Mercenaries and Adventurers

The guard shook his cloak to keep out the cold, shaking off the small snowflakes that had fallen on the road just now.

He walked into the hall where many businessmen and officials were sitting. As he walked around, he looked at the people present. Some of the businessmen had not seen them before, but he also had impressions of several other officials in Bingxun Pass.

Arriving in front of the eldest son of the baron, the guard stroked his chest and saluted: "I met Lord Kendall, and the knight asked me to come back to deliver the letters." After saying that, he took out the letters from his chest and handed one of them to Longsus-Ken. Del.

After receiving the letter from the guard, Longsos did not open it in a hurry. He looked at the second letter in the guard's hand and asked, "This letter?"

"This is a letter from the Lord Knight to the Lord Baron. Since you have received the letter, I will take my leave. I have to set off back to Kendall City tomorrow morning. Please forgive me." After saying that, the guard saluted Longsos again. , without even looking at the other people present, he turned around and left.

-

"Okay, please wait a moment and let me see what news our brave knights have brought." Longsos didn't think there would be any urgent news in the letter. After all, the guards just arrived at the approximate time agreed upon. Moreover, the body was neat and clean, and there was no panic or emergency report.

So he asked the maid to hold the candle close to the candle and open the letter with a knife in front of everyone.

There were two pieces of letter paper inside, both filled with content. Longzos then illuminated them by candlelight and began to read. The others also politely stopped arguing and each drank a little drink to moisten their throats.

Soon, Longsos's expression became surprised, but it didn't look like panic. It was just that there seemed to be something unexpected in the letter.

"Sir, did something happen to the militia?" the businessmen asked urgently. They were still worried that the militia would be defeated. Although it had nothing to do with them, it might be difficult to do business in the coming year, and they had given We can no longer do what our guys promised.

"Oh? Oh. No." Longsus put down the letter and explained to everyone who was looking at him: "The letter is about another knight."

"Another knight?" This time, everyone was confused: "If it is possible, can you tell us if it has something to do with the Ice Flood or the militia?"

Longsos smiled: "It's really related to both, please don't be surprised."

Then, he looked at the second letter. The content above is a brief summary of the intelligence information that Kiel and the old hunters said.

"Ahem, that's it. Some time before Knight Crow and I led the militiamen to Bingshuguan, there were many unexplained disappearances of travelers and merchants on the road from Kendall City to the Dismal Forest Village in the west. Originally, all parties involved It was not regarded as a serious incident. As you know, the main focus at that time was on the training of these militiamen. As a result, a private warrior took over the investigation of this incident and discovered that the culprit who caused the disappearance of many people was actually It’s a monster that comes out of the depths of the forest.”

"Warcraft?" Everyone else was startled, but the degree of frightened by the Warcraft was different. The businessmen were very shocked and frightened, while the officials at Bingxunguan were surprised and curious.

The businessmen immediately and eagerly asked what happened next. They were restless and tangled their hands together. The lecherous man sitting opposite laughed disdainfully.

Instead, the fat businessman responded: "Please don't laugh at me. You don't understand the dangers and dangers of Warcraft at all." He looked at another companion. The businessman who was originally very calm was also very nervous. He took over the words of the fat merchant and said: "We do business all over the kingdom, and many trade routes have been interrupted due to attacks by monsters. Monsters, well, they are not something that can be fought with a large number of people."

Seeing that the officials at Bingxunguan were not impressed by this, he went on to give an example: "You must have heard a little bit about the cannibal swamp devouring incident in Consville County six years ago, right?"

Unexpectedly, the officials opposite shook their heads and had not heard of that incident.

After all, they were all from the capital city of the province and had never left the western province of the kingdom. Their knowledge of other provinces was relatively limited. Of course, compared to ordinary people, they still know too much.

The fat businessman explained tremblingly: "Before the local garrison could react, the rebellious monsters had sunk at least seven villages and two towns into bottomless swamps. After that, the open fields turned into A large swamp area. All the people, at least tens of thousands of people, died silently in the hands of the monster."

"At first the church thought it was an evil god causing trouble, but after the army conducted an investigation, they discovered that it was a worm-like monster that turned those places into swamps."

The officials, who straightened up seriously, then asked: "Did the army defeat the World of Warcraft?"

The two businessmen shook their heads: "Our Chamber of Commerce has guys there, and they happened to know the first-hand news. Most of the army was dragged into the swamp that suddenly appeared by the monsters, causing heavy casualties. After that, more than ten people gathered The local knights, together with a large number of church priests, defeated the monster after suffering heavy casualties."

