Gabriel's first impression upon Wang Hui was that of a fervent, albeit somewhat verbose, youthful figure.
Yet, as familiarity grew, Wang Hui discerned that this was more a stratagem for orchestrating team harmony.
Particularly in the throes of battle, Gabriel exhibited a remarkable composure and prudence, always endeavoring to encompass every contingency within his purview.
He was, without a doubt, the quintessential nucleus of their quartet.
A day's acquaintance had even kindled a paternal fondness in Wang Hui, who, from his divine vantage, foresaw a future of exceptional distinction for this burgeoning talent.
The leopard orc, with his evident prowess to dispatch Simon with a single blow, had no compelling reason to abduct him, for Simon was neither a female conducive to propagation nor possessed of any notable lineage, rendering his distant captivity superfluous.
The sole plausible motive was to exploit the hostage to entice more humans into the orcs' snare. Wang Hui could not fathom that the astute Gabriel would fail to perceive this ploy.
"Mr. Gord has indeed taken note..."
Gabriel heaved a faint sigh, casting a glance at Protos and Jenny who were hastening ahead, and elucidated in a hushed tone:
"We have been companions for years. Even in the face of an enemy's trap, we cannot idly witness each other's plight without attempting a rescue! Were Simon to be replaced by any of us, the remaining trio would undoubtedly make the same choice. Even if the squad were to be obliterated, we would not relinquish our resolve without a fight!"
At this juncture, Gabriel's words faltered, and he playfully stuck out his tongue.
"Moreover, our survival is not a foregone conclusion; we still have you among us."
Confronted with the venerable Mr. Gord, the young captain seemed to reveal more of his youthful exuberance.
"Hmph..."
Wang Hui chuckled softly and queried, "How do you know I am willing to embark on this venture with you? If I were to turn back and depart now, there is naught you could do to prevent it, is there?"
"I shall compensate you amply!"
Gabriel did not hesitate for a moment, casting his only remaining small pouch of coins to Wang Hui and vowing earnestly:
"Furthermore, should you aid in Simon's rescue, the bonus I am due upon the completion of our commission shall also be yours!"
It seemed that Mr. Gord's reputation for pecuniary enthusiasm was well-founded...
Wang Hui weighed the pouch in his hand and accepted it without ceremony.
"Hmm, a price too enticing to decline. Then I shall join you in this escapade!
Let it be known, however, that should I encounter an adversary beyond my capabilities, I shall depart without delay and shall not refund your deposit."
"Of course!"
Gabriel failed to discern the jest in Wang Hui's tone, mistaking it for a sincere agreement. He nodded sincerely:
"Mr. Gord has the prerogative to decide his course of action. I merely hope that you will intervene before we penetrate the heart of the enemy's domain, lest we encounter further perils..."
"You speak too late."
Wang Hui suddenly stopped and the two little bronze figures in front of him also stopped chasing
Gabriel was taken aback, surveying the surroundings to discover that they were now encircled by scores of orcs!
These tattered figures hailed from diverse races, some with grim visages and robust physiques, others with sinewy muscles and sharp claws.
Not a single one was not weaker than the young bronze!
Thud...
The leopard orc who had been leading the chase turned back, casually tossing the grievously wounded Simon aside, his mottled face betraying a mocking grin.
"Little human scamps, the game of chase and capture is drawing to a close!"
He extended his right hand, gesturing to the half-foot-long, thick blade affixed to his gauntlet, and issued a threat:
"Speak the intelligence regarding the individual who employed wind magic to assail our forces the night before last, and you may yet live. Otherwise... your fate shall be dire!"
The three young bronze were bewildered, having only arrived in the gold-mining town the previous evening and thus being unaware of any events from the night before.
Perceiving the malevolent encroachment of the surrounding orcs, Gabriel's thoughts raced, and he immediately shouted aloud:
"The intelligence you speak of is unknown to me! But I am privy to the movements of a gold-tier mercenary squad! Might this information secure our lives?"
As he spoke, he discreetly signaled to his companions.
Protos and Jenny, though their throats were parched with fear, prepared for battle instinctively, their bodies reflexively primed, as they silently cast inconspicuous buffs.
Wang Hui also noticed Gabriel's subtle plea for assistance.
This young man was acutely aware that relying solely on the three bronze would be insufficient to rescue Simon, it was uncertain whether he could even last ten seconds in the herd of beasts...
Their sole hope lay with the silver-tier "Mr. Gord"!
"Oh? A gold-tier mercenary?"
The leading leopard orc advanced a few steps, his voice tinged with urgency as he queried, "Of which squad do you speak?"
"It is the [Rose Thorns], they..."
As the orc drew near to an opportune distance, Gabriel abruptly nocked an arrow and cried, "Attack!"
[Guardian Eagle]!
[Vital Point Perception]!
[Aimed Shot]!
In a flash of light, two arrows were loosed, aimed at the leopard orc's neck and heart!
Simultaneously, Protos roared, raising his shield and charging forward, sending two encroaching orcs reeling backward!
Jenny, meanwhile, raised her wand and unleashed the full extent of her magical prowess: "Wind Net!"
A network of intersecting air currents emerged, attempting to carve a path through the orc throng!
According to Gabriel's strategy, if Mr. Gord were to rush forward and retrieve Simon, they would have approximately ten to fifteen seconds to flee.
The words spoken to the leopard orc were not a fabrication; Gabriel indeed knew the whereabouts of the gold-tier mercenary squad [Rose Thorns], having inadvertently glimpsed them during their pursuit with [Eagle Vision].
Approximately seven or eight hundred meters to the southeast!
Though the details were indistinct, the six heavily armored knights' distinctive attire was unmistakable, and Gabriel was certain he had not erred in his observation.
The brief window of escape time would suffice for them to send a signal, summoning the might of [Rose Thorns] to their aid!
Yet, as Gabriel cast a sidelong glance towards Wang Hui's position, his expression abruptly froze.
The man was nowhere to be seen...
Crack!
At that moment, one of the arrows aimed at the leopard orc was caught by hand, while the second was severed by the blade on the gauntlet!
"Aargh..."
Elsewhere, the portly Protos quickly found himself overmatched in strength, toppled by two pig orcs who had regained their composure!
Jenny's [Wind Net], which she had so laboriously conjured, was also dismantled by mysterious forces in the air...
It was [Wrath of Air]! There were orc shamans nearby!
"A mere child's trickery, do you truly believe you can escape?"
The leopard orc toyed with the arrow in his hand, his mocking expression intensifying.
He had clearly been feigning a vulnerability!
Gabriel and his two companions were instantly struck with despair, never anticipating that Mr. Gord would so readily abandon them!
Only the injured Simon, lying prone, had a glint in his eye.
The mysterious masked assassin, it seemed, had not departed...