Crimson Edge

Hansel's companions, especially the scimitar woman, seemed less than pleased with Ackster's curt answer and attitude. But it didn't seem like they would interfere with their leader's conversation unless Ackster went too far.

"Hugo, is it?"

Hansel hid it well, but Ackster could sense that Hansel wasn't treating him like an equal, even if he used polite expressions and words. So, he didn't say anything to Hansel, needlessly asking for confirmation.

"I'm guessing that you, like everyone else here, made your way over after seeing the phenomenon in the sky, right?"

"..."

Ackster looked around and pretended to be disinterested in whatever it was Hansel had to say. It was clear he wouldn't let him pass and touch the dome, and forcing his way through would direct too much ire to Ackster. So, he waited for Hansel to talk with a bored and nonchalant attitude.

Hansel sighed but didn't let Ackster's attitude dissuade him from telling him what he needed to know.

"Hugo, if you want to be allowed to stick around, you'll have to follow the tacit agreement of waiting for this protective barrier to fall before doing anything."

Ackster harrumphed and crossed his arms while looking Hansel up and down in disdain.

"And who are you to give me permission? Who are you to tell me what I'm allowed to do or not do? To tell anyone here what they're allowed to do?"

"I'm–"

Ackster raised his voice and interrupted Hansel, much to his and his companions' displeasure.

"Wouldn't it be better to settle everything while the barrier is still up? It will make sure no one sneaks off with it in the middle of the battle, and whatever is inside will be protected from any attacks."

Ackster looked around the grove and made sure the other adventurers couldn't sit back and watch with mocking grins as Hansel and his Crimson Edge took control of the situation. It seemed like Ackster hadn't been the first to try and approach the yellow sphere. And the Crimson Edge's attitude made it seem like they were in charge.

"Yeah! Let's duke it out now. Winner takes all!"

A bare-chested martial artist with muscles carved out of rock stepped out in response to Ackster's words and encouraged the rest to do the same.

"I'm in! The Crimson Edge can't defend against all of us if we work together."

A large woman in a heavy suit of armor also joined Ackster next to the stubble-haired martial artist. With the two of them stepping out, a few other adventures also lined up next or close to Ackster and stared down Hansel and his three companions.

Hansel sighed, and his polite and pleasant expression faded. A cold and impatient one took its place as he glared at the adventures, both those who had stepped out in response to Ackster's and the other two's encouragement and those who were still hesitating.

"Don't be ridiculous. Even if you all come at us, you'll be lucky to escape with your lives. Besides, who of you would dare lead the charge knowing you'll die at the tip of my spear–"

"I will."

Before Hansel's words could scare the other adventurers further, Ackster once again interrupted him. He was a little curious about the Crimson Edge group and their apparent status since it seemed like everyone, or almost everyone, at least, knew about them. As training-focused as he was, Ackster had no idea who they were.

But it didn't matter. Ackster wouldn't let the reputation of some random group of red-dressed posers scare him away from Karandiel. It also seemed like the Crimson Edge's behavior had earned them enough displeasure to make others, like the martial artist and the knight, want to fight them.

"Fool."

Hansel glared at Ackster before facing the crowd.

"Since it would be a shame to see all of you die because you wanted to fight following a lackwit, I will give you all a chance. We, the Crimson Edge, will provide ample compensation to anyone who temporarily fights with us to defend this heavenly treasure against the dirty hands of this cretin and anyone who follows him."

Since he didn't get an immediate response, which was understandable considering the tense situation, Hansel continued.

"Of course, if the treasure, whatever it is, can be shared, we will naturally do so in favor of those who contributed to this seemingly inevitable brawl. And if it isn't, we will provide even more compensation. Those who have heard of us should know that I'm not lying when I say we can afford it."

At the promise of being able to get a share of whatever was inside the dome or the monetary reward, several adventurers joined up next to Hansel and his Crimson Edges. There were even several who left the ranks that had formed behind Ackster, the martial artist, and the knight.

"Do any of you honestly think this guy, using a shit-stained spear, is telling you the truth? As soon as the numbers are reduced, he will kill everyone like the bastard he is. I guess adventures around these parts are as naive as the sheep they hunt."

Ackster's judgemental words convinced a few to reconsider taking Hansel's side, and, in the end, both sides were numerically even. Considering Hansel's words that the Crimson Edge would win, even if everyone in the grove charged them, it wasn't looking good.

And since the Crimson Edge had the advantage and were protecting the yellow sphere, while the adventurers behind Ackster didn't seem very keen on charging forward, a stalemate developed.

"What's the plan, boss?"

The tan martial artist with shorts and bandages around his wrists as the only things adorning his body walked up to Ackster and tapped on his shoulder as a greeting and to get his attention.

"What do you mean?"

Ackster raised an eyebrow in response to the martial artist's expectant attitude. He could also sense that the knight and the few other adventures close by were curious about what he had in mind.

"Your plan, you know, to defeat the Crimson Edge. What is it?"

"Fight."

The martial artist's face paled a little, but he didn't lose all hope.

"Fight them? That's it?"

"Of course. What were you expecting?"

The martial artist sighed.

"Considering they're the only unofficial A-rankers around, they're working together, and they've also gotten their hands on a ruin's inheritance, I was hoping you had a trick or two up your sleeve to deal with them. But I guess I should just give up on this."

The martial artist turned around and began walking away.

"Why would I need something like that to deal with a bunch of overgrown brats?"

Ackster snorted.

It was a shame if the martial artist decided to pull back since he seemed pretty helpful. But Ackster had headed for Karandiel's crash site fully prepared to fight everyone there on his own. Well, he hadn't been fully prepared to fight unofficial A-ranks, so it would have been nice if the martial artist and the others fought alongside him and helped him clear out the biggest threats.

Slightly hesitant, the martial artist turned around and looked at Ackster after hearing his confidence that seemed to be enough even to fell trees.

"What did you say your name was again?"