In the cavernous study, a long table divided the group. Afura sat at one end, while James and his team of five faced her from the opposite side. Afura was the only one seated, with Bane standing behind her to the left and the two large cats, Kelly and Phoebe, flanking her feet. The chair and table were exquisite examples of Afura's recent craftsmanship.
James's team stood in a line, their faces etched with apprehension. They were at a severe disadvantage, as Afura had confiscated all their weapons. In contrast, Afura's side boasted not only formidable combat prowess but also a burly man with a menacing axe and two large, injured cats.
Bane, with his gleaming axe and fierce expression, seemed poised to strike at any moment.
Afura smiled, removed her hood, and her long, flowing hair cascaded down, stunning James and his companions. They hadn't expected the witch to be so beautiful. Even Mary, their skilled archer, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
James was the first to react, exclaiming, "I didn't expect the witch to be so beautiful. Indeed, you are a partner of justice."
His companions groaned inwardly. They couldn't believe he had said that. How could beauty be equated with justice? The burly man beside her, with his modified appearance, was clearly not a natural creation. Such a combination suggested a demonic presence.
Knight Oliver quickly protested, "James, that's wrong. Mom always said, the more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to deceive people. She's so beautiful, she must be a villain."
The other companions were speechless. Even if they thought the same, they wouldn't dare say it out loud.
Old Hunter Warren was desperate for his team. He couldn't believe the two most core members were so unreliable—one too optimistic and the other too straightforward.
Thief Jack urged, "Oliver, you can't just say that!"
Old Hunter Warren nearly spat out his drink, his face flushed red. He realized there were three unreliable members, not just two.
Archer Mary noticed the torch on the stone wall flickering and Afura's cold smile. She quickly struck the back of the two men's heads, silencing their conversation.
"Mary, why did you hit me?" they asked simultaneously, rubbing their heads.
"Oliver, Jack, can you use your brains? Don't you realize the situation? This is not the time for such comments."
A flame exploded behind them, startling them. They all turned to face Afura.
"Say it, continue," Afura encouraged, her smile widening.
Cold sweat dripped down their faces. They realized their words had mocked the powerful witch.
Not only was the torch flickering, but Bane was also sharpening his axe.
The four men wisely shut up. Old Hunter Warren felt a wave of despair. He seemed to be the only sane person in the group.
"Warren Dad, what's wrong with you? Are you cursed?" James asked, noticing Warren's troubled expression.
Warren's face grew even more somber.
Now the five-person team was clear: James, Knight Oliver, Archer Mary, Thief Jack, and Old Hunter Warren. They had a balanced mix of skills—close combat, long-range, and support.
However, their weapons were confiscated, and none of them were skilled in unarmed combat.
"Why are you so arrogant, especially on my territory?" Afura sneered, slamming the table and standing up. She unleashed a cold wind that chilled them to the bone.
They realized they had been too arrogant.
Seeing their fear, Afura sat back down and said, "You have offended me. What do you think should be done?"
Cold sweat dripped down their faces as they looked at each other.
"Afura, we don't know what to do," James admitted.
"Since you can't think of anything, I'll decide," Afura said, pointing at Archer Mary. Mary's face turned pale. "Me?" she stammered.
"Yes, you," Afura replied.
Mary trembled with fear. What would happen if she fell into the witch's hands? Would she be drained of blood, skinned, or used as an experiment? The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.
Afura smiled cruelly. "Yes, you. You're so big, you haven't experienced a woman yet. You'll serve me in my room tonight."
"I'll never agree... Ah!" Mary screamed, her face turning red.
Afura picked her ear and nodded. "Serving in bed. Or do you want me to use you as an experiment?"
Mary quickly waved her hand. "No, no, this is fine."
She wasn't stupid. Sleeping with a woman was better than being used as an experiment. At least Afura was a woman, and she was beautiful and powerful. It wasn't a bad deal.
Thief Jack looked at Mary strangely. "Mary, I didn't expect you to be like this."
Mary retorted angrily, "If it weren't for you three fools, would I have to do this?"
She actually had some expectations. Afura was a woman, and she was beautiful and powerful. It wasn't a bad deal.
James sighed and patted Knight Oliver's shoulder. "I'm sorry, brother."
Oliver felt a pang of jealousy but realized Afura was a woman, so it was strange. He could only reply, "It's okay. Everything is for the cause of justice."
"Yes, for the cause of justice."
The two men looked at each other affectionately and hugged their heads and cried.
The scene was... interesting.