Chapter 4: Resting Place

Though Larvesta's campaign against the Sin of Sloth ended in success, he was not able to capture or eliminate the beast, much to the insect's dismay. Larvesta had also rescued a number of hostages who Snorlax had kidnapped earlier, but the Sin's abuse and mistreatment left them unfit for the battles ahead. The team stops as a resting place in a seemingly peaceful town to let their unstable soldiers rest and better themselves. A few weeks pass by, during which Larvesta's wounded begin to heal themselves, and the insect begins to familiarize himself with this foreign land he was sent to. Unfortunately for Team Valiant, just as his team starts to get better, trouble arises for him to deal with. Getting his soldiers out into the heat of battle again, Larvesta works to defend the locale that gave his team shelter and treatment.

Larvesta's team is at a peaceful town. Some of his recruits are enjoying themselves dining at the cafe, while others, notably the mercenary gang he rescued from the Sin of Sloth, are currently resting at a nearby hotel to recover from their injuries. The town has many more facilities besides just the cafe and hotel, such as an arena for betting and battling, as well as a blacksmith and vendor to purchase goods.

At the hotel, Larvesta checks in on Mienfoo and her comrades. "Are you four feeling better? I believe you all should be able to get back out onto the fields by now."

Though the lack of action over the past few weeks has softened them somewhat to their dismay, the mercenary gang is in notably better condition than when they were being held hostage by Snorlax.

"Aye, I think I can go swing my axe around some!" Bas announces.

"Honestly, I'm getting tired of just laying in bed all and doing nothing all day. I should be reinvigorated by now," Culin adds.

Carnivine further adds onto the discussion. "Those two have a point. If we don't get out and start getting our reflexes back in working order, we're just going to wind up getting rusty. At that point, we wouldn't be of much use to you, now would we?"

"Heh, seems my band is raring for a fight. I guess that about answers your question," Mienfoo chimes in. "Problem is, there's no bandits or thugs we can use as punching bags around here. There's no way we're going to start beating up the locals, either. I doubt many of them are exactly warriors, and attacking them unprovoked is bound to get us kicked out…"

"Don't know what led you to that conclusion, but yeah, let's not go ganging up on innocents out here." Larvesta ponders.He thinks for a bit, and remembers some nearby features in the town. "Actually, I think there's some training grounds around here if you want to get some practice swings," he points out. "Also, there's an arena in this town where travelers compete if you want to fight against a live opponent."

"Doesn't that arena cost money to get into? Sure, we can get some rewards if we win, but if we get knocked out or need to retreat, that'll punch a hole in our wallets…" Mienfoo warns.

"Hmm… That could be a problem, indeed. In that case, maybe you all could stick to the practice area nearby for now," Larvesta responds.

"Not saying I'm against the arena, mind you. I love me a good live opponent. I'm just saying that we shouldn't blow all of our funds on that place if we're not certain we can come out in one piece," clarifies Mienfoo.

"Well, it's ultimately your choice where you want us to go. If you do wind up winning some funds from there, there's also some vendors where we can get some gear and items for the trip. That could prove useful as well," Larvesta explains. He decides to leave the room to check up on how the other members of Team Valiant are doing.

Just outside of the village, however, a Glameow is leading some thieves to infiltrate the place. While examining her target, she notices Larvesta and his crew residing in the town, and seems to recognize them.

"So, that's Larvesta and his Team Valiant, huh? He must think he's SO strong because he was able to fend off the Sin of Sloth. Bah! Anyone could defeat that lazy oaf with enough strength and numbers! There's no way he'll ever be able to fight back against the army of our master, the Sin of Greed!" Glameow boasts. Her gang of bandits continues to monitor the place to pinpoint the perfect time to infiltrate it and get rid of Team Valiant in the meantime.

Back at Café Mix, Larvesta consults Rapidash for a bit to discuss some battle strategies. He explains Mienfoo and her soldiers' conditions to Rapidash, and how they should be ready to help out soon. Meanwhile, Tepig is treating himself to some roasted berries, while Snivy is sunbathing just outside the café.

"Larvesta, may I offer a suggestion?" Rapidash requests.

"Oh, what did you have in mind?" Larvesta responds.

