Neigh Clop Clop Neigh Clop Clop
A single neigh, a couple clops following soon after. Such a series of noises echoed in the air at regular intervals. Along the neighs and clops, a merry chatter rang from time to time. Happy smiles were afloat the place.
"Then, when Cole was born, Dennis cried like a baby again. He was even crying harder than Cole did." ［Leah］
"Huh? I'm sure I remember differently, yeah?" ［Dennis］
"Fufufu! No, I'm sure you cried. We can even ask the midwife if you want." ［Leah］
The couple was yet on another silly argument, which, for some reason, always talks about one of their embarrassing moments . They were arguing in a lively manner, but in reality, it was actually the both of them who were crying back then.
Well, what's important was that there was a merry and cheerful atmosphere looming over everyone. Even the children who hadn't fully grasped the story were laughing in a warm and comfortable manner. Happiness was in the air.
"No, no, I'm pretty sure I'mー Ahh!!" ［Dennis］
Neeiigghhhhh Clop Clop Clop
Dennis couldn't even finish his words. He suddenly whipped the reins, stopping the horse from drawing the carriage. A sense of worry was painted over his face as the carriage completely stopped moving.
"Dennis, is something wrong?" ［Leah］
"Leah, make sure the kids are safe. We have company." ［Dennis］
Such a statement was said with calmness in his voice, but his expressions begged to differ. Sweat was trickling down his forehead and a dry smile forming on his lips. His heart raced uncontrollably as it was swallowed by fear and anxiety.
Before them, about a dozen figures came out of the bushes, surrounding them front, back, and from the side. All of them were equipped with weapons, sharp and ready to kill. There was no mercy nor hesitation in their eyes. Bandits have appeared!
"Kuhahahaha! Today seems to be your unlucky day!" ［Leader］
A boisterous laugh reverberated in the air as a burly, scar-adorned man made his entrance. He wielded a large axe, resting it atop his shoulders as he approached the carriage. A disgusting smile was on his face as he spouted such nonsense, his ugly minions following after him.
Yet even with such a sudden entrance, two figures remained unfazed by the bandits before them. They were, of course, Grey and Yuna who already knew about them from the very beginning. They simply stayed quiet so as to not arouse any suspicions.
'Bandits, huh... It's been a while...' ［Grey］
There was no sense of worry in Grey's mind. He was simply contemplating when was the last time they fought against bandits. There wasn't much interest in his eyes, only irritation that they appeared before them.
"You seem to not know who I am, so let me introduce myself! I am the Great Bardur! Many called me the Crimson Dragon! Tremble in fear!" ［Bardur］
"Hahaha! That's it, boss! Scare them!"
"That's our boss for ya! Kahahaha!"
They were like a lack of hyenas, laughing even though there wasn't anything funny about the situation. Not to mention how cringey their leader's lines were. He was so full of himself when he was only an E-ranker. One who isn't even worth any attention in Grey and Yuna's eyes.
Well, if you compare them to normal people, they are already plenty scary. As proof, Dennis and the others are already trembling at their appearance. After all, no matter how weak, bandits are still dangerous.
"Well, it seems like we have a great catch here..." ［Bardur］
The bandit leader commented as he looked at Leah and Yuna, a disgusting look on his face as he licked his lips in a similarly revolting manner. A very typical comment and action of scumbags they have met throughout their time as adventurers.
"Kuhahaha! If you hand over the women and the carriage right now, we'll spare your lives! This is how merciful I am!" ［Bardur］
Yet another cliché line from a smallfry scumbag. Unfortunately for them, those words only served as one way ticket for them towards hell. Though Grey looked like he was smiling, a boiling anger was already brewing in his heart.
"Never! Over our dead bodies!" ［Dennis］
"Tsk! Tsk! This is why I hate people. They're so noisy when they are about to die... Shut up, you piece of sh*t!" ［Bardur］
"Kakakaka! Nice one, boss!"
"Looks like it will be a bloodbath again! Hahaha!"
There was only arrogance and disgust in the bandits faces as they continued to laugh like crazy bastards who had just escaped their cages. Even with the anger he felt, Grey couldn't help but cringe from the lines they were spouting.
"Alright, boys! Let's finish these f*ckers off! Make sure to not kill the women! We'll still be having a lot of fun tonightー" ［Bardur］
Splurt Drip Drip
It was all too sudden. The bandit leader couldn't even react as a little pebble suddenly darted towards him, grazing his cheeks, letting some blood gush out. Silence soon swallowed the surroundings as everyone tried to comprehend what just happened.
