Chapter 38: Bite Back!
The Slave-Hunting Group!
One of the most reviled organizations in both the Netheril Empire and all of West Continent.
They were nothing but soulless beasts!
Driven by profit and greed, they violently captured humans, barbarians, orcs, half-orcs, half-elves, halflings, and even elves and dwarves.
Once caught, they would immediately be assigned the status of legal slaves.
From there, the captives would be imprisoned, transported to various regions, and sold in twisted transactions.
Sometimes, these captives were subjected to horrific and perverse experiments.
Other times, they would be mentally manipulated, becoming nothing more than living tools.
Some were even gifted to powerful benefactors who protected the slavers, giving them even more support.
Undoubtedly, the appearance of a slave-hunting group in Bay Village was not about catching fishmen in Misty Marsh or Silvermoon River.
Nor was it to capture goblins, kobolds, or gnolls from the Shadowy Forest.
It certainly wasn't about capturing the dangerous and not-so-valuable trolls.
Their only possible target was Bay Village itself!
Upon learning this, Ralph, the steward, was furious and immediately reported to Matthew.
It was the first time Matthew had seen Ralph so enraged. However, he did not probe further into Ralph's backstory; he calmly issued orders:
"Where is the prisoner? Bring him to me!"
"Also, summon all the soldiers, fully armed, and bring the goods I prepared yesterday."
"Announce a bounty to all villagers: anyone providing verified information will receive 10 gold coins."
"Notify Old Field to gather all the rangers and hunters, distribute the combat scrolls to them, and hunt them down!"
Since they've shown up, they won't get away!
Containing his emotions, Ralph quickly turned around, mounted a horse gifted by Adam Smith, and galloped toward the military camp.
In mere minutes, Angela arrived, fully armed and exuding a heroic aura, so dazzling that Rebecca's eyes lit up with admiration.
A man dressed as a peasant, with bandages wrapped around his thigh, was thrown down by Angela.
Kahora, Human, Age 32, Lawful Evil, Profession: Level 2 Rogue, Member of the Blood Hand Slave-Hunting Group.
Infiltrating Bay Village with a disguise, Kahora never expected to be caught by John.
Matthew kept his distance, aimed his staff at him, and cast:
"Charm Person—First Circle Spell!"
A faint red magical glow transformed into starry sparkles that settled onto Kahora.
The Level 2 Rogue offered little resistance, his face turning vacant.
"How did you get in? Where is your camp located?"
Kahora obediently revealed everything:
"We spent over 10 days tunneling in from Silvermoon River..."
"Our camp is directly north, near the gnoll encampment in the Shadowy Forest. We used magical runestones to create a hidden area..."
Hearing this, Angela immediately ordered the nearby rogue soldiers:
"Notify everyone to assemble in the north. Form squads of five and coordinate with Field to scout."
After issuing her orders, Angela stood silently, awaiting Matthew's next directive.
Matthew did not rush to launch an attack despite gathering some intelligence. Instead, he patiently continued to interrogate Kahora:
"How many of you are there?"
"Over 100..."
"How many tents?"
"20..."
"Who is your leader? What is his strength?"
"Bloodhand Kahn, a Level 10 Intermediate Warrior!"
"How many rogues?"
"Including myself, more than 20..."
"..."
As Matthew calmly questioned Kahora, the entire layout of the slave-hunting group began to take shape.
Angela, who had been fuming moments ago, was now eerily calm. The situation was beginning to feel daunting.
The reason was simple—the enemy was overwhelmingly strong!
Bay Village had only 30 professional fighters and 100 recently trained soldiers.
The opponent's revealed strength alone was formidable.
The leader, Kahn, was a Level 10 Intermediate Warrior at his peak.
As the head of the slave-hunting group, Kahn was likely an elite with extraordinary power and skill.
Among the 100+ members of the group, even the lowest-ranking were Level 2 support personnel, with combatants starting at Level 4.
Kahn's squad leaders all possessed mid-level professional strength.
In terms of high-level combat strength, Bay Village was clearly outmatched!
The combatants on the enemy's side were hardened criminals, daring enough to join the notorious slave-hunting group despite the dangers.
Their bold assault on Bay Village, right after Sweetwater Town had been destroyed by the black dragon, even though they knew the Netheril Empire would investigate, was a clear sign that they feared no exposure.
This was a testament to their power!
They either had powerful backers or immense strength, or both!
Matthew believed they had both!
He knew these people—he knew Bloodhand Kahn!
"The Blood Hand Slave-Hunting Group of the Fury Commerce Guild, an infamously despicable organization from the future!"
"Bloodhand Kahn, a future Level 25 Legendary Warrior, known for hunting legendary creatures, was one of the Fury Commerce Guild's top enforcers."
"In the future, Bloodhand Kahn would meet his end at the hands of the Icebird Liana, with significant help from the players."
"I didn't expect to meet old enemies so soon!"
Matthew didn't recklessly pursue the group. Instead, he ordered Ralph to announce a village-wide lockdown.
"Prohibit all villagers from leaving the village without reason. Select the most diligent workers from recent days to form a temporary guard to prevent anyone from approaching."
Soon, the entire village was abuzz with activity.
Soldiers gathered at the warehouse to change into new leather armor, wield new weapons, shields, and bows.
Dozens of cart drivers rolled out four carts filled with replacement weapons and gear.
Ralph and the 200 selected villagers arrived to distribute equipment. Ten soldiers from the Ser Family would assist in defending the village.
Matthew, Angela, and the freshly trained soldiers marched toward the north.
As they passed Silvermoon River, dozens of small figures scurried into the water with a splash.
Soon, hundreds of fishmen heads bobbed above the surface of the river.
Looking at the river teeming with fishmen, Matthew realized that clearing them out would be a long-term mission.
After all, the rate at which fishmen reproduced usually outpaced their extermination.
Not far away, Old Field approached with a grave expression. He walked over to Matthew's carriage and whispered:
"We've spotted them. They're coming toward us!"