Ren focuses his attention on the approaching threat. "Men, hold your ground be ready to defend."
The soldiers form a defensive formation around Ren as the distant howling of the wolves draws closer, the soldiers scanning the surrounding woods, eyes alert for any sign of movement.
The first glimpses of the wolf pack emerge from the trees, their eyes glinting in the dim light. The soldiers tighten their formation, shields raised and weapons at the ready.
30 wolves and 1 dire wolf came out of the forest.
"Grrrrr."
"Woof"
The first wave of wolves lunges forward, and the clash begins. Swords clash with sharp claws, and the soldiers fend off the wolves with skill and determination. Ren moves strategically, ensuring he covers any vulnerable spots within the formation.
The night is filled with the sounds of battle, the snarls of wolves, the clash of steel, and the determined shouts of the soldiers.
"Haa!"
"Take this!"
Ren fights alongside his soldiers, his sword cutting through the ranks of the attacking wolves.
System window suddenly appears.
[Level: 1] (0% Exp)
[Attribute
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 10] (10 Attribut point)
[ Skill: Resurrection.] (1 Skill point)
'Level Up!' He was surprised and pleased that killing the enemy could increase EXP.
Ren thoughtlessly spent all of his attribute points on Strength and Skill points for Aura Health Point Regeneration.
[Aura Health Point Regeneration Level 1]
[Type: Passive]
[Players can give Aura to friends and pets to regenerate HP by 10/second.]
[HP: 200/200] (regenerate HP 10/second.)
'Heh'
'With this skill, it is hard for the enemy to kill me not only with HP regeneration, but also with resurrection. '
As the battle progresses, Ren's newly acquired skill, Aura Health Point Regeneration, proves to be a game-changer. The soldiers benefit from the healing aura, allowing them to withstand the onslaught of the wolf pack more effectively.
Ren strategically uses his Aura Health Point Regeneration skill to support his soldiers, ensuring that they remain in top form throughout the battle. The wolves, despite their numbers, find it challenging to overcome the coordinated defense of Ren and his loyal forces.
As the last of the wolves is defeated, the soldiers catch their breath, their swords stained with the blood of the fallen enemies. The dire wolf, recognizing the defeat of its pack, retreats into the depths of the forest.
Ren surveys the aftermath of the battle.
"Soldiers, tell me how many casualties we've had."
The soldiers, tired but determined, begin to assess their losses. One of them steps forward and reports to Ren.
"Milord, we've had a few injuries, but thankfully no casualties."
Ren nods, relieved that there are no casualties. "Attend to the wounded and ensure they receive proper care. We cannot afford to let our guard down."
With his buff, Ren had no fear that his soldier would die easily, their wound would heal faster.
After treating their wounds, Ren and his soldiers continued their journey to the village.
In the village, Ren greet citizens from the village and ask direction to head village.
The citizens of the village, initially surprised by Baron Gareth's unexpected visit, quickly gather to greet their lord. Ren, aware of the importance of connecting with the people, addresses the villagers with a warm and reassuring tone.
"People of this village, I am Baron Gareth, and I have come to listen to your concerns and address any issues you may be facing. Your well-being is my top priority, and I am here to ensure that Oscana thrives as a community."
The villagers, a mix of farmers, craftsmen, and families, cautiously approach Ren, their expressions a blend of curiosity and hope. One of the elders steps forward, a gray-bearded figure with a weathered face.
Village Headman: "Milord Baron Gareth, we appreciate your presence here. It's not often that a noble visits our humble village. What brings you here?"
Ren, still wearing his armor with the signs of battle, greets the village headman with a nod. "I appreciate the warm welcome. I've come to ensure the safety of the road between the village and the city. It seems there have been reports of bandit and wolf attacks."
Village Headman: "Indeed, Milord. We've been facing increased threats on the road, making it difficult for our villagers to travel and trade with the city."
Ren: "I understand the challenges you face. I've dealt with the wolf pack, and our patrols will continue to ensure the safety of this road. But I also want to discuss a matter of trade. Your village produces food, and I propose a fair arrangement to bring your goods to the city at reasonable prices, bypassing the inflated prices imposed by the Merchant's Guild."
Village Headman, intrigued by the proposal: "Milord, such an arrangement would be a boon to our village. a direct trade with the city would greatly benefit our farmers."
"But we had one requirement."
