Chapter 247: Chapter 247: The Smooth-Talking Bors
Finn carefully examined the corpse.
The neck had been twisted with such tremendous force that even under the fingernails, there wasn't a trace of the attacker's skin tissue.
This meant the killer's skin was incredibly tough—so tough that even a dying Level 4 adventurer couldn't leave the slightest scratch.
Judging by the condition of the room, the victim had likely been killed in one swift move—there wasn't even a sign of a struggle.
"Hashana was caught off guard. The only one who could have acted in that moment was the woman in the robe."
"From the sheer force used, it's clear Hashana's neck was snapped instantly."
"Unless the attacker was an adventurer specialized in raw strength, it's nearly impossible to snap a Level 4's neck in one go."
With that, Finn began searching Hashana's waist pouch. Inside were healing potions, a map, and a mission request form.
His eyes were immediately drawn to the request. But as soon as he opened it, he saw it was soaked in blood—Hashana's blood—so much that the writing had become completely illegible.
"Looks like Hashana had accepted a mission, and because he was in charge of the item involved, he became the target of that robed woman."
"But judging by how his body was mangled, it seems the attacker didn't find what they were after."
That was a major problem for the attacker—but for them, it was a crucial lead.
"If they were willing to kill just to get whatever Hashana had, then there's no way they'll back down. They're going to keep hunting until they find who has it."
Finn's conclusion made Bors quickly realize the gravity of the situation. His face went pale as he stared at Finn in horror.
"Then that means... there's a Level 5 killer lurking on the 18th floor?"
"Yes."
"Damn it!?"
Bors could already picture the entire group of adventurers on the 18th floor being wiped out by a Level 5 killer. Sure, they had the numbers—but they had no idea where the enemy was hiding. That left them in a state of "darkness against light," completely exposed with no way to organize an effective counterattack.
They had to find that woman—no matter what!
With that realization, Bors immediately straightened up and bowed seriously to Finn.
"Finn, as the leader of the City of Rivira, I request the help of the Loki Familia."
"I understand. The Loki Familia accepts this request."
After thinking it over briefly, Finn agreed.
There was something deeply unsettling about the murder of an adventurer in the City of Rivira. The killer's identity and motives—it all pointed to a terrifying secret lurking beneath the surface.
"Bors, go gather the adventurers on the 18th floor."
"The target is whatever Hashana transferred. So, we need to find it before they do... which is exactly what they're hoping we'll do."
"I got it."
Bors nodded and turned to his two men.
"Go round up everyone. Don't hide the fact that someone was killed—let them prepare themselves mentally so we avoid any chaos."
"Also, get anyone without combat ability to safety."
"We're on it."
But just after that, one of the humans cast a cautious glance toward Finn.
"Bors... do you think it could've been the Loki Familia?"
That foolish comment made Bors roll his eyes. He pointed toward the five women from Loki's group.
"The woman in the robe had a great figure—that's why Hashana got seduced. But tell me, how many members of the Loki Familia are even capable of pulling that off?"
He first pointed at Riveria and Lefiya.
"Elves don't let anyone touch them unless they accept them. Their race alone makes seduction impossible."
After ruling out the elves, he pointed to the two Amazonesses.
"Amazonesses are bold and love wearing revealing clothes. But just look at her—do you really think she's the woman we saw?"
The two men instinctively glanced at Tiona's steel-like chest and immediately shook their heads in unison.
"Definitely not her!"
That firm denial should've been a good thing, but it made a vein twitch on Tiona's forehead.
"You bastards! What are you staring at!?"
Lefiya wasn't thrilled about being judged either, especially on her figure, but she knew this wasn't the time to let Tiona explode.
"Tiona, let it go."
Bors then pointed to the other Amazoness.
"As for the other one—sure, her figure matches that woman in the robe, but..."
"What the hell are you looking at!?"
Tione wasn't like Tiona. Her temper was far more explosive. She had no intention of letting these idiots talk nonsense.
"My chastity belongs to the Captain! Say one more word, and I'll chop off your junk and grind it to pieces!"
Her fierce words made Bors's lackey instinctively cover his crotch and shake his head frantically.
"Not her... Definitely not her..."
Even though her figure was close, that kind of temperament would instantly deflate any man's interest.
She was absolutely the wrong type for seduction.
And even Bors, who knew full well how she was, felt a chill run down his spine. He forced himself to act unfazed and scolded his men.
"See? With a personality like that, does she sound like the culprit to you?"
"And the last one—she's the ace of the Loki Familia, the famed 'Sword Princess' of all Orario. She's the last person who'd ever use seduction."
Of course, the two men never thought the "Sword Princess" was the robed seductress. But hearing that, they finally breathed a small sigh of relief. At least it wasn't someone from the Loki Familia.
"Now go gather everyone. If they don't come, we'll just let that guy take the fall for killing a Level 4."
The two men stiffened. They quickly nodded and left to get things moving.
After they were gone, Bors bowed deeply to Finn and the others once more.
"Apologies for the baseless suspicion from my men."
Seeing Bors apologize, the furious expressions on Tiona and Tione's faces began to ease.
"Forget it. Just go get ready," Tiona said, brushing it off. She'd only gotten mad about the comments on her figure—she hadn't meant to start a fight. With a cheerful smile, she let the topic drop.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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