Chapter 362: Bonds and Intentions
[Initiating skill extraction...] [5%] [10%]
The progress bar moved at a faster rate compared to the previous hunt. Alexander contemplated the numbers with a cold, calculating gaze. His theory was confirmed: the killing blow had to be landed by his own hands to avoid the system’s severe efficiency penalty.
However, a new dilemma crossed his mind. Now he was undecided on how to proceed with his recruits. They had witnessed part of his methods, and the slightest leak could ruin his plans. He needed to keep them from suspecting anything, at least while he found or learned a useful skill to control their minds.
"Alright, everything went as expected," said Alexander, sheathing his weapon. "We can head back."
"Aren’t you going to collect the loot, sir?" said Lilya, pointing toward the remains of the slime and the fallen beasts.
"No, I don’t think that’s necessary," said Alexander, turning around. "Let’s head back."
The women exchanged looks of open surprise. Leaving valuable cores and materials scattered in the mud was unthinkable for any regular adventurer, but none dared to question him and simply followed in silence.
On the trek back to Plyaro, Alexander decided to use the time to extract as much information as possible from them.
"Tell me, do you live alone in the city?" said Alexander, walking up front without breaking his stride. "Do you have families or people who depend on your income?"
"I take care of my two younger brothers," said the redhead in a melancholic tone. "We were orphaned after a beast raid three years ago. Everything I make at the guild goes toward their food."
"In my case, I have no one," said Lilya with a disdainful smile. "My tribe exiled me for rejecting their sacred traditions. Plyaro is the only place a cast-out elf can survive without ending up in chains."
"My family lives in a border village," chimed in the Rock Skin user. "I send them gems every month to pay off the farm’s debts."
Alexander listened to every word in silence, memorizing names, locations, and vulnerabilities. If he couldn’t control their minds with magic for the time being, securing their weak points in the real world would prove just as effective at guaranteeing their silence.
One by one, the nine adventurers finished recounting their lives, unwittingly exposing the invisible chains that bound them. By the time they concluded their stories, the grand walls of Plyaro already loomed before them.
Alexander stopped just before crossing the gates and turned to face them.
"I want us to form a permanent team, how does that sound?" said Alexander in a calm, welcoming voice. "I’ll help you with all your problems. Look, I’m an distrustful person; I’d much rather build a solid, long-lasting relationship with you than look for new help every day. So, how about you stay with me? Right now, I can take care of your financial situations."
The nine women stood stunned, staring at him with utter disbelief. A man offering to support them, solve their problems, and be the backbone of their lives? What kind of logic was that? In a world governed by the strength of beastwomen, such brazen boldness was unheard of.
Yet at the same time, a strange, unprecedented feeling began to bloom in the chests of several among them. The idea of depending on a man felt bizarre, almost absurd... but it didn’t feel bad. For the first time, the crushing burden they carried on their shoulders seemed like it could be shared. They could get used to this, a few of them thought in silence.
"We accept, boss," said the redhead on behalf of everyone, flashing a genuine, relieved smile.
"It’s settled then," said Alexander, returning the smile. "Let’s head over to Lyssandra."
Alexander glanced up at the sky and noticed with surprise that the sun was already beginning to dip below the horizon. Lyssandra had been his very first objective upon leaving the guild that morning, but the recruitment and the hunt had consumed the hours, making the day slip like water through his fingers.
The group moved toward the heart of the city until stopping before an imposing mansion built of carved stone and ornate pillars—the private residence of the mayor of Plyaro.
As the entourage approached the entrance, two guards in armor barred their path, hands resting on the pommels of their swords.
"Halt," said one of the guards, scrutinizing the large party. "What business do you have at the mayor’s residence?"
"I have business with her," said Alexander in a firm, composed voice. "Tell her Alexander wants to speak."
The guards exchanged looks surprised by the lack of subservience and the tone with which this young man addressed the supreme authority. However, recalling the reports surrounding the youth, the head guard decided against starting an unnecessary conflict.
"Wait here," said the guard, turning around to enter the mansion.
The woman walked through the wide hallways until reaching the main office. After knocking on the door, she stepped inside and bowed respectfully before the desk where Lyssandra was reviewing a stack of documents.
"Mayor Lyssandra," said the guard. "The young man, Alexander, is outside with an entourage of female adventurers. He is requesting a audience with you."
Lyssandra raised her eyes from the paperwork, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. She knew the boy had been recruiting people all day, but she hadn’t expected him to show up at her doorstep at this hour.
"With an entourage?" said Lyssandra, a faint, intrigued smile playing on her lips as she placed her pen on the desk. "Interesting... Show him in, but only him. The rest are to wait in the courtyard."
"Right away, Mayor," said the guard, bowing before stepping out to deliver the message.
The guard returned to the main entrance and stopped before the group, raising her chin with authority.
"Mayor Lyssandra authorizes your entrance, Alexander," said the guard, gesturing toward the doors. "But you enter alone. The rest of your party will wait in the outer courtyard."
The news went down terribly with the new recruits. The redhead stepped forward with a deep frown, crossing her arms in indignation.