Chapter 104: The Desperate Escape
Ritchie's howls not only echoed throughout the entire Flip-Flop Community but also successfully intimidated Farmer and his bodyguards.
Confronted with the densely packed shadows standing in the room, the bodyguards were momentarily at a loss for what to do.
They were unsure of what exactly these shadows were or how formidable they might be in combat. Out of caution, they decided to observe a bit longer.
However, Farmer, waiting outside, had no patience for their hesitation.
"What are you hesitating for?! Are you waiting for Ritchie's accomplices to show up?! Stop dithering and take action immediately!"
Farmer urged, his voice tinged with urgency and frustration.
Under Farmer's urging, the bodyguards brandished their weapons and charged towards Ritchie.
Yet, the foremost bodyguards quickly realized that the shadowy figures in the room had begun to solidify into tangible forms.
These shadows directly obstructed the bodyguards' advance.
Moreover, the arms of the shadowy figures at the forefront suddenly morphed into various kinds of weapons.
"Considering the dire situation we've found ourselves in, we are left with no alternative but to see this mission through to its end, no matter the cost!"
Declared the most formidable bodyguard, resolutely steeling himself for the impending confrontation. Regardless of the potential combat capabilities possessed by these elusive shadows, they had no choice but to engage.
Should they fail to accomplish Farmer's mission, they would not only forfeit the energy crystals promised by Farmer.
But also irrevocably lose the trust of Kean.
Without proving their worth to their young master, their standing within the Lannisters would plummet rapidly.
This might be their last chance to enhance their own strength.
With the strongest bodyguard leading the charge, the others followed suit, launching attacks against the shadowy figures before them.
However, the disparity in strength between the bodyguards and the dark figures was immense.
They found themselves utterly incapable of breaking through even the first line of defense formed by the shadowy figures. Compounding their predicament, the room was so cramped that the bodyguards stationed behind had no way of squeezing in to provide assistance.
Observing the unfolding struggle from outside the door, Farmer appeared visibly anxious, his worry etched deeply into his features.
"What are you doing?! Get in there now!"
Under Farmer's urgent prodding, the bodyguards mustered every ounce of their strength, ultimately succeeding in breaching the first line of defense formed by the shadowy figures.
However, upon entering the room, they were taken aback to discover that Ritchie had mysteriously vanished.
"He was just in front of this computer moments ago! How could he disappear so suddenly?" one of them exclaimed, bewilderment evident in his voice.
The strongest bodyguard was now in a foul mood.
In his relentless effort to break through the shadowy figures' defense, he not only exhausted his own arsenal of tools but also sustained injuries.
The prospect of failing to capture Ritchie rendered his sacrifices irreparable, leaving him with losses that could never be recuperated.
In such a predicament, he could only clutch his weapon tightly and meticulously search every corner of the room.
Although the strongest bodyguard conducted a thorough inspection, it was virtually impossible for him alone to immediately locate Ritchie's hiding spot.
Moreover, the number of shadowy figures in the room not only failed to diminish but seemed to multiply.
The other bodyguards found themselves compelled to engage in combat with the shadowy figures. They, too, harbored the desire to search for potential hiding spots where Ritchie might be concealed, emulating the most skilled among them.
However, if they were to divert their attention in such a manner, they would be incapable of even ensuring their own safety.
As time passed, Farmer's anxiety grew more palpable.
He was acutely aware that Ritchie's friends, who also resided in the Flip-Flop Community, were likely on their way.
If he couldn't expedite the battle's conclusion, they would soon face an assault from Ritchie's allies. Potentially creating an uncontrollable situation.
Considering how challenging it was to deal with the weakest member, Ritchie, the prospect of facing the strongest, Claire, was even more daunting.
Farmer's incessant urging only exacerbated the stress levels of the bodyguards inside the room.
"Hurry up and find him! Stop wasting time!"
Farmer's incessant urging only served to further deteriorate the morale of the bodyguards within the room.
Naturally, they were also eager to locate Ritchie as swiftly as possible, yet Ritchie's concealment had proven to be exceptionally effective.
Moreover, as the number of shadowy figures within the room continued to swell, the bodyguards found themselves increasingly unable to suppress these ominous presences.
One by one, they were forced out of the room.
