Chapter 163

‘Hmm.’

I checked the map.

Starting from the western entrance of the central continent and reaching Lake Elrine in the center was the first phase of our extermination campaign.

And for the second phase, we’re heading northeast, cleaning up the bandits along the way.

At the end of this route is the commercial city of Vaea, which also marked the eastern entrance of the central continent.

The meeting point with Regina.

There were only a few days left until that day.

If we take care of this current objective, we should be able to make it in time.

But this objective…

It’s not going to be easy.

The “Bloody Tempest” bandit gang.

Notorious throughout the northeastern part of the central continent.

All bandit gangs are inherently difficult opponents, as they’re all skilled horsemen and highly mobile, making them elusive.

The reason why we could easily sweep through the bandits and Blade’s gang in the underground was mostly because of my comrades’ strength, but another factor was the lack of horses for the bandits.

That mobility…

We needed to find a way to deal with that first.

“Perhaps…taking on this bandit gang…is a bit too much?”

Dan said, looking at me cautiously.

I raised my eyebrow, asking for an explanation.

“I’ve heard about those guys, they’re known for being one with their horses. I don’t think it’ll be easy for us to catch them…”

“ Don’t be such a wimp.”

Godwin scoffed.

“ I’m not being a wimp. I’m being realistic. What are you going to do if they surround us with their mobility?”

“ We’ll crush them all, of course. ”

“…Life would be so much easier if things went as you said.”

Dan shook his head, as if giving up on talking sense into him.

“ What?!”

Godwin was about to explode, when…

I intervened.

“ Enough, you two. Dan’s point is valid.”

“So, you’re saying we should give up?”

Godwin frowned.

“ That’s absurd. We can devise a countermeasure. And I already have one in mind, a plan to neutralize their mobility.”

“ What? You do?”

Dan blinked in surprise.

However, Camian, Annette, and Allen looked like they’d expected this all along.

To my juniors and comrades, it seems like I’m a genius strategist, capable of formulating plans effortlessly.

……I wish they wouldn’t have such high expectations, it’s a burden.

Anyway…

“Yes, listen carefully from now on. I’ll give you a clear explanation.”

And so, I began explaining my plan for the final operation to my comrades.

* * *

The Wasteland.

Or the Forsaken Land.

That’s what it was called.

An endless expanse of sand.

A parched, barren land that yields not a single drop of water.

It’s said that the place wasn’t always like this. That it was once lush and fertile, suitable for farming…but now, those are just ancient tales.

It’s a land devoid of even ants, a place where humans simply cannot survive.

Discovering that place in this desolate wasteland was no less than a stroke of luck for the Bloody Tempest bandit gang.

An ancient castle.

Or…a deserted castle, to be more precise.

A forgotten castle, standing amidst the Wasteland, the Valley of Scorching Heat.

It was discovered by Ibrahim, the leader of the Bloody Tempest.

And it was he who found, incredibly, a spring of fresh water within the castle.

Cunning Ibrahim immediately realized.

That if they made this their base, it would be the most secretive and secure location imaginable.

No one lived here, no one would set foot in this place.

A forsaken land, in the truest sense.

The ultimate place for a base.

And so, the Bloody Tempest bandit gang made the deserted castle their stronghold, wreaking havoc throughout the surrounding lands.

And today, once again…

“ Boss, the next expedition seems to be westward.”

Said a subordinate, handing Ibrahim a message carried by a carrier pigeon.

He could tell just by looking at the direction where the pigeon flew in from.

Where they’d be raiding next.

“Not bad.”

Ibrahim grinned, unfolding the message.

The way they chose their targets was simple.

They would swiftly raid a village whose informant reported weak defenses and then return.

Taking advantage of the fact that these small countries lack the military strength to defend every single village in their remote territories.

“ Heh, Marcellin Village, huh? We haven’t touched it for years, so it must be ripe for the taking. Their fat must have piled up nicely.”

(TLN: they gonna eat their fries)

Ibrahim’s eyes gleamed.

It was routine, but he always felt excitement before a raid.

It was a thrill that never got old.

“ Um…Boss.”

One of the subordinates who was standing next to him spoke cautiously.

“ What is it?”

“ I heard there are guys going around, exterminating bandits…Is it possible that this is a trap? There are rumors that they use false intel.”

