.

You attempt a threatening glare, but are a bit too scared for your life to pull it off. It doesn't help when, as you lower your arms, Adela's armored hand forces you back to the wall by your throat. You grasp at the steel desperately, but your strength has never been your strong suit. You can't even properly gasp for the breath to answer them. So instead you furiously nod.

"Holy shit... So you really can do that. I always thought those stories were just people trolling for attention."

Adela loosens her grip a little, letting you suck in pained gasps. "So what do we do Rea?"

The witch takes a minute longer to stare at you before nodding to herself. "We need to take him to the guild hall. I mean, I've heard rumors about this, but I didn't think NPCs could level. Maybe the guild can tell us more."

"Well, how are we going to get him out of here?"

As if on cue, one of the guards runs up to you three. He slams a fist against his chest plate in a salute. "Excellent work, hero. Your help in apprehending these criminals has been invaluable. Will you be taking him to Ostvale to collect his bounty? We could always end it here. I'd understand it if you did."

Were you not being choked against a wall, you would have done a double take. People had the option to not kill you?! So many people were on your hit list once you were free from these two.

Adela shrugs. "Well there's that. We'll totally bring him right to Ostvale. Promise." The guard nodded and rushed away. But Adela didn't release you. "But what's to stop him attempting another escape? Or killing us?"

Rea almost laughs. "I don't even think he can handle you, let alone me. But... Escaping is a real problem... Oh! I have that control spell!" She raises her staff to your face. The jagged orange crystal at its end comes uncomfortably close to your eye, but stops short and burns with blinding light. You squint your eyes shut. Rea ditches the song-like incantation for this spell. "Enemy Controller!"

There's another rush of warmth, and a tingle throughout your body. You can vaguely feel your breath return and your knees hit the floor. Finally, the light dies down, and you open your eyes. Your captors look at you unsure. Adela hasn't sheathed her weapon. "Really? Enemy - Never mind. Did it work?"

Rea seems to pause and stare straight ahead. "Mmm... Cast on a single enemy monster of a level lower than your own. Any direction given will be followed. Does he count? Well..." She turned back to you. She pointed to that useless belt of gadgets you carry. The things that were never designed to actually work. "Take that belt off."

... It didn't work. Nothing moves you to do it. In fact, you feel inclined to smack her knowing that you could. But then you would die. In fact, if you don't do this, you'll probably die regardless of how curious they are. So without more than a second's hesitation, and keeping a perfectly straight face, you quickly unlatch and remove your belt. Rea waves toward herself, and you obediently hand it to her.

This seems to please Adela, who slings her glaive over her shoulder. "Well, thank Helia. Can we get out of here now?"

The knight stomps away, but Rea raises a hand to signal you to stay. She waits as Adela climbs the stairs. "I'll be right there Adela. Go hit that market though. We'll meet back up here, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah."

Now Rea gets a devilish smile. "I wonder... What should I have you do next...?"