Chapter 10: A Narrow Escape and the Mire's Scars

The mysterious prophecy and the revelations about the Bounty Hunters Guild opened a new, complex path for Kai and his allies. After the moment of astonishment, Arthur spoke, his voice calm but resolute: "The Ancient Hall sounds enticing, but our top priority right now is to get out of this swamp safely. Those Bounty Hunters won't let us rest."

Elara nodded in agreement. "Arthur's right. We're deep in their territory. It's best to get out, find a safe place to recover, and plan our next move." She looked at Kai. "Follow me. This path is less guarded, but it doesn't mean it's safe."

Kai agreed. He understood that survival was always the top priority. Moreover, escaping this place would be a good test to refine the trio's skills and coordination. With his newly absorbed "Bush Hide" and "Mist Camouflage" skills, Kai became the perfect scout in this harsh environment.

They continued their journey, now even more cautiously. Elara led the way, her keen eyes constantly scanning for signs of traps and sentries. Arthur brought up the rear, his hammer always ready, covering both of them. Kai glided, hidden amidst the bushes and shallow waters, providing early warnings of any danger.

The mist remained thick, making every step a potential risk. Suddenly, Kai's "Keen Senses" flared. He detected a large group of bounty hunters approaching from the front—faster than anticipated.

"Stop!" Kai whispered. "Ahead... a large group. Not just two or three."

Arthur and Elara immediately took cover behind large mangrove roots. Elara glanced at Kai, her eyes tense. "It seems they've called for backup. They definitely want Zane's 'Ancient Soul Emblem' and don't want us interfering."

A gruff voice cut through the fog from ahead: "You rats! Come out now! We know you're there!"

Heavy footsteps echoed, accompanied by the flickering light of torches. A group of about five or six bounty hunters emerged from the mist, led by a tall figure with a massive greatsword on his back. He exuded a chilling aura; his level was certainly no less than 20.

"We can't fight them head-on with these numbers," Arthur muttered. "Especially not their leader."

"There's a small fork to the left," Elara quickly said. "It will take us off the main path, but it's much swampier."

"Take that way!" Arthur decided.

They quickly changed direction, trying to move as fast as possible. However, the bounty hunter leader seemed to have a special sense. "That way!" He roared, ordering his subordinates to pursue.

The chase began. The trio ran, trying to use the swampy terrain to slow down their enemies. Elara continuously fired hindering arrows, aiming for the legs or weapons of the hunters. Arthur occasionally turned back, using his hammer to create a temporary barrier or to knock back an overly aggressive pursuer.

Kai was the most agile in this environment. He used "Wave Glide" to cross deep puddles, "Leap" over dry mounds, and constantly activated "Mist Camouflage" or "Bush Hide" to disorient or evade his opponents' sight. He even spewed weak "Venom Breath" to slow down the pursuers.

"Watch out!" Elara shouted. "Tripwire trap!"

A hunter had set a thin, almost invisible wire across their path. Arthur quickly leaped over it, but Elara hesitated for a beat. A Misty Direwolf Hunter Level 7, a trained hound of the Bounty Hunters Guild, burst from the side, lunging straight at her.

Monster: Misty Direwolf Hunter Level 7

HP: 80/80

"Damn it!" Arthur roared.

Kai, who had been leading, spun around. "Aqua Shot!" He sprayed water into the Direwolf's eyes, making it falter. Then, without hesitation, Kai charged, using "Rending Bite" to sink his teeth into its leg.

[-7 HP! Afflicted with 'Bleeding'.]

The Hunter Direwolf snarled, thrashing its tail wildly. At the same time, the bounty hunters were closing in. Their leader, with his greatsword, charged directly at Arthur.

This was a dire situation. They were caught between a dangerous hound and a group of bloodthirsty hunters.

"Stick close to me!" Arthur roared, forming a defensive anchor.

Kai, despite being lightly wounded from the Direwolf's tail whip, did not retreat. He knew this was the time to fight not just for survival, but to protect his new allies. He exhaled "Venom Breath," a faint green cloud engulfing the Direwolf.

The Misty Direwolf Hunter has been afflicted with 'Poisoned'.

Elara managed to draw a small dagger just in time, finishing off the Direwolf as it struggled with the poison.

"Watch out!" Arthur bellowed. The leader had swung his greatsword, a powerful strike aimed at him.

Kai knew this was the time for a risk. He lunged between Arthur and the leader, using "Spiked Hydro Armor" to absorb the blow.

[-15 HP! Spiked Hydro Armor absorbed a portion of the damage!]

Though in searing pain, Kai bought them time. Arthur delivered a powerful counterattack, forcing the leader back.

"We can't stop!" Elara yelled. "Saving ourselves is more important!"

Arthur looked at Kai, then at Elara. He nodded. "Alright! Retreat!"

Though they could fight, a direct confrontation with the entire group would be suicide. Their coordinated skills had saved their lives, but this was not the place to gamble. All three quickly retreated, using the thick mist and the complex terrain of the swamp to their advantage.

They continued to run relentlessly until the shouts and the baying of the bounty hunters' hounds faded into the distance. Finally, they emerged from the edge of the swamp, entering higher ground where the trees were sparser and the air was cleaner.

All three were exhausted, collapsing onto the ground. Arthur panted, gripping his hammer tightly. Elara leaned against a tree trunk, her face smeared with mud and sweat. Kai lay beside them, feeling every muscle ache, but a sense of satisfaction permeated him. They had survived.

Arthur looked at Kai. "You... you risked your life for me."

"We are allies," Kai replied, his voice weak. "Besides... I can't let you die. You still have to help me find Zane and that Ancient Hall."

Elara smiled weakly. "That's right. Anyway, thank you both. We escaped that hellhole." She looked back at the mist-shrouded swamp, where the faint lights of the bounty hunters' torches still flickered in the encroaching darkness. "But... we can't stay here forever. The Bounty Hunters Guild won't give up."