“Hmph.”

Ibrahim scoffed.

He wasn’t worried.

Like an elephant wouldn’t pay attention to ants crawling on its feet.

“ Didn’t you just say…”

“ Yes?”

“…that those guys are exterminating *bandits*?”

“ I-I did, but…”

“Those insignificant bandits? Do you think those guys would dare mess with the Bloody Tempest? Preposterous!”

Ibrahim hated being lumped in with the likes of bandits.

He couldn’t be compared to those who could only rob passersby on mountain paths, while he so valiantly attacked villages.

They were on a whole different level.

“ So-Sorry.”

The subordinate quickly lowered his head.

He had sensed Ibrahim’s displeasure.

“ Don’t even worry about those insignificant pests. Prepare for the expedition.”

“ Yes, Boss! ”

And so, a while later…

Ibrahim and his gang set off on another plundering expedition.

* * *

“Damn it!”

Ibrahim cursed.

His face was contorted with rage.

It could not be helped.

The message delivered by the carrier pigeon was a trap.

There were no guards in the village they arrived at, far from it. Instead, a force of over a hundred soldiers was waiting, fully prepared.

And they had cleverly ambushed them, knowing exactly when and where they would arrive.

The surprise attack…

They fought with all their might, but it was a disadvantageous situation.

What added to the injustice was that they had enough strength to win if engaged in a fair fight.

The Bloody Tempest also boasted over a hundred members.

They were not outnumbered.

But they had been caught off guard.

They had no choice but to make a tearful retreat after losing over twenty men.

Such a bitter defeat was unheard of since they rose to power.

“…”

His subordinates were silent.

No one dared to speak in this atmosphere.

Ibrahim broke the silence, yelling,

“ Damn it, move quickly! Those bastards who set the trap might try something at our base as well! ”

“ Yes, Boss! ”

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!

Their horses all kicked up their speed.

* * *

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!

Sand dust billowed in the air.

The bandits passed through a narrow valley.

They spotted a familiar sight.

A small, ancient castle.

It might have looked old and shabby, but it was their refuge.

An absolute sanctuary, where no one had ever dared to tread.

The expressions on Ibrahim and his bandits’ faces relaxed as they approached the castle.

There seemed to be no trouble.

But at that moment….

Figures suddenly sprang up along the castle walls.

All of them were holding something in their hands.

Bows.

“?!”

Whizz!

Whizz, whizz, whizz!

Dozens of arrows rained down on them before they could react.

Thump! Thwack! Thwack!

“ Khhuk! ”

“ Argh!”

Subordinates pierced by arrows screamed and fell off their horses.

Ibrahim’s mind roared back to consciousness.

“ Evasive maneuvers! Fall back! ”

As soon as his order was given, the bandits split into two groups, turning their horses and retreating quickly.

They moved in unison, demonstrating that their fearsome reputation wasn’t unfounded.

They regrouped outside of the arrows’ range.

“ E-Enemies…? How is this…”

“Th-They actually came this far…”

Whispered amongst themselves in anxiety.

It was their first time having enemies invade their stronghold, so they were naturally shocked.

But Ibrahim admonished his subordinates.

“ Get it together! Is it the end of the world? ”

“ Bo-Boss…”

“ Think rationally, this isn’t a big deal. And you! Go secure the entrance, quickly!”

Ibrahim, showing his ability as a leader, quickly made a calm decision.

The narrow entrance to the valley.

It was their only passage and also a naturally advantageous terrain to block a large number of enemies with a small force. Defending that entrance would bring them two advantages immediately.

First, it would prevent any possible reinforcements.

Second, it would seal off the enemy inside.

Eventually, the guys inside the castle will be cornered like rats in a trap.

Ibrahim was sure that they could slowly bleed them dry.

* * *

“Tsk, only seven, huh?”

Godwin muttered.

He seemed to have hoped for more casualties from the surprise arrow attack.

“ They’re really fast at retreating.”

Dan clicked his tongue.

“I told you, they’re not pushovers.”

I said.

Among the bandits of the central continent, the Bloody Tempest was definitely one of the strongest.

I purposely chose a strong opponent for growth.

They were the perfect opponent to end our extermination campaign.

