Laura's meal was prepared, and she quickly dished it into multiple small food boxes she found in the kitchen. As she worked, she couldn't help but hum softly to herself, taking pride in her resourcefulness.
"This should be enough to feed everyone for a few days," she murmured, surveying the neatly stacked containers. With a small smile, she turned to the large pot, scooping out a generous portion for herself.
"Time for a well-deserved meal," she said, settling down at one of the nearby tables. The rich aroma of the stew filled the air, and Laura felt her mouth water in anticipation.
"Hmm, this is delicious," she said between bites, savoring the blend of flavors. "I've really outdone myself this time." A satisfied smile played across her lips as she continued to eat, her mind already planning what to do next.
As she savored the last few morsels, a thought occurred to her. "I wonder if there's anything else worth scavenging around here," she mused, her gaze drifting towards the kitchen's back door.
Curiosity piqued, Laura quickly finished her meal and made her way to the door, gently pushing it open. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the well-stocked archery range beyond.
"Essei will be thrilled," she breathed, a genuine smile spreading across her face. Without hesitation, she stepped inside, beginning to carefully collect the arrows scattered throughout the area.
"Let's see, we've got a good mix here..." she murmured, her practiced hands sifting through the various sizes and materials. "This should give Essei plenty of options."
Laura moved with efficient, practiced motions, her eyes scanning the range for any overlooked treasures. As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her resourcefulness.
"The Hoarder class is proving its worth," she said to herself, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "Can't be too careful these days, after all."
With her inventory now bulging with arrows, Laura made her way back to the main kitchen area, determined to make the most of her fortuitous find.
Switching back to her Summoner class, she began to carefully stash the food boxes and arrows, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"There, that should do it," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. Satisfied with her preparations, Laura decided to indulge in a moment of relaxation.
She made her way to the VIP section of the resort, her eyes immediately drawn to the well-stocked bar. "Drinks for future celebrations, huh?" she mused, carefully selecting a few bottles of high-quality whiskey. "The others will be pleased with this."
With her scavenging complete, Laura headed deeper into the VIP lodgings, her gaze sweeping over the luxurious furnishings. "This place is practically untouched," she murmured, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of an ornate table.
Curiosity piqued, Laura made her way to one of the bedrooms, her eyes widening as she spotted the jacuzzi tub in the ensuite bathroom.
Without hesitation, she stripped off her clothes and sank into the steaming water, letting out a contented sigh as the warmth enveloped her.
As the minutes ticked by, Laura felt her tension melt away, replaced by a sense of calm. It had been far too long since she had the opportunity to truly unwind, and she savored every moment.
When she finally emerged from the jacuzzi, her fatigue had disappeared, and she felt refreshed and rejuvenated.
Wrapping a soft towel around her waist, Laura stepped into the bedroom, her eyes scanning the wardrobe. "Now, let's see what we've got here," she murmured, her fingers trailing over the high-quality fabrics.
She selected a practical yet comfortable outfit, pulling on a pair of sturdy cargo pants and a long-sleeved shirt. As she dressed, she couldn't help but appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the garments.
Just as she was about to settle down for a much-needed rest, a faint noise from outside caught her attention. Frowning, Laura made her way to the window, peering out cautiously.
What she saw made her heart race—a large group of armed men had surrounded the resort, and at their center stood a towering, scarred figure that she recognized as the "Boss" the bandits had spoken of.
Cursing under her breath, Laura quickly retrieved her weapons and headed towards the entrance, determined to assess the situation. As she approached, the Boss turned his gaze towards her, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"Well, well, if it isn't the little spitfire," the Boss rumbled, his deep voice carrying a menacing edge. "I must say, my men didn't do you justice."
Laura remained silent, her grip tightening on the hilt of her dagger as she studied the group. There were easily two dozen men, all heavily armed and bearing the same predatory aura as the bandits she had encountered earlier.
"Why did you refuse to come with my men?" the Boss asked, his brow furrowing in a mockery of confusion. "Surely you must have known that resistance would only make things worse for you."
Laura's jaw tightened, but she still said nothing, her mind racing as she calculated her options. The group was larger and better equipped than the previous bandits, and the Boss himself appeared to be a formidable opponent.
"Now, why don't you be a good little thing and come with us?" the Boss continued, his tone dripping with false politeness. "I've got a special place for you, right by my side."
Laura's eyes narrowed, and for the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed her face – a steely determination that seemed to catch the Boss off guard.
"I don't think so," she replied, her voice low and steady. "You and your men should leave. Now!"
The Boss's expression darkened, and he let out a harsh laugh. "Oh, I don't think so, my dear. You see, you belong to me now." He raised a hand, signaling to his men. "Get her."
Three of them launched themselves at her, closing the distance within seconds and then immediately regretted it.
Laura targeted the first one to close the distance and with a blow to his throat, she left him gasping for air. The others still had at least a second more before arrive so he added two more blows to the first name.
Bang!
Bang!
The second blow to his chest and the third was an even heavier one to his solar plexus.
The man went inconsistency and as the others arrived, Laura wasted no time with them. The first one had his face smashed by her knee and the third one was violently kicked back to the same place he'd come running from.
Their boss's face twisted into a furious expression and he roared. "Get her! Dead or alive, just get her for me!"
The men surged forward, their weapons raised, and Laura tensed, prepared to defend herself once more.
She knew that this confrontation was no longer just about supplies or survival – it was a battle for her very freedom, and she had no intention of surrendering.
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A/N!!
Hello dear readers! I wanna inform you all that we will now resume daily uploads. To make up for lost time, I shall upload two chapters daily. Please continue to support the book with gifts, stones and tickets!
Thank you all for sticking around!!