The tense silence that had taken over was shattered by Asher's words.
The very notion of placing a bounty was not something they were expecting him to say.
The group shifted uneasily, exchanging glances. Ceti was the first to voice her concern, "A bounty?"
But it was Isola's response that resonated with everyone the most.
Rising from her kneeling position, she looked at Asher with a cold, steely resolve, "I know you mean well...but I want to be the one to end them. I want to see the look in their eyes myself."
Asher nodded, having expected as much from Isola, "That's why I don't think we have much to worry about. This is the 4th mini dungeon. Amateurs don't make it this far, and most of them are either too cautious or too confident to chase bounties."
Merina's eyes lit up with realization, "You're right," she murmured, "These Demon Rippers also can't be too far from us. We actually have a chance at catching up to the Demon Rippers before anyone else even gets the notion to."
But Ceti wasn't easily convinced, her mind always assessing risks, "Your Highness, while the idea has merit, we are also in danger of getting surrounded by interested parties. Even if there might not be too many of them, all it takes is 1 or 2 powerful groups to make things bad for us. It's not just the Demon Rippers we might have to be wary of."
Isola's tired gaze seemed to blur the edges of the world around her. For a moment, she appeared to be sinking under the weight of her grief and fatigue.
But just as the depths of despair threatened to pull her under, Asher's hand found its way to her shoulder, grounding her in reality.
"Isola," Asher began, locking his gaze onto hers, "Just trust me. We will get the Demon Rippers. I promise."
"Koo! Koo!" Callisa let out short, determined mewls as if trying to convince Isola to listen to Asher. Her giant pincers were still tremoring, wanting to crunch and tear apart those who hurt Isola.
Across from them, Ceti watched the intimate promise with growing disbelief.
In her mind, she felt as if he was acting out of character. Usually, he was the one who would be overly cautious and tell the others to not do this and that.
And now…His unwavering support for Isola's sake, even in the face of apparent danger, made her press her lips together, wondering if he really had feelings for Isola.
Despite her reservations, she held her peace, watching and waiting for Isola's reaction. In Ceti's eyes, Isola was the voice of reason and would never be reckless, no matter how bad things get.
But when Isola met Asher's gaze, there was a softness in her eyes that hadn't been there before, "I trust you, Asher," she whispered, her voice full of determination, "We will do as you say."
Ceti's heart skipped a beat. She was surprised Isola actually agreed without even a hint of doubt in her eyes.
Does she have feelings for him too? So she didn't imagine it the entire time? As expected, this pervert consort was going after every woman around him.
Ceti had a lot of frustrations filling her mind, but she calmed down as she remembered how important this was for Isola.
Maybe they will get in trouble, but if that helps console Isola…Ceti felt that it might not be a bad idea and decided to leave the rest to fate.
Couple of minutes later,
In the soft glow of the shelter's light, Amelia cast a sideways glance at Rachel, the liquid-filled vials around her casting shimmery reflections on the walls.
The clinking sound of glass echoed as Rachel went preparing potions.
"I can't wonder why people are letting these Demon Rippers walk about free...There are already strong rumors that those disgusting assholes relish doing illegal and creepy activities including eating demon flesh and blood, ugh…" Amelia wrinkled her nose with a look of disgust.
"Nobody was ever able to prove it, though…" Rachel mumbled with a hint of doubt.
"Yeah…of course…Powerful people are protecting them…" Amelia mumbled with furrowed brows as Victor's face flashed in her mind.
She then leaned closer to Rachel, her tone dripping with skepticism, "Don't you find it strange that Victor went out with those brutes and only returned after such a long time?"
Rachel, engrossed in her work, measured a liquid into a vial without looking up, "What's strange about it?" she replied, shrugging nonchalantly, "Victor said they were proficient scouts, good at what they do. He also wanted to take a walk and saw a good opportunity to do it while going with them as support."
Amelia let out a quiet sigh, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.
A hint of hesitation coated her voice as she posed the next question, one that was lingering on her mind for a while, "Well... do you...really like Victor?"
At this, Rachel's meticulous movements ceased. Her hands stilled, and her gaze grew distant.
She took a deep breath, her response laden with uncertainty, "I don't know. And frankly, I have stopped caring about what I like since it doesn't matter."
