As Ren and his soldiers make their way back to Oscana mansion, the village behind them gradually fades into the distance. The journey is quieter now, with the absence of the dire wolf's threat, but the weight of recent events lingers.
Back in the city, Mayor Eldric continues his scheming, unaware of the recent victory against the dire wolf. The alliance with Blackfang's bandits progresses, and chaos brews on the outskirts of Oscana as planned.
In Oscana City, rumors circulate about the increased bandit activity, and the city begins to feel the effects of the orchestrated disturbances. The citizens, once enjoying a sense of security under Baron Gareth's rule, now face uncertainty and fear.
Upon returning to Oscana Mansion, Ren heard the news, "Sir William, how did the knight respond?"
Sir William, standing at attention, reports to Ren with a grave expression on his face. "My lord, the knight did nothing when the bandits raided the outskirts of Oscana, he was supposed to guard the inner city, especially the city hall.
"Tsk." Ren, frustrated by the knight's negligence, clenches his fist." Gather all the troops that are loyal to the Baron of Oscana, and I don't want anyone with connections to knights, merchants, or mayors."
Sir William nods in understanding. "Yes, my lord. I will assemble a force comprised of those loyal to you, free from outside influence. We'll ensure that our ranks are filled with those who prioritize the well-being of Oscana above all else."
Ren, determined to address the growing threats both within and outside the city, speaks with conviction. "We cannot allow our city to fall into chaos. The bandits and those who conspire with them must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. Our people deserve safety and prosperity."
As Ren prepares to take action, he considers the strategic steps needed to confront both the internal and external threats. The loyalty of his soldiers and the support of the villagers are crucial elements that he plans to leverage in order to strengthen Oscana's defenses.
After 1 hour, seeing that there are 150 troops on the field, Ren addresses his assembled forces, his voice unwavering despite the recent battles and challenges they've faced. "Soldiers, our city faces threats from within and without. The outskirts are plagued by bandit raids, and Mayor Eldric does nothing to protect our people."
The soldiers, loyal to Ren and committed to the well-being of Oscana, listen attentively.
Ren continues, "We cannot rely on those who have turned their backs on their duties. We must act independently to secure the safety of Oscana and its citizens. Our first priority is to quell the bandit threat on the outskirts."
Sir William, displaying a renewed sense of determination, steps forward. "My lord, we are with you. We will not allow Oscana to fall into chaos, and we shall stand by your side to defend our home."
Ren nods in acknowledgment. "Good. Prepare our forces, and let's move out. We'll start by clearing the outskirts of the bandit presence. Once that is done, we'll address the issues within the city. Mayor Eldric's schemes will not go unchecked."
The soldiers, fueled by their loyalty to Ren and a shared sense of duty, mobilize under his command. They march towards the outskirts, ready to face the bandits and restore peace to the troubled region.
___
Bandit Hideout.
Deep within the Eldenwood Forest, in the heart of the bandit hideout, Darius stands overlooking the bustling activity of his band of rebels. The recent disturbances orchestrated on the outskirts of Oscana have sown chaos, aligning with Mayor Eldric's plans. However, Darius, the leader of Blackfang, has his own ambitions beyond being a mere pawn in the mayor's game.
Darius, his features concealed by a dark hood, watches as the bandits prepare for their next move. The alliance with Mayor Eldric has provided them with resources, but Darius knows the risks involved in dealing with a man of questionable morals. As the bandits sharpen their weapons and discuss their next targets, Darius convenes with his inner circle.
Serilda, the skilled archer who voiced her concerns earlier, approaches Darius with a furrowed brow."Darius, I'm pretty sure that the Baron will stop us, what's our next move? should we kill him?"
Darius, after a moment of contemplation, responds, "Serilda, killing the Baron may not be our best course of action. While he poses a threat to our plans, he also has the loyalty of his soldiers and the support of the people. Killing him outright could make him a martyr and strengthen the resolve of Oscana's forces."
