Outside the Imperial Capital, on the official road less than thirty miles from the city gates, a caravan from the Ols Alliance appeared on the vast horizon at dawn, slowly making its way along the wide path.
The captain of the caravan's guards, Edmond, a Level 6 novice warrior, rode at the forefront on his tall steed, lazily surveying the surroundings. Though he called it a patrol, Edmond's mind was far from the safety of the caravan; his thoughts had already drifted to the bustling alleys of the Imperial Capital, eagerly contemplating how to spend his reward after this mission with his old flame.
Of course, it wasn't entirely Edmond's fault for being so relaxed. The Ols Alliance was one of the most powerful trading factions in the Radiant Empire, renowned for its vast influence and reputation. With the Imperial Capital so close, who would dare to cause trouble here? It would be tantamount to seeking death.
Yet, there was always someone willing to take that risk.
Just as Edmond was daydreaming about the passionate reunion he would have with his lover upon entering the city, a mysterious figure suddenly appeared on the road ahead, shrouded in a hooded cloak that obscured not only their face but even their hands and feet, creating an eerie sight.
"Stop!" Edmond instinctively shouted to halt the caravan behind him. "Who are you, and why are you blocking our way?" he demanded, his voice echoing with authority.
At the same time, other guards from the caravan rushed forward to stand beside Edmond, all of them glaring at the enigmatic figure with suspicion.
"Let the people go, but leave the gold!" The cloaked figure suddenly spoke, their voice raspy and unpleasant, sending chills down the spines of those present.
"You... you dare to rob the Ols Alliance?" Edmond was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. "I truly don't know where you find your courage. Just you alone, and you think you can stop so many of us? You're asking for death!"
The mysterious figure, unfazed by Edmond's mockery, simply raised a finger and began to chant, "Bala Bala Little Magic Fairy, La Ba La Ba, Transform! Come forth, my servant!"
Pfft, pfft, pfft...
The absurdity of the incantation nearly caused the guards of the Ols caravan to burst into laughter. But their amusement was short-lived. As the bizarre chant echoed, dozens of figures cloaked in a thick, foul aura of death—zombies and corpses—suddenly emerged around the caravan, surging toward them in a terrifying wave!
"You... you're a summoner!" Edmond's eyes widened in shock as he realized he had underestimated the situation. He quickly drew his weapon, intending to subdue the mysterious figure.
But just then, the figure began to chant again, "Bala Bala Little Magic Fairy, La Ba La Ba, Transform! Poisonous Field!"
Boom...
A stream of dark green gas erupted from the summoner's fingertips, rapidly expanding to envelop the entire Ols caravan. The guards, upon inhaling the toxic gas, were immediately affected; the weaker ones even spat blood and collapsed on the spot!
Even Edmond felt the energy within him being consumed by the surrounding noxious fumes. His vision blurred, and he nearly fainted.
"Not good! Everyone, hold your breath! The gas is poisonous!" Edmond shouted, his reaction swift, but in the blink of an eye, the remaining guards of the Ols caravan were all incapacitated, leaving only the horde of zombies and corpses to swarm around Edmond, quickly overwhelming him.
Before long, the Ols caravan was completely annihilated under the relentless assault.
At that moment, the cloaked figure finally lifted their hood, revealing their true identity—none other than Ron.
"Master, it's done!" Ron couldn't help but pump his fist in excitement at the sight of his successful ambush.
"Well done," came a languid voice as Link was carried out of the forest on a litter, supported by four skeletal soldiers.
"Master, this is the sixth caravan today. I'll go check the spoils right away, please wait!" Ron rubbed his hands together, nearly bursting with anticipation as he rushed forward to loot the vast Ols caravan.
Link made no move to stop him, continuing to recline lazily on the litter, clearly indicating that this was not their first collaboration.
Ever since Link had bestowed upon Ron the power of a Level 8 novice practitioner, Ron's admiration for Link had reached new heights. He eagerly volunteered to help Link intercept passing caravans, and since Link was naturally lazy and Ron was willing to do the hard work, he certainly had no reason to refuse, relishing the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor!