When the bandit leader appeared, Adam frowned as he recognized the energy emanating from him.
It was… demonic energy.
Adam couldn't understand how a mere bandit could give off something like that… until his eyes fell on his hand.
A dark ring.
The gem embedded in it seemed to absorb the light around it, slowly devouring it, like a small abyss contained within metal.
There was the answer.
The bandit leader stepped forward. The sole of his boot crunched on the damp earth. His voice boomed out again, deeper, heavier, as if he were dragging something dark with every word.
"Don't hesitate. If you do… I'll kill you myself."
Adam watched as the bandits tensed.
Some swallowed hard. Others tightened their grip on their weapons. The doubt that had clouded their faces shattered into silence, replaced by something more raw.
Their muscles tensed. Their hands clenched around bloodstained swords, axes, and spears. The sound of metal being squeezed rang out in the tense air.