He paced back and forth in the dimly lit hideout and thought aloud, "No, we just need to weaken the Baron's power so that the people will question whether he is worthy of their support."
"We just need to create chaos and time will help us, in time the people will definitely become discontented with the Baron."
Serilda nods, her expression determined, "Okay, what about the mayor?"
He continues, "We also have to keep an eye on Mayor Eldric. His ambitions may align with ours for now, but he's not one to be trusted. If we play our cards right, we might be able to use him to our advantage, or at least keep him occupied with his own schemes."
___
Outskirts of Oscana City.
Ren and his loyal soldiers navigate through the troubled region, determined to quell the bandit threat that Mayor Eldric has orchestrated. The air is tense, and the soldiers move with caution.
As they patrol the outskirts, Ren's mind is focused on the task at hand. He plans to systematically eliminate the bandits and restore order to the region, ensuring the safety of the villagers and securing the road between the village and the city.
The soldiers, loyal to Ren and inspired by his leadership, move with precision, their weapons at the ready. The forest, once echoing with the sounds of nature, now harbors an underlying sense of danger.
The scout, moving with stealth through the dense foliage, gets closer to the source of movement. Through the trees, the scout observes a group of bandits, their dark attire blending with the shadows. They seem unaware of the approaching soldiers.
The scout returns to Ren and reports, "Milord, a bandit group is ahead, approximately 50 meters from our position. They seem to be unaware of our presence."
Ren, recognizing the opportunity to catch the bandits off guard, formulates a plan. "Good work. We'll use the element of surprise. Let's split into two groups. One will flank from the right, and the other will engage directly. Move quietly until we're in position, then attack on my signal."
The soldiers nod in acknowledgment, dividing into two groups as Ren instructed. They move with practiced coordination, ensuring minimal noise as they navigate through the outskirts.
As they approach the bandit group, Ren raises his hand, signaling the soldiers to prepare for the attack. The tension in the air is palpable as the soldiers ready their weapons.
Ren, with a determined gaze, gives the signal to strike. The soldiers unleash a coordinated assault, catching the bandits by surprise.
"Alarm!"
"We under fire!"
"Prepare to battle!"
The bandit yell and use the horn to alert their comrades, but Ren's forces move swiftly and decisively. The element of surprise allows them to disrupt the bandits' attempts to organize a coherent defense.
Swords clash, arrows fly, and the forest becomes a battleground as Ren's soldiers engage the bandits. The bandits, outnumbered and caught off guard, struggle to mount an effective resistance.
In the midst of the chaos, Ren focuses on a skilled bandit who seems to be leading the others. He realizes the importance of neutralizing their leadership to ensure the bandits don't regroup.
"Target the one in the black cloak! Take him out!"
The soldiers follow Ren's command and converge on the bandit leader. The soldier with the bow takes aim with his bow and fires a precise shot, hitting the bandit leader in the shoulder.
The bandit leader, wounded but not defeated, retaliates with fierce determination.
"Bastard!"
"Fight me with a sword if you dare!" The bandit leader shouts at Ren.
He looks at the bandit leader with disdain and speaks.
"Hmph!"
"A mere little bandit wants to duel with me?"
"If that is your wish, then die!"
Ren moves forward fearlessly and then use his all attribute point to strength.
[HP: 300/300] (HP Regen 20/second)
He and the bandit leader are now face to face.
"Clang"
"Clang"
The clash of steel rings through the forest as Ren engages in a duel with the bandit leader. The bandit, skilled and determined, proves to be a formidable opponent. Their swords clash with precision, each strike calculated to find an opening in the other's defense.
Ren, fueled by his increased strength and the regenerative aura, matches the bandit leader blow for blow. Despite the bandit's skill, Ren's enhanced attributes give him an advantage in the exchange.
But immediately, Ren was hit by the bandit leader's attack, which hit him in the stomach.
"Hah!"
"Got you!" The bandit leader smiles maliciously.