The atmosphere was very tense between the two groups, one largely outnumbering the other.
Will seemed to be in a dilemma here, he did not look at all like his previous confident self and he did not look at all like he wanted to respond positively to Michael's 'invitation'.
One the one hand, if he joined he would be in a much safer environment but he would also lose the trust of his team mates as they would most probably feel betrayed. He had developed a sort of bond through shared experience with the four of them over the last few days and he really liked them as friends and comrades in this hell.
On the other hand, if he did reject the offer, he was afraid of the consequences of turning down the offer. As at this point it was more of a demand than an offer, which he could tell from Michael's change of words from 'join us' to 'must join us'. Not to mention there was no guarantee that everything Michael promised him would be delivered to him, after all he is already treated very well by his current team mates. He would rather have a little bit of reduced safety in place of reduced freedom if he joined Michael.
Lumen could see that Will was clearly stressed and his mind running through all the possibilities at the moment, so he made the decision to answer for him.
"No, he will not be joining you. You speak flowery words about his treatment in your group but you hide the fact that his freedom will be taken away. You said it yourself, you 'need him' but he doesn't need you. If you were smart you would make sure that he doesn't leave you."
Lumen's words had dropped a bombshell for both Will and Michael. He had clearly perceived Michael's intentions and the facts were obvious as his own mage's face grimaced a little when the mention of restricted freedom came up.
It was clear that his words were laced with lies in order to entice Will into their camp.
Lumen and Michael seemed to be done talking as they both retreated to their own teams.
The question now was just what to do....
Lumen and company could try and run, but they were outnumbered and the only direction they could go was backwards, all other directions covered by Michael's group. He also had a feeling that the average level of the other group was above his own, as they had likely spent their first day hunting beasts rather than sitting idly like Lumen and the others.
He had attempted to use identify on Michael upon their first interaction, but for reasons unknown it didn't work on him.
He suspected his Basic Identify skill was too low of a level to identify Humans as he had attempted it on every other member of Michael's group and received the same result, making the possibility of it being due to some sort of level disparity or skill minimal.
Michael had also mentioned that they had run low on health potions, which suggested they had done a lot of fighting, enough to use up 15 people's worth of potions. Hence fighting was off the table as his own comrades were still inexperienced and reluctant to kill other Humans.
Other than fight and run, they could also join them. Lumen and co did not like that option at all, the overall vibes from the group of 13 was bad, as if they had committed many acts that would be considered serious crimes back on Earth.
He had no doubt that nothing would happen to Will as he was too important to Michael to hurt or kill, but for the rest of them? The situation didn't look good.
The third option Will most certainly wouldn't like, as it would be to hand him over to Michael and go their separate ways. Michael would most likely let the others go as Humans are far more dangerous to hunt than beasts and they would likely lose a few members of their own, which Michael certainly wanted to avoid considering how much he talked of 'strength in numbers'.
Lumen wouldn't even consider this option though as it would sow discord between the members of their group and cracks would appear in their friendship, as well as end up with the same issue as Michael. Lumen himself could heal but the mana needed for that was too high for him to maintain meaning he wouldn't have enough to use his other, much more useful offensive magic skills.
Lumen looked at each of his comrades and friends as they gave each other a look, nodding their heads with determination on their faces as they had come to a consensus without the need to communicate with each other.
With no previous indication, the five of them started running to their maximum potential in the opposite direction of Michael's group without looking back as they wished to make it as far away from them before they came to a stop and discuss any further moves.
However when Qu Quan looked back, she noticed movements with her talent and made them out to be the movements of archers just like her and Shivi. Three in total as she hurriedly informed the others of the pursuers and warned of keeping an eye out for any incoming arrows.
Just as she said so, everyone heard the whizzing of an arrow fly by and rebound off of Jake's armour, leaving a dent in it and likely a bruise on Jake as the group put 110% into their sprint, not caring anymore about saving energy for a long sprint.
Jake, as the biggest and heaviest was the slowest of them and was slowly trailing behind.
The others noticed this and internally knew that at this rate they would run out of stamina before they could out run the pursuers, especially considering they were archers with high endurance and agility stats.
Suddenly, the group came to an immediate halt as they turned around and gathered behind Jake and faced the incoming attackers.
Qu Quan and Shivi took out their bows and knocked an arrow each as they aimed and fired in the direction of the enemy archers, neither landing a shot as both missed.
Quickly the whizzing sound returned as more arrows came flying towards the group. Jake managed to deflect two of them as he roared and shouted with joy, taunting the enemies for not even being able to penetrate this thick, heavy iron armour.
"HAHA, COME AT ME YOU BASTARDS!"
But the others didn't share his joy as silence ensued behind him and a gasp was heard from Qu Quan.