So we uh… managed to get the location of Gwain's base. Not gonna mention how we… or rather… Leon got that info out of him. In any case, we just needed to wipe them out.
"What do we do with him?" [Solace]
I pointed at Gwain who was apparently to a tree now. I really wonder how that happened.
"First of all, we're gonna take out the bandits." [Wilharrow]
"We're not bandits. We're the Green Forest Gang." [Gwain]
Wilharrow gave him a deadpan look.
"Anyway, someone still needs to take the girl back to the village." [Wilharrow]
He then pressed a finger against my chest.
"Namely, you." [Wilharrow]
"Man…" [Solace]
At least I wouldn't really have to do the heavy lifting of combat. That also kind of made me worry for Fina since I wouldn't be there to help her. You know, with how she can't use magic anymore…
("Hold up…") [Solace]
I then recalled that Fina was able to use buffs on the bridge against the demon. How did she do that? I really wanted to question her, but it wouldn't do good to let everyone else know her circumstances here.
("I'll have to ask her later.") [Solace]
"Elisse, let's go back home." [Solace]
Elisse glanced at Gwain with a confused look. I was sure she would put up a fight to stay out of curiosity or something, but Elisse just came along obediently.
"Let's leave this guy here for now. We can come pick him up later." [Wilharrow]
"If you say so. Let me knock him out first." [Raon]
As he approached Gwain, I saw the corners of his mouth rise into a grin.
"|Substitute|!" [Gwain]
Within an instant, I found myself tied against a tree with a fist slamming into my jaw.
"Ack!" [Solace]
My eyes met Raon's with shock accompanied with the throbbing pain on my face. We quickly realized what happened and found that Gwain switched places with me, which wasn't very favorable since he now had Elisse with a hand around her throat.
"Stay still if you want her to live!" [Gwain]
"Shit!" [Raon]
Everyone was on high alert with our weapons drawn. Well… Other than me since I was now tied down.
"Calm down! We can talk this out!" [Wilharrow]
"Shut up! Don't move!" [Gwain]
He squeezed a little around Elisse' neck, causing her to choke up and flail. Even when she tried to release herself by punching and kicking, it was negligible.
"Stop!" [Wilharrow]
Though he wished to move, Wilharrow wasn't willing to risk the life in Gwain's hands.
"Drop your weapons!" [Gwain]
Everyone glanced at each other before silently complying.
"Good. Now you're listening." [Gwain]
He had a smug look on his face. Why wouldn't he? Gwain was the one in control now.
"Hand me my weapons." [Gwain]
He nodded a head over to a pile we had made from his possessions. It contained just his quiver, arrows, bow, and axes. I don't know why I'm describing this. It doesn't really matter. What happened was that Fina went to fetch it.
"Give it here." [Gwain]
Heeding his words, Fina approached him.
"Slowly! Give it slowly. Put it on the ground." [Gwain]
Fina didn't look too happy listening to what he said. Even so, she still did it. Fina laid his belongings on the ground near his feet.
"Now back away." [Gwain]
"..." [Fina]
As she backed away, Gwain clumisly equipped himself with one hand. There were instances that Wilharrow almost lunged after seeing small gaps in Gwain's defense. However, he restrained himself fearing the consequences.
"Now, back away. All of you." [Gwain]
He armed himself with a single ax and waved it at us. Of course, everyone listened.
"Very good. Your next command is to watch." [Gwain]
"Watch?" [Wilharrow]
Our eyes widened as we noticed Gwain's hand begin to grip down on Elisse' throat.
"|Earthen Shield|!" [Solace]
I raised a rock wall between him and Elisse, which could also be described as under his arm. It was a sloppy plan that I just came up with that was kind of a 50/50 on my part. Luckily, I won with the rock wall breaking the arm Gwain held Elisse with.
"Wha-?!" [Gwain]
He didn't even have time to register the pain before Leon swooped in to attack him. Unveiling the daggers under her skirt, Leon plunged two of him into his legs.
"Argh!" [Gwain]
He fell to his knees as Leon continued to disable him in any way possible. She dislocated his shoulders and cut the tendons behind his ankles. Leon just did so many things to him that I can't even name them off. Matter of fact, I probably missed like 90 percent of it.
"|Wind Edge|!" [Solace]
I cut off the rope after shaking off my surprise at the sudden events. Thankfully, all's well that ends well.
"G… Gods damn it! I was so close!" [Gwain]
All he could do now was lay on the ground and cry about it.
"Womp Womp." [Solace]
"Wha…?" [Gwain]
Yeah, I should've expected that reaction. What I didn't expect was for him to start mumbling.
"Oh goddess of hearth, home, and safety…" [Gwain]
"Huh? Wait, this is…" [Wilharrow]
"Grant me passage to whence I came…" [Gwain]
"Wilharrow's eyes widened as he began to run towards Gwain.
"Stop him!" [Wilharrow]
"Carry me, OH GREAT REHA!!! |Spatial Return|!" [Gwain]
Some kind of magic circle appeared beneath him, swallowing up Elisse and Leon within an instant. Before we could even blink, all three were gone.
"Eh…?" [Solace]