Crusher realised Jess had recognised him. However, there was nothing he could do at that mont; he could only look at her as the other bounty hunters did.
’Hang in there, Jess. I’ll help you...’
"Would you believe if I told you that I didn’t kill the Count?" Jess turned to the leader and asked. "Caleb and I are being blad for the mistake of the knights."
Observing the reactions of the people around her, Jess knew they didn’t believe her, which didn’t really matter.
"I don’t care what you did and what you didn’t do." Orien shook his head. "You are wanted by a whole lot of nobles for your troubleso behaviour. My job is to capture you and your partner alive.
"If that’s not possible..." He left the rest of the words hanging. Suddenly, his expression turned serious as he pointed his sword at Jess.
"Alright, we’ve wasted enough ti. What is it going to be?" The bounty hunters tightened their grip on their weapons, while the archers drew their bows. "You can’t take us all at once."
"What makes you think you have a chance at—" Jess didn’t get the chance to complete her words when she sidestepped, evading an arrow that shot past her left thigh.
Pissed off, she abruptly turned and glared at the adventurer who let loose. Her stare was so intense that many of the hunters flinched.
"That was unexpected..." Orien also glared at the hunter with the itchy hands and sighed. "But this also proves the seriousness of your situation. You have no way out."
"I beg to differ..." Jess crouched once more, her claws ready to tear into anyone who wanted a taste of them. "Do what you must."
"..."
A mont of silence passed as Orien gazed at Jess. He nodded, finally understanding her choice in this matter. Unfortunately for her...
Several whipping sounds rang through the air as enchanted ropes flew towards Jess. This was a common artefact used in restraining troubleso individuals. While the nobles wanted Jess and Caleb dead, Jess was one hell of a beauty. There were those who had taken a liken to her.
"Ugh!"
Jess groaned as the whips bound around her body before she could even react. She raised her claws to sever those she could when Orien abruptly appeared before her.
"No, you don’t!"
Her hands were grabbed by Orien, holding them down as the binds tightened around her.
"Let go of !"
Jess struggled to break free, but the man appeared to be stronger. Noticing the grimness of the situation, Crusher slowly approached one of the embedded poles.
He managed to get in close due to the constant movents of the other adventurers. However, before he could attempt anything, he froze in place as his expression changed to shock and dread.
A chill unlike any other ran down his spine, freezing him in place. But that was not the end. A sudden male voice echoed in his ears, almost as if the person was right behind him.
"Don’t ss up the plan..."
Crusher snapped his head back but saw no one, his heart racing several beats per second. Turning back to Jess, he noticed the catwoman was pretty much subdued.
’A-A plan...’ He couldn’t help but gulp in fright. ’That’s why the guy is not around. He must be watching from sowhere!’
"Hahaha... She isn’t much without her magic, huh?"
"Yeah... After all the ruckus I heard, I thought they’d be more of a fight!"
"Either way, it’s easy money. Only that Caleb fella is left!"
The bounty hunters couldn’t help but begin the celebrations. With Jess tied down, half the work was completed.
"Alright, that’s enough!" Orien yelled as he stepped away from the tied up Jess. "The reports say the man is far stronger than we can possibly imagine. We can’t let this victory get to us."
The bounty hunters nodded as they regained their composure. With mana inhibitory cuffs on her, Jess was helpless.
"Get the artefacts to surround the dungeon." The boss instructed with a confident grin. "Let’s wait out this bastard."
.....
A few hours passed and no one ca out of the dungeon.
"Boss..."
"I know..." Orien sighed, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is taking too long..." Turning around, he walked over to where Jess lay tied down.
"When is your partner coming out?" Orien demanded with arms folded over his chest as he looked down on Jess. "Is he even in there?"
"Who knows...?" Jess replied with a smug smile. "Why don’t you go in there and find out?"
"Maybe, maybe not." He replied, looking over his shoulder to the dungeon’s entrance. "Doesn’t matter, really. We have you in our grasp, and I bet that partner of yours will co searching for you once he learns of your capture."
"Hmph! You lot stand no chance against him." Jess snorted.
"Oh, don’t worry." Orien chuckled softly. "Fortunately for you, we’re in the domain of one of the aristocrats who wants you captured. Using you as bait will be easy." He gestured for so of his n to carry her.
"We’re leaving..."
Venturing into the dungeon would be a stupid move on their side. With the changing terrain in there and the countless monsters, they would be putting themselves at risk.
It was best to retrieve the artefacts and set up a trap for Caleb to walk into.
"Gather the poles, we’ll be needing them for what’s to co." He instructed his n. "Also, a few of you will have to stay behind to deliver the news."
"Yes."
"Erm... Sir?" The adventurer Orien t in the mist stepped forward with a hand held up. "Is it okay if I co with you guys?"
"..."
Orien furrowed his brows and looked at the adventurer. He realised he didn’t even get his na. Also, it was because of his efforts that they were able to et Jess here.
"What’s your na?"
"I’m Belzac, sir." The adventurer replied, scratching the back of his head with a cheeky smile.
"Well, you did manage to hold her here until we arrived, so that counts as sothing," Orien sighed as he stared at the dungeon’s entrance. "But don’t expect too much, okay?"
"Ah, yes. Thank you!"
Once the bounty hunters cleaned up the area, they returned to the city, leaving a little over a dozen n behind, who went to find suitable observation grounds.
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