I Was Transmigrated As An Extraordinary Extra-Chapter 183

From my vantage point by the window, I watched the darkened street below. The moon cast a pale light over the cobblestones, and the chill of the night filled the air. I remained vigilant, hoping to catch a glimpse of any suspicious movement.

As the clock struck midnight, I noticed the young man—the one the innkeeper had pointed out earlier—emerging from the shadows. He was clearly intoxicated, swaying slightly as he made his way toward an alley across the street. My pulse quickened as I saw him meet up with a group of rough-looking individuals. They huddled together, their voices low but urgent.

I strained to hear their conversation, but the distance and the night’s ambient sounds masked their words. However, the way they leaned in close to one another suggested that something important was being discussed. The flicker of a lantern caught my attention as one of them produced it, illuminating their faces momentarily.

Jaxon Kade and Kyler Finn were likely in that mix, and if I could get close enough, I might overhear their plans or even learn more about their operations. Carefully, I decided to slip out of my room and take advantage of the darkness.

I quietly opened my door and peered into the hallway, ensuring that no one was around before making my way down the stairs and out the back entrance of the inn. The cold air hit me like a slap, but I steeled myself, creeping toward the alley where the group had congregated, mindful of remaining undetected.

I could see the group glancing around as I hid myself in the shadows. They moved with urgency as they reached the end of the alley.

One of the men knelt down, his hands working quickly to roll back a tattered rug that lay on the ground. As the last corner was pulled back, a heavy trapdoor was revealed beneath. The others leaned in, clearly eager to get inside.

I edged closer, careful to remain out of sight. My muscles tightened as I strained to hear their conversation. Their voices were low mingling with the rustling sounds of their movements.

"Get the gear," I heard one say, his tone flat and serious. "We have to be ready for tomorrow’s hunt."

"Have you seen Kade?" another voice replied, tinged with impatience. "He should’ve been here by now."

"Doesn’t matter. Just grab the supplies. We’ll brief him once he arrives," the first man replied.

This was a perfect opportunity. If I could sneak a glance at what they planned to take, I might find critical information on their operations or even catch a glimpse of Jaxon Kade or Kyler Finn. I crouched lower, waiting for my moment. As they began to pull the trapdoor open, the hinges creaked ominously in the still of the night.

One by one, they descended into the darkness below. I inched closer to the trapdoor and followed them down silently, the warmth enveloping me like a thick blanket, a stark contrast to the cool night air that slipped away above.

The air was thick with an earthy smell, and I could make out the shape of a narrow corridor illuminated by dim torchlight flickering off the damp walls. The sounds of muffled voices echoed from somewhere ahead.

Continuing down the passage, I pressed my back against the cool stone wall, inching forward until I could catch a glimpse of the source of the voices. There, a few feet away, the group of poachers had gathered around what appeared to be a makeshift table strewn with maps and some ominous-looking gear—crossbows, traps, and even the glint of knives reflecting the torchlight.

"You think we can manage a big haul this time?" one of them asked, his voice low, laced with anticipation.

"We would have already been rich if Tatum didn’t kill all the Frostbanes!" another one shot back, the irritation palpable.

"The fuck?!" Tatum exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "What do you want me to do? Just stay still and be mauled to death?!"

"And you!" one of them pointed accusingly at another. "Why did you let the last Frostbane go, Kyler?"

Kyler raised both hands defensively, feigning innocence. "I had a witness!" he said, gesturing dramatically toward Orion. "A big-ass monster owl suddenly swooped down and stole our catch!"

"Are there no Frostbanes left?" The question drifted from somewhere behind me, startling me with its suddenness. Zander appeared out of the shadows, his face serious.

"Jeez! Can you at least make a sound?" Oliver said, clearly annoyed at being startled.

"Since when did you come here?" Kyler asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I was on the other side, checking the beasts we need to transport for tomorrow," Zander replied, glancing around the room. "Not even one of the Frostbanes survived?"

An uncomfortable silence settled over them.

"This is why Jaxon hates it when he doesn’t tag along with us," Zander continued, his tone dripping with frustration. "The plan always fails without him and our client will surely get mad if we don’t sell him at least one live Frostbane."

As they began to bicker again, I quickly surveyed my surroundings and noticed another pathway branching off from the main corridor. I glanced back at the group, ensuring their attention was still consumed by their argument, then slipped away into the shadows.

What I saw further down that passage shocked me. Dozens of cages lined the walls, each one containing various trapped beasts. The sounds of whimpering and restless movements filled the air.

I crept closer to the nearest cage and peered inside. A thick-furred beast with large, pleading eyes stared back at me, its movements frantic as it rattled the bars.

All of the beasts seemed to be endangered species.

Just by seeing the beasts trapped inside a tight cage, helpless, I contacted Biodiversity Managements of Beasts and Monsters, sending them the exact location of this hideout, picturing the condition of these beasts.

Just as I hit send, a sharp pain erupted at the back of my head.

Thak!

The impact sent me sprawling to the ground, the world around me fading to a blur. Instinct kicked in, and I instantly pretended to faint, hoping to buy myself some time.

"I told you I sensed someone was following us!" a voice growled, and I recognized it as Oliver, the one who had struck me. He brandished a piece of wood like a club, his primal instincts on high alert.

"She’s still a girl; do you have to hit her that hard?" Tatum replied, concern edging his tone.

"Better safe than sorry," Oliver shrugged, his stance relaxed but eyes scanning for any signs of movement.

"Did someone send her here?" Kyler asked, his voice dripping with suspicion.

"I can’t believe someone found our hideout. I’m impressed!" Tatum interjected, a mix of admiration and irritation in his voice.

"We need to change our location; this place isn’t safe anymore," Zander muttered, worry creasing his brow.

"Hey, check if she has any weapons on her," Kyler commanded, his footsteps nearing me.

As soon as I felt the weight of someone approaching, I seized the opportunity to catch them off guard. With a rapid movement, I sprang to my feet, fueled by adrenaline. I spun, my leg sweeping out in a surprise kick aimed at Kyler’s knee.

"Wha—" He barely had time to react before he was sent crashing to the ground.

Instinctively, I launched myself into the fray. Tatum stumbled back, confounded by my sudden retaliation, and I threw a punch straight at his jaw. My fist connected with a satisfying thud, sending him reeling backward into the wooden benches littered around the room.

Oliver regained his footing, swinging his piece of wood toward me, but I ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air whoosh above my head. I countered with an elbow strike, connecting hard with his ribcage, causing him to falter.

"Get her!" Zander shouted, now fully engaged, his face twisting in frustration as he rushed toward me.

I ducked beneath his grasp, a rush of determination propelling me forward, aiming for the exit. But before I could reach the corridor, I noticed — with a glance — the beasts in their cages, their eyes wide and pleading. I couldn’t leave without doing something.

Instead of fleeing, I turned back to face them with fierce resolve. "Me and my damn sympathy!" I muttered under my breathe.

Kyler was rushing towards me but I kneed him in the face. I charged towards the nearest cage, fingers fumbling to unlock it.

With a frantic click, the lock released, and the door swung open. A Hendera Rentem sprang forth as it growled dangerously and ran away.

I tried to unlock another one until I was busy unlocking all the cages while fending off the five guys. Each lock I disengaged set free another creature, their desperate eyes quickly realizing the opportunity for escape. A dire wolf with shimmering silver fur was the next to burst out, its growl piercing the air as it shared in the chaotic rush of freedom.