The unknown hunter looked over at the group and said.
"Even though she's not Leo, she'll work as a substitute. We can bring her along as the sacrifice."
The air in the room shifted. The villagers looked among each other, confused at first, but gradually began to relax as the words settled in.
The mention of her family seemed to reassure them.
"Her family has two incredible hunters. The dungeon will likely accept her just the same."
The hunter continued.
The villagers nodded. Some looked visibly relieved. The tension in their shoulders dropped slightly as though a burden had been lifted.
But the kidnappers stiffened immediately.
"Wait. That's not what we were told."
One of them said, his voice uncertain.
The other quickly added.
"We were supposed to bring Leo here. That was the entire plan. No one was supposed to be sacrificed. The point of this was to stop that from happening."
The hunter shook his head slowly.
