t always be by their side, right?


    If someday we face danger and you''re not there, what will we do?"


    "Th... this time, for the Mine No. 3 dungeon, I''ll let you handle it on your own. Giv your strgth, you shouldn''t face any major difficulties.


    It''s just that in dangerous situations, you mightck someposure. Take this opportunity to train yourselves."


    John almost forgot that, in his previous life, ev without his help, H and the others still managed to reach the top of thebat power rankings.


    Their skills and confidce had only waned under his protection.


    "I think that''s a good idea. You can apany us, but unless it''s absolutely necessary, you should remain silt and let H take the lead.


    I believe she''ll make a great leader, maybe ev better than you.


    I can sse that H is gradually losing her confidce. She needs a chance, an opportunity to reim it."


    "You''re quite thorough in your thinking. It seems you''re gradually adapting to our currt life."


    John wrapped his arm a ria''s smooth waist, causing her to blush slightly.


    "Actually, I still sometimes miss our days in the Deep Forest. So, please don''t let me down, okay?"


    John lowered his head and, meeting ria''s affectionate gaze, nodded firmly.


    The Next Morning!


    During breakfast, wh everyone was gathered, ria proposed the idea of re-tering Mine No. 3 to be the first to clear Mine Labyrinth.


    Although she didn''t receive unanimous approval, no one opposed the idea either.


    It was clear that their previous counter had left Exiled Immortal and the others with a deep-seated aversion to Mine No. 3.


    However, they were reluctant to give up the opportunity for a first clear.


    As a level 4-46 dungeon, other yers could clear it at any time, and for Exiled Immortal and the others, who always pursued first clears, this was uneptable.


    "I think it''s a good idea. Besides, John is back now, so I support ria''s proposal."


    Exiled Immortal raised his hand in agreemt, followed closely by Qing.


    For a battle maniac like him, as long as there was a fight, he didn''t care about the danger.


    "Isn''t this a bit too hasty? John has only be back for two days. We don''t know if he has fully recovered. Are you sure it''s okay?"


    H frowned, still worried about John''s condition.


    "It''s fine, don''t worry about me."


    "Are you sure, John? Don''t push yourself too hard."


    With John''s affirmative response, H didn''t argue further and agreed to the n.


    At this point, opposing it was meaningless. Besides, everyone was eager for the first clear rewards of the dungeon, so they didn''t refuse anymore.


    Seeing this, ria nodded slightly and said firmly, "Alright th, let''s take a short rest.


    In two hours, we''ll set out for Mine No. 3. Our goal: to be the first to clear Mine Labyrinth!"