Footsteps approached from the edge of the hollow.
Victor turned as two figures emerged from the trees. One with silver hair tied in a topknot. The other was bald with crimson eyes.
They wore the robes of Inner Court disciples.
The silver-haired one smirked. "A bit slow, aren't you?"
The bald one cracked his knuckles. "Good thing we arrived when we did. That beast would've eaten you alive."
Victor narrowed his eyes; 'So this was planned...'
He figured he didn't notice because he was deeply engrossed in his battle against the rogue leeches.
But he said nothing.
"Tsk," the silver-haired one clicked his tongue. "You looked like you had it under control... but you know how these things go. Can't leave a mission unfulfilled."
Victor didn't answer. He quietly sheathed his sword.
They stole the kill.
They forced a mission failure.
And they did it with a smile.