"As I'm sure you've noticed by now, Team Valiant is starting to grow quite a bit in size. At this rate, it'll start to get pretty crowded having to drag every single one of us along for all of our battles," Rapidash explains to the insect.

"Okay… Do go on..." Larvesta listens in.

Rapidash elaborates on his request. "I was wondering if maybe we could limit the amount of soldiers we take with us on each adventure, and let the others take the day off while the ones we choose go out take care of the mission."

"Leave some… behind?" Larvesta curiously asks. "Why would I do that? They'll miss out on precious practice and experience fighting our foes if we tell them to just sit back..."

"Yes, but that also means they don't risk suffering a deadly blow out there and wind up being incapable of fighting out there, and that's assuming they even make it out alive," Rapidash clarifies.

"Hmm… I see, but… What will the others do while I'm out leading the charge?" Larvesta questions.

"There should be plenty to do while you're out in battle. Especially tired teammates can go rest so that they're better prepared for the battles ahead. Alternatively, if they're wanting to do something anyway, they can go out on their own to find tasks to do while we handle the main mission." suggests the paladin.

"Hmm… That could maybe work… Well, I'll try it out for a bit, and see if it works out. Wouldn't want to be one of the fighters we end up ditching, though… I want to advance my main adventure!" Larvesta relents.

"As you will, Larvesta. You're in charge of this force. If you want to lead the charge, you're going to have to take responsibility and put yourself on the front lines." Rapidash demands.

"So I'm mandatory for all my clashes, huh. Well, in that case, I'd better take special care not to let myself buy the farm," Larvesta notes. He examines the shard Snivy showed him back at the fort and sighs. "Huh… If only I could get this weird thing to work… Imagine how overpowered I would be if I could unlock whatever power is in here…" he thinks.

"In any case, I would plan on picking out who to send for whatever scenario may arise ahead of time. Who knows when we'll run into trouble next." says Rapidash.

"Alright then. Besides, that will give whoever writes my biography a huge weight off of their shoulders. If I were writing my own tale, I'd be very thankful not to have to write out every single move all of my soldiers were making during my journey," Larvesta jokingly remarks.

"Well, that's one way of looking at it, I guess…" Rapidash responds.

Unfortunately for the two of them, though, Glameow's forces start to make their way into the village and begin to tear down whatever they can find, looting any treasure in their wake.

"Wha- Oh, shoot! Another bandit raid? It just HAD to be now!" responds a startled Larvesta.

"Well, now seems like a good opportunity to try out delegating your units like we discussed. Let me know who you want to have fight these lowlifes, and I'll tell whoever you don't assign that they can take the day off," Rapidash tells the insect.

"Alright, then. Give me a bit of time," Larvesta asks. "I shouldn't take too much time, though… Every second I spend hastily planning out my strategy is another this gang of thugs will use to wreak havoc on this place…"

After some thinking, Larvesta decides on who to bring with him. "Rapidash, I want you and your two soldiers to work on getting these townspeople to safety. I'll send everyone else out to fend off these bandits," Larvesta announces.

"Letting the newcomers get some screen time, I see. Alright, then. I'll tell Snivy and Tepig about your order," Rapidash accepts. He then leaves the area while Larvesta rounds up his other units to prepare for battle.

Oshawott, Froakie, Trevenant, Patrat, and Cacnea all line up and get ready for battle at Larvesta's behest. The leader of Team Valiant examines the area and his opposition for this battle, but realizes to his concern that there are many more foes in this battlefield than there were in his previous rounds of combat.

"Man, there's so many bandits and thieves roaming about this place… It'll take forever to drive every single one of them out of town..." Larvesta thinks. "Ugh… I only hope Rapidash and his apprentices are able to defend themselves while they're getting everyone to safety..."

Just as he is about to act further, however, the boss of the gang gives out another order. "Lowlifes! Do keep in mind, we're crunched for time here! If we take too long to get this place razed, Persian is going to think that Larvesta loser knocked us out good! If we can't pick this place entirely clean within ten hours, just take what you have and escape at all costs!" she announces.

"So these bandits are on a time limit? Hmmm… Perhaps I can use that in my favor… If I can stall these thugs long enough, I should be able to force the retreat command. Still, it would be better if I stopped them from pillaging anything here in the first place… Hopefully, ten hours isn't too long for Team Valiant to handle." Larvesta notes in his head.

