In the morning, one of the guards knocked on Tatsuo's door. "Lord, Captain Rota has arrived."
"Okay, send them in."
Shortly after, Rota and Ragnar entered the room, finding Tatsuo already seated on his bed. "You're quick, Rota. I didn't expect you to be this fast. It hasn't even been a day," Tatsuo remarked.
"Your Highness, you forget I'm from Toria. I'm familiar with this area," Rota replied humbly.
"Ah, yes! I forgot. So, what about their location?" Tatsuo asked.
The atmosphere in the room turned serious. "Your Highness, there's a small village south of Yoroi. I have a friend who's been there, so I confirmed it's their headquarters. They have about 100-200 people, ranging from level one Mortal Ground to level one Sky Gate in strength. However, I don't know their leader's strength or any hidden forces. But I'm confident we can annihilate them. They're just a bunch of trash!" Rota reported.
"Good work, Rota. How many days of travel to reach them?" Tatsuo asked.
"About 20-25 days, my prince," Rota replied.
Tatsuo stood up. "Prepare everything. We leave tonight!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" They bowed and left.
They prepared their weapons, armor, shields, and acquired twenty-one warhorses. At night, they left the town. Old Kie watched them depart, thinking, I won't disappoint you, my prince. I will forge this town into a city!
Twenty-two days later, in the small village south of Yoroi City, two guards stood watch at the gate in the middle of the night.
Hiss!
Arrows struck their heads, leaving them dead before they knew what happened. Dozens of figures entered the village, killing and burning houses. Some villagers fought back but were quickly overwhelmed.
A young man entered the village, flanked by a giant and a knight. "My prince, you're a genius. Your strategy is divine! We're wiping them out with ease," Rota praised Tatsuo. They had agreed to Tatsuo's plan during their journey from Harbor Town.
"Rota, Ragnar, join the fight," Tatsuo commanded.
They bowed and joined the fray.
Boom!
Someone was sent flying, landing before Tatsuo. He saw it was one of his guards. At the same moment, he sensed a level 3 Sky Gate Realm aura. Tatsuo looked up and saw a man with a saber, long hair, and a leonine face.
The man charged Tatsuo, saber raised.
Tatsuo drew Warbreaker, blocking the attack. The force of the blow pushed him back. "Damn! You're strong, and lucky. I've been itching for a fight." Tatsuo unleashed his Sovereign Burst Realm aura.
The man's eyes widened in shock. He had assumed Tatsuo was weak and easily defeated. He tried to flee, but Tatsuo grabbed him by the back of the neck and threw him to the ground. "You can't escape, lucky man." An ugly smile spread across Tatsuo's face.
The man, terrified, begged, "Please don't kill me! I'll be your slave!"
Tatsuo laughed coldly, then asked, "To be sure, are you the leader of this group?"
"Yes, sir, I am. I will do—" He didn't finish his sentence as Tatsuo sliced through his neck. Tatsuo raised the severed head and shouted, "Your leader's head is mine! Surrender, or we will kill you all tonight!" The Sovereign Burst aura intensified, chilling everyone, including Tatsuo's subordinates. The Iron Slavery Company members were demoralized, seeing no chance to fight or escape. Tatsuo's guards were grateful they didn't face an enemy like their master.
One by one, they dropped their weapons and knelt. Tatsuo's guards herded the bandits to the village center and freed the captives. Tatsuo personally guarded the prisoners.
After three to five hours, Rota and Ragnar returned with their reports. Rota reported, "Sir, we have eighty captives and one hundred twenty-five killed, including their leader, his right hand, their offense advisor, a commander, three captains, and twenty wanted criminals. Among the captives are the defense advisor, a commander, six captains, and many wanted criminals." He paused, then sadly said, "We lost two men, sir."
Tatsuo clenched his fist. As a former soldier, he had lost many comrades, and it always brought him sadness and regret. The lives of his men were precious to him.
"We will hold a burning ceremony after we're done. Send someone to deliver their ashes to their families, and..." he hesitated, then continued, "give their families three hundred gold coins each, and tell them I will personally visit and apologize after my duties." After a brief exchange, Rota stepped aside for Ragnar.
"Reporting, sir. We have one hundred nine prisoners. Thirty-four are villagers, three half-giants, thirteen half-elves, four elves, ten dwarves, and the rest are humans. More than half are children, aged ten to seventeen. The three half-giants want to join us, as do ten half-elves and two elves." He paused, then added, "Oh, and one prisoner is a former noblewoman."
"Interesting. Bring her to me after the burning ceremony," Tatsuo replied.
"Yes, sir." Ragnar stepped back.
Tatsuo sat, appearing to think, but he was simply tired from the travel and raid.
After a while, he looked at Rota and Ragnar. "Send six men to bring the prisoners to Harbor Town and tell Old Kie to help them start new lives or return home. Those who wish to join us, arm them and guard the bandits. I'll speak with them tomorrow." He stood up. "Find a suitable place to rest, and let's prepare a burning ceremony for our fallen brothers." He headed to the ceremony site, not waiting for a response.
At the burning ceremony, Tatsuo watched the burning bodies with teary eyes.