"Conswell County was simply scrapped like that, and everyone fled there. Until now, it has not returned to the population level before the emergence of Warcraft." After saying this, the two businessmen looked at Longsos, and just sent all the letters After browsing carefully, Longsos smiled and reassured everyone present.

"Everyone, please don't worry. Let me tell you the result first: the Warcraft has been successfully defeated by Knight Lanisha of Kendall County." He stretched out his hand to press down, first to calm everyone who was nervous.

Hearing the assurance from the eldest son of Baron Kendall, and it seemed that the other party's expression was not fake, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and then quickly asked for details.

"Please allow me to continue the news from before." Longsos nodded to everyone present: "A civil warrior went to investigate the disappearance, met the Warcraft, and fought with the Warcraft. After a hard battle, he Successfully fought off the monster and cut off a section of its mouth."

"Civil warriors, defeated the monsters?" The two businessmen were very surprised, while other officials glanced at the two businessmen. They were frightened by what these two people said before, but now they heard the accurate news. Only then did I realize that the levels of Warcraft might also be very different. If the monsters mentioned by the merchants are not exaggerated and exaggerated, it may indeed require a lot of strength to successfully deal with them. But after hearing what Longsos said, a folk warrior can fight off the monsters, then it appeared in Kendall recently. The level of Warcraft in the west of the city seems to be very limited.

Even if they are not attacked by any Lanissa knights, it is estimated that it will be difficult to cause harm to their Ice Flood Pass.

"Yes, I have seen the mouth of Warcraft in Kendall City at that time. It is indeed quite big. Well, it is about the size of the low table in the middle of you." Longsos pointed to the low table in the middle in front of him and asked others to Have an intuitive impression of the size of Warcraft.

"After that, my father sent the female knight Lanessa to lead her team of hunters to fight against the monsters."

A fat businessman who knew the terrain and location of towns in Kendall County asked a question: "So, how is the warcraft crusade to the west of Kendall City connected with Knight Crow's elimination of bandits?"

His question really hit the point right away. Others also became confused about this and looked at the eldest son of the baron.

Ronthos raised the letter and smiled and said: "What's interesting is that Knight Lanissa set up an ambush on the monster in the forest west of Kendall, and the injured monster escaped. It went all the way south, passed through a large forest, and then We crossed two more high mountain areas where the wind and snow were blowing. And Knight Lanisa and her party who were attacking the monsters were also in hot pursuit, following the traces left by the movement of the injured monsters, they chased them all the way through the high mountain areas."

The officials of Bingxun Pass realized this time. They still have some understanding of the topography around Bingxun Pass: "So? They just chased the monsters all the way to the mountains and forests to the west of Bingxun Pass? Why didn't they notify us?"

Longsos did not answer the question from the Bingxunguan officials. He continued: "Here comes the interesting thing."

Everyone present looked at each other, and then focused their attention on Longsos.

"After climbing over two high mountain barriers, Lanisha Knight and his party discovered that what was in front of them was a closed forest where many bandit gangs were hiding and used to spend the winter to avoid the bandits that Crow Knight led the militia to clear out the bandits every year. "

"Impossible! The lair of the Luokangdong bandits is already deep in the western mountain forest. How can there be a forest hiding a large number of bandits? How can they deal with those dangerous beasts in the mountains?" The lustful man stood up and waved his hand vigorously. said.

Others couldn't believe the news, but what if Longsos didn't lie? After all, compared to Warcraft, bandits' problems are not big. After all, bandits can be cleared by soldiers, but Warcraft is difficult to be defeated by a small army. .

"That's right, that's what the letter said. After all, it's impossible for Lord Knight Crow to lie, right?"

After the man calmed down, Longsos shook the letter and continued: "Although there are forests where a large number of bandits are entrenched, fortunately, Warcraft and bandits will not live in peace. Warcraft devoured many bandits, and then passed by After a dangerous and fierce battle, Knight Lanisa and her party successfully defeated the Warcraft. They also rescued several women who were kidnapped by the bandits. Together, they sent a few people back to Ice Flood Pass or Kendall City to prepare for the organization of manpower. Carry the corpse of the monster back."