"Mister Dennis, Missus Leah, please look after the children. This will be over very quickly, I promise." ［Grey］
Of course, the one who fired the pebble was none other than Grey who was now ticked off. Though he could remain calm in many situations, if it was one which involved Yuna, it was a different matter. The bandits had stepped on a landmine.
"You b*tch! Kill him!" ［Bardur］
"You're dead, you f*cker!"
"Haaa! Dieeee!"
Not even thinking of any plans, the bandits recklessly rushed towards Grey, holding their weapons tightly, ready to strike at any given moment. They were like a wild rush of violent thugs, relentlessly destroying anything on their path.
Unfortunately for them, no matter how many of them there are, it was all useless. The one in front of them was an immovable mountain who is now boiling in anger even hotter than the magma running through the ground's veins.
⟨⟨Heavy Strike!⟩⟩
⟨⟨Pierce!⟩⟩
⟨⟨Fireball!⟩⟩
All types of weapons and magic headed towards Grey's direction but he didn't falter even for a single moment. He confidently marched towards the enemies, moving his body with minimal motions and skillfully evading their attacks, deflecting the spells with absolute ease.
⟨⟨Silence⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, Grey didn't just let them do as they please. As soon as he opened his mouth, silence swallowed the highway whole, not a single word to be heard, not even the rustling of the leaves and grasses.
"Kugh!"
"Urk!"
One after another, Grey's punch landed towards the enemies, their vision fading to darkness as they fell limply towards the ground. Yet with such painful strikes, there was barely any screaming nor growling to be heard, only silent whispers.
"Get him! Don't let him get away!" ［Bardur］
The bandit leader commanded with all his might, but not a single one of his minions heard his voice. They simply looked at Grey with confusion, striking whenever they felt threatened, not a semblance of cooperation to be seen.
Spears, swords, arrows, and spells. All sorts of things flew towards Grey, yet not even a single one had managed to graze him. He simply walked towards the bandits, an iron fist in his arsenal, striking down the bandits without mercy, sending them to dreamland in a split second.
Though it would have been ideal to eliminate them then and there, there were still Cole and Luca inside the carriage. As much as possible, he didn't want to spill any blood and soil their childhood. He may be angry, but he hasn't lost his rationality. The children's wellbeing still comes first.
"Hahaha! You're wide open!"
"Little Missy, don't resist too much! We don't want to hurt your pretty face, after all."
"Hahaha! We'll have lots of fun toniー Kugh!!"
Well, it wasn't only Grey who was having his fight. On the rear end of the carriage, Yuna was also having her own, swiftly landing a kick on one of the bandit's face, sending him flying dozens of meters in a single burst.
And it wasn't just that bandit, the one beside him also got dragged along, suffering the same fate before turning unconscious as soon as he hit the ground. It was only then that the bandits realized that they messed with the wrong people.
"Oops. Looks like I put a little too much strength." ［Yuna］
Unfortunately for the bandits, it was already far too late. As their faces turned pale, they quickly stopped, their weapons dropping towards the ground before they turned around, running with their tails tucked between their legs.
"Not so fast. ⟨⟨Frost Bind⟩⟩." ［Yuna］
They couldn't even run a couple steps. As Yuna's cold voice rang in the air, frost quickly swallowed the ground, running rampantly like a rampaging beast, devouring the bandits' legs and preventing them from escaping. Only doom awaited them.
'D-Dammit! What's happening?!' ［Bardur］
The bandit leader could only curse in silence as he watched his minions get defeated one after another. Fear crept inside his heart as he watched the young man approach him, his hands starting to tremble.
Five meters... Three meters... Two meters...
With each of Grey's steps, the distance between him and the bandit leader was only shortened. Though he had defeated numerous of the minions, his expressions stayed the same, not a hint of interest to be seen. There was only coldness.
"Kugh...! Don't underestimate us, you f*cker!" ［Bardur］
Driven by rage, the bandit leader charged towards Grey with burning vigor, irked veins popping here and there in his head. And when he was in range, he then positioned his axe on his side and...
⟨⟨Sweep Burst!⟩⟩ ［Bardur］
A smoldering strike, covered in mana, rushed towards Grey's head, aiming to finish him off. Yet even with such a threat heading towards him, Grey remained calm and disinterested. Only a couple words appeared in his mind.