“Umm…I still think there are over seventy of them…”

Annette said with a nervous look.

“It means we each only need to take down ten.”

Camian said calmly.

Despite being exhausted from continuous battles, his confidence seemed to have grown stronger.

All that practical battle experience must have paid off.

“Ye-Yeah, we can do it.”

Allen also said, clenching his fist.

Their confidence wasn’t unfounded.

If it were a head-on confrontation in an open field, we’d be hopelessly outmatched. But when defending a fortification, we could put up a fight.

“ Huh? They’re moving as the Master predicted.”

Dolph said, impressed.

The bandits, after a brief regrouping, were splitting up, sending some of their forces to the entrance.

To block the passage.

“That’s a given.”

I grinned and turned my gaze to Godwin.

“ Let’s move according to plan.”

* * *

“ Boss, what should we do now? ”

“ Don’t rush. They’re the ones in a hurry, not us.”

Ibrahim said calmly.

He had already figured out our plan.

Lure us with false intel, weaken us with a trap, and then occupy the castle while we’re gone.

They probably figured that we’d come back, find that our base was taken over, and launch a desperate, reckless attack, believing they have the advantage in a siege.

They’re sorely mistaken.

I, Ibrahim, am not like those brainless bandits with rocks for brains.

Charge in, blinded by rage?

No way.

“ If we just sit tight, they’ll be confused. It’ll be a move they never expected, completely throwing off their calculations.”

“But they have control of the water supply…”

“ What does it matter? They have water, but they have no freedom. We, on the other hand, have freedom. It means we can procure water from outside as much as we need, not to mention food.”

Ibrahim chuckled.

We didn’t have much food in the castle, but they did have water.

We brought out a large amount of supplies for the expedition.

Humans can’t survive on water alone.

That’s why they’ll have to come out eventually.

“ As always, Boss, your wisdom is truly remarkable.”

“ I’m glad you understand. Now hurry up and go get water and food from the nearest village.”

“ Yes, Boss! ”

The subordinate was about to move when…

Suddenly, the castle gate opened.

“ Hmm? ”

One guy walked out.

A bald giant with a physique like a bear.

He definitely looked strong.

But …

“What? Are you suggesting a one-on-one duel or something?”

Ibrahim scoffed.

“Hahahaha! ”

“ Pffft, hahaha. It seems like he’s lost his mind, now that things aren’t going their way.”

His men roared with laughter.

It was such an absurd act.

And then…

“ Hey, you goddamn bastards! ”

The bald giant roared.

An incredibly loud voice.

The faces of the bandits who had been insulted hardened.

However, Ibrahim waved his hand dismissively.

“ Don’t fall for such an obvious provocation. Only those with no brains would.”

“ Ye-Yes, Boss! ”

His men came to their senses.

It seemed like we were going to get through this without any problems.

But…

“ Get out here, or I’ll crush all the gold and silver you’ve plundered into dust! ”

The bald giant roared again.

“ Hahaha! ”

“ Pffft, what an idiot. There’s no way he’d be able to do that.”

They burst into laughter again.

Ibrahim was incredibly meticulous.

Therefore, all the looted valuables were divided and stored in sturdy, locked metal chests.

Both the locks and the metal chests were custom ordered, of the highest quality, making it impossible to open without a key.

And Ibrahim had that only key on him.

“ Heh, it seems like they tried to come up with a strategy, but it’s pathetically clumsy.”

Ibrahim sneered again.

He looked perfectly calm.

Thump!

At that moment, a metal chest fell from the top of the wall.

A giant hammer, one that could make you question whether a human could even handle it, followed it down.

“ Hahaha! ”

Even after seeing that, Ibrahim and his men continued to laugh.

“ Hahaha! ”

They laughed as the bald giant grasped the massive hammer in his hand.

“ Hyaaaaa! ”

“ Hahaha! ”

They laughed when the bald giant roared.

Clang!

They laughed as the metal chest was crushed with a terrifying crash.

“ Hahaha…”

Crash!

And they laughed as the metal chest was completely destroyed, scattering the valuables on the ground…

“…”

Crack!

And when the valuables were turned into dust by another swing of the hammer…

“ You useless idiots! What are you standing around for, get out there now! ”

Ibrahim, his face pale, shouted desperately.