The Otherworld.
It was still that same deathly still forest.
It was still that same gloomy sky.
A tall skeleton wandered aimlessly. Undead creatures were quite sparse in this forest; after a day of roaming, it had only encountered two others of its kind. Skeletons do not communicate. Passing by each other, they never knew when they might meet again.
Footsteps sounded from behind. The tall skeleton turned its head blankly; another of its kind was catching up. It turned back and continued its journey. Abruptly, the whole world turned upside down, the forest now seeming to hang in the sky. Its low intellect couldn't solve this problem, nor was there time left for it to ponder. A long blade shattered its skull.
A wisp of pale white mist drifted out from the shattered skull and was sucked in by Fengyue through the cavity that was once a nose. Fengyue stood up, scanned the surroundings, and let out a silent roar towards the sky before charging into the forest with an agility unbefitting a skeleton, searching for the next target.
The "Dragon and Beauty" mercenary group set off on their journey amidst the chill of early autumn. Lance and his band of thieves went ahead to Cyrus Castle to scout the terrain and set traps. Within the main mercenary column, Kait led 150 knights at the vanguard, while Ete brought up the rear with 200 swordsmen. In the middle of the procession were over a dozen heavily laden carts. Fess rode in one of the carriages, with Franco, acting as his guard, also sitting openly inside the compartment. Rogue rode alongside Kait, impersonating a halberd cavalryman for the moment.
The mercenary group's destination this time was the town of Le Mans, located sixty *li* from Cyrus Castle. Le Mans was of moderate size, with a population of around 2000 people. Ever since the arrival of the Snow Fox, there had been no news from the Alliance about this town. Lance's several reconnaissance trips indicated that Snow Fox personnel were frequently seen coming and going in this town.
Early morning, the people of Le Mans gradually rose, beginning their preparations for the new day's sustenance. The sun hadn't fully risen yet, but the dawn light already illuminated the entire town. The sounds of crowing chickens and barking dogs grew more frequent, and wisps of cooking smoke rose one after another. Diligent figures were already moving sporadically on the streets. This mountain town, due to its remote location and poor resources, typically only saw three to five merchant caravans a year. The townsfolk were accustomed to their self-sufficient, day-in-day-out life, peaceful and quiet for decades.
The early autumn morning breeze carried a distinct chill. The sun slowly rose from behind the mountains, its brilliant red and golden rays casting a splendid hue over the town. The swaying trees in the town seemed adorned with golden leaves, and the early-rising birds joined the chorus. What a picturesque mountain morning scene!
Pity Rogue didn't possess a single refined bone in his body. The fat man frowned at the low, dilapidated houses lining both sides of the main road. Even here, on the town's central and widest street, few shops were visible. The townsfolk by the roadside wore crude, tattered clothes, eyeing this cavalry troop that disrupted the town's tranquility with curiosity, indifference, and even hostility.
"This town has 2000 people, meaning three to four hundred households. Let me think... judging by their poverty, an average family would be lucky to have an income of 2 gold coins a year. Calculating further... the tax possible from that would be about five silver coins, and we'd have to remit three and a half... So, the annual income from this place would be around 50 gold coins?? Damn, *this* is my territory?" The fat man started muttering to himself, his last sentence rising involuntarily.
Franco shot Rogue a dissatisfied look; the fat man's miserliness completely shattered his own appreciation for the rustic scenery. Kait remained silent. Sixty lightly equipped halberd cavalry followed behind them; the rest of the mercenaries were nowhere to be seen.
The cavalry troop slowly arrived at the small square in the town center. A crowd had already gathered there, led by a tall, vigorous old man. He stepped forward and bowed: "My esteemed knights, I am Ian, the mayor of this town. May I ask what brings you to our poor place?"
Rogue spoke brashly: "We are the knight corps of the Duchy of Bavaria. I am Rogue, this is Franco, and this is Kait. From now on, this town and the surrounding area are our territory. You're the mayor, right? First, prepare some food for us. Then report the town's population and income situation. After the meal, take us for a tour around the town."
"Wait a moment!" A very tall, dark-skinned man stepped out, holding a massive iron hammer.
Kait frowned at the big man, urging his horse slowly forward. A sinister, cold aura gradually emanated from him. "What is it? Seems you have some... Thoughts?" Kait's halberd had also been modified by Fess. As the knight's strength grew, it had been forged heavier. Both the spear tip and axe blade were enchanted, making them extremely sharp and more durable. Kait slowly channeled his Battle Aura. Though his skill wasn't sufficient to manifest it externally, his overall imposing manner gradually intensified.
The big man struggled noticeably against Kait's pressure but did not retreat. "I am Bam, the town's blacksmith! How can you prove you're the Duchy's knight corps? What has the Duchy ever done for us besides collecting taxes? Where were the knights when those damned bandits came and took Shana? Where were the knights when they slaughtered my brothers? Now the bandits are gone, we've just had half a year of peace, and you're back to collect taxes! How are you any different from those bandits! This place is now the territory of the Ice Silver Fox! At least they saved us!" The crowd stirred.