As he is thinking, Mienfoo and her teammates appear just outside the hotel to lend their aid. Noticing Larvesta back at the café, she shouts to grab his attention. "Hey, Larvesta! Looks like we'll be hunting down some prey after all!"

"Mienfoo!?" Larvesta shouts back. "Are you sure you can fight now? These thieves are plentiful and look very dangerous!"

"Don't worry about me, boss! We may have made a bad impression back at the cave, but we're trained professionals! It's going to take more than a ragtag gang of thieves to put us out of commission!" Mienfoo tries to reassure to the fiery insect. Patrat, near Larvesta during the response, looks quietly insulted at Mienfoo's statement.

Larvesta pauses for a moment, but decides to give the okay. "Alright! But if you or one of the others get hurt, don't be afraid to fall back! I don't want to lose any of you, especially on our first mission together!"

"We'll keep that in mind!" Mienfoo reciprocates. She then directs her attention to her closest allies to give her own personal orders. "Alright, team. Our first meeting with Larvesta may have looked bad on our end, but now's our chance to prove our worth to his cause! If we can get these goons out of commission, he'll be dang certain Lilligant stands no chance with us around! You three ready!?"

The two Basculin let out a combined war cry at her order, while Carnivine spins his bow around in his right hand, ready to launch a rain of arrows onto his enemies. With that, both Larvesta and Mienfoo's groups proceed to face the band of thieves.

Examining his surroundings, Oshawott's gaze is fixated on the colosseum. He looks eager to visit the place in spite of the current attack. "Oooh, an arena… I know one place I'm stopping by while I'm here…"

Froakie, however, attempts to talk his partner out of wasting the team's money. "Oshawott, there's terrorists running amok right now! This is no time to be fighting in some arena!"

"What, can't a sword-wielding otter enjoy some sports time here? I doubt we'll be returning back here for quite a while, my bud," Oshawott responds.

"Oshawott, we've been here for weeks! You can't seriously be telling me you haven't paid any trips there in all this free time we've had since we've gotten here!" says a very annoyed Froakie.

"I've taken a few rounds, but I wouldn't mind going back there while I have the chance. Could help me get stronger for when we get to Lilligant or any other of those Deadly Sin jerks," Oshawott retorts.

It seems some of the bandits also have the same idea as Oshawott, however, as a group of them are also infiltrating the arena as the two are arguing, barging in past the bouncer, and scaring away a number of the challengers.

"Well, would you look at that. Motivation to fight out there. Guess I'm not wasting your time now, am I?" Oshawott tells Froakie while wearing a smug grin on his face. Froakie silently turns his head away, not wanting to speak after getting unfairly owned by his incorrigible teammate.

While the two were arguing over the arena, however, Larvesta and Mienfoo had already started going on the offense against the thieves.

Patrat starts wildly swinging his new Iron Axe he got back at the cave at some thieves, hoping to land a critical blow that won't backfire and hurt him back. While his weapon of choice proves to be particularly strong against the dagger-wielding foes, Patrat also finds himself missing frequently and taking chip damage as much as he is able to land successful attacks. Eventually, the damage adds up, and Patrat finds himself needing to treat his wounds. Luckily, Trevenant is nearby and notices Patrat in danger of getting hurt, so he rushes over to the brigand and raises his Heal staff to mend Patrat's wounds.

"Oh, how I hate to see you in such poor condition, my teammate…" Trevenant muses.

"Bah! Itz nothin'! Ahv been trew much worse! Tankz for da help!" Patrat responds to the tree.

Unfortunately, Trevenant put himself in the line of fire when he went to help Patrat, and one of the thieves takes advantage of the situation to land a sneak attack on the tree, injuring him.

Patrat attempts to fend off the remaining bandits to protect the healer, but even though he is able to defend against some of them, he once again finds himself in a pinch.

"D'aw, curses! Better hope summ'un comes thru and picks deez rascals off! Ah can't keep diz up forevuh!" the brigand laments.

Luckily for him and Trevenant, an arrow swoops in and takes out a bandit trying to deal a finishing blow in the nick of time. Carnivine arrives to provide further aid and support to the two while the rest of Mienfoo's squad go deal with enemies closer to where she started.

