As the horse-drawn carriage drove through the dusty and winding road, the atmosphere around us grew quieter. There was only the sound of orderly footsteps of horses and the occasional rumble of carriage wheels across the stones on the rough road.
I looked around, reflecting on the adventures we were on. Every natural landscape we passed gave a different impression, from the vast expanse of grassland to the valley that opens between the hills.
"Kratia," Arshley called, breaking the silence. "It's been a tough journey, but we have to stay vigilant. King Gabriel may appear at any time."
I nodded, noticing the worry emanating from Arshley's face. "Everything happened so fast. It feels like just yesterday we were in the comfort of the castle, and now we are here, on an uncertain journey."
Arshley stared far ahead, her eyes full of determination. "Yes, but we must not give up. We must protect the kingdom and stop Gabriel before he causes more damage."
I nodded, pondering the question that still plagued my mind. "But actually... what was the purpose of these scientists to resurrect King Gabriel?"
Arshley sighed deeply before answering my question. "I'm not sure, Kratia. However, what is certain is that we must be vigilant. They may have their own motives that we don't yet know."
Groans! The calm atmosphere around us was suddenly interrupted by the roar of horses in pain.
Arshley and I immediately looked forward, trying to find the source of the sound among the flying dust.
"What happened?" asked Arshley to the horse driver in our wagon, her voice full of worry.
"There are bandits, madam!" the driver replied with a gasp, trying to calm the horses
Without hesitation, Arshley gave an order. "Stay here and guard the train. I'll handle it." With that, she jumped down from the horse-drawn carriage, and I quickly followed her, heart pounding in anticipation of what might happen ahead there.
Our steps rushed to the source of the commotion, following the rumbling voices and screams that were getting closer. As we reached a bend in the trail, a tense scene greeted us.
The two horses carrying the soldiers have fallen, and the bandits who ganged up on them are now engaged in a fierce fight with the soldiers. Among the chaos, I quickly recognized Reynald, one of the soldiers we had met before, was fighting vigorously against the bandits.
"Take this!" Reynald shouted while swinging his sword quickly, which made one of the bandits he attacked startled and jumped back.
Revan, the worst soldier standing next to Reynald, seemed to struggle to avoid the bandits' attack. However, his efforts were in vain. With an awkward movement, he slipped and fell to the ground, an open wound was exposed on his arm.
"Ouch!" he shouted as he tried to get back up, but the bandits' attacks kept aiming at him. The energy he expended to stand up again felt weaker and weaker.
Then at that moment the quest screen appears:
[Quest Daily]
[Help Revan and Reynald fighting]
[Description: use all the skill that you gained from leveled up at inventory]
[Rewards: Rare Box]
Quickly, Arshley jumped into the fight, his sword shining in his hand. He joins Reynald, amplifying their attack on the bandits who continue to attack.
"Come on, Kratia! Join me!" shouted Arshley, inviting me to join the fight.
I nodded, but before that, I looked back at that screen and saw "Inventory". What does it mean by bags? But... Our wagon is too far from here, I can't possibly leave them.
"Damn it, what does Inventory mean?" I said.
When the word "inventory" was spoken, the screen opened, and a spill of small items fell on the quest screen. At that moment, I saw 200 skill items ready to be learned with just a click.
"W-Woah!"
Seeing so many skill options available, I felt dumbfounded. However, there is no time to be stunned. I must quickly choose and use the right skills to help Revan and Reynald fight the bandits.
I started picking out some skills that might be useful in this battle. Iron Sword Lv. 6, Resist Punch Lv. 4, and Combat Tactics Lv. 3. After choosing, I refocused on the ongoing battle.
But my eyes opened when I saw something I had never seen. "This... cool."
Arshley stepped forward, his eyes filled with burning determination. With a quick and agile movement, she positioned himself between Revan and Reynald, ready to protect them. She watched the enemy's every move closely, waiting for the right opportunity to act.
As the bandits approached with a counterattack, Arshley moved swiftly. Her sword spun in a smooth motion, slicing through the air at an astonishing speed. Her attacks were targeted and efficient, preventing the bandits from getting close to their friends.