The strongest bodyguard, engrossed in his search, failed to realize he was now alone.
It wasn't until the heavy sound of the door slamming shut echoed through the room that he noticed he was the sole bodyguard left, surrounded by a multitude of shadows.
"Damn it! I was too careless!"
Realizing his isolation, the strongest bodyguard didn't hesitate, he dashed towards the window in the corner of the room.
A mass of shadowy figures pursued him closely.
With a loud crash, he smashed through the window and tumbled to the ground below.
Although his escape was undignified, he at least secured his safety.
After driving the strongest bodyguard out of the room, the numerous shadowy figures receded, allowing Ritchie to emerge from the shadows.
"Is this really necessary?! I have nothing of value! Why would you rob someone as destitute as me?"
Ritchie still couldn't fathom why so many people had suddenly banded together to rob him. Although he had acquired some valuable resources during his previous joint operation with Jeremy. Those had already been used to upgrade his skills, the remaining energy crystals were scant, and his other resources were minimal.
The sheer number of people coming together to rob him was beyond his comprehension.
However, not understanding their motives didn't mean Ritchie would let it slide.
Now that he had ensured his safety, he was determined to make those who tried to rob him pay the price.
Ritchie activated his shadow manipulation ability.
A multitude of shadows surged out from Ritchie's room, hurtling towards Farmer and the bodyguards who were still lingering in the hallway.
Taken by surprise, Farmer and his entourage found themselves ill-prepared to mount any effective defense.
Confronted with the sudden onslaught of these shadowy figures, they were left with no choice but to endure the barrage passively.
"Protect me! If something happens to me here, the young master will never forgive you!"
Though Farmer was Kean's steward, he hadn't awakened any special abilities and had no means of defending himself against the shadowy figures.
He could only shout for the bodyguards to protect him.
Despite their dire circumstances, the bodyguards knew they couldn't allow Farmer to be seriously harmed.
Under their protection, Farmer, though disheveled, managed to escape downstairs.
There, he regrouped with the bodyguards who had been stationed at the hallway entrance and the strongest bodyguard.
"Butler Farmer, what should we do now?!"
The strongest bodyguard asked, his voice filled with desperation.
He couldn't believe that in just a few short minutes, they had been so easily defeated by Ritchie.
Who was known to be the weakest among Jeremy's friends.
He felt that returning empty-handed would be indefensible before Kean.
Farmer, however, did not respond.
He had already lapsed into a semi-conscious state.
Though Farmer managed to escape with the protection of his bodyguards, he was struck on the head by a shadow during the retreat.
Now, his face was bruised, and his consciousness was muddled.
As the bodyguards stood, unsure of their next move, the sound of chaotic footsteps echoed through the hallway.
They knew all too well that the shadows were pursuing them again.
Fear gripped them, for they understood they stood no chance against these shadows.
In the end, they decided not to linger any longer, hastily, they found a random car and fled with Farmer.
The shadows halted at the entrance of the hallway.
Once Ritchie confirmed that everyone had left, he emerged slowly from behind the shadowy figures. He peeked his head out to survey the surroundings.
"They should all be gone by now, right?"
The surrounding shadows seemed to nod in response to Ritchie's question.
He breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"What chaotic times we live in! Even someone as poor as me gets targeted by a gang of robbers." Ritchie mused aloud, suddenly recalling that his food delivery hadn't arrived yet.
He promptly called the delivery person, "Hello? Why hasn't my food arrived yet? It's almost late!"
On the other end of the line, the delivery person's voice trembled slightly with anxiety.
"I didn't dare come over! A large group of fierce-looking people just showed up at your place. I thought it best to avoid trouble, so I didn't deliver your food."
"They're gone now. Hurry up and bring me my food! I'm starving!"
"Okay, I'll bring it over right away!"
"Just leave the delivery on the rack outside after you drop it off, I'll bring it up myself."
Ritchie reminded the delivery guy once more.
With that, Ritchie commanded most of the shadows back into his room to continue playing video games, leaving only one shadow at the hallway entrance to collect the food.
A few minutes later, the delivery person arrived at Ritchie's residence.
He cautiously scanned the area, ensuring there was no danger, before placing the food on the rack and swiftly departing.
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