Amelia, taken aback by the sudden change in Rachel's demeanor, pressed further, "How can you say that? Don't you want to be with someone you love?"
Rachel's soft smile emerged, melancholic yet resolute, "What I want is irrelevant. My father said that with Victor, I would have a life where I would feel fulfilled, with no worries."
Amelia's brow furrowed in concern, her voice tinged with incredulity. "And you believe that? You're basing your entire future on that?"
Rachel, staring intently at a potion, her reflection distorted in the shimmering liquid, nodded gently, "I might not be certain about many things, Amelia, but there's one thing I know for sure: My father only wants the best for me. He has never let me down."
Amelia looked at her friend, seeing the mix of vulnerability and faith in Rachel's eyes. She didn't know what to say. The weight of family expectations versus personal desires was something everyone grappled with in their own way.
Amelia realized how fortunate she was that her parents were understanding and different, unlike most of the Elite Families.
Otherwise, she also would have been married to some jerk already.
However, she knew they weren't feeling that good about her refusing to marry anyone.
She knew Rachel's father took good care of her and loved her and could only hope things didn't go bad for her.
*Bnnnnn*
Suddenly, the two of them had startled looks upon hearing something going on outside. They exchanged glances and immediately rushed out.
Amelia's eyes widened at the outburst outside, her eyes widening as she caught sight of the notorious Demon Rippers trapped outside the barrier of the Shelter.
The vibrant fluctuating glow of the barrier illuminated their angry faces, casting a menacing aura around them. The two women were met with a scene of tense anticipation, with the other Hunters cautiously assessing the situation.
Axton, the most imposing among the Demon Rippers, banged his fists on the barrier, causing ripples of light to radiate from the point of impact.
"Who dared place a bounty on us?" He roared, his voice echoing ominously across the surroundings.
"They got a bounty on them?" Amelia whispered, a trace of mirth in her voice. She now knew why they were kicked out of the Shelter. Someone with a bounty on their head can't stay inside one.
Rachel, realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly approached Victor, her brows furrowed with concern, "We need to leave before our location is compromised. Now."
Axton's icy gaze settled on Rachel, his eyes hardening. The sight of her talking to Victor only made his eyes glow with a darker glint.
His fingers flexed with barely contained rage, and a low, threatening growl rumbled in his chest.
However, Victor smiled gently at Rachel and patted her shoulder reassuringly, " We'll leave, Rachel, but give me a moment to let me handle this."
As Victor approached, Axton met him halfway, frustration evident in his voice, "That bitch, their princess, and her team must've done this! We never expected she would realize it was us. It's not like we are the only ones who have a special set of skills."
Victor looked into Axton's eyes and said with a troubled look, "Axton, I need to prioritize the president's daughter. I have a responsibility to keep her safe. I am sure you can understand my predicament."
Axton nodded slowly, swallowing hard with a grim look, "I do, Sir Victor. But we've always had each other's backs. You know we are the only ones you can truly count on," Axton said with a knowing look.
Victor let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his hair, "You've been valuable allies, and I don't intend to abandon you." He paused, before adding, "I can offer you something to help you endure this. A token of our alliance."
Axton's gaze sharpened as his lips curved into a subtle yet respectful smile, "Anything, Sir Victor. We need every bit of help we can get."
Axton's eyes shone as Victor took out an ornate scroll.
The intricate designs on the scroll glinted mysteriously under the light, and the sheer presence it exuded made it obvious that this wasn't just any ordinary item.
"I'll give you this, Axton," Victor began, extending the scroll towards him, "It's an Epic Grade Perk Scroll. When activated, it'll create an impregnable shield around you and your friends. It lasts only twenty minutes, but it's so strong that even I can't break through it within twenty minutes. I would advise you to activate it ten or fifteen minutes before the bounty ends just to be safe. It will ensure you're safe from any late attacks. Do not waste it by using it prematurely."
Axton clutched the scroll tightly, nodding firmly, "Understood, Sir Victor. I promise we'll use it wisely."
He then grinned as he said, "Sir Victor, you have our gratitude. Once this blasted bounty is over, rest assured, we will repay this kindness. And it won't just be with words."
Victor smiled knowingly, "Sure. I have no doubt you and your friends can easily survive this."
"And if you don't mind…We would like it if you could do one tiny favor that surely won't be a bother for you at all…" Axton said with a sly glint in his eyes.
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