When the bandits saw the young man's remarkable prowess, their bravado faltered, and they instinctively recoiled. Shadows of doubt flickered across their faces as they weighed their options, each calculating the best strategy to confront this formidable opponent. The tension in the air grew thick as they exchanged wary glances, their minds racing to devise a plan that could match the fire and skill they had just witnessed.
Then, with a collective roar, six of them lunged—like wolves descending on a cornered lioness. Their blades gleamed under the sun as they moved in perfect unison, eyes narrowed with grim resolve as they tried to corner the young man.
Meanwhile, the leader—a calculating figure whose eyes sparkled with cunning intelligence—slipped away from the chaos and crept around the back of the carriage. Ivy, breathless and concealed in the shadows, held her position, unaware of the peril that lurked just behind her.