Ling raised her eyebrows at the exchange between the ice mage, Vanahara, and Alexander. Then the Illuminate Master gave an indication that simply said "cover your eyes". She looked away as he produced the blinding flare. With that, the time for civil discussion was practically over. Willing to try one last attempt, Ling got to her feet and drew Kei, quickly priming it.

She then fitted the Disabler vial into its slot and brought the crossbow to bear, aiming for each of the hostile mages in turn. "I'm about to shoot one of you with a potent acidic mixture. The vial's contents will splash everywhere on contact. If it gets into your system, you will undoubtedly die." The last one was a bluff, but there was no reason to let them know that. She'd had practice at this sort of thing.

"If you have any sense, drop the valuables and leave. Or you can all watch one of your friends vomit blood and try to claw their own eyeballs out."

The mages just laughed and raised their hands, preparing more spells. Ling sighed, disappointed. "Fine, suit yourselves." She snapped Kei around to aim at the rogue Earthshaper and pulled the trigger, sending the Disabler vial straight at him. As the glass shattered and the acid splashed across his rocky armour, she pulled an autoquiver from its holster, slammed it into place, and yanked on the reload lever to properly engage in combat.