The surroundings abruptly plunged into darkness—
Immediately, the ladies' screams echoed through the area. Brand and the Limp Man didn't have time to look around, already drawing their longswords from under their cloaks. Batom and Char were only a moment slower; the mercenary with the red beard unclasped his broad giant sword from his back, and with one hand on the Limp Man's shoulder—not trusting that guy—and positioned himself and the young wizard apprentice to protect the ladies on either side.
The Limp Man let out a light snort, seemingly unbothered on the surface.
After the ladies' panic, the voices of men shouting angrily and questioning came from all around and above.
However, the first-floor hall remained relatively quiet because it was occupied mostly by experienced adventurers and mercenaries. Most of them had gone through numerous battles, staying calm enough to prevent further chaos from spreading.
