Chapter 127: [125] Bandits!
"We’re being watched," Levi replied, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest. "Multiple hostiles. At least... thirty, maybe more."
"Thirty?!" Kai’s face paled. "Where?"
Before anyone could answer, the trees around them rustled, and figures began emerging from the shadows.
One. Five. Ten. Twenty.
They kept coming until exactly thirty-two people had surrounded Levi’s group in a loose circle, blocking every escape route. Each one wore mismatched armor and carried weapons that ranged from simple swords to elaborate spears. But despite their bandit-like appearance, their coordination was too good, their positioning too professional.
These weren’t random thugs. This was an organized force.
And at Level 7 Genetic Soldier or above, every single one of them was a genuine threat.
"Well, well, well," a voice called out, dripping with false friendliness. "What do we have here?"
A man stepped forward from the encirclement—clearly the leader based on how the others deferred to him. He was tall, maybe in his mid-thirties, with a scarred face and cold gray eyes that assessed them like a butcher checking his meat. His cultivation was at least Level 9 Genetic Soldier, possibly even Level 1 Fiend Warrior.
Three other figures moved to flank him—his lieutenants based on their positioning. All three were Level 8 Genetic Soldier, and all three carried themselves with the confidence of experienced fighters.
"Looks like we’ve got some lucky little cultivators who managed to snag themselves a Golden Wyvern," the leader continued, his eyes locking onto the caged cubs. "And two cubs at that! My, my. You guys have been very busy."
Marcus’s grip tightened on his broken spear, which he’d been carrying despite its uselessness. "We don’t want trouble. We’re just passing through on our way to Whitehaven City."