Nico burst into laughter at the pitiful sight and raised his palm once more, ready to deliver the final blow.
But just before his hand descended, Raul's sharp voice rang out, halting him. "Don't kill it!" he said, stepping closer, eyes locked onto the small, wounded creature with barely contained excitement. "That's no ordinary rat," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "If I'm right, that's a Treasure Seeking Rat—one of the legendary beasts said to be able to locate any herb in the world."
Nico's eyes widened in disbelief, then lit up with greed. "Are you serious?! Then we're rich! Senior Brother Raul, we're really lucky this time!" he said, nearly trembling with joy.
Raul nodded, his smile cold and calculating.
But in the very next second, Raul's expression changed completely.
"Junior Brother Nico, behind you!" he shouted in alarm.
But it was too late.
