Nestled in a secluded clearing, shrouded by the dense foliage of the Shadow Forest, the bandits' camp was a hodgepodge of survival and disorder. Makeshift tents fashioned from animal hides and tattered fabrics were haphazardly arranged in a loose circle around a central point, a clear sign of their transient lifestyle.
At the heart of the camp, a large fire crackled and hissed, casting flickering shadows that danced across the clearing. The fire, surrounded by a ring of stones, served as both a source of warmth and a communal cooking area. A pot hung over the flames, simmering with a stew that mixed the earthy scents of the forest with the gamey aroma of wild meat.
Scattered around the fire were various supplies: weapons leaned against tree trunks, packs, and bedrolls strewn about without much care. Among these, small clusters of food, herbs, and other forest gleanings were piled, evidence of their foraging and hunting skills.
On one side of the camp, a rudimentary wooden table, likely salvaged from a nearby abandoned settlement, was laden with maps, various tools, and a couple of dimly glowing lanterns. It served as a makeshift planning station, where some bandits huddled, discussing in hushed tones.
The camp was alive with the low murmur of conversations, the occasional clank of metal, and the soft footsteps of bandits moving about their business.
In stark contrast to the organized chaos of the camp, Cain lay bound to a tree at its edge. His presence seemed to cast a shadow over the camp's rowdy demeanor, injecting a sense of gravity and tension into the air. The bandits gave him a wide berth, casting wary glances his way as if the boy and the shadows around him held an unspoken threat.
The camp, a blend of wilderness survival and rough camaraderie, was a testament to the bandits' life on the fringe—always on the move, living off the land, and bound together by their shared pursuit of fortune and infamy in the untamed expanse of the Shadow Forest.
Back at the bandits' camp, after they tied the little boy who dared to put up a fight with them and was hosting now the wolf they were sent to find by their master, to a tree with a rope. Now that they have their hands on the target, some way or another, they will return to their master. But first, some things need to be decided because of the boy, who is now tied to the tree.
The spirits begin to grow increasingly agitated throughout the discussions. The woman from yesterday, who sensed the wolf inside Cain, feels that something is not right with the boy whose hair is as black as night but with blood-red eyes. As the discussions grow more heated, Victoria watches everything from a distance, unnoticed by the group of mercenaries.
Hidden in the shadows, Victoria's gaze never wavered from the group. Her mind was a whirlwind of strategies, calculating the perfect moment to intervene.
The forest becomes increasingly restless, echoing the intensity of the discussions. It seemed to hold its breath, a strange stillness punctuating the air, broken only by the occasional uneasy rustle of leaves, as if the trees themselves were whispering warnings.
Meanwhile, Cain starts to wake from his deep sleep, induced by the strong blow he received earlier. However, he makes no move, listening to the conversation to gather as much information as possible from his attackers.
The red-eyed boy lay still, the damp earth pressing against his cheek. Despite his feigned unconsciousness, every sense was heightened, attuned to the murmurs and rustles around him.
Cain's mind raced, fighting the fog of grogginess. Clarity returned slowly, sharpening his thoughts into focus. He needed a plan, but first, he had to understand the situation.
"We should wait for him to wake up and interrogate him. No one normally would be in this forest alone at this age, survive, or be bound by a shadow wolf. If I am to take a guess, I remember from our master that the Silverblood family used to send their children at a young age to these dangerous missions to make them strong and independent. What a bunch of monsters," says the woman who identified the wolf inside Cain early. She seems like the most intelligent person in the group.
"The silverbloods, huh? That bunch of killer monsters. I heard the head of the family, Valerius Silverblood, is Rank 5. A monster in human clothes. Even his wife and the captain of the guards have a reputation for being strong rank fours who can go toe to toe with general-class beasts.
Are we going to antagonize them? I don't know if our master has that power and influence yet. He may be a governor in the Solvencia Federation. But the silverbloods are also part of our Federation. And they have more power and influence than a simple governor.
The Solvencia Federation, a colossal and influential sovereign state, stands proudly in the western region of the Vesmyrta continent, just adjacent to the Tepes Empire. This federation, covering an immense area of 8,000,000 square kilometers, is renowned for its unique blend of democratic and militaristic governance, setting it apart as a formidable power on the second-largest continent of the world.
The Solvencia Federation operates under a democratic military system. This unique form of governance combines the principles of democracy with a strong military influence, ensuring both the participation of its citizens in decision-making and the maintenance of robust defense capabilities. This dual approach has fostered a society that values both freedom and discipline, with the military playing a significant role in both national security and civic life.
In Solvencia, the church holds a predominant position, deeply influencing the culture, laws, and daily lives of its citizens. The intertwining of religious doctrine and state affairs has created a society where faith and governance go hand in hand. This religious predominance has shaped the federation's values, ethics, and approach to both internal and external affairs, making it a unique entity in the geopolitical landscape.
Strategically located west of the Tepes Empire, the Solvencia Federation shares a significant portion of its border with this neighboring power. The Silverblood estate, a notable landmark, is situated right at the juncture between these two mighty states, serving as a crucial point of interaction, trade, and sometimes tension. This positioning has made the federation a key player in regional politics and has significantly influenced its foreign policy.
As part of the continent of Vesmyrta, particularly in its southern region, the Solvencia Federation benefits from a diverse range of landscapes, climates, and resources. The continent's sheer size and variety have endowed the federation with abundant natural wealth, from fertile plains to rich mineral deposits, contributing to its economic strength and stability.
"Yes, we should be careful about how we manage this situation. Our heads are at stake."
The woman mercenary, her instincts sharpened by years of survival in the forest's unforgiving embrace, senses an anomaly in Cain. His unique aura, a blend of nascent power and shadowy essence, sets him apart from any ordinary child. Her mention of the Silverblood family, a name synonymous with strength and ruthlessness, adds a layer of complexity to their predicament. The mercenaries find themselves caught in a web of potential political and military repercussions, with their actions against Cain potentially inciting the wrath of a powerful and influential family within the Solvencia Federation.
As Cain feigns unconsciousness, his mind races, piecing together fragments of overheard conversations and his deductions. The Silverblood name, a part of his identity he had not fully grasped, now stands as both a shield and a target. The mercenaries' hesitation, born from fear and respect for the Silverblood legacy, offers Cain a sliver of hope—a chance to exploit their indecision.
Victoria, hidden in the shadows, watches the drama unfold with a predator's patience. Her presence, unknown to the bandits, is a wild card in the delicate balance of power within the camp. As a member of the Corvus family, her involvement could further complicate the situation, bringing another influential family into the fray.
The bandits' camp, a temporary bastion in the heart of the Shadow Forest, becomes a stage for a complex play of power, survival, and familial legacies. Cain, at the center of this turmoil, must navigate the treacherous waters of his newfound identity, the machinations of his captors, and the silent guardianship of Victoria. The forest, a silent witness to the unfolding events, holds its breath; it whispers a background chorus to the drama at hand.
As dawn breaks, casting a new light over the camp, the stage is set for a pivotal moment in Cain's journey, one that will test his resolve, his newfound powers, and the loyalties of those entangled in his fate.