Savior

"And these gentlemen appear to have some business left with you."

A slow ripple of tension ran through the gang.

The axe-wielder, having regained his footing, let out a harsh breath. "You think you can just walk away after drawing your blade on me?"

The cloaked man let out a long, exaggerated sigh, tilting his head.

"Man… just read the room, will you?" His voice was laced with something close to disappointment, like a teacher scolding an underperforming student. Then, he turned his full attention to the axe-wielder and his men.

"I'm really leaving you a way out," he continued, almost lazily. "And yet, here you are—acting arrogant." His black-flamed estoc flickered, reflecting the torchlight in eerie patterns. "Do you really want to die that much?"

The gang leader sneered. "Hah! Bluffing won't save you, bastard!"