Chapter 7

Inside Darwin's workshop, the door to one of the rooms opened, allowing two shadowy figures to slip inside. They crept towards the sleeping figure covered by a blanket.

Silently, they approached the bedside. One of them signaled a countdown with his hand. When his fingers curled into a fist, they both swung their weapons, striking the figure under the blanket repeatedly.

Worried their target might retaliate, they kept attacking. But after several blows, they noticed no damage numbers appearing. One of them gestured to stop, pulling the blanket away to reveal only a pillow and bolster.

Both attackers were puzzled and disappointed. The one with the axe had a sudden realization but was too late to react. A powerful force slammed into his back, sending him flying. A red number, 42, marked his impact against the wall, followed by another, 6.

His partner, startled but quick, dodged a swing and rolled to a nearby table to turn on the light.

As the room brightened, three individuals found themselves scattered about, eyeing each other intently. Wesley stood in the center, flanked by the silent attackers: Ogre and Mouse. Ogre struggled with pain, while Mouse remained crouched nearby.

Ogre managed to ask between clenched teeth, "What happened?"

"Ho– How do you know?!"

"You have been waiting for us?" Mouse added.

Wesley glared at them in disgust. "I've had a bad feeling about you two from the start. I figured I wasn't your first target, was I? Besides the woman's dress out there, how many others fell for your tricks?"

"What? Why do you single out that dress? And I never saw you touch it. How do you know it's from another Player?"

Wesley wasn't going to reveal his God-eye monocle's abilities.

"So, you've been hiding and waiting for us?" Mouse repeated.

Wesley wasn't about to disclose his God-eye monocle's tracking.

"What have you done to the others? Killed and robbed them?" He asked instead, noting their abundance of gear.

"Same way we're gonna rob and kill you!" Mouse lunged with his dagger.

Wesley dodged the attack. His opponent tried to use his speed advantage but was surprised when Wesley matched it. In his confusion, he was hit by Wesley's sword.

He probably didn't expect Wesley's Dexterity to surpass his own, even as a ranger with a double class feat. 31 damage popped up above his head before he retreated.

As Wesley went after Mouse, Ogre swung at his head. Wesley dodged and fled to the hall. Fighting two foes in close quarters wasn't ideal; he'd take twice the hits for each swing. Plus, the doorway offered a chokepoint advantage.

Ogre approached first. Wesley met him at the door, their weapons clashing. Wesley used the opening to thrust at his opponent, dealing additional damage.

Mouse joined but his attacks were parried. His second thrust was swift, hitting Wesley's abdomen.

Wesley stepped back, allowing them to exit. He swung, hitting both with his Swing skill.

"You're level 5?!" Ogre exclaimed.

Wesley kept up his relentless attack, leaving them off balance. They were meant to be the attackers, but now they seemed like the victims.

They tried to create distance. Ogre blocked some blows with Parry, but Mouse, relying on speed, couldn't keep up. By the time they backed off, Mouse's HP was dangerously low.

"Drink a potion!" Ogre urged, swinging at Wesley.

Wesley dodged, then cast a Magic Bullet spell, depleting Mouse's HP before the potion took effect. Mouse collapsed.

Ogre stared in disbelief. "How can you cast spells?"

"Find out in your next life!" Wesley charged, his sword crashing down on Ogre, who hit a shimmering barrier before collapsing.

Wesley looked around at the disappeared bodies. Usually, they remained longer. Perhaps they vanished once the fight ended. He considered that looting might only be possible after a fight.

He checked Ogre and Mouse's loot: a Bronze Axe, Leather Bracer, Leather Shoes, and a Medicine. He swapped his old gear for the Bracers and Shoes.