"Of course, we're not sent by Viscount Hereford," he answered coldly.
Master PungPong looked at Butch, then at Pork Rib Boss, thinking that maybe this conversation was necessary to start the quest, so he stayed silent.
Butch was really curious.
If they weren't sent by Viscount Hereford, who would have so many people to dare go against him at a time like this?
Didn't they realize that if they wasted time here when the demons arrived, no one would be able to leave?
Pork Rib Boss watched Butch's expression.
He noticed that Butch wasn't scared at all, even though he was surrounded by a group of people.
Instead, he seemed quite relaxed and asked, "What's wrong? Can't you answer?"
Master PungPong wanted to respond but was worried it might mess up Pork Rib Boss's plan.
He held back his words, almost unable to keep quiet.
Butch, seeing that no one was talking, realized he wouldn't get any information out of them.
He then stood up.
That one movement made the still-awake bandits also stand up, both sides now looking at each other warily.
Then Butch said, "How about we make a deal?"
Pork Rib Boss asked, "What kind of deal?"
Butch replied, "It looks like you're here to rescue people, right? At this point, why not take them and leave immediately? We don't need to keep fighting. The demons will probably be here soon."
Hearing this, Master PungPong realized the game was entering a decision-making phase.
Should they let the bandits go and take the people from Ulon Town back, or should they wipe out the bandits completely?
Of course, whichever choice they made could affect the story later on.
It was important to think carefully before deciding.
Master PungPong also knew that Butch wouldn't make his move just yet.
After all, as the last boss, Butch had to be saved for the final showdown.
Pork Rib Boss didn't join the fight.
Instead, he focused on guiding the players, reminding the priests to maintain their positions for ranged attacks, and advising the melee players to watch out for enemies from behind.
He also kept a close eye on Butch's movements.
He suspected that once the quest reached a certain point, Butch would join the fight.
Thanks to Owell's warning, Pork Rib Boss stayed highly alert.
Eventually, all of Butch's men were defeated by the players.
Good news came from the back of the mountain as well.
Spicy Flavor Fairy rushed into the hall and shouted to Pork Rib Boss, "We've rescued everyone! I'm taking them out now!"
Butch's expression changed upon hearing this, "I didn't expect you to be so well-prepared."
He stepped forward, and the few remaining bandits quickly gathered around him, standing protectively in front of him as they shouted, "Boss!"
Butch pushed him aside, telling him to stay behind.
Even at this point, Butch was still asking, "You've rescued the people. Do you really want to keep fighting?"
He wasn't begging for mercy; instead, he was calmly asking Pork Rib Boss's opinion.
This attitude surprised Pork Rib Boss, making him feel like Butch still had some kind of hidden card to play.
This wasn't the way someone who was about to lose would act.
Could Butch be stronger than Owell had described?
To give some context, most of the veteran players had already reached level 20.
The highest level was Flower Deer, which was at level 25.
She gained the most experience by creating weapon blueprints, but her combat strength was still a bit lacking.