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This deal had been a complete loss.

They had lost a great deal of manpower, and aside from the deposit paid in advance, they had received no other compensation.

Afterward, they would have to recruit new hands and replace the heavy supplies left behind at the camp.

A loss.

A complete loss.

Saving enough money to leave the bottomless whirlpool that was Kazdel had become a distant dream once more.

"Stop where you are, Sarkaz."

A cool female voice rang out.

A mysterious squad surrounded them.

"..."

Hoederer raised his head and saw a Feline woman.

Her gaze was indifferent and calm.

Yet she also seemed to have everything under control.

"Boss."

The other Sarkaz all looked toward Hoederer.

If he chose to fight to the end, they would follow him.

"Lay down your weapons."

Then—

Hoederer said so.

Ines was unconscious, they were outnumbered, and they had been surrounded by this squad. Resisting would lead to no good outcome.

And—

The symbol on these people... was a tower.

He had heard of it.

It was Babel, the force under Princess Theresa.

"A wise choice, Hoederer."

The leading Feline woman called them by name.

Hoederer's heart sank.

That meant they had come fully prepared. They had likely investigated every detail of his squad.

"Who are you?"

he asked.

"You may call me Kal'tsit."

The Feline woman answered calmly.

"Disarm them, then treat their injuries. Make sure none of them suffer an acute Oripathy outbreak."

Kal'tsit gave the order to her team.

"Hoederer, I wish to know something."

Then—

The cool woman walked up to the Sarkaz.

"You came this close. Aren't you afraid I'll suddenly strike?"

He held Ines in one arm, while his other hand, hidden by his companion's body, had already settled on his sword hilt.

"You will