"Milord Gareth, while we are grateful for your assistance in securing the road and facilitating fair trade, there is one more pressing matter that weighs heavily on our village. A dire wolf has been terrorizing our outskirts, preying on our livestock and threatening the safety of our people."
Ren, ever committed to ensuring the well-being of the people, listens attentively. "I see. I will not turn a blind eye to the troubles your village faces. Tell me more about this dire wolf. What makes it particularly menacing, and how can we best deal with this threat?"
Village Headman: "Milord, the dire wolf is larger and more cunning than the regular wolves we encountered on the road. Its attacks are strategic, and it has managed to elude our attempts to capture or drive it away. Our villagers live in fear, and our livestock are diminishing. We seek your assistance in dealing with this dire wolf menace."
Ren, contemplating the situation, recognizes the urgency of the matter. "I understand the gravity of the situation. Rest assured, I will personally lead an expedition to track down and defeat this dire wolf. We cannot allow such a threat to persist and endanger the lives and livelihoods of the people."
Ren, addressing his soldiers: "Prepare for another mission. We will hunt down this dire wolf and ensure the safety of this village."
The soldiers, ready for another challenge, nod in agreement. Ren and his contingent of soldiers embark on a mission to track down the elusive dire wolf that has been plaguing the outskirts.
___
City Hall.
Mayor Eldric, with a devious glint in his eyes, sits behind his desk as he finalizes plans to form an alliance with the bandits. The Knight and the Merchant, uneasy but aware of the necessity, stand by, awaiting the details of the arrangement.
Mayor Eldric smirks, laying out his plan. "I have made contact with a bandit leader known as Blackfang. He's ruthless but open to negotiations, especially if the rewards are enticing. We will offer him a deal – create disturbances along the outskirts of Oscana, especially in areas Baron Gareth has prioritized for security. In return, we provide him with a steady flow of resources and a blind eye to his activities."
The Merchant, concerned about potential repercussions, questions the plan. "Mayor, what guarantee do we have that Blackfang won't turn on us once he has what he wants? Bandits are notoriously unpredictable."
Mayor Eldric chuckles, showing a cunning demeanor. "Ah, that's where our leverage comes in. I've acquired information on Blackfang's identity, they were the Second Prince's army."
Mayor Eldric leans back in his chair, reveling in the devious plan he has concocted.
Mayor Eldric: "Blackfang, or should I say, the remnants of the Second Prince's army. They have a history of rebellion and betrayal. Blackfang, once a loyal captain, was cast aside when the Second Prince fell out of favor. Now, fueled by revenge and desperation, they have turned to a life of banditry."
The Knight, uneasy with the moral ambiguity of the situation, speaks up. "Mayor Eldric, are you suggesting that we make a pact with traitors and criminals? This could tarnish the honor of Oscana and put the people at risk."
Mayor Eldric, still smirking: "My dear Knight, sometimes honor must take a back seat to survival. The bandits will serve as a distraction, drawing Baron Gareth's attention away from our true plans. Meanwhile, we will have the upper hand in negotiations, ensuring our prosperity even in times of chaos."
The Merchant, torn between practicality and morality, voices a concern. "But Mayor, what if Baron Gareth discovers our involvement? The consequences could be dire for all of us."
Mayor Eldric dismissively waves his hand. "Fear not, dear Merchant. I have taken precautions to distance ourselves from direct involvement. The bandits operate independently, and any evidence pointing to us has been carefully eradicated. Our hands will appear clean while chaos reigns on the outskirts."
___
Bandit Hideout.
Deep in the heart of the dense Eldenwood Forest, hidden amidst the towering trees and veiled by shadows, lies the clandestine hideout of Blackfang and their band of rebels. The hideout, a network of concealed caves and makeshift structures, buzzes with activity as the bandits prepare for their next move.
Leader of Blackfang, a formidable figure with a cloak concealing their identity, stands atop a large boulder, addressing the assembled bandits.
Darius shouts, his voice heard throughout the cave: "Listen well, my brethren. The time has come to bring chaos to the outskirts of Oscana. Mayor Eldric has promised us resources and freedom from interference in exchange for our services. Our former allegiance to the Second Prince no longer matters; we are now the masters of our own destiny.
The bandits, a motley crew of deserters, outcasts, and opportunists, exchange determined glances. They sharpen weapons, don dark attire, and prepare for the impending disturbances.