The adventurers sat slumped against the cold stone walls, wrists and ankles bound tightly with rough cords.
Karr gritted his teeth, his voice a low growl. "Those bastards..."
Eric leaned heavily against the wall, his breathing shallow and ragged. Vivian immediately noticed, her face tightening with concern. "Eric, hang in there. You're going to be fine," she whispered urgently.
Karr struggled against his bindings, but his hand — still bloodied from the earlier battle — throbbed with pain. He hissed under his breath. "Damn it... I can't get the ropes off. My hand is too messed up."
Mei shifted closer, quickly assessing the situation. "Karr, stop struggling," she said firmly but gently. "You're just going to hurt yourself more. Let me help loosen it."
She carefully worked her fingers around the knots at his wrist, wincing as the rough cords dug into his battered skin. After several minutes of scraping and tugging, the rope finally gave way with a soft snap.
Karr flexed his hands with a grunt, then immediately turned his attention to freeing Eric and Vivian. Despite the pain, he moved quickly, urgency sharpening his every motion.
Once they were free, Vivian closed her eyes, murmuring the incantation for a healing spell. A faint, pale light flickered around her hands — but it was weak, barely more than a soft glow.
"They took my staff..." she said, frustration thick in her voice. "I can only manage basic healing like this."
Still, it was enough. Vivian knelt beside Eric, pressing her glowing hands gently against his side. His breathing gradually evened out, and some color returned to his face. Karr sighed in relief, patting Eric's shoulder lightly.
Eric coughed once and rasped, "Thanks... both of you."
Mei leaned back against the wall, glancing around the dim cell. "We're not the only ones they captured."
Around them, other prisoners — mostly women and a few small children — huddled together in miserable silence. Fear and exhaustion etched deep lines into their faces.
Karr sat next to one of the older women, speaking in a low, steady voice. "How did you all end up here?"
The woman flinched but answered softly. "We were traveling… heading north to see family. They ambushed us near the woods, And snatched everything from us."
Others murmured similar stories — simple folk, travelers, and nearby villagers caught and overwhelmed.
Vivian hesitated, then asked the question weighing on all their minds. "Where are the other mens?"
A heavy silence fell over the cell. Finally, a boy — no older than fifteen — spoke up, voice trembling.
"They… they make them fight with their mens," he whispered. "They play a game of duels. And the Loser has to die."
The words hung heavily in the stale air.
Mei's hands clenched tightly into fists. Vivian felt sad and angry both at the same time.
Karr lowered his head briefly, mastering the fury burning in his chest. His injured hand throbbed again, but he ignored it.
"We need to find a way out of here," he muttered grimly.
Outside the iron bars, the corridor remained dim and silent — for now.
Scene Shift: Adventurer guild.
Inside the Guild's main office, the atmosphere was tense yet orderly. Stacks of reports cluttered the desk as Maya stood straight-backed in front of Vel and Shin, flipping through the top file in her hands.
"The situation is escalating," Maya began, her tone firm but clearly weighed by fatigue.
"The bandit camp near the northern trade route is wreaking havoc. Nearly every merchant trying to move supplies through that route has been hit. We've received over a dozen quest postings in just the past two days alone."
Shin crossed his arms, brows furrowed. "So the pressure's finally reached the breaking point."
Maya nodded. "Yes. Many business owners are furious. Their losses are stacking up, and some are threatening to pull trade from the region entirely. If this keeps up, we might see a full-scale supply crisis."
Shin asks. "And the team we sent to scout?"
"They're still out there," Maya replied, checking a note in her report. "They went to confirm the number and strength of the bandits in the area. They should be returning soon."
Vel's casual demeanor shifted slightly, his gaze sharpening. "The moment they return, send them straight to us. No delays."
"Yes, Vel-sama," Maya said, bowing slightly before stepping back.
Shin exhaled slowly and turned to Vel. "Looks like this isn't going to be just another clean-up job."
Vel's smile thinned, but his eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Good. I'm getting tired of paperwork anyway."
Few moments later.
A knock echoed through the guild office door.
"Come in," Shin called.
The door swung open, revealing the team "sharp fang" from "Stonefang Clan". Leading the team was Darven, a tall, sharp-eyed man with a hardened expression. He stepped forward and gave a respectful nod.
"We're back. With the report."
Vel leaned forward slightly in his chair, eyes locking with Darven. "Good. What did you find?"
Darven didn't waste a moment. "The bandit camp is larger than the quest report stated. At least fifteen visible combatants. They've fortified an abandoned village—four watchtowers on each side, with a rotating patrol. There's more than just bandits there too."
Shin raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"There are hostages. Civilians. We couldn't get a headcount, but they're being held in one of the buildings under guard. Some of the bandits were sorting through stolen supplies—lots of it. This isn't just robbery anymore. It's turning into an operation."
Vel's expression hardened. Shin's grip on his pen tightened.
"They're hoarding supplies, holding people… trying to build something out there," Shin muttered.
"And tell me this," Vel said, his tone low. "Do you think you can take them out on your own?"
Selis shook her head. "Unlikely. We're skilled, but we lack front-line power. Our team is mostly scouts and mid-range fighters. A direct assault could cost us."
Vel nodded, then stood and stretched his shoulders. "Then we'll reinforce you. We'll send Garret and Darius with your team."
Shin nodded in agreement.
Vel smirked. "If they want a fight, they're about to get one."
Then he turned toward Shin. " Inform both Garret and Darius. I want them to join the expedition."
Shin gave a firm nod. "Understood. I'll notify them immediately."