"Glad I could be of assistance, good sirs," Carnivine welcomes Trevenant and Patrat. He offers an Oran Berry to the healer tree who proceeds to use it up, and the now reinvigorated Trevenant uses his Heal staff to soothe Patrat again.

At the arena, Oshawott goes up to the entrance where a Machoke runs the stand. The arena clerk is very panicked over the bandits rampaging the coliseum, but this does not do anything to make Oshawott less confident in his abilities.

"Excuse me, blue guy. We're currently dealing with a bandit invasion and aren't accepting combatants at the moment… Could you come back later once these thugs clear out?" asks the Machoke.

"Huh, you want me to scram, big guy?" Oshawott remarks, sounding somewhat insulted in his words. "Some lowly bandits aren't going to send my soul into the sky. I'll even pay the arena rent if you don't mind giving me my winnings when I inevitably come out on top."

Oshawott's remark gave the Machoke running the arena an awkward expression. Though the bouncer does not seem to undermine Oshawott's skill, especially with his deadly blade, Machoke did not feel entirely confident leaving the bandit problem in the hands of an overconfident and prideful sea otter. In spite of this, however, the Machoke accepts Oshawott's request and takes his fine just like any other arena participant.

Now in the arena, Oshawott examines his opponent. Oddly, in spite of the current predicament, music was playing on the speakers that would get any combatant in the colosseum pumped and ready for battle. The enemy causing trouble in here seems to be a Galarian Zigzagoon bandit with an Iron Sword on standby. Oshawott readies his Killing Edge to intercept the raccoon, and the two combatants trade blows. The Zigzagoon does not converse with Oshawott, seemingly not caring about their opposition, and Oshawott gives them more or less the same reaction. The two trade some blows with their swords, feeling a certain catharsis from being engaged in combat the way they are, and work to block and counter each others' sharp blades. Eventually, Oshawott works up the power to get a decisive attack on the enemy, landing a stylish strike not unlike the one he landed on Houndour. With that, the Zigzagoon fell to their knees and was captured by a staff member to be escorted away from the town their group was vandalizing.

"Heh. That was no biggie. I imagine I could do this all day!" Oshawott remarks, patting himself on the back. Surprised at Oshawott's skill, the Machoke relents and pays the myrmidon his winnings, totaling to 1500 Poké.

Oshawott proudly returns to the entrance, and hands his winnings over to Froakie. The amphibious thief takes the cash without batting an eye at his prideful companion.

"Why don'tcha buy something with this dough?" Oshawott teases. Froakie initially dismisses Oshawott's request, believing that Rapidash and his crew had evacuated the townspeople at this point, but soon notices that a blacksmith was still in operation in spite of the ongoing crisis. Froakie would rather not contribute to his enemies' objective by robbing the town alongside them, and though he does feel that the others in Larvesta's team could use his firepower, they are holding on just fine at the moment from his perspective. Feeling oddly curious at the weapon forger's wares, Froakie takes a quick trip to the blacksmith.

A Perrserker is running the blacksmith, with several types of weapons filling the room. There are mostly iron weapons in the shop, though a few outliers were spread about. The smith has a particularly unsanitary appearance, overgrowing a messy beard even by the standards of other Perrserker and smelling like he has not bothered to wash himself for a few weeks, much to Froakie's dismay.

"I thought that Rapidash had already gotten everyone out of this town while Larvesta was clearing up the bandits. Why are you still running this place, Mr. Blacksmith?" Froakie asks.

The Perrserker responds rather viciously to his latest customer, feeling insulted for being asked to retreat from his wares. "So you're with that cranky old Rapidash, arentcha?" he asks. "Well, I can fend off any burglars or demons who try to snatch away my merch just fine! Don't you dare try to tell me to flee with my tail between my legs like a loser who wants his baby toys!"

Though heavily insulted by the store clerk's brash attitude, Froakie takes another look at all of the weapons scattered around the store, and putting two and two together, realizes that Perrserker could more than likely fend off any intruders with the weapons on sale if he needed to. Perrserker then takes note of his customer's class, realizing he is dealing with a potential robber. "Well, well, well… Looks like that Rapidash guy also brought a no-good burglar with him, too! I knew from his rotten grimace that he and his bug apprentice were up to no good…" he remarks.

