Chapter 97: The Red Bandits
The air around the temple felt lighter, but the ominous weight of their recent actions lingered like a shadow.
They had obtained the Cloak of Restoration—a powerful artifact that came with a heavy cost. While it had the ability to restore the forty-three souls lost during the trial, the lives that had been extinguished before their time could never be brought back.
As Tessa walked with quiet resolve, her gaze fixed ahead, she felt the weight of the cloak, folded and secured in her pack. It was not merely a piece of fabric; it was a symbol of hope and salvation, particularly for Ikehara, who had long plotted to claim it for himself.
Yet, as they crossed the threshold from the temple grounds, Tessa sensed a deeper pull than mere responsibility.
Tension simmered in the air, echoing within her own heart. She glanced at Adrian, his arm draped playfully around Nymff, who clung to him like a vine to a sturdy tree. Their laughter rang out, a melody only lovers could understand.
"Hey, beautiful, mind if I report you to the police for stealing my heart?" Adrian teased, leaning close to Nymff.
"Oh, Adrian, can you please stop? You're so ridiculous!" Nymff giggled, swatting at him playfully.
Tessa's heart tightened at the sight. She had never found the courage to express her feelings for Adrian, and watching their chemistry now only deepened the ache she had tried to ignore.
He had saved her time and again during their trials, his calming presence always a beacon of strength. While Nymff sometimes struggled with insecurity, Adrian knew just how to reassure her.
Meanwhile, Ikehara limped along at the back of the group, a cunning smile masking his true intentions.
He felt triumphant for having secured the cloak from the temple, but its possession by Tessa complicated his plans. The unpredictability of the trials had left him vulnerable, but he was nothing if not resourceful. As he chuckled quietly to himself, he formulated a plan: if he couldn't take the cloak directly, he would let others do the dirty work.
As they reached the outskirts of Akanon City, Ikehara approached a notorious group of thieves known as the Red Bandits.
The leader, D'zy, sat behind a cluster of his subordinates, counting their latest spoils. His broad chest and heavy accent commanded attention, but the tension in the air became palpable as Ikehara stepped forward, exuding a confidence that made the bandits uneasy.
"Is this the Red Bandits' headquarters?" Ikehara inquired, his hands tucked casually into his shirt.
"Who's asking?" a skinny boy, no more than nineteen, spoke up, his voice trembling slightly.
With a quick, fluid motion, Ikehara raised his hand, and a dagger shot from the shadows, slicing the boy's neck in one swift strike. The others froze, fear etched across their faces.
"Please, I am the leader. We don't want any trouble!" D'zy said, his voice shaky as he surveyed the lifeless body on the ground.
Ikehara, already at his wits' end with Tessa's interference during the trials, had no patience left for anyone outside her group, whom he felt he had to endure with forced patience.
"I want you to spread the word for me. There's a cloak known as the Cloak of Restoration. It can restore lost items and even lost lives—if it's within a year. Any bandit group that retrieves it for me will earn my favor."
He turned to leave but paused when D'zy's curiosity piqued. "Boss...uhh...is that item for real?"
"Would I waste my time chasing myths if it wasn't?" Ikehara replied, his tone cold. "Spread the word as I instruct, and I'll reveal who possesses the cloak." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the bandits in stunned silence.
The Red Bandits, driven by greed and the allure of the cloak's power, had no idea what they were getting themselves into. Ikehara didn't care; the more chaos they stirred, the better his chances of swooping in and claiming the artifact for himself.
True to form, the Red Bandits spread the word faster than Ikehara had anticipated. Soon, hordes of bandits began to gather at their headquarters, buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
"D'zy, tell us who has the cloak!" one bandit shouted, his eyes gleaming with greed.
"Yeah, D'zy! Don't keep us in suspense!" another chimed in, pacing nervously.
"Is this info for real? You know we don't chase shadows!" shouted a burly bandit, clenching his fists.
"Enough!" D'zy roared, raising a hand to silence the crowd. "I'm waiting for Ikehara to fulfill his promise! If he says it's real, we'll find it."
Moments later, Ikehara reappeared, a wicked grin on his face. "Tessa and her group are on their way to the outskirts of Akanon City, just beyond the Green River. Catch her quickly, or you'll lose your chance at the cloak!"
The bandits sprang into action, their eyes wild with excitement. "Let's move!" D'zy commanded. "We can't let this opportunity slip through our fingers!"
Like tigers on the hunt, they rushed out, leaving D'zy trailing behind as he called out, "Remember, no mercy!"
As Tessa's group reached a rocky outcropping, the first bandit horde struck.
The attack came suddenly—a flash of steel accompanied by guttural war cries shattered the quiet of the night. Adrian reacted instinctively, pulling Nymff behind him as he unsheathed the blade from Nymff's sheath with practiced ease. His movements were fluid and precise, deflecting the initial wave of attacks with lethal grace.
"Get behind me!" he shouted, his voice steady amidst the chaos. "Stay close!"
Tessa's heart raced as she prepared for the impending storm, her grip tightening on the hem of her skirt. "We can't let them take the cloak!" she yelled, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
As the bandits charged forward, their shouts filled the air. "Get the cloak! We'll be rich!" one roared, swinging his sword with reckless abandon.
"Fool! You think you can take it from us?" Adrian retorted, slicing through another attacker with deadly precision.
The night erupted into chaos as Tessa's group fought back fiercely, knowing that this battle would test their limits and their resolve. They had to protect the cloak at all costs.