'How slow...' ［Grey］
There was no worry in his eyes. Grey simply heaved quite a lengthy sigh full of disappointment, shaking his head ever so slightly. He then looked at the passed out bandits surrounding them, heaving another sigh soon after.
The bandits and the man before him were not worthy of his time. They were just a couple pieces of disgusting trash which only deserves to be cleaned up. Even his anger is starting to subside with how pathetic they were. Not that he'll forgive them or anything of the sort.
"H... How?! This is impossible!" ［Bardur］
The bandit leader screamed in disbelief. Well, who wouldn't? After all, rather than dodging, Grey just raised his hand, stopping the hammer with only a single finger. Such a display only showed the power gap between the two.
"For someone who barks so arrogantly, you sure have nothing worthy to show... Is this all you can do...? How pathetic..." ［Grey］
Grey's words were like daggers that pierced the bandit leader's heart without mercy. At the same time, it was also like firewood which only kindled the blazing anger he felt. The bandit leader's face was turning red with rage.
"Die! Die! Die! Die!" ［Bardur］
Lost in rage and unable to accept the humiliation, the bandit leader mindlessly swung his large axe towards Grey. But no matter how hard he tried nor how much power he exerted, not a single one of his strikes connected towards the young man.
"Haah... Let's stop this farce, shall we?" ［Grey］
Said Grey as he deftly caught the man's axe with just a couple fingers, and with a little bit of strength, shattering it to pieces. It wasn't only the axe which had been crushed, so was the bandit leader's hope as his eyes opened wide in shock.
It was over. No matter where the bandit leader looked at it, there was no escape. Only doom awaited him and his minions. He could only grovel on the ground as he faced Grey, sweating bullets like never before.
"P-Please spare us... I-I promise we won't do anything like this again..." ［Bardur］
"Are you sure?" ［Grey］
"Y-Yeah! We-We'll be turning over a new leaf!" ［Bardur］
Trembling, the man gave Grey his words. His face was whote as a sheet of paper and his voice was barely getting out. He couldn't even look Grey in the eyes. It was as if death was standing before him.
"Hmm... Alright." ［Grey］
"Th-Thank you! I'll never forget thisー" ［Bardur］
"When pigs fly, that is." ［Grey］
Unfortunately for him, Grey could easily see through his lies. Grey knew with his "eyes" that it was just an excuse so that they could escape. The moment they are let go, they will resort to crime once again. There was no hope left for them.
'Hmm... Actually... Aren't there flying pigs in Merusia?' ［Grey］
The bandit leader was already despairing yet Grey was thinking of such a thing. He pondered sincerely about what kinds of pigs could fly. It was a world of magic, after all. Everything was impossible.
"Oh, right. Before I forgot..." ［Grey］
"Wh... What isー Urrrkkk!!" ［Bardur］
"That's for my girlfriend." ［Grey］
There was not a single warning. Grey, fast as lightning, delivered a heavy punch towards the bandit leader's face, almost carving in his already ugly face. It was fortunate that Grey's anger had subsided, otherwise, it wouldn't have been pretty.
『Grey～! I'm done on my side!』 ［Yuna］
『What a coincidence. I'm finished, too.』 ［Grey］
And just as he finished dealing with all the trash, Yuna also finished cleaning up the rear. With everything done and finished, Grey and Yuna dragged the bandits towards the trees and tied them up there with extremely tough vines using plant magic.
Of course, as assurance, Grey also casted curse magic, "Sleep", on them. It was a pity that they couldn't dispose of them with the current circumstances, but fortunately, there were many ways to deal with them. There was no need to waste any more time.
All that was needed to do was continue their journey. Thankfully, everyone was inside the carriage, unable to see what just happened. They didn't want to scar and ruin the children's childhood, after all.
"Mister Dennis, everyone, we're finished." ［Grey］
"R-Really? That was awfully quick. What of the bandits?" ［Dennis］
"Ah, they're over there." ［Grey］
Calmly said Grey as he pointed towards the now unconscious bunch of scumbags who were tied up in the trees. Not only Dennis, but everyone else was mystified by the sight. It was their first time seeing such a clean fight.
"How about you two, are you unhurt?" ［Leah］
"Un! We're both fine! Not a single scratch!" ［Yuna］
The worried faces were quickly erased with Yuna's energetic reply. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as they welcomed the two back to the carriage, the children especially excited, smiles blooming on their faces.