"Knight Lanessa temporarily guarded the corpse of the monster to prevent other bandits in the forest from destroying it. The few people who returned first met the Knight Crow who led the team outside the bandit's lair in Luobao Cave. In the end, Crow The knight asked me and everyone." This everyone, Longsos looked at the officials at Bingshuguan and said: "Asking us to find ways to organize more supplies, he will speed up the action against the Luo Pocket Cave bandits, After that, we will lead the militiamen further west to join up with Knight Lanisa, not only to bring back the huge corpse of the monster, but also to kill all the bandits hiding in that forest."

Having said this, Ronthos put down the letter and drank a glass of red wine from his silver cup: "Salute to the brave Knight Lanisa."

Others also raised their glasses and shouted casually.

Everyone present had different thoughts, and everyone was silent, but at least, they all knew one thing. What everyone was arguing about before seemed to be less important, and now there was only one question.

"Excuse me, Lord Longsos, does the letter say how big the monster is?"

Picking up the letter, Longsos looked at the words written by Kiel and the others describing the Warcraft written by Knight Crow in the letter: "How should I put it, let me find something for comparison." He looked around: "According to According to the description in the letter, it’s probably slightly larger than my small building?”

Everyone around them took a breath of air-conditioning. They had been relieved before, but their fear of Warcraft rose again with Longsos' words.

But at the same time, everyone wants to know, how much is such a large monster worth?

Several businessmen present just did a simple mental calculation and were dazzled by the huge wealth.

They said in unison: "Please, Lord Longsos, please let me/us join in the follow-up operations to support Knight Crow!"

----

At dawn the next day, noisy sounds came from outside the camp.

Kiel stood up and poked his head out of the tent to look, and found that many militiamen who were fighting for the first time had already risen. Everyone got up early to pack and eat.

Kil didn't sleep anymore, got up, put on his armor, and packed all the combat items he might need today. He also wrapped a red-eyed mushroom candy pill in a piece of cloth, rolled it up, and hid it in the inner pocket of his armor.

If danger arises during battle, he will swallow sugar pills and fight.

Of course, militiamen have a great advantage against bandits, and Knight Crow said that he has rich experience in commanding ordinary soldiers and is very confident in defeating bandits.

Kil knew that even if the bandits defeated the militia team with divine power, Knight Crow could defeat them even if he was alone. Therefore, Kiel has a relatively relaxed attitude towards today's battle.

But the same could not be said for those spear militiamen who fought for the first time. When they gathered around the campfire to eat, many militiamen were very nervous. Many of the militiamen who could usually eat a large bowl of rice lost their appetite at this time and had to eat. They either gathered together and sighed, or walked around nervously holding wooden bowls.

Knight Crow, who got up at the same time, walked out of the camp. With just a glance, he could see the worries of many young people.

He came to the eating place, called some militia captains, and quietly told them some ideas. After that, these team captains quickly gathered their team members together. After the militiamen who had been scattered in the camp to eat gathered together, their emotions gradually calmed down with their acquaintances watching them.

What are you afraid of? You are surrounded by friends from the same village and farm, and no one else is afraid, so there is nothing to worry about.

Similar reasoning came from the mouth of the militia squad leader, which calmed down these nervous and frightened young militiamen.

Kil came close to Knight Crow and told him what happened just now.

Knight Crow smiled and asked: "So Kil, are you afraid of the next battle?"

Kil's answer was to pat his armor and shield: "I believe they will protect me well." Then, he patted his sword again: "And it will deal with those who want to harm me. enemy."

Nodding, Knight Crow then asked: "What if you don't have these weapons and equipment that you trust? Then, how much confidence will you have in your heart?"

Kil thought for a moment and wondered how he would fare in the face of brutal bandits if he lost his weapons and equipment.

After thinking for a while, he slowly said: "I don't have the confidence to say that I am a strong warrior now. But at least, I will choose my enemies wisely, and I will not fight head-on when facing strong enemies that cannot be avoided. It’s about looking for loopholes. Look for possible retreat opportunities and escape routes at any time, and strive to defeat as many enemies as possible while ensuring your own safety.”

Knight Crow frowned: "Perhaps, you should change to other weapons in the future and take another path. This does not sound like what a warrior who can use a shield would say."

Seeing Kil's panic, Knight Crow changed his words: "Of course, I have heard some of your previous experiences. If you are just facing multiple monsters alone, then it is not wrong for you to say so."

He patted Kil on the shoulder: "But if you really want to become a strong warrior, with a brave heart, and the belief that you will not back down when facing a strong enemy, that is the most important thing."

