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Completed Chapter
CHAPTER 167: EDGE OF BETRAYAL
EDGE OF BETRAYAL
The bandit's grin widens as he cocks the rifle, clearly relishing the power he holds over you. You grit your teeth, refusing to let fear take hold. "Help us up, or you'll regret it!" you shout, eyes locked on his. "We have friends, and they'll come for you if you leave us to die!"
For a moment, the bandit hesitates, weighing his options. The canyon walls echo with the roar of the waterfall and the chilling silence that follows your threat. Time stretches, each second feeling like an eternity as the bandit's finger hovers near the trigger.
Finally, with a smirk that makes your stomach churn, the bandit lowers the rifle. "Alright," he drawls, feigning nonchalance, "I'll give you a hand. But remember, you owe me one."
He reaches down, grasping your wrist with surprising strength, pulling you up onto the ledge. You scramble over the edge, immediately helping the other survivor up to safety. Relief floods through you, but itās short-lived.
Before you can express any gratitudeāor demand an explanationāthe bandit spins on his heel, disappearing into the sparse cover of the canyon rim. You and the survivor exchange wary glances; the bandit's motivations remain a mystery, and trust is a scarce commodity.
As you catch your breath, the ground trembles beneath you. A low rumble builds into a deafening roar. Your heart sinksāit's not the waterfall this time. You turn just in time to see a massive section of the canyon wall begin to collapse, sending a torrent of rocks and debris crashing down.
For a moment, the bandit hesitates, weighing his options. The canyon walls echo with the roar of the waterfall and the chilling silence that follows your threat. Time stretches, each second feeling like an eternity as the bandit's finger hovers near the trigger.
Finally, with a smirk that makes your stomach churn, the bandit lowers the rifle. "Alright," he drawls, feigning nonchalance, "I'll give you a hand. But remember, you owe me one."
He reaches down, grasping your wrist with surprising strength, pulling you up onto the ledge. You scramble over the edge, immediately helping the other survivor up to safety. Relief floods through you, but itās short-lived.
Before you can express any gratitudeāor demand an explanationāthe bandit spins on his heel, disappearing into the sparse cover of the canyon rim. You and the survivor exchange wary glances; the bandit's motivations remain a mystery, and trust is a scarce commodity.
As you catch your breath, the ground trembles beneath you. A low rumble builds into a deafening roar. Your heart sinksāit's not the waterfall this time. You turn just in time to see a massive section of the canyon wall begin to collapse, sending a torrent of rocks and debris crashing down.