"Tsk... Some Tide Cultists are still hanging around."

If she were alone, Rico wouldn't spare these cultists a glance. But she had four dead weights trailing behind her.

A frontal assault wasn't feasible either. The Cultists guarding the area were all Crescent Moon Rank or higher.

No choice. She had to do it this way.

"I'll lure these four Cultists away. You all escape from here immediately."

"But what about you?"

Rico's suggestion made Nina uneasy. The other three students also disliked this near-suicidal plan.

"I have my own escape method. With you here, I can't move freely."

After speaking, Shea vanished into the darkness. Using invisibility, she approached the Tide Cultists at the entrance and tossed a flashbang at their feet.

"Bang!"

The blinding light and deafening blast left the Cultists staggering. When they recovered, they spotted a white-haired girl climbing the stairs to escape.

The girl looked utterly embarrassed, acting so convincingly like a failed escapee. After a moment of eye contact, Rico waved at the Cultists below.

"Good evening~"

... Seeing this, it was clear she wasn't a dungeon escapee. Even the dumbest Cultist knew she'd caused the chaos. Now she dared to leave brazenly. Rage flared in them.

"Grab her!"

"Oh dear, angry? But can you catch me~"

Rico nodded and dashed off. The four Crescent Moon Rank Cultists chased her desperately.

Now the exit was finally clear.

"Nina, go!"

A student grabbed the dazed Nina, urging her to follow.

Nina hesitated, then clenched her teeth. "...Okay."

Silently, she prayed Rico would be safe.

Of course, Rico was fine for now. But in the narrow space, gaining speed was hard. Forcing it risked crashing into walls.

Behind her, the four Cultists called for backup. Using tentacles to grab objects and propel themselves, they closed in fast.

Soon, a horde of Cultists blocked Rico's path ahead. Trapped between enemies, it seemed like she was a turtle in a jar... or not?

"Spirit Form."

Semi-transparent, Rico phased through the wall before the astonished Tide Cultists. The two groups stared at each other.

"After her!"

Having evaded capture, Rico panted, clutching her stomach.

She felt slightly dizzy but could still move.

Spirit Form drained too much mana. She needed rest. Total usage was about five seconds now.

As she rested, distant screams reached her ears. Or was it her imagination?

"Hopefully not the civilians..."

Muttering, Rico leaned on the wall and moved. Reaching the pipe-dense area would let her use Spirit Form again to slip through the sewer ceiling and escape.

After walking a while, Rico had recovered. But strangely, the screams grew clearer despite leaving the dungeon far behind. And where were her pursuers?

"Boom!!"

Before Rico could think, the wall ahead exploded. Through the dust, the bloody Demon Hand crushed a Cultist into pulp with a squeeze.

"Yo~ Miss Rico, fancy meeting you here."

It was none other than Abel, acting on Nellie's commission!

The moment Rico saw his face, she wanted to bolt.

But after all this running, how could she match Abel's speed?

Before she took two steps, the Demon Hand snatched her like a rat.

Abel sneered mockingly.

"Miss Rico, time to settle old scores. Know how much that glue-ruined suit cost?"

*I know. Three thousand gold coins.*

Rico wanted to retort but stayed silent to avoid giving herself away. She focused on escaping.

Otherwise, she'd be stripped naked—or worse, spanked by this pervert while hanging.

At worst, he might even assault her.

Tsk...

Oh right~ Rico had a flash of inspiration. She knew how to escape fast.

Abel roughly searched her body but found no ring. She must have hidden it.

"Return the ring willingly, and your punishment lightens."

Since it wasn't on her, she'd likely stashed it at her hideout. If she stayed silent, finding it would be a headache.

"The ring... I left it at home..."

Rico said pitifully, tears welling in her eyes. She looked genuinely terrified.

"Huh~ Then lead the way. I'll take you to get it."

Abel spoke imperiously.

But Rico's eyes brimmed with fresh tears as she pleaded.

"Hunter brother, I'll give you the ring. Don't kill me. I'll do anything for you."

"Anything..."

Facing this stunningly beautiful white-haired girl, those three words sparked endless fantasies.

"What can you do now? Offer a massage?"

"Well..." Rico flushed slightly, looking shy and hesitant.

She opened her mouth a hint, revealing her pink tongue.

As if struggling to say something shameful?

Seeing Abel didn't understand, Rico demonstrated again.

"I can help you... with my mouth."

The white-haired girl, tears streaming, covered her chest with small hands, looking utterly pitiful.

"I'm young, and it's dirty here. Can we save the rest for later?"

Abel's mind went blank.

He covered his nose. Just imagining it made blood rush to his head.

This girl, as pure as a Holy Maiden, willing to do this? What more could he want? Go for it!

"So, can you let me go first? It hurts... And I'm exhausted. I can't run from you."

... After a long battle with his inner pervert, Abel gritted his teeth. The Demon Hand released Rico.

True to his thought, Rico didn't flee. She squatted slightly, hands on her waistband... She knew escape was impossible.

So, was it about to happen?

If so, he'd even gift her the Soul Crystal back.

Abel considered himself responsible—not the type to walk away after.

Her waistband loosened slowly. Time for the main act?

Then...

She yanked down her pants, pulled the belt tight around Abel's ankles, and bolted.

Time to skedaddle! Bye-bye!

"...?"