The God's Fruit

°˖✧ A Life's Unexpected Turn ✧˖°

"That boy is stupid if he thinks he can just disappear after giving me a mini heart attack yesterday," Nami grumbled, still irritated by the encounter with the mysterious white-figured boy. The rest of the day passed without any major incidents, but unbeknownst to her, a pair of sneaky eyes were lurking in the bushes, secretly spying on her as it slowly vanished along with the area.

As Nami returned from selling tangerines in the local market, her heart raced as she noticed her house wide open. Instinct kicked in, and she sprinted towards the entrance. However, before she could step inside, a powerful arm seized her, accompanied by three more assailants. They had underestimated Nami's resourcefulness, unaware that she carried a foldable combat staff at her waist. With lightning speed, she swiftly deployed the weapon, delivering a powerful strike to the hands that held her captive. 

The attackers howled in pain, granting Nami the chance to break free and confront the trio before her, ready for an intense battle. As her eyes locked onto the group, a chilling realization washed over Nami. It was the band of ruthless bandits she had brazenly stolen from just a few days prior. Their distinctive attire gave them away instantly: sleeveless sheep's wool jackets, worn-out trousers, and rugged boots. 

The leader, a towering figure, stood out the most. His immense size and shaggy coat of hair could almost be mistaken for a grizzly bear. The unkempt beard that covered his face only added to his intimidating presence. To complete his fearsome image, he donned a crude pan fitted with boar tusks, a twisted parody of a Viking helmet. The sight of him sent shivers down Nami's spine, knowing that she now faced a dangerous confrontation with these relentless adversaries.

As Nami sized up the two henchmen flanking their bulky leader, a mix of concern and unease settled within her. The pair looked eerily identical, save for the difference in their hair color: one with jet-black locks and the other sporting a vibrant yellow. Their emaciated frames were so gaunt that their bones threatened to pierce through their skin. Hooked noses protruded from their faces, resembling sharp eagle beaks, while their pallid complexion seemed almost skeletal against their leader's bronzed skin. 

Yet, amidst the adrenaline coursing through her veins, Nami's heart sank as she realized she had overlooked a crucial detail—one that now dawned upon her far too late. Before Nami could finish her question, a powerful blow struck her from behind, sending her sprawling to the ground. The world faded to black as consciousness slipped away. When she regained her senses, she found herself trapped in the clutches of Rubert, the grey-haired member of the triplets, his arms forming a tight cross that prevented her escape. 

To make matters worse, they had stripped her of her weapons, leaving her defenseless. The remaining three bandits loomed before her, their faces etched with malicious intent. The situation grew increasingly dire as worry crept into Nami's heart, realizing the gravity of her predicament.

"Where is the loot you stole from us?" demanded Harlant, the bandit leader, his voice filled with menace. Regnauld, the yellow-haired man, swaggered toward Nami, sporting a cocky attitude.

"That's a cutey, if you tell us where everything you stole from us is, maybe you won't get a scratch," he taunted. But his arrogance was short-lived as Nami, the orange-haired woman, lunged forward and sank her teeth into his fingers. Regnauld howled in pain, surprised by the unexpected ferocity of the "kitty" he had underestimated.

"Auch! So this kitty has fangs, right?" he winced, nursing his injured hand. Meanwhile, Ryan, the dark-haired bandit, took advantage of the distraction and delivered a stinging slap across Nami's face.

"You should behave better, kitty, or next time you'll get more than a slap on your pretty face," he sneered. Nami's eyes burned with contempt as she fought back tears. Fear coursed through her veins, knowing she was alone and without anyone to come to her rescue.