"Who are you?"
Alice put on an expression of sudden vigilance. The calm and composed demeanor she had worn earlier when facing Hottel's group vanished instantly, replaced by an abrupt solemnity. One of her hands drifted to the long black bow slung across her back, her muscles visibly tightening—a standard elven stance for drawing a bow.
Such an aggressive action caused the orc group to tighten their grips on their weapons, but it only made the reclining Jessica offer a slight smile.
I'd advise you not to do that, young elf... Jessica looked at her weakly yet calmly, her body making no physical movement, yet she locked onto the other with her mental strength. In an instant, Alice felt a pervasive pressure from the void engulf her entire body, and she instantly stiffened...
The other's reaction made Jessica's heart relax a few points. Lowering her voice, she said, "I'm asking you a question now. I ask, you answer. Don't try to fool me, and don't try to resist. My condition is very bad right now, and one wrong move and you might not get a second chance!"
Alice stared at her with a hawk-like gaze, yet made not the slightest movement, even voluntarily relaxing the hand reaching for her long bow.
Meanwhile, the minotaur abruptly stood up, clutching an axe in a posture as if he were about to charge over. But before he could move, she heard Alice say, "Don't move, Kai En. Just stay right there..."
After being reined in by Alice's shout, the minotaur froze noticeably, looking at Alice in confusion. Alice gave him a slight shake of her head. The minotaur let out a snort, resentfully brandishing his axe as he glared at the other person, putting on the complete act of an indigenous minotaur.
"Call