Franco pulled at Rogue and said in a low voice, "Look carefully! There isn't a single woman among the townsfolk. And they're all holding weapons." Rogue took a closer look; it was true. The townsfolk mostly held weapons, though farming tools could barely count as such. Rogue carefully observed the surrounding houses and noticed figures peering out from behind tightly shut windows.
Rogue's face darkened. He said to Kait, "Make it quick. I'm afraid there might be trouble."
Kait grunted and charged forward on his horse. Bam roared, raised his iron hammer high, and smashed it down fiercely. A cold flash, a clear, ringing sound – Kait's halberd swept upwards from below, cleanly slicing the big man's hammer in two. As man and horse passed each other, Kait used the shaft of the halberd to deliver a heavy blow to the big man's back. Amidst the sound of cracking bones, the man spat blood, flew three or four meters, and landed heavily on the ground. The crowd erupted in noise again. Kait scanned them, satisfied to see fear added to the hostility in their eyes. He turned his horse and approached the fallen Bam, raising his halberd to finish him off.
"Wait!" Ian rushed over and grabbed the reins of Kait's horse. "Sir Knight, Bam offended you and deserves to die ten thousand deaths. But you have already punished him severely. Please spare his life, considering we are all your subjects. This old man has already arranged for some food at the town hall. I hope you won't find it too crude."
Rogue looked around and said slowly, "The crime of colluding with the enemy is noted for now. We'll eat first. After we deal with those wretched foxes, we'll come back to discipline you wretched lot. I know you're still not convinced in your hearts, just because those wretched foxes gave you a few crumbs. But remember, from now on, this is *our* territory! *We* are your masters! Our word is law on this land! If any of you are discontent, you can try your luck like that fool did. But next time, don't expect any mercy. Ian, find some pretty girls to serve us. If I find there are prettier girls in the town who didn't come out, old man, you can prepare to spend your last ten years in the slave camps."
The atmosphere in the town hall was extremely oppressive. The knights ate their simple breakfast in silence. A few town girls scurried about, delivering food and clearing away cutlery and plates. Occasional, sporadic screams could be heard. Rogue and the other two sat at one table, constantly discussing something in low voices. The food on their table was mostly finished, though the three clearly had no mind to appreciate the taste.
Old Mayor Ian stood by with an ingratiating smile. He felt fortunate the worst-case scenario hadn't materialized. These knights didn't seem very interested in the town's girls.
While the meal was being prepared, Rogue and the others repeatedly questioned him about the Snow Fox Battalion. Shortly after the Snow Fox Battalion occupied Cyrus Castle, a band of bandits came to Le Mans, looted the town, and killed several people. The Snow Fox Battalion happened to pass by the town then, intervened, wiped out the bandit group, and saved the whole town. Afterwards, Snow Fox personnel often came to the town to exchange for supplies, and their prices were fair. After the Snow Fox's arrival, the Alliance's tax collectors never showed up again. The simple townsfolk naturally felt more inclined towards the Snow Fox. However, what commoners thought was not within the consideration of nobles like Rogue. Politics was a required course for high nobles; most of these marginal, declining minor nobles didn't waste time on politics.
The sound of rapid hoofbeats approached, stopping abruptly outside the town hall entrance. A dust-covered halberd cavalryman rushed in, took off his helmet, and hurried towards Rogue's table, announcing loudly: "We've discovered the Snow Fox—" *Smack!* Kait gave him a hard slap across the face. "Why are you shouting so loud!" The knight immediately fell silent and began whispering urgently with Rogue and the others.
Rogue and the others questioned the cavalryman repeatedly, their voices kept very low. Ian could only vaguely catch a few scattered words like "ambush," "trap," "Demon Domain Forest." The old mayor carefully maintained his smile and posture, afraid of causing any misunderstanding.
Soon, they had finished their discussion. The noble scoundrels exchanged fierce grins. They called for the knights to mount up. Like the wind, they charged out of the town, leaving behind a mess of plates and cups in the hall. Ian hurriedly summoned a seemingly clever young man, gave him a few whispered instructions, and the youth assented and left. Not long after, the young man rode off on horseback, following the trail of the cavalry troop. Ian busied himself comforting a few girls with red, swollen eyes.
An hour later, the young man galloped back. Shortly after, another rider departed from the mayor's house and quickly disappeared in the direction of Cyrus Castle.
Hart hadn't been in a good mood for the past year.
The esteemed leader of the Snow Fox Battalion, an eleventh-level swordsman, actually being assigned to this backwater, and for over half a year at that. He cursed viciously as he patrolled the castle.
