Sensing some disturbance, Aric crouched in the shadows and used his enhanced perception. He was able to clearly hear all sounds within 100 meters, so eavesdropping on the bandits' conversation was not difficult for him
"Listen up, you lot of trash," the grizzled bandit leader barked, spittle flying from his chapped lips as he addressed his other mates. "We've got wind of a convoy passing near the old aqueduct, just a few miles west of here. They're carrying goods from Havenbrook to the coast – food, water, weapons, and most importantly, plasma cores."
"A lot of Plasma cores?" one of the burlier bandits chimed in, his voice a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "You sure about that, boss?"
Plasma cores were a rare sight in this part of the wasteland. They were used to store even higher plasma energies which a standard handheld device could not accommodate, and were used as currency for big transactions or as ammunition for sophisticated guns
"Damn sure," the leader replied, slamming his fist down on the rickety table before him. "And we ain't gonna let such an opportunity slip through our fingers. We take that convoy, and we'll be living like kings for months."
"Kings, eh?" A wiry bandit smirked, wiping his greasy hair away from his face. "I like the sound of that. What's the plan then?"
"Almost all of us leave within the hour, leaving just a couple of you blokes as guard. We need to be at full strength."
"I already have a couple of you scouting the convoy in real time. The convoy is expected to pass by late afternoon, so make sure you're in position and ready. And do not worry about that girl. Even though she is valuable, I don't see her escaping. She is already drugged and not a threat, and I doubt that anyone will find this hideout which has held since months now "
The leader's words sent a shiver down Aric's spine, he hoped that Su Jing's condition wouldn't be serious, but he could not rush. He needed to be patient
"Any idea of their strength, boss?" a bandit with a scarred face inquired, his eyes narrowing as he considered the potential risks.
"Word is, they've got a few hired guns with them. Nothing we can't handle," the leader replied dismissively. "But we will go out in full force. I don't want to leave anything to chance. Just be prepared for a fight."
Aric's mind raced as he absorbed the details of the bandits' plan. Su Jing's safety was paramount, and this new information presented an opportunity. The majority of the bandits would be gone, leaving the hideout vulnerable and increasing his chances of success. He had to act quickly, decisively, and above all else, ruthlessly.
"Alright," the leader grunted, standing up from the table. "Get ready to move out. Remember, this convoy is our ticket to the good life. Don't screw it up."
Aric watched from the shadows as the bandits dispersed, making preparations to leave for their raid on the convoy. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task at hand. With a deft hand, he reached into his pouch and drew out several poisoned throwing knives. His emerald eyes flickered with determination as he focused on the guards remaining at the entrance of the hideout.
Taking advantage of the bandits' departure, Aric moved silently, closing the distance between him and the guards. With practiced precision, he hurled the first knife, aiming it directly at the throat of the closest guard. The blade found its mark, and the man's eyes widened in shock as the poison began to take effect.
"Wha—" the guard tried to make a sound, but Aric's mana manipulation muffled his dying cries. The second guard noticed his comrade's sudden collapse but had no time to react as Aric launched another knife that struck true. Within moments, both guards lay dead, their lifeless bodies slumped against the entrance, silenced by Aric's decisive actions.
Even though this was Aric's first time killing humans, it did not affect him much. He had only one thing in mind, and that was to save Su Jing
With the entrance secured, Aric crept deeper into the hideout, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew Su Jing was close, and with every step, he felt an increasing sense of urgency. Finally, he spotted the last guard outside her cell, leaning casually against the door, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Aric's grip tightened around the plasma pistol as he aimed with unwavering focus. In one swift motion, he pulled the trigger, a concentrated beam of energy piercing the guard's skull, killing him instantly. The body crumpled to the ground without a sound, and Aric cautiously approached the cell door.
"Su Jing," he whispered, his voice thick with concern. As he entered the cell, his heart clenched at the sight of her: chained to a wall, head hanging limply, and her usually vibrant blue eyes glazed over from the effects of the drugs. Aric swallowed hard, forcing down a swell of rage and fear. He needed to stay calm for both their sakes.
Concentrating his mana, he directed it into the chains binding Su Jing, feeling their metallic structure weaken under the force of his magic. With a resounding snap, the restraints shattered, freeing her from her bonds. Moving quickly, Aric knelt beside her and began channeling his cleanse spell, which he had only learned recently. He was unsure how effective it would be against the drugs but knew he had to try.
"Come on, Su Jing," he murmured with each repetition of the spell, his voice laced with quiet desperation. "Wake up... please."
After several tense moments, Su Jing's eyelids fluttered, and she let out a weak groan. Aric's heart soared as her once-cloudy eyes began to clear, though she remained in a daze.
"Su Jing... Can you hear me?" Aric asked gently, his voice filled with relief and concern.
"Ar-Aric?" Her voice was barely a whisper, but she managed to lift her head slightly and focus on him. "How are you here? What... happened?"
"Shh, it's okay," he reassured her, brushing a strand of ebony hair from her face. "You were captured by bandits, but I found you. You're safe now."
"Thank you..." she murmured, blinking slowly as her strength gradually returned.
"Su Jing, I'm so sorry," Aric said, his voice heavy with emotion. "My relentless pursuit of power put you in danger. I failed you. If not for me urging you to earn plasma energy quickly, this would have never happened"
"Hey," Su Jing interrupted, her gaze steady despite her weakened state. "We've all made mistakes some time or the other. But we learn from them, right? That's what makes us stronger."
Aric couldn't help but smile at her resilience. "Right," he agreed, determination renewed. "Now let's get out of here and make sure these bandits never hurt anyone again."
As Su Jing leaned on Aric for support, they began making their way through the hideout. They systematically looted the dead bandits and the hideout, gathering valuables such as gold, plasma cores, and weapons from chests and cabinets Aric easily opened using his mana manipulation skills. Among the loot, Aric discovered a greater plasma core—one that held ten times the energy of a normal core.
"What's this?" he asked, awed by its pulsating glow.
"That," Su Jing said, her voice regaining some strength, "is a greater plasma core. It's an incredibly rare and powerful source of energy. With the right technology, it can be harnessed for various purposes, from powering weapons to enhancing vehicles. It can also be used as currency"
"Amazing," Aric breathed, feeling the potential power radiating from the core. "This could change everything for us."
"Indeed," Su Jing agreed, a faint smile gracing her lips. "But enough for now, let's get back to Havenbrook. the bandits could be back any minute"
Aric and Su Jing made their way back to the inn in Havenbrook where they had previously stayed. As they entered their room, exhaustion weighed heavily on them, but the adrenaline from their recent victory still coursed through their veins.
"Look at all this," Aric marveled, gesturing to their combined haul laid out on the bed. "I never thought we'd come away with so much."
Su Jing studied the loot with a practiced eye. "We're richer than most people in this settlement now," she informed him, her voice tinged with amazement. "All this gold alone could set us up for life, not to mention the weapons and plasma cores."
The reality of their situation began to sink in, and Aric felt both elated and overwhelmed. "What do we even do with all this?" he wondered aloud.
"First, we make sure we're safe," Su Jing said firmly, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his emerald ones. "The bandits will likely realize I've escaped soon, and they might come back to the settlement to find me. We need to leave immediately."
Aric nodded, understanding the urgency of their situation. "You're right," he agreed. "We can't risk putting others in danger. Let's gather our belongings and head out as soon as possible."
As they quickly packed their bags, Aric couldn't help but think about the trials they had faced together and the bond they had formed. The world was a harsh place, but together, they were stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever before.