Chapter 325: Lizard’s Den

"But Bella will never agree to this proposal," Boman said.

"She is a member of the Haskins Family. It’s only natural that she is ready to sacrifice for the family. Throughout the years, hadn’t she enjoyed the privileges and benefits from the family? But now that the family needs her cooperation, she isn’t willing? Calling her ungrateful will be considered showing mercy." The woman said with venom in her eyes.

"But she fought hard for the family. The resources, the money she brought for the family from raids... What about those?"

"Without our effort, could she have reached this level? It’s all thanks to the family. So now, it’s time for her to show gratitude."

Boman sighed, not knowing what to say. The person sitting before him was none other than his second wife, Amelia Bennett. Bella Haskins was Boman’s firstborn with his first wife.

"Let Bella come first. We will talk then."

"You better talk firmly so that she can’t deny it. Remember, Boman, if this marriage doesn’t take place, we won’t have external investment. Our hunters need to be paid, or they will leave the guild. Bella is talented, yes. But is she worth sending the Haskins Family to death’s door for? Think this through carefully." With that, the woman left the room.

Boman sat beside the elderly man in his bed. "Father, what should I do? If only you were here." He whispered. Two drops of tears rolled from his eyes.

While Boman was wondering what to do, a group of hunters stood before a swirling dungeon gate. The surface shimmered now and then. The group had six people. Two male hunters and four female ones. Amidst them, one girl stood out without fail.

Not because she was making any effort to. She simply had the kind of presence that made the others seem like background figures.

The woman was tall, easily taller than most women and nearly matching the two men standing beside her. Her long legs and perfectly proportioned figure gave her an elegant yet imposing appearance, as though she had been sculpted for battle rather than born into an ordinary life. Her skin was a rich shade of brown, smooth and warm against the cold glow spilling from the dungeon gate. The bluish light swept across her face every few seconds, revealing sharp features, a straight nose, and full lips that remained pressed into an almost indifferent line.

But her eyes were what drew attention first. Golden-amber irises stared quietly at the dungeon entrance. There was no excitement in them. No nervousness. Not even the faintest hesitation. It was almost as if the dangerous gate before her was nothing more than a door she needed to walk through.

Her jet-black hair fell messily around her face in layered strands. Most of it reached past her shoulders, while a thick braid ran down one side, resting against her chest. She wore a black hunter combat suit fitted closely around her body. Unlike ordinary armor, it wasn’t bulky. The material looked flexible enough. White sections ran along the sides of the outfit, breaking up the darkness of the suit, while small golden metallic pieces decorated the belts and fastenings. Several straps wrapped around her waist and thighs. She was wearing a pair of black leather gloves.

One of the male hunters glanced toward her before quickly looking away. Even though they were members of the same party, staring at her for too long somehow felt dangerous.

"Bella, are you sure we are doing this?" one of the women said while observing a small device in her hand. "This is the Lizard’s den we are talking about. The third most dangerous gate in Daselvia. We are just six people. It feels like a suicidal mission."

The tall woman finally spoke. "You can back down if you want. But I am going in today no matter what." Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was firm.

"But is that really worth it? We don’t even know if the legend about that poison crystal is true, Bella."

Bella didn’t reply. She walked forward.

Tok.

Tok.

Tok.

The heels of her combat boots struck the ground as she approached the gate. The dungeon’s light washed across her body, illuminating the gold decorations around her black armor.

One of the male hunters shook his head. ’She is as crazy as ever. Looks like we have no other choice.’

Though the girl had given everyone the choice to leave if they wanted, nobody did so. They all walked behind her.

Bella stopped only a few steps away from the swirling portal. Then she glanced over her shoulder. Her expression remained completely calm. But in her heart, she felt grateful.

"If no one is leaving, let’s enter then."

Everyone nodded.

Bella stepped forward, ready to pass through the gate. But before she could...

Screech! 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

A yellow cab came to a halt.

"Someone else planning to enter this shit hole?" A male hunter from the group asked.

"Watch your words, Gavin." A female hunter looked displeased.

"We are most probably going to die in a few hours. Maybe even in minutes. And you are worried about my words?" Gavin said with a helpless smile. "Wake up to reality, Miss Sandy."

Bella and others didn’t speak. Their eyes were focused on the cab that had just arrived.

Doors on both sides of the cab clicked open. Under everyone’s watchful gaze, two girls emerged from the cab.

One had a cold look, strands of brunette hair cascading over her shoulders.

Another looked overly thrilled. It was as if she had just arrived at an amusement park.

"Wait... Isn’t that..." Gavin gasped in shock.

"Emily Flemming." Another female hunter finished for him.

"But who’s that one?" The other male hunter asked, looking at the other girl with silver hair.

"Bella?" Emily’s eyes landed on Bella.

"Emily!" Bella also whispered. They both looked shocked to see each other here.

But before they could process everything, another figure emerged from the cab.

Leon Bale.