Chapter 32: The Trap IV

As Nitish's laughter echoed through the air, the Paige family's expressions twisted in shock and disbelief. This unexpected turn of events had caught them off guard, shattering their illusions of control and power. They had hired the assassins to eliminate Nitish, but little did they know that their hired hands were working for him all along.

Before anyone could react, the ground beneath them trembled, and a wave of bandits emerged from the shadows, surrounding the Paige family. Their laughter filled the air, mocking the baffled and enraged faces of the Paiges. It became apparent that Nitish had orchestrated this entire scheme, meticulously planning his moves to expose their treachery.

Mr. Paige, fueled by anger and desperation, drew his mythril sword, while Mrs. Paige readied her elven bow. They were prepared for unforeseen circumstances, but the situation had spiraled far beyond their expectations. Their weapons gleamed under the dim light, reflecting their determination to fight back.

However, their assault was short-lived. As they lunged towards the bandits, their heads rolled, one by one, falling to the ground with a sickening thud. The Paiges' eyes widened in horror as they watched their bandits collapse before their eyes, their lives extinguished in an instant. They stood frozen, their bodies trembling with fear and disbelief.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a mask and sporting a distinct ponytail. The air crackled with an intense and dangerous energy that sent shivers down the spines of even the S-rank heroes like the Paige family. The figure approached Nitish, bowing down with reverence.

"All Hail Shadow," she whispered, her voice laced with an eerie sense of authority.

The Paige family, their faces drained of color, could hardly comprehend the magnitude of the situation. They had become mere pawns in a game far greater than they had ever imagined. The bandits they had hired were nothing more than expendable pieces on Nitish's chessboard, and now, a new player had entered the scene.

Mr. Paige, his voice trembling, mustered the courage to speak. "Who are you? What is the meaning of all this?"

The figure turned her gaze towards the Paige family, her eyes gleaming with a mix of superiority and amusement. "You need not know my name, for it carries no significance to you. As for the meaning of all this, it is simple. Your plans have been exposed, and your desperate attempts to cover up your actions have failed."

Mrs. Paige, her voice laced with defiance, raised her bow once more. "You may have the upper hand now, but we will not yield so easily. We will fight for what is ours and protect our family's honor!"

The figure merely chuckled, her laughter sending chills down their spines. "Your family's honor? How amusing. You are but pawns in a game much larger than yourselves. Your actions have consequences, and it is time for you to face them."

With a swift movement, the figure extended her hand, summoning an unfathomable surge of energy. The force emitted was so overwhelming that it paralyzed the Paige family, rendering them powerless in her presence. They could feel the weight of their misguided actions and the consequences of their treachery pressing down upon them.

The figure is none other than CREED, the dark elf Nitish first took and trained.