Noting the blacksmith's cranky expression, Froakie thinks to himself "Well, you're not exactly what I'd call a pleasant looker yourself, you hypocrite..."

"Now listen here, you street-dwelling amphibian. If you try any funny business with me, I am more than capable of sending you to your maker in an instant. The chameleons in green and purple have taught me a number of secrets in the art of security and self-defense," Perrserker threatens his customer.

"P-Please, sir. I do intend to pay for your merchandise… My companion just won some money from the arena and he let me use it to buy some resources," Froakie attempts to reason with the Perrserker.

"Oh, is that the case, old chum?" the smith asks, still not 100% convinced. "Well, ya'd better make it quick, or your devil-horned mascot is going to get himself squashed by more than just a flyswatter."

Feeling unwelcomed and impatient for a multitude of reasons, Froakie does what he can to hasten the process and skims through the cranky store owner's wares to find something as soon as possible. He notices a few sharp blades akin to the one Oshawott carries with him and goes to pick one out. "You know, my partner often carries sharp swords like this with him."

"Oh, that," Perrserker comments. "That right there is a Killing Edge. When the blade on the sword glows red, you swing it at whatever you want to hit for massive damage! Really useful when you need to inflict as much pain as possible in a short amount of time."

Froakie considers his purchase for a few moments. While Oshawott already owns a Killing Edge and proudly wields it, the sword he has equipped does appear to be wearing out and could break at any moment, Froakie contemplates. Eventually he relents and decides to obtain a replacement sword. "How much?" he asks the owner.

"Fifteen hundred for that one. They're not exactly easy to make, so I raised the price of it compared to others to break even with it," Perrserker responds.

Froakie examines the coin bag Oshawott lent him and counts the currency. There was exactly enough to buy the Killing Edge, which Froakie promptly does. He hands the bag of Poké to Perrserker, and receives the new sword in return. With his purchase made, Froakie bids farewell to the store clerk.

"Good luck keeping this place standing, you turquoise toad! I can't make money in a busted town, you know!" the blacksmith responds, still as unpleasant as ever.

Oshawott catches up to Froakie, the latter exhausted from his trip, and asks him about how his purchase went.

"I bought you another one of those Killer Edge swords. Your old one looks like it was about to run out, so I spent the money you gave me to get you a replacement," Froakie informs the myrmidon.

"Ah, another Killing Edge, I see. I never can get enough of these mysterious beings. How they light up and what tells them when to land their strikes is beyond my imagination, but these things have helped me in many a battle," Oshawott tells his comrade. "Thanks for the refill. I know I'll get plenty of use out of this piece of work."

Meanwhile, Mienfoo and the Basculin brothers fend off some more burglars from the hotel they had resided in, not wanting to abandon the facility that had helped them recover from Snorlax's abuse. Though some enemies attempt to breach through their line of defense, Mienfoo and her two crewmates are able to defend their point with relative ease.

"These townspeople helped nurture us when we were at our lowest point," Mienfoo contemplates to herself. "I won't repay their efforts by watching their hard work get burnt down by these vicious slimebags!" Her resolve assured, Mienfoo determinedly lands a decisive blow against her opposition, knocking away a brigand from the hotel she and her group were resting in.

Eventually, Cacnea arrives to assist Mienfoo's group, launching his javelin at an unsuspecting burglar who almost made his way into the hotel. "You three! Be more careful out there!" he warns the mercenary group.

"Oh! You're that prickly guy from the cave, aren't you?" Mienfoo says back to him, seemingly recognizing him.

"Y-yeah, that would be me…" Cacnea half-heartedly states, looking to the side.

"Didn't you use to fight for that Lilligant girl, Cacnea?" Culin asks. "You think she might be behind this raid?"

"No. Lilligant's team carries around a special emblem wherever they go," Cacnea explains. He shows off his armor to Culin and his brother, bringing their attention to the flower emblem on his shoulder plate. "If this was Lilligant's doing, the soldiers here would be wearing this flower logo on their attire and battle flags. Mine got scratched out in a previous mission, and I decided to keep it like this as a symbol of defection."

