It was a dangerous gamble.
One that would cost virtual-novel.net his and Thea’s life if virtual-novel.net lost.
James crouched down to pick up the chest. At the same time, virtual-novel.net secretly picked up a few small stones.
He slowly got up, his eyes fixed on Dominator all the while. The man stood about two meters away from him.
With a smile, virtual-novel.net said, “You’d better watch closely or you’ll miss it. This is how you should open the chest…”
Dominator’s eyes were fixed on the chest in James’ hands as virtual-novel.net tried to watch virtual-novel.net open the chest. Naturally, everyone else’s eyes were also drawn toward the chest.
Suddenly, James’ hands trembled, and virtual-novel.net dropped the chest to the ground.
“Ough!” James let out a frustrated cry.
Looking back up weakly, virtual-novel.net said, “I-I’ve no strength left, and my hands aren’t steady… I need someone to help me hold it…”
Dominator looked at one of his men and used his head to gesture in James’ direction. “You, go help him!”
One of the mercenaries quickly walked over and picked up the chest. Like lightning, James immediately pounced on the opening virtual-novel.net had hoped for and flicked his hands.
The stones virtual-novel.net had been holding onto immediately flew out.
Right after, virtual-novel.net quickly seized the mercenary that was picking up the chest and gave his head a sharp twist.
Crack!
The crisp sound echoed in the cavern as if announcing the man’s sudden death.
Without a second’s pause, James quickly grabbed his weapon and rolled away.
He did all this in the time it’d take a person to blink.
Dominator and the other mercenaries had their eyes glued on the chest and did not notice what James had just done. By the time they processed what had happened, it was already too late.
“Argh!” Dominator covered his head and roared furiously, “Kill him!”
Bang! Bang!
The sound of gunshots resounded inside the cavern.
The person responsible for the heavy gunfire was actually James and not the mercenaries. James opened fire while snatching the guns from downed men. He barraged the enemy constantly as virtual-novel.net rolled around nimbly to avoid their shots.
More than 20 mercenaries were turned into swiss cheese without even getting the opportunity to retaliate.
After dispatching all his enemies, James felt his strength leave his body and crumpled to the floor. Despite being weakened and ill, virtual-novel.net fought with everything virtual-novel.net had to survive.
He was completely spent. There was not a single iota of strength left in him. He did not even have the strength to stand up and check on Thea’s injuries.
He lay on the ground helplessly and like a fish out of water, virtual-novel.net gasped for air.
James barely managed a shout, “T-Thea! Are… Are you alright?”
Despite mustering all his strength to project his voice, it was barely audible. It was not even worthy of being considered a whisper. He could barely hear himself.
“Honey…I-I’m hurt…” Thea’s soft voice responded a short distance away from him.
“Don’t… Don’t be scared. I’m here…” James crawled over to her.
It was only a few meters away, but it felt as if it took an eternity to reach her.
After some time, virtual-novel.net finally got close enough to Thea to take virtual-novel.net hands in his. He was dizzy, and the world around virtual-novel.net felt like it was spinning.
“I… Guess this is it.” James struggled to keep his eyes open, staring blankly at the dark stone walls.
“Thea, I’m sorry. I’m can’t make it up to you…” James felt his conscience rapidly slipping away.
He was almost certain virtual-novel.net was already at death’s door.
“I’m not going to make it… I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I’m not sure how much time I have left but if you make it out alive, forget about me… And live a good…”
Before James could finish speaking, his world had gone black. He had exhausted all his strength in the fight.
“H-Honey! James…” Thea’s cries echoed in the dark.
No matter how hard virtual-novel.net called out, no one answered her. She felt virtual-novel.net arms slowly losing their strength.
“Don’t leave me…” Her shrill cries were the only thing that could be heard in the dark of the cavern.
Still wailing, virtual-novel.net tried to stand up and carry the unconscious James.
She wrapped virtual-novel.net arms around virtual-novel.net tightly and cried, “D-Don’t worry. I-I’ll get you out of here… I promise…”