Capítulo 23: Ethan's unexpected encounter

[Flashback: A few hours before the heros went to sleep for the night]

In the waning light of the setting sun, the priestesses and heroes gathered around a crackling campfire, their figures illuminated by the warm glow. The aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, enticing their senses and filling the atmosphere with a comforting ambiance.

Gabi had ventured deeper into the surrounding woods to gather firewood. Her footsteps crunched against the forest floor as she navigated through the dense foliage. Rays of sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced across her path.

With skilled precision, Gabi selected fallen branches and twigs, her hands deftly gathering the necessary fuel for the campfire.

The quiet rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop to her task. Each piece of firewood she collected held the potential to illuminate their campsite and bring warmth to their shared meal.

Satisfied with her collection, Gabi carefully balanced the bundled firewood in her arms, ensuring a secure grip. She retraced her steps, navigating her way back to the campsite with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

On her way back, a voice came from the dark part of the woods, "Boss!" The dark voice called out.

She turned her attention towards the shadowy figure concealed within the depths of the forest.

"Why are you here? I explicitly instructed you to remain hidden until the signal was given," Gabi's voice resonated with a mix of authority and concern, her eyes never wavering from the figure before her.

The silhouette hesitated for a moment before responding, their voice tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty. "Boss... the boys are starting to have doubts... These heroes we're going up against, they're formidable," they confessed, the weight of uncertainty burdening their words.

Gabi maintained her unwavering gaze, her resolve unshaken. "I've made it clear from the beginning. Your target isn't the entire squad; it's the Sword Hero and the other failure," she emphasized, her tone firm and resolute.

Acknowledging her words, the shadowy presence retreated further into the depths of the woods, their voice trailing faintly through the air. "Understood. I should also inform you that one of our men has gone missing. Nevertheless, this setback won't hinder our plans. I'll depart now," they concluded, their voice gradually fading into the darkness.

Gabi stood in silence for a moment, her mind weighed down by the implications of the conversation she had just overheard.

'I can finally get rid of those two,' Gabi thought to herself with a smile on her face, 'I feel so relieved'.

She was about to head back again, when another familiar voice came from behind her. "Yo." The voice said.

Gabi's heart skipped a beat as she pivoted, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected presence of Ethan. Her breath caught in her throat as she stood frozen, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. Her mind raced, trying to regain composure, but her lips remained parted, unable to form coherent words.

Ethan, perched nonchalantly on a moss-covered rock, regarded her with a calm and curious expression. His piercing gaze seemed to penetrate through her, as if he could read the turmoil swirling within her mind. A slight smile played on his lips, adding to the enigmatic aura that surrounded him.

Breaking the silence, Ethan's voice carried a soft but distinct tone, laden with intrigue. "Can I ask you a question?" His words hung in the air, brimming with gentle curiosity that both intrigued and unsettled Gabi.

Gabi's thoughts raced, contemplating how much she should reveal or conceal. She was torn between the desire to confide in him and the fear of exposing her vulnerable self. Summoning her inner resolve, she took a step closer to him, her voice a hesitant whisper. "What... What are you doing here?" Her words trembled slightly, betraying the turmoil and unease within her.

Ethan's gaze remained steady, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and something else—a glimmer of understanding, perhaps. "You don't need to look so worried… I already knew you were planning to do this from the start," he began, his tone gentle yet probing. "I just didn't know you'd be willing to target her too." His words lingered in the air, hanging heavy with meaning.

Gabi's nerves got the better of her, and a nervous smirk crept onto her face as she responded, "W-What are you talking about?"

Ethan sighed, gracefully jumping down from the rock and moving closer to her. His presence was both calming and intimidating. "It's not hard to understand," he said, his voice tinged with a touch of disappointment.

"So far, I didn't react to any of the stunts you pulled because I didn't see a reason to. But now, things have changed. You're about to hurt someone who's been helping me since I arrived... and that's something I can't overlook." His words hung in the air, causing Gabi's face to contort with fear.

"Get away from me!" Gabi yelled, her voice laced with desperation as she instinctively moved further away from Ethan. "I don't know how you knew about this, but it doesn't change a damn thing... not like anyone would believe the false hero," she retorted, a bitter smile crossing her face.

Ethan remained eerily calm, his gaze unwavering. "I don't seek validation from them, though," he calmly responded, his voice carrying a hint of resolve. "I'm telling you this so you'll understand the outcome when it comes. It's simple, really. Tell your men to back off, or you'll most likely get hurt in the process, I really don't like this anymore than you do."

"Who the hell do you think you are?!" Gabi raged, her voice filled with a mixture of defiance and anger. "You think you can just control me?"

Ethan paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Gabi. "If I could, I would," he admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "But as you've guessed, I'm not smart enough for that."

The anger within Gabi boiled over, consuming her reason. "I'll fucking kill you!" she shouted, her voice filled with venom and hatred.

Ethan's expression remained stoic, unaffected by Gabi's threats. A faint sigh escaped his lips, carrying a sense of resignation. "You're truly horrifying to look at," He murmured, his voice laced with a mix of weariness and detachment.

As Ethan turned to leave, Gabi's anger surged within her, fueling her determination. She darted towards him, her face contorted with rage, her hand raised to strike him. "Why should I be afraid of someone like you?!" She bellowed, her voice echoing through the air.

But just as her hand was about to make contact, Ethan swiftly intercepted her, seizing her hand mid-air. In a swift motion, he countered her aggression with a more powerful and precise slap, delivering a forceful impact that reverberated through Gabi's entire being.

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