Chapter 62: Deserters (1)


    Dale dragged the captured bandit leader into a temporarily erected tent.


    Dale, Reba, and Gabriel entered inside the tent.


    The leader shrank under the gaze of the three, though he did not tremble.


    From this, Dale discerned that the man possessed a certain mettle.


    <em>Hes not just anymon thug.</em>


    It was Reba who spoke first and broke the silence.


    Lets begin then. Shall we start with an introduction?


    The leader nodded his head vigorously.


    Fisher. My name is Fisher.


    So, Fisher, it seems you hold some rank within the bandits. What did you do before? Surely, you werent born a thief.


    Well


    When Fisher hesitated, Gabriels eyes narrowed in frustration. He was desperate for even the slightest revenge against the bandits who had screwed him over.


    Fisher who sensed that spoke hastily.


    I was a soldier!


    A soldier, huh?


    It was somewhat expected.


    The tactics and discipline they had demonstrated were not something an ordinary band of thieves could mimic.


    Reba inquired,


    A deserter?


    Th-thats right. I was originally a decurion in the 4th Legion. Our captain was a centurion.


    Reba frowned.


    Wait. So, the entire one-hundred-man unit deserted and turned into a band of thieves?


    Something like that.


    It wasmon for deserters to be bandits.


    But the entire one-hundred-man unit deserting was no ordinary event.


    Reba asked,


    Why did you all run away?


    Well


    No, I get why you would desert. But why now? If you were going to run, you should have done it earlier. Thanks to the heroes killing many demons, its rtively peaceful now, isnt it?


    The eastern front with the demons had recently fallen into a tedious stalemate without any significant battles.


    Peace and leisure, in a sense, could also mean being bored.


    Enough so that soldiers guarding the front lines woulde into the cities to cause trouble.


    What Reba meant was this:


    Why desert now, during a time of peace, rather than during the real dangers and life-threatening moments of the past?


    Fisher responded without hesitation to such a question.


    Well, surveince isxer now, isnt it?


    Ah.


    Back then, maybe one in a hundred deserters would make it out sessfully.


    Desertion was deemed to be impossibile during times of real danger.


    Reba sighed deeply and rubbed her face.


    Alright, lets move past this topic for now. So, youre saying that your band of thieves now has nearly a hundred deserters gathered?


    Yes, thats correct. Most of them are quite experienced. Besides, we keep recruiting new members here and there, and there are those weve captured. In total, we might have around three hundred. Or maybe less now, after many just died?


    Dale spoke up.


    The ones you led today were the new recruits, then.


    The opponents they had faced in this battle had some discipline but that was about it.


    Their individual fighting skills werent particrly strong.


    If they had been deserters seasoned by prolonged frontline experience, the battle might have been more difficult.


    Fisher nodded his head in response to Dales question.


    Exactly. I brought them to gain some realbat experience. The n was to make a quick profit and then escape. But the cavalry charged in so recklessly that I got greedy and


    Fisher abruptly stopped talking; his mouth suddenly sealed shut. The very cavalryman who had charged in without a thought was now ring at him as if ready to kill.


    Reba stopped Gabriel and asked.


    Where is the main camp of the bandits now?


    Theyre waiting in a ce called Faido Vige. Its quite arge vige, with low but stone-built walls.


    Faido Vige Now that you mention it, a bandit disguised as a refugee did say something about that. What happened to the vigers?


    Haha. What do you think happened?


    Fisher seemed to have rxed a bit and asked back with a slight smile.


    It was a grim smile that people who were ustomed to killing would make.


    In that instant, Dale immediately pped Fisher across the face.


    <em>Smack!</em>


    Ugh!


    Fishers body flew through the air and his yellow teeth ttered to the ground.


    Dale held Fisher up from his head and warned.


    Dontugh.


    I-Im sorry.


    Fisher wiped the blood trickling from his mouth and hastily apologized. The ease previously visible in his expression vanished instantly.


    It was a p that could knock out even a giant so it was sufficient to instill manners in the insolent bandit.


    Dale forcefully lifted Fisher back up and made him sit down again.


    I have onest question.


    Please ask me anything.


    Fisher who was now more polite bowed his head and Dale asked him.


    Why would an entire hundred-man unit desert? Was there some kind of trigger?


    Each person has their own thoughts yet an entire unit decided to desert.


    Could there have been a significant trigger for such a collective decision?


    A trigger, you ask? Ha. Haha.


    Fisher burst intoughter. Dale furrowed his brows.


    He had just been told not tough yet here he wasughing again.


    But there was something off about Fishersughter. It seemed dry or hollow perhaps.


    Or it resembled the expression one might make when paralyzed by overwhelming fear.


    Fisher, with a hollowugh, suddenly changed his expression and asked,


    Have you ever seen a demon, sir? A high-ranking demon?


    Before Dale could respond, Fisher continued,


    We have. We saw it.


    Fishers eyes zed over. Those eyes contained memories he didnt want to recall.


    Its futile to resist. Expecting heroes to hunt down demons? Its all bullsh*t. Resistance is meaningless. Sooner orter, were all going to die. The demonsthe demons will kill us all. Thats why we must flee, to survive even a day longer.


