As soon as the words fell, a faint silver ripple spread out. The silver wave was large, instantly enveloping the entire small settlent. Calling it a village was perhaps generous; it was just a circular cluster of buildings, barely adequate for a hundred souls.
With the detection of the silver wave, Chadite's expression turned exceedingly grave.
"What's wrong?" one of the n asked.
Chadite took a deep breath. "There are corpses—mostly won and children."
Hearing this, Alka and Jason imdiately understood and hurriedly followed Chadite into the houses.
The central structure, likely where their leader resided, was the largest and seed to include a hall for discussions. Inside, there was a wide bed, a table beside it, and animal skins hanging on the walls. Cowering in a corner beneath the bed were two naked girls, their eyes wide with terror as they looked at the newcors.
Alka and Jason stepped aside. "It's up to you," one of them said to Chadite.
Chadite nodded and walked over. Looking at the two terrified girls, she squatted down. With a gentle expression, she said, "It's okay now. You're safe."
The girls stared back, their initial terror mixed with disbelief, and tears began to stream down their faces.
"It's okay, it's okay," Chadite murmured, embracing them and placing her hands on their heads.
"Wait, sothing's not right," Jason, who was leaning beside Alka, suddenly said, his brow furrowed. He quickly leaned out. "Careful!"
Alka imdiately followed suit, peering out as well. Though he didn't know what was happening, it clearly wasn't good.
They saw Chadite still holding the girls' heads, but the heads were now lolling to the side at unnatural angles. Blood trickled from the girls' mouths, followed by pained, muffled groans.
Alka started, "You—"
"Hmph, treacherous bitches," Chadite spat, her face a mask of disgust as she stood up and brushed herself off. The two naked girls slumped to the ground. CLINK, CLINK. Two daggers slid from their limp hands.
Chadite turned, her eyes blazing fiercely at Alka and Jason, her displeasure evident.
They imdiately averted their gazes.
"Uh, I'll go check downstairs," Jason mumbled.
" too," Alka added quickly.
The two hurriedly departed.
As they walked, Alka asked, "How did you realize sothing was wrong?"
"I sensed dangerous emotions," Jason replied. "It was clearly abnormal."
Hearing this, Alka nodded in understanding. Indeed, how could there be dangerous emotions in such a situation?
"So, any idea why she seed to notice before I did?" Jason asked, puzzled.
Alka shook his head and shrugged. "How would I know? Maybe her silver wave detected sothing."
Though Alka didn't quite believe his own explanation.
The two climbed down a wooden ladder to the level below. It was damper here, and a thick, foul stench—not of rot, but of excrent—filled the air. Jason raised a hand, and a dim light emanated from it, illuminating the dark surroundings.
The won and children locked in cages imdiately curled up like frightened animals, looking at the two n with terror in their eyes.
Seeing the state of these people, Jason and Alka frowned, anger rising within them.
"A real bunch of scum," Jason muttered, preparing to go over and help them.
Alka quickly pulled him back. "Let's go up. Chadite and the others should handle this; we're not suitable."
Hearing this, Jason turned to look at the captives. The eyes of the won and children stared back, filled with fear and hatred for the two n.
"You're right," Jason conceded, taking a deep breath to suppress his anger. "I didn't think it through."
With that, they headed back upstairs.
They t Chadite, who was just about to descend.
"How's the situation below?" she asked.
"Not good," Alka replied, his expression serious. "You go down and help them. I'll call Julia and the others."
Chadite nodded and walked down alone, a faint, gentle glow already emanating from her as she prepared herself.
Alka and Jason reached the central plaza. The pirates were already there, their hands tied tightly. Simon and the others were sitting nearby, chatting.
Seeing Alka and Jason approach, Simon called out, "How is it? Find anything?"
Then he noticed their somber expressions. It seed the situation wasn't good.
Alka walked over to Julia and Matilda, patting their shoulders. He then looked at Lucilia. "You all go to the central building. Chadite needs your help. Take the Puppet Girls with you."
The won nodded, and Lucilia led the Puppet Girls in a quick run toward the structure.
Alka, knife in hand, approached the group of pirates. Jason went to Simon's side.
"What happened?" Simon asked quietly.
Just then, a pirate in front of Alka offered a fawning smile. "Sir, we've tied ourselves up, just as you asked."
"Oh? Is that so?" Alka replied with a smile, walking closer.
"Yes, yes, sir!"
"Let see." Alka glanced at the pirate's bound hands. He lightly prodded the ropes with his knife; they were indeed very secure, tied so tightly that escape would be nearly impossible.
Then, his blade flashed, severing the rope.
Seeing this, the pirate's face lit up with surprised delight. He looked up at Alka. "Thank y—"
A flash of Alka's blade, and the word died in his throat.
Blood sprayed instantly, splattering onto the nearby pirates. They quickly bowed their heads, hardly daring to breathe, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
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