Manager App - 96: The Mercenaries' Betrayal
"Subjugate them."
"Kerrrruk!!!"
No sooner had my command fallen than all twenty-four goblins charged at the mercenaries. At the sight, Matilda's face drained of color, and she bellowed at the top of her lungs.
"Don't wuss out! They're just goblins, for fuck's sake!"
Her shout rallied them; they nodded and swung their swords at the goblins. But that lasted only a moment. The instant a goblin's club met their blades, the men recoiled in shock, shouting in disbelief.
"What the hell? How's it this strong?!"
"No way!"
Every one of them was getting overpowered by the goblins' raw strength. Even Hassan, who was at least twice my size, couldn't handle more than two at once.
"Wh-what the fuck is this?!"
Matilda barely deflected a goblin's club swing, her face twisted in utter incredulity as she yelled.
The stat boosts from the Obsidian Staff are better than I expected.
I smirked faintly at the scene. Meanwhile, the four mercenaries facing the goblins wore expressions of utter defeat as they were relentlessly pushed back. Soon, surrounded on all sides, the remaining three men exchanged glances.
...They've got some kind of plan?
Tensing up, I raised my staff. Right then, Tom—the one who'd been somewhat friendly toward me—dropped his sword to the ground and spoke up.
"We surrender!"
His words barely out, Reddick and Hassan tossed their weapons down too.
"Surrender?!"
Matilda gaped in disbelief, shouting as the three men discarded their arms. But they ignored her completely, striding toward me instead. The goblins blocked their path, but I nodded, clearing the way, and Tom led Reddick and Hassan right up to me. Matilda, of course, was left out.
Betrayal, huh.
I eyed the three men and Matilda alternately, a spark of intrigue on my face. Tom spoke up.
"This whole thing was the boss's doing alone."
"So what you're saying, Tom..."
I trailed off with a light chuckle, pointing at Matilda.
"...is that all this happened because of Matilda?"
"Exactly. We're just lowly grunts. So let us go in exchange for surrendering, yeah? We hear your beef is with Matilda—her earrings or whatever. We're not involved, right?"
Matilda exploded from behind them.
"You fucking traitors!"
Her face contorted in rage at the unexpected betrayal. Tom just laughed heartily.
"A boss should take responsibility when it comes down to it, right, boss lady?"
"You...!"
"Let's be real—you had your fun playing leader, didn't you?"
Matilda's face flushed purple with fury. Unable to contain herself, she screamed "Aaaargh!" and charged at Tom. But I wasn't about to let that slide. With a wave, I had the goblins block her path.
"Gah!"
Overwhelmed by four charging goblins, Matilda tumbled ignobly to the dirt.
The sight was so ridiculous I let out a small laugh, and the three surrendering men joined in with snickers.
"Heh, dumb bitch."
"Hahaha, hope the goblins fuck her raw!"
"Lucky her—tons of cocks she loves so much."
Acting like their freedom was a done deal, the trio cackled. I laughed louder. This was comedy gold. I even clapped, chuckling merrily. As our laughter grew, shame burned across Matilda's face.
"You... rotten bastards..."
Covered in dirt, she ground her teeth, glaring daggers at us.
What to do with them?
The standoff settled in. I stopped laughing, pondering the men's fate. Letting them go wouldn't hurt me, but it felt off. Sure, they followed orders, but they weren't innocent.
...Can't drag them to the Training Room.
Women only—men were a hard pass. I hummed thoughtfully, eyeing them. Then Elena sidled up, slyly groping my chest.
"What's up?"
She beamed.
"You seem worried about those guys. Why not give 'em to me?"
"..."
I pictured her sucking their Vital Energy.
Nah.
Before they were mine, maybe—but now? No thanks. Frowning, I replied.
"Elena, you're my slave. I don't want to see you playing with other men