"Ya know, I don't remember you telling us what life was like under her wing. What exactly was the crossed line that made you decide to turn on her, anyways?" Bas asks the Spiked Knight.

"That's… something I'd rather not get into," Cacnea states, a sense of anger and hurt displaying in his voice. "Y-you know what. Forget I said anything. This battle has been distracting us for too long! We should focus back on fending these fools off before they sneak in and ransack this place any more!"

"Uhh… I guess… you have a point…" Mienfoo says, surprised at Cacnea's sudden abrasion. Cacnea and the Basculin brothers get back to protecting the hotel and the rest of the town, but Mienfoo is left wondering what has gotten into the knight. "That guy just shut us all out for some reason… What happened back there to make him not want to speak with us? I guess I'll have to get in touch with him while we're not being raided..." she thinks to herself.

Finally, having managed to slither his way around the ransacking thieves and burglars, Larvesta confronts the leader of the pack of goons, and points Solaris straight at her.

"So… You're that Larvesta guy who took down the Sin of Sloth, aren'tcha?" Glameow threateningly questions.
"Y-yes, that would be me…" Larvesta responds, still reeling from his encounter with Snorlax. "Are you, perchance, among his remnants?" he asks in response.

"Ha! Me? Be in league with that fat oaf!? Give me a break!" Glameow condescendingly boasts. "I'm in the service of the Sin of Greed, Mr. Persian of the Alolan variety!"

"Another Deadly Sin!?" Larvesta curses.

"Look, that Snorlax was a worthless slacker, so I don't feel any remorse that you humiliated him, but orders are orders, and my boss asked me to cut down anyone involved in that incident so he doesn't have to fear getting raided by your group of nobodies!" Glameow clarifies.

"Look, I don't want to confront whoever your boss is. I'm kind of in the middle of an important mission! Can you and your Sin gang leave us be? You're just causing needless bloodshed trying to chase after us, bringing misery to everyone along the way!" Larvesta requests, trying to reason with the literal cat burglar.

"Awww… But we like causing trouble for you. Trouble is our middle name!" the Glameow comments in a seductive tone. Larvesta is not amused by her advances, but Glameow takes the opportunity to launch a dagger straight at the leader's face. Larvesta is only just barely able to dodge the projectile before he attempts to retaliate with his signature sword. Unfortunately, his attack does not connect, as Glameow evades his attack just as he had evaded her's.

"Look, after what I had to deal with from that Sin of Sloth creep, or whatever you guys call him, another Deadly Sin is the last person I want to have to go up against!" Larvesta continues to plead.

Unfortunately, his begging falls on deaf ears, as Glameow continues to chastise him. "You thought that Sin of Sloth creep was a nightmare? Ha! He's the weakest in our little group! The Sin of Greed will give you far more bang for your buck!" She says as she launches another dagger at the fiery insect. This time, her attack grazes Larvesta's face, slightly wounding him, though this does not deter him from getting a hit on Glameow.

The entire town is engulfed in flames and steel as fighters from both Team Valiant and the Sin of Greed's gang clash throughout various buildings and locales. Though Glameow's side is able to knock down one or two houses, Team Valiant is ultimately able to preserve most of the town.

After a few rounds of combat, an alarm goes off in Glameow's direction, and she groans in disappointment, knowing what that means.

"Grr… Dangit! We're out of time…" she begrudgingly remarks. "Everyone! Time's up for us! Let's get out of here with what we've got!"

After sending her signal to the remaining villains, Glameow grabs an Escape Orb from her satchel, and gives Larvesta a warning. "The Sin of Greed is coming for your army, feeble insect. We rest within the Fossil Excavation. Fight back if you will, but know that you stand no chance against his swift speed and lethal strength!" After delivering her foreboding message to Team Valiant's lord, Glameow activates her orb and evacuates the premises, with the remaining enemies also retreating from the town.

Though there is some noticeable damage done to the town and its structures, the place overall has been preserved rather well, with the damage done to the café and hotel being practically nonexistent.

"Larvesta!" Rapidash cries as he rushes back to his leader. His two cavaliers run back alongside him to return the townspeople back to their homes and catch up with Larvesta.