Then he spoke softly and whispered to Kil: "If you want to become a knight like me, you have to fight. No matter what it is, you must fight to become a knight-level warrior like me. At least this is my path, remember alright."

Kil nodded slightly.

-

Before the whole team officially attacked the bandits' lair, Kil ran to the army craftsman and asked for his double-edged spear with the barrel installed.

"Good boy, when you brought the heads of three bandits yesterday, you really shocked me. Can I confirm, are they the bandits you personally defeated?" Craftsman Conquinas handed over the spear he was holding tightly in his hand. In front of Keir, I asked specifically.

Kil grabbed his weapon and pulled the long sword out of the scabbard a little, allowing the craftsman to see clearly some of the blood stains on the sword that had not been cleaned up.

Satisfied, he released his hand and Conquinas crossed his arms: "Not bad, not bad. Kill a few more bandits today. By the way, I will report all the bandit heads you gave me to Knight Crow and Statistics The clerk of war achievements is there, use your name."

Kil smiled, thanked the craftsman, and came behind Knight Crow with his spear.

Another of the knight's guards needed to guard the knight's tent, so Kil became a member of the group standing behind the knight as a form of pomp. Mainly because this guy Kiel joined temporarily, and a warrior like him could not be added to the original spear militia teams.

If Kiir joins in, who do you think Kiir listens to? Was he commanding other militiamen or was it the original squad leader of the militiamen? How could a militia captain whose equipment was inferior to Kiel command a warrior like Kiel who could fight several elite bandits by himself?

Therefore, Knight Crow took Kiel behind him. He would not participate in this kind of battle like a child playing. If combat support is needed, it would be convenient to send Kiel, who has proven his strength. Support places in crisis.

At the gate of the militia camp, Knight Crow slipped the four captured bandits out, and asked the four teams to execute the melee militia team captains who surrounded the bandits from behind. They killed the four bandits one by one as an oath before the battle.

These four melee militia team captains were originally the fourth team that performed particularly well in training. They had also engaged in some large and small battles with bandits during previous investigations. But at this time, in order to make them pay attention and realize the cruelty of battle with other militiamen, Knight Crow specially used four bandits who had confessed many bad things as appetizers to arouse the bloodiness of the militiamen.

"Bandit York. Murder, rape, robbery, and theft. He has committed many crimes, and death is not a pity." Knight Crow waved his hand, and the captain of the Eagle Team carried a machete and slashed the neck of the bandit who was kneeling on the ground and blocking his eyes.

The knight took a few steps and came to the next bandit.

"Bandit Sklay. Murder, robbery, and theft. Kill twenty-seven people. Damn it." He then waved his hand, and the captain of the Lions stabbed the sword into the bandit's chest, then pulled it out, and fresh blood pumped out of the wound. , the bandit fell to the ground and struggled for a while before making no sound.

The knight took a few steps and came to the third bandit. He looked at all the militiamen and said.

"Bandit 'Skinny Pig' Panidobo. A wanted criminal in many places, raping women, raping women, and raping women. Kendall County is not a place where he can run rampant." The knight waved, and the captain of the Mountain Leopard Team came up. First, he kicked the damn bandit between his legs, then stepped on the painfully writhing bandit to the ground, removed the ax from behind, and cut the bandit in half with one strike.

Knight Crow didn't care about the blood splattered on his body. He came to the last bandit who proposed.

"The bandit Delaru. He led people to bloodbath two migrant families, and strangled many children to death with his own hands. He is a repeat murderer and robbery." Waved his hand, the captain of the Wild Boar Team held two small round hammers, walked up and swung them with two hammers. After knocking down the robber, and then hitting him several times, the robber's chest was dented.

Knight Crow ignored the actions of the squad leader behind him. He walked in front of the militiamen, looked at these fresh young faces and said: "These guys have committed many crimes." He turned around and pointed to the direction of the bandits' lair in the distance: "And there, There are still a lot of scum like this in there. Kendall County doesn’t need these guys, three days. In the evening three days later, I don’t want to see them roam free again without paying for their numerous crimes.”

"Let's set off as a team!"

All the militiamen stood on the ground with their long spears, and the surrounding forest seemed to be shaken by the momentum of the militiamen, shaking them all.

Kiel moved the four corpses of the bandits away from them, preventing them from blocking the road out of the camp.

Then he left the body behind and handed it to the clerk's assistants who stayed in the camp, and then quickly followed the Crow knights who had already led the team.