Bribery

As Arthur and Adam stepped through the village gates, a ripple of whispers spread through the gathered players like wildfire.

Murmurs filled the air, hushed voices trading speculation and suspicion.

"What is Lieutenant Adam doing with Fateless?"

"Did they finally catch him?"

"I thought it was almost guaranteed that Fateless was the one who stole all those monster kills. What's going on?"

Arthur's sharp eyes scanned the crowd. He could feel their gazes burning into him, filled with uncertainty, malice, and frustration.

Adam, walking beside him, clearly took note of the growing unrest. His expression darkened, and his pace slowed slightly as he turned his gaze toward the murmuring players.

Arthur caught the subtle shift in Adam's demeanour. It was time.