"Are you guys okay, young man?" asked Arshley, her voice heard amid the roar of battle.
"Commander Arshley!"?
"..."
Arshley smiled and then raised his hand. Instantly, lightning struck his sword, emitting a mesmerizing light, before he swung it nimbly towards the bandits. The scratches of his sword made wounds on their chests, stopping their attacks for a moment.
"Kwackk!"
The soldiers of all the wagons finally arrived at the battle site.
"What's the matter..." said a soldier, his eyes widened looking at the two bandits attacked by Arshley. "Ah, just two bandits."
After the situation was brought back under control with the arrival of other soldiers, Arshley instructed the soldiers to restrain the captured bandits. Meanwhile, Arshley moves closer to Revan and Reynald who look tired after the battle.
"How are you?" asked Arshley as she examined their injuries.
Revan nodded, "We are fine, Commander. Thank you for your help."
Arshley smiled, "There is no problem. Our job is to protect each other. Now, we should rush to the pointed camp for further treatment."
While the other soldiers restrained the two bandits, Arshley, Revan, and Reynald gathered together to talk. I am still busy learning the skills contained in the inventory by pressing them one by one, trying to understand their functions and uses.
When I press a skill, the screen suddenly changes and the display of the skill is more detailed, giving a more in-depth description of the ability he has. I began to understand how to use these skills in battle.
When one of the bandits shouted "Emergency!", the atmosphere was instantly tense. Without waiting for a long time, larger groups of bandits began to emerge from various directions, circling them all meticulously. They came with unsheathed weapons and faces full of malicious intent, ready to attack.
Arshley quickly turned to the soldiers who were around, calling them to prepare for the approaching threat. "All soldiers, prepare yourself! Larger bandit groups have surrounded us. We must not let our guard down. Immediately assemble the defensive formation! For those who have healing skills, prepare to provide medical assistance. The rest, prepare for battle. We must not let them ruin us!"
After giving instructions, Arshley led the soldiers in putting together a solid defensive formation. They form neat rows, ready to face attacks from all directions. Arshley also provides direction on the battle strategy to be used to deal with emerging bandit groups, ensuring that each soldier understands his or her role and responsibilities.
After the defensive formation was formed, the bandit group began to attack fiercely. They appeared from all directions, trying to break through the ranks of our soldiers. Arshley swiftly responded to the attack, leading the troops in the face of wave after wave of incoming enemies.
The soldiers moved swiftly, attacking with swords, spears, and crossbows. The sound of clashing guns, shouting, and roaring horses creates a battle atmosphere filled with adrenaline.
Arshley himself became an inspiring figure, being at the forefront of battle, swinging his sword with mesmerizing skill. Revan and Reynald also fought tenaciously beside Arshley. Although injured and tired after the previous battle, the two of them are different but have the same spirit, that is, never give up.
The battle was fierce, but with solid cooperation and tireless courage, our troops were able to withstand the bandits' attack. Our every move and attack was matched with toughness and courage, showing the enemy that we would not be easily conquered.
With the new skills I had learned, I felt confident as I walked towards the circle of bandits surrounding his soldiers. He knew that now was a good time to use the new skills he had just mastered.
As soon as I arrived behind one of the bandits who was circling the soldiers, Arshley saw me and it surprised him because I wasn't in the circle with them in the first place.
That kid... He's outside, hope he can attack the bandits from behind quickly...
Kumam Arshley
Quickly, I brought out the new skills I learned.
[ Summon 2 Tiger ]
In an instant, two tigers appeared beside me. Their eyes blazed fiercely, ready to attack the enemy. I looked at them with trust, knowing that they would become strong allies in this battle.
Arshley and the other soldiers were surprised to see the two tigers appear.
"T-Wait, Kratia a Tamer?!" said one of the soldiers.
Arshley himself was puzzled by this, as he never knew or received any information that I was a Tamer.
< Chapter 29 > To Be Continued.