Login Required

Had they been hiding behind the rocks? Numerous figures appeared from the cliffs and rock faces on both sides... and ran down to block Koai's path.

The figures surrounded Koai in a semicircle, blocking the way forward.

"I smell it, I smell it, the smell of gold coins... It smells especially strong today."
So a familiar murmur was heard from one of the group... specifically, from around where a short man stood.
Koai paid it no mind, instead checking the formation of the bandits.

The bandits had already formed a tight phalanx, heavily guarding the front.
To make the horse run and break through by knocking a few of them over... seemed difficult. Koai herself would be fine, but there was a high chance the horse would be injured.
...Would it be safer to just hurt them a bit and drive them off?
If they still resisted... no, if they're bandits, it shouldn't be a problem to kill a few of them.

As Koai mulled this over, a part of the bandit group advanced and called out to her.

"Did you think you could sneak through just because you're a single, plainly dressed traveler?"
"We know you're carrying a ton of money."

Indeed, Koai had money... a dozen or more gold coins. Why these bandits knew that... was a mystery.
But Koai remained silent.

"Hey, cat got your tongue? No questions? Like, how do we know you have money...?"
"Hmm? Or are you just scared, little man?"
"A pretty-faced little master with a twitching face... huh? Nice, that's exciting."
"Hey, calm down."
The bandits said whatever they pleased as they surrounded Koai.