"Don't worry, Rapidash. There's a few broken structures here and there, but this place has held on just fine overall!" Larvesta reassures him.

While some members of Team Valiant work to get everyone back to their homes and restore whatever damage they can, Larvesta explains the situation with the Sin of Greed to Rapidash, Tepig, and Snivy.

"Hrmmm… So another Deadly Sin has taken notice of us… Looks like our mission just got a whole lot more difficult…" Rapidash ponders.

"You know, I'd love to just turn a blind eye to these Deadly Sin creeps so we can just focus on preparing for Lilligant…" contemplates Larvesta "...but if we just pretend they don't exist, we risk getting ambushed like this again… It's not like they're above getting innocents hurt to go after us either, if their attack on this village was any indicator."

Mienfoo chimes in on the discussion as well, feeling somewhat guilty for dragging Larvesta and Team Valiant into the Sins' affairs. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this… If I didn't let that Snorlax freak grab us and turn us into his playthings, you wouldn't be in this mess…"

Larvesta, however, does not feel Mienfoo is wholly to blame and tries comforting her. "Oh. No, no. Don't worry, you're fine. I was just doing what I felt was right."

"Well, it's ultimately your call where we go from here. If you think we're ready to knock on the witch's throne, I'll follow your lead," Rapidash swears to Larvesta.

After contemplating for a bit, Larvesta ultimately comes to a decision. "While I would like to take care of Lilligant as soon as I can, and we have amassed a decent amount of companions to do so, I'd say we're still rather short on resources to keep the pressure going against her," he discusses. "For as dangerous as it is, I'd say our best course of action right now is to entertain Persian's threat and take the fight to his turf. I imagine there might be some sort of reward for driving him out, and we'll avoid needless carnage from bystanders who would otherwise get caught in the line of fire."

Rapidash nods in agreement to Larvesta's decision, though deep down, a slight feeling of resentment rests within him. Regardless, he manages to avoid showing it, and displays a sense of resolve to his leader. "Very well. Let's get packed up and set forth for Fossil Excavation early tomorrow. If there is some sort of benefit to fighting this Sin of Greed person, we might as well take it."

Meanwhile, in the depths of Fossil Excavation, the Sin of Greed, one Alolan Persian, loafs around on a gaudy throne, admiring his stash of treasures and equipment. Glameow from the raid returns to the bottom to report to her leader.

"Hehehehehe… So, did that Ralbezduh guy or whatever he's called get my message?" The Sin of Greed asks his servant.

"Yes, milord. He received your message loud and clear. If my prediction is correct, he should be crawling into our trap in a matter of days," Glameow informs.

"And what about that town he and his goons were staying in? Did you manage to rob anything for moi from that place? I would presume ten hours would be plenty of time to clean house" Persian questions.

This discomforts Glameow slightly. "Unfortunately, not a whole lot. Larvesta's army was a lot sturdier than we had predicted, and though we were able to avoid too many casualties, we still couldn't get too deep into the town and its loot."

"Hmpf. Well, that's unfortunate, my cutie. Guess I'll have to make you into my treasure to satisfy my need for greed, then," Persian threatens Glameow. A bandit grabs Glameow by the tail to immobilize her, unnerving Glameow and causing her to cower in fear. "I'm sure you'll make a nice fur rug."

"W-Wait, Master Persian! What are you doing to me!? I'm sorry I let him get the better of me! I promise I can do better next time! I promise!" Glameow begs, desperately pleading with her master to spare her life.

Persian slowly walks up to his disappointment and stares her in the face. "From now on, you're dismissed as one of my elite thieves. Don't worry, I can handle Team Valiant just fine," he gloats. Seconds later, he slashes at Glameow, putting her out of her misery.

Larvesta has received an ill omen from a second Deadly Sin and his group of bandits. With both sides targeting each other to get rid of the opposing force, Larvesta's next battle will take him to the depths of the ancient and sacred Fossil Excavation. What traps and monsters await in the Sin of Greed's lair down in the bottom of the area? Who is this Sin of Greed, and what sort of evil deeds is he capable of? Will Larvesta be able to accomplish his main objective through this seemingly unrelated threat? These are all questions that surround his head as he and Team Valiant trek through arduous sands to reach their destination.

-TO BE CONTINUED-