Chapter 18: A NEW AMBUSH and SUMMONING
After descending the mountain, we finally arrived at a fork in the road just as the sun reached its peak. Without wasting time, we continued our journey. However, after walking only about five hundred meters, we were suddenly surrounded by a group of armed men from both the front and rear. Their appearances were ragged and unruly, but when I used my detection skill, I realized there were even more hiding in the woods nearby—perhaps twice our number.
"Leave all your valuables... and the woman, if you want to live," said one of the bandits, who appeared to be the leader.
Hearing that, the IBS members immediately sprang into action. They drew their weapons with swift, practiced motions.
"Is that some kind of mandatory line for every robbery?" Tarma mocked in a calm tone.
"I won’t repeat myself. Leave... or die," the leader snapped.
"Miss Luna, could you give us support magic? It seems a fight is inevitable," Tarma whispered to me.
"Of course."
"Thank you. Wait for my signal and stay behind with Ekin," he added quickly.
"Miss Luna, stay close to me," said Ekin, standing alert by my side.
When I used analysis, I saw that most of the bandits had relatively low levels—between 30 and 50. Only the leader was at level 86. In contrast, the IBS members were far stronger; Tarma himself was level 98. Still, I cast support magic on them—better to be safe, as I wasn’t sure how level differences played out in a real battle.
Tension thickened the air. Everyone stood in silence, gripping their weapons. The bandit leader’s harsh voice broke the standstill.