Laborers struggled to move sacks of ore onto cargo wagons. Six wagons were neatly lined up in the castle's small square, already half full. Hart had originally been ordered to excavate a lich's laboratory but found nothing. By chance, he discovered a rich vein of fine iron ore. This type of iron ore had a very high grade and could be directly used for steelmaking. For the mineral-poor Ronen Duchy, this iron mine was exceptionally valuable. Pity it was located within the borders of the Duchy of Bavaria, forcing them to mine stealthily, taking what they could.
The Duchy of Bavaria had strangely ignored the Snow Fox's occupation for a long time. Nevertheless, Hart had to strive to keep the mining operation secret. The strange attack a few months ago cost Hart several elite cavalrymen and an intermediate mage. Coincidentally, that mage was the brother-in-law of the mercenary group's deputy leader. For this, Hart was summoned back to headquarters and severely reprimanded, his garrison duty at Cyrus Castle extended by a year. Thinking of this, Hart's mood grew even more depressed. He started looking for laborers slacking off, ready to practice his whip skills again.
A horse galloped across the castle square. The rider dismounted, ran to Hart, and reported something. Hart's face was initially grim, then gradually cleared, finally bursting into loud laughter. He slapped the messenger heavily on the back, saying, "After we finish off those bastards, I'll recommend you join the Ice Silver Fox! From now on, you follow me! Hahaha! Men! Assemble! We're going hunting!"
Moments later, one hundred cavalry and two hundred light infantry assembled in the castle square. A black-robed mage also stood by Hart's side. Hart gave the order, the castle gates swung open, and three hundred Snow Fox mercenaries marched out of Cyrus Castle, leaving only fifty swordsmen to guard the fortress.
Rogue and the others continued their leisurely pace along the main road to Cyrus Castle as if on a picnic, the cavalry formation spread out. Rounding a small mountain pass, the lead cavalryman suddenly halted. Those behind, blocked, cursed and squeezed forward. Looking past the pass, they too fell silent.
Ahead, on an open field, Hart, clad in full heavy armor, waited in orderly formation with the Snow Fox mercenaries.
Rogue and the others gasped sharply.
The Snow Fox truly lived up to their reputation as elites. Their ranks were strict and solemn, utterly devoid of human voices or horse neighs. Seeing Rogue and the others, Hart grinned fiercely, licked his lips, and slowly raised his lance. The infantry behind him split into two units and, with a clatter, began to slowly and methodically flank them. Every ten steps, they struck their swords against their shields and shouted "Kill!" in unison. The cavalry, however, remained completely motionless. Hart's lance stood tall and unwavering, yet a murderous aura soared skyward. With just a few hundred men, their killing intent felt like that of a massive army!
Rogue and the others looked at each other, horrified. Their original plan was to use fifty cavalry as bait, launch an initial charge to blunt the enemy's edge. They never expected to face such a seasoned, formidable army. The warhorses, agitated by the killing intent, began to stamp their hooves restlessly. Some cavalrymen were already pale-faced. This rookie cavalry, formed half a year ago and trained for only two months, immediately showed their inadequacy when facing battle-hardened veterans.
The noble scoundrels exchanged glances, finding each other's faces equally pale.
Rogue acted decisively, chanting an incantation. A patch of black mist arose between the two battle lines. When it dissipated, the ground was covered with dense spider webs spanning dozens of square meters. Kait raised his halberd high and began giving orders: "Ready!! Draw bows! Aim for the left infantry unit, shoot!" Dozens of arrows whistled towards the infantry unit 200 meters away. The Snow Fox infantry raised their shields in perfect unison. But their equipment was truly lacking; their light shields couldn't cover their entire bodies, and their leather armor offered poor protection against arrows. After the arrow rain (if such a small volley could be called that), five or six infantrymen lay on the ground.
Kait waved his halberd again: "Draw bows, shoot!" Another wave of arrows, and another five or six Snow Fox infantry fell. The Snow Fox infantry began to charge, trying to close the distance. Hart stared coldly at the opponent's formation. As an experienced commander, he waited for the moment when the enemy was most disordered before launching the final cavalry charge. Rogue's magic, while not stopping his cavalry, would significantly hinder their charge speed. Fortunately, the spell didn't last long, only about five or six minutes. Hart had plenty of patience. Unconsciously, he licked his lips again, like a wolf that had caught the scent of blood.
Kait raised his halberd for the third time: "All units, prepare!" The Snow Fox infantry had already charged to within a hundred meters. Hearing Kait's command, they immediately raised their shields over their heads and continued their charge, though their speed inevitably slowed a bit.
Kait roared: "Everyone, turn around, retreat!!" Most of the Dragon and Beauty mercenaries were old veterans; they retreated swiftly yet without panic, turning around in moments and galloping back the way they came. In Hart's moment of stunned disbelief, Rogue and the others had already put a significant distance between them.
Hart trembled with rage, roaring furiously: "After them!! Chase down those sons of bitches!!"