Alicia’s face flushed with embarrassment—Mitchell had nailed her true thoughts.

But seeing through it without saying it keeps friendships intact.

“Pfft, hahaha.”

Larry, that treacherous buddy, snickered nearby.

After shooting Larry a fierce glare, Alicia said patiently to Mitchell, “I won’t abandon you. Past is past—I’ve changed. You saved me, so I swear on my honor!”

“I’ve heard you say honor’s worthless, Master.”

Alicia asked awkwardly, “Uh, did I?”

Mitchell replied honestly, “Yes. Many times. Integrity, dignity, shame—you dismissed them all.”

“But I repay kindness!”

“True. But your ‘repayment’ is up to you. It won’t include finding me a perfect woman like you.”

Alicia’s face scrunched in a pout.

“I’m a guy!”

Mitchell sneered, “Who’d believe that—ah!”

The next second, he took a divine kick.

Alicia roared, “Tell me the method now!!!”

Mitchell groaned, half in pain, half thrilled, “I’ll never surrender!”

“Um… Alicia.”

Larry spoke up. Alicia snapped, “Not now—I’m busy.”

“No, Alicia. They’re escaping.”

She turned, confused. “Who?”

“Our mission target.”

Larry pointed. The True Men Bandits, once sprawled on the ground, kicked up a dust cloud fleeing opposite them.

“Damn it!” Alicia glared at Larry. “You saw them and just stood there?”

“You and Mitchell’s comedy duo was too funny. I just noticed—hahaha!”

Alicia’s face twisted in rage.

“Boss, we lost her! That woman’s tough. Without your Yuan Technique ‘True Man’s Power,’ we’d be dead.”

Bandit A gazed starry-eyed at his leader mid-escape.

The Yuan Technique ‘True Man’s Power’—self-developed by the boss—linked minions’ Essence Force, boosting recovery and combat power. It let them shake off Alicia’s curse fast.

“Brothers, my fault! I led you into fire. Safe back at base, I’ll grant your wishes as apology!”

His words sparked wild cheers. Dark clouds vanished—Boss was truly Boss!

“Sorry to ruin the mood, but if I don’t stop you here, I’ll sleep on streets tonight.”

A handsome youth stood fearless in their path.

“It’s that woman’s sidekick! Crush him!”

“Ooh!”

Chaos erupted, dust flying.

Larry’s face stayed calm. He drew his waist-sword silently, eyes icy. A flash—he stood behind them.

Sword sheathed. Thuds followed as bodies hit the ground.

Their swift dragons lay headless, no time to cry out.

Bandits felt a sudden looseness below, then rolled thrice on dirt.

Larry sheathed his blade. “Surrender. I dislike killing—but I will.”

The boss stepped forward, pounding his chest. “I take blame! Spare my brothers—kill me if you want!”

“Boss, no!”

“We live and die together!”

“Brothers next life!”

Larry stared blankly.

Bald, burly men tore off shirts, rubbing against him. No physical harm—mental damage shattered limits. Larry’s eyes burned.

He finally understood Alicia’s earlier rage.

This was unbearable.

“Hahaha!”

Alicia watched from afar, laughing till she doubled over.

Serves you right for offending me!

Before Larry snapped into slaughter mode, she reached him, casting a group curse. Bandits collapsed again.

Alicia patted Larry’s shoulder loyally. “Tough job. You did great.”

She felt his body stiffen under her hand—he’d taken a critical hit.

“I’m… fine,” Larry gasped after three deep breaths. “You handle the rest. I need calm.”

“Got it.”

Alicia strode to the bandit boss. Mitchell poked his head.

“Ugh! Dear Miss, don’t use my perfect body on this aesthetic nightmare!”

“No! You’re a pervert—no right to complain.”

Alicia refused flatly, making Mitchell shiver with glee.

Ignoring him, she told the boss, “Want to live? I’ll spare you and your men.”

Shocked the Yuan Staff talked, he gritted, “Terms?”

Alicia stared at Mitchell. “Hand over all your loot.”

“Robbing robbers?!”

He gaped. He’d thought heroes—not thieves.

“Robbing robbers my ass!” Alicia slapped his bald head. “Confiscating for good causes. Muscle-bandits like you wouldn’t get it.”

He clenched teeth. “Take the money. Let us go.”

“Dream on. The Adventurers Guild bounty’s mine too.”

“Then I refuse!”

“Their scroll says live capture’s best—but heads work if resistance is fierce. And ‘fierce’? Up to me. Boss, is this critical?”

He glared at Alicia’s sweet smile, cursing inwardly. This devil-woman!

“True Men Bandits!”

“Live and die together!”

“Prison locks bodies—not hearts!”

“True men belong with true men!”

Caged before the mayor’s residence—the Adventurers Guild handover spot—they yelled hysterically, flexing muscles. A crowd gathered.

The mayor’s mouth twitched. He turned helplessly to Alicia. “Miss, counted yet? Say when—they disgrace my town.”

“Done. Take them away.”

Alicia stuffed coins into her storage pocket, satisfied.

The mayor rushed to haul off the True Men still trying to bond.

Walking to the inn, Alicia beamed at Larry. “Best tavern here! I heard their signature dish—”

“Stop! Shouldn’t we save coins till after mission hand-in at HQ?!” Larry’s eyes widened.

Alicia planted hands on hips, head tilted up. “Live now. Future-planning’s tiresome. Bandit loot and bounty cover travel easily.”

Larry scratched his head. “But I want to shop in Sig. That’ll strain funds.”

Alicia froze. She turned mechanically. “Why Sig?”