"Where is the artifact?" The man closest to him asked while smoking his cigar. While Kashi is stuck inside the green barrier, desperately trying to escape. Using every strength, he had to break free. Even if he has gloves as an enhancement, it only works on earth and metals.
Thugs look at the desperate fool and sigh as he smokes, "I don't want to get my suit dirty you know. I don't have all day." He signals the man with his weapon as he approaches him.
The third man's hand phases through the barrier as the knife was on his neck, enough for Kashi to bleed slightly.
"I don't know what you're talking about, even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you," Kashi said in a frightened voice. "Besides, I don't know what happening in the last 10 years"
Artifact isn't useful at all. Compare to the elemental crystal. It would make sense people preferred the crystal rather than the artifact. However, it holds more valuable since it is old.
But what did this man possibly want that artifact? Even spending the whole a lot of trouble to find even one valuable piece of information.
"If I can get this Chancelot information, I'll finally have a lead! I must not let this opportunity slip by." The man smiles sinisterly inwardly. I can just torture him until he reveals the information, then kill him immediately.
"Hold it right there" The voice echoes in the alley, and they all turn around.
Three figures standing right in front of them. A light laser beam flares at the guy who is using the barrier and actively disables the barrier.
Kashi fell to the ground, "Ouch" but he was finally free, so he quickly flees to their side.
The closest one had their knife and screamed, "H-hey! Don't move" trying to threaten while the other one threw his dagger with a chain and slashes his hand on the side, stopping their tracks. They all yelp in pain while the middle one is dazed.
"Did the Knight come in here? I don't remember they hire a magician in here." a thug said in a surprised tone.
"Looks like Flame is right." Liana said, carrying her umbrella, "He's here."
"That was just speculation, however, we can confirm if we catch all of them," Shannon said solemnly. "Don't engage your two, judging the way they act, they're mercenary." she signals Flame to settle down.
Flame pulled his chain as the knife that was stabbed on his back was retrieved right back into his hand. Then he took a step back, crossing his arm.
"Who do you think you are? Let's kill her!!" He yelled angrily.
"But sir!" The barrier man doubted.
"Just do it!!"
All three men, especially the boss showed off their bloodlust while Shannon just stood there with a serious look. As they get close, they noticed a multiple light ball. Shannon muttered herself as she said a magic chant "Light Photon" as she extends her arm.
13 yellowish photons strike three different people at the same time, piercing on legs and arms making them unable to move. And the extra one tore through the clothes, revealing a neck tattoo. He's indeed from a cult.
They were stunned, A battle with a number advantage was defeated in an instant. However, the boss isn't done. His arm struggles and about to raise his arm. But that was interrupted as he sees a yellowish glow circulating around him and binding him.
"What the heck!!" the boss struggles to break free. The situation that Kashi had and now that's his turn. He didn't even fight back!!
As expected, both A ranks. They make a quick work as if they got used to it.
"Looks like these two aren't from the cult. That just leaves one." Liana said in a casual tone, checking these injured thugs.
"Then we'll need to question this one," Shannon said with a grin. That terrifying grin.
The boss had to crawl back, showing fear with that look. "Shit shit shit." He cursed himself. He knows he is going to end up badly. As Shannon gets closer, it really comes face to face while the boss is in the corner with no way of escaping in the alley.
"Number one, are you from the cult? Judging from your tattoo." She asked.
He shook his head quickly.
"Number two, Why are you looking for artifacts? It holds no value."
"Money" he replied hastily.
She squinted her eyes. "Hmmm," then she continues, "Last one, What is your main goal? What is your purpose, to harass people for no reason and spread your ideology?"
"They're trying to make a better community, so we would be helpful to each other encouraging each ot-" He got suddenly interrupted by her slight giggle.
"So you are from the Cult," Shannon chuckles at his stupidity. "The way you're lying is so obvious."
The boss realized his stupidity and could've kept his mouth shut.
"What's going on?" A bunch of Knights came into the alley and Flame was in front of them. He brought the guard to make the enemy worst. They've been caught!!
"Perfect timing," Liana said
"What seems to be a problem?" One of the Knight asked.
They had to explain the whole situation, besides telling them one of them is in the cult, while with three guys who are heavily injured. "You seem fine, but you should go to the infirmary as well." The knight informed Kashi.
"Liana and I should come with, we're questioning him," Shannon said.
The knight couldn't help but blush at these two beauties. "As long you don't mess up our suspect according to the law. You should be fine."
Kashi couldn't do anything and yet allowed him to be captured by them. And these three easily swept them off the map. He's feeling hopeless and too weak. Maybe his father is right. He clenches his fist.
Now he feels like he needs to become even stronger, so he'll be able to protect himself. And to protect others.
Flame patted his back, showing a big thumbs up. "You'll be fine"