"Still... It's amazing... They looked so strong yet you defeated them so easily. Really amazing..." ［Dennis］
"Hahaha. Well, they only looked strong, but they're actually just small fries. They quickly went down with just a single punch." ［Grey］
Grey didn't even flinch a little as he said such a statement. Though it wasn't strictly a lie, it was only possible with such an overwhelming gap between their strengths. If it was a normal person, it would have been very dangerous.
"I see, I see... So we were deceived... If only I had known earlier, I would have joined you too! It would have been a piece of cake!" ［Dennis］
"Fufufu! You were even trembling just earlier, and now you look so confident. I'm sure you'll be taken out in an instant." ［Leah］
"My dear, that's where you're wrong. I mean, not to brag, but I was the best warrior in our village. It would only take a single chop and they're finished!" ［Dennis］
It was as if nothing scary had just happened. Now, Dennis is showing off his "moves" to everyone with great vigor, everyone laughing at his style. They weren't just sloppy, they were terrible. Nevertheless, it was worth a chuckle.
"Big Bro! Big Sis! Tell us how it went!" ［Cole］
"Yeah, yeah, tell us! I also want to know!" ［Luca］
"Fufufu! It seems like we have no choice then." ［Yuna］
The children were full of excitement, Dennis demonstrating his "expertise", and laughs dancing in the air, such was the light atmosphere about the carriage as the wheels started turning once again. As if everything was just a dream.
The sun climbed and the sun fell, with the shadows moving and the clouds drifting, time passed by ever so quickly. Soon, after five days of travel, a beautiful town finally showed up on the horizon. It was Moterno.
The line quickly moved, and with just a little bit of wait, it was quickly their turn. After a quick inspection, they were then allowed entry to the town, the carriage entering the gates as the horse's footsteps continued clopping, hitting the stone road.
"Then, I guess this is where we'll part..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. It was only a short journey, but I'm sure we'll never forget this. We had a lot of fun. Thank you." ［Dennis］
"Same here. It was an amazing journey." ［Grey］
There was only sincerity in Grey's words. Though it was true that they spent more than what they earnt, with the meals and all that, it was also true that they gained a lot of precious experiences weighing more than gold. He and Yuna were satisfied.
"Big Bro... Big Sis... Are you going already?" ［Cole］
"Aren't you going to play more with us?" ［Luca］
"Cole, Luca, don't be like that. You'll only make it difficult for Miss Elena and Mister Shin if you act like that." ［Leah］
And of course, just like their previous experiences with children, Cole and Luca quickly got attached to them. But well, it's not like Grey and Yuna don't feel the same. Now, they have more people which they can call their friends.
"Fufufu! Don't be too sad. If fate allows it, I'm sure we'll meet again." ［Yuna］
"Really...?" ［Luca］
"Un! I'm sure, so look forward to it, okay?" ［Yuna］
But just like everything else, with every hello, there is always a goodbye. Though it was only for a short while, it has already become a memorable experience for them. One they won't ever forget no matter how much time passes.
Well, not that they won't be meeting again. Moterno and Galderia are just a couple seconds away with a quick warp using "Gate". Though there was still the issue with their hidden identities, that's a problem for another time. They could always meet if they ever feel like it.
"Bye, Big Bro～! Bye, Big Sis～! See you next time～!" ［Cole］
"Bye～! I'm sure we'll meet again! I promise～!" ［Luca］
Waving their hands with smiles on their faces, Cole and Luca's figures soon vanished into the busy streets. With everyone now gone, Grey and Yuna were left alone with themselves, finding themselves in a familiar scenery.
Though it has been several months since they entered Moterno, it felt like it was just yesterday. The place where Grey realized his feelings, where met Eliza, where they ate pizza, and where their hearts became one. It was a place full of memories.
"Ah, right... We still have to report the bandits, don't we?" ［Grey］
"Ehh～? But I want to eat Kiria candy already!" ［Yuna］
"Me too. But that can wait, now, can it? Duties first, fun second." ［Grey］
"Boo～! That's no fun～!" ［Yuna］
Their voices drifting in the air and their hands interlocking with one another, Grey and Yuna headed towards the barracks. They have already made a lot of memories, and now, it was time to make some more. Their journey has barely just started.
CHAPTER 206 END