    After that, Fisher kept repeating simr phrases. No matter the question, no answer came.


    He seemed almost out of his mind.


    Dales questions seemed to dredge up painful memories in him.


    Reba sighed deeply.


    Demons It seems hes not in a state to answer any more questions.


    Reba handed Fisher over to the private soldiers.


    ***


    After Fishers interrogation, Reba suggested to Dale that they have a meal together.


    Dale was about to tly refuse when


    We should discuss the future ns over a meal. It seems we might need to make some changes to our ns.


    Gabriel objected.


    Why would we discuss our ns with this man! He may be joining us as a mercenary, but he is still an outsider!


    The detailed ns for the caravan were usually discussed between Reba, the leader of the merchants guild and Gabriel, the chief of security.


    Gabriels mood greatly soured at the thought of this distasteful heretic knight joining their discussions.


    However, Reba looked at Gabriel with a disdainful eye.


    Who was it that uncovered the bandits disguised as refugees?


    . It was that knight. But thats beside the point!


    And who was it that saved us from falling into the enemys trap, losing all our horses, and being cornered, by driving the enemy back?


    Gabriel, despite his pride, had enough conscience not to argue against irrefutable facts and thus remained silent.


    Had it not been for Sir Dale, the damage could have been unimaginable. We might have even had to return to Irene, which could have cost me my head, you know?


    Reba made a throat-slitting gesture with her thumb, causing Gabriel, who was at the heart of the problem to shrink back.


    She then scolded Gabriel even more sharply as if pleased by the turn of events.


    In the end, business is all about cing the right people in the right positions. I ced Sir Gabriel in his role, believing he would excel, andpensated him generously for it. However, I must admit, today Im feeling some regret about that decision.


    I acknowledge my mistake. But until now, I have performed my duties without fault. Todays error was a first.


    Reba nodded gently at Gabriels awkward excuses.


    She knew that pressing too hard could diminish the effect.


    Youre right. Youve done excellently so far. But I expect even better from you moving forward.


    After she said that, Reba turned her attention to Dale who had been sitting quietly.


    Ive beente in saying this, but Sir Dale, youve done exceptionally well. Taking the lead to save our allies, throwing the axe to kill the leader, capturing the fleeing Fisher, and even predicting that the thieves might set a trap. Though even I ignored that thought like a fool.


    It was just a stroke of luck.


    Luck is part of skill. After the caravan is over, Ill make sure to pay you a generous bonus.


    Dale sighed inwardly.


    After scolding Gabriel and then praising Dale, where would Gabriels frustration go?


    <em>Is she doing this on purpose?</em>


    If so, she was indeed not someone to be taken lightly.


    However, with the promise of a generous payment, Dale simply nodded his head.


    Reba said with a smile,


    Regardless, I believe Sir Dale has a strategic eye. I was hoping you could lend us your expertise, as this situation may be more serious than it appears.


    A band of hundreds of bandits who destroyed a vige.


    Whats more, these bandits were deserters, disciplined, and knew how to use strategies.


    Engaging them in battle would undoubtedly prove to be a troublesome affair.


    Gabriel remarked,


    However, these scoundrels have already suffered a significant defeat. They wouldnt dare confront us again.


    Reba spoke to Gabriel as if admonishing him.


    Sir, you cant just take things at face value. You need to consider the reasons behind the events.


    Gabriels frown served as his response and Reba continued,


    An entire unit deserting from the front lines? Isnt it strange? No matter howx the surveince, there should have been efforts to organize a pursuit.


    Dale asked her.


    Are you suggesting there might have been an issue at the front?


    Possibly. Or maybe it wasnt desertion at all.


    ?


    Reba spoke up,


    In the old days, it wasmon for lords near the coast to collude with pirates. Why wouldnt they? Plundering a single ship could bring in a huge profit.


    Dale quickly grasped what Reba was implying.


    Are you suggesting that the front-linemanders might be deliberately sending troops to loot the surrounding areas?


    Could the military have be so corrupt?


    Yet, considering the suspicious activities recently urring in the city, it seemed like a possible theory.


    Reba nodded her head.


    Its just one possibility. All the generals Ive met were honorable people, but one can never truly know what lies within a person.


    I see.


    Theres another troubling thought. I dont understand why the lord of Kaelum remained inactive while such bands of thieves roamed freely.


    Maintainingw and order is a lords duty, after all.


    Even if it wasnt their duty, it was hard to imagine a lord who would stand by idly as arge town was destroyed, knowing well that the resulting decrease in collected taxes would surely follow.


    Its possible he was unable to act due to other matters.


    Perhaps. But its certain that the situation is taking a strange turn. We might need to adjust our ns ordingly Shall we eat first?


    The food came out just then. A dish made of minced pork that had been shaped into patties and fried in oil caught Dales eye


    <em>Its quite a luxurious meal for a journey.</em>


    Nheless, Dale decided to eat as usual even though it was a meaningless act.


    To do so, he first had to remove his helmet. Dale took it off and set it down on the ground.


    His white hair cascaded down over his shoulders.


    When Rebas gaze shifted to him, she caught sight of Dales face and flinched.


    Her eyes widened in surprise. So Dale asked her.


    Whats the matter?


    Uh, um. Have you considered going without your helmet more often? It must be stuffy.


    Reba awkwardly cleared her throat and said.


    I find it morefortable.


    Is that so


    Reba who trailed off as if she was disappointed moved the dish Gabriel was about to eat in front of Dale.


    Eat up, please.


    Thank you.


    Gabriel looked dejected, and Dale began to eat calmly.


    Afterward, the three of them discussed their future ns while continuing their meal.


    Their destination, the Castle of Kaelum, remained unchanged, but they had initially nned to pass through the vige of Faido along the way.


    However, Faido vige was currently upied by bandits.


    Unfortunately, it seems we cant rest in the vige. Well have to take a detour.


    Reba noted as she moved a piece on the map. Dale who was looking at the map with them suggested.


    If we go as nned, were bound to run into them if theyre on the lookout. Perhaps we should consider a wider detour.


    I agree that would be safer, but


    Reba pointed to the map,


    It would mean a significant detour. That could cause problems with our schedule.


    For Reba, any further dy in their schedule was a huge burden.


    In the end, they had to push through forcefully.


    The situation was not dire.


    Even if the enemies were deserters, they had already suffered a major defeat.


    Their morale was likely low.


    Moreover, the quality of our forces is certainly superior. If the bandits have any brain in their heads, they wouldnt dare attack us again.


    Dale nodded in agreement.


    Indeed, Rebas words were sensible and logically sound.


    However,


    <em>The world doesnt always operate on logic.</em>


    From the conversation he had earlier with Fisher, Dale instinctively felt that there was something unsettling about these bandits.


    What that was, he suspected, would soon be revealed to them.


    ***


    Faido vige once thrived as a midway point between major cities.


    The residents wore bright smiles on their faces thanks to the vigesfortable economy and favorable climate.


    The women of Faido vige, in particr, have been renowned for their beautiful smiles since ancient times.


    However, those smiles were no more.


    Now, the vige that was engulfed in silence reeks only of the stench of blood.


    The residents were tied up in lines in the vige square of Faido.


    A man named Lapin who was the leader of the bandits meticulously inspected the condition of the bound vigers.


    Then he raised his head and spoke to a hunched-back man wearing a white mask before him.


    How are they?


    The hunched-back mans eyes gleamed fiercely from behind the mask as they scanned the vigers.


    Soon, a satisfied voice emanated from the mask.


    This is certainly not bad. Their condition is not bad at all. Hehehe, as expected, Centurion Lapin never disappoints us.


    The hunched-back man let out an unpleasantugh simr to the grating of iron.


    Already frustrated by the pursuit of the heresy inquisitors, this bountyes as a pleasant surprise. My friends will surely be delighted.


    Enough with the useless talk. Where is the item you promised?


    Of course, Ive prepared it.


    With a flourish, the hunched-back man flicked the shabby sackcloth draped over his body.


    And a cylindrical object suddenly rolled out from beneath and came to a stop at Lapins feet.


    Lapin caressed the object as if he was captivated by it.


    The hunched-back man chuckled at such an action.


    Hehe, to see a once-honorable warrior who defended the front lines bewitched by a weapon imbued with demonic power is quite the pleasant sight.


    However, Lapin remained transfixed as he merely gazed at the object.


    Shrugging his shoulders, the hunched-back man walked towards the vigers.


    The vigers shrank back in fear and with each sign of their terror, the hunched-back mans smile grew even more pronounced.


    He muttered to himself.


    The lives of young men and women add up to 413. Ive made sure of that.


    Then he grasped the hand of a young man who was nearby.


    E-Eeeek!


    The young man tried to shake off the grip, but it was already toote. His body began to crumble into dust from his fingertips and was slowly disintegrating.


    Aaagh!


    It wasnt just the young man. The magic cast by the hunched-back man was contagious.


    The young men and women tied in a line soon began to turn into dust one by one, copsing while still alive.


    Each one of them screamed in terrible agony.


    The elderly and the young children could only shiver in horror at the sight.


    However, the hunched-back man seemed to find pleasure in their screams.


    He started humming a tune and gathered the dust that was once the vigers into a leather bag.


    After hepleted his task, the hunched-back man addressed Lapin.


    Lapin. Ive gratefully received the offering. Such deals are always wee, so feel free to call upon me anytime.


    Shut up. Ill never cross paths with you again.


    Haha. Thats what they all say at first. But once youve had a taste, you cant escape it.


    Lapin just stared at the demonic weapon without answering. He looked like he was alreadypletely captivated by it.


    The hunched-back man who was looking at this with satisfaction suddenly became curious and asked.


    But, is there really an enemy worthy of that weapon around here? It seems a waste to use it just to take over a vige.


    It was only then that Lapin nced at the hunched-back man before he lowered his gaze back to the weapon and said.


    Dont worry about it. I have just the ce to test it out.