Each arrow had a clear target, released with perfect timing—as if Ash had glimpsed the future itself.
Szzz—
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The arrows tore through the battlefield, navigating past obstacles with unerring precision. In the blink of an eye, they struck four different enemies at deadly angles, each one landing at the perfect moment.
The victims had no chance to react—a mere moment of carelessness had created the smallest gap, and Ash had exploited it to deadly effect. They died in utter horror, realizing too late that their fates had been sealed the instant he loosed his arrows.
The scene was too shocking, and both sides were too stunned to move, but his voice made them snap out.
"What are you doing? Quickly, kill them." Ash's voice was calm and commanding, but anyone didn't feel wrong even when a young man ordered them, as no matter what age, strength is supreme. If you are, it is natural for the weaker to follow your lead.
The enemy group was now terrified as they felt the horror of Ash's arrows. But a body went flying, crashing right in front of them; they all lost their last will to fight.
It was none other than the body of the innate martial artist who had been battling Captain Edward—but now, his lifeless form lay pinned to the ground, an arrow piercing straight through his heart.
The remaining enemy martial artists froze in horror. Panic crept into their eyes as they realized the battle was lost.
They had to run.
Without hesitation, they abandoned the fight, turning on their heels and fleeing for their lives. They had never been loyal comrades, nor were they the type to fight to the bitter end. They were nothing more than cold-blooded murderers—and right now, their own survival was all that mattered.
As the group started to run, the others also tried to attack and kill as much as they could, but now all of them were desperate and used trump cards, even burning their blood energy to get the chance to survive, not caring for their future.
But just as the fleeing enemies thought they had a chance to escape, multiple arrows streaked through the air—faster than even Ash's.
Szzz! Szzz! Szzz!
In the blink of an eye, a dozen enemies fell, their bodies riddled with arrows before they could even scream. Fear was etched into their faces, their final moments spent in sheer horror before death claimed them.
As the last body hit the ground, Captain Edward's figure also appeared, his bow resting casually on his shoulder.
He had done it—in mere seconds, he had wiped out an entire retreating force.
The remaining soldiers and guards stared in stunned silence. Was this man truly just a first-rate martial artist like them?
"Looks like you all managed to hold your own." Captain Edward calmly said, looking at them, especially glancing at Ash, who showed the strongest strength in the battle.
"Let's go; we cannot wait here; we should move towards the city; others will catch up with them." He quickly commanded as they didn't know if there would be more coming after them, as one of the two enemy innates he faced managed to run away.
It was better for them to go to the city, as there they should be safer. And Luna and her uncle can also meet them there, as it wasn't their duty to follow her.
The group with the injured, without resting, continued to make their way towards the city. They didn't complain or ask for rest as they knew it was the appropriate decision in their situation.
But as they walked for some time they met with Lady Luna and her uncle who calmly appeared without even a single hint of injury. It was clear they also won the overwhelming victory against the enemy, and all seemed to be alright for them.
Although there were quite a lot that were injured, but they didn't suffer major loss, so it can be said to be a great victory. All of them were glad and finally felt some relief.
Ash and the group calmly resumed their journey toward Rock Castle City, feeling better as it was still better to quickly arrive at their destination.
Though the attack had failed, one thing was clear—Luna and her uncle were the true targets. He couldn't help but wonder who was behind it and why they wanted them.
But in the end, he chose not to dwell on it.
Sometimes, knowing too much only invites trouble.
For now, he had no interest in unnecessary conflicts. What he needed was time—to grow stronger, to sharpen his skills, and to prepare for whatever lay ahead.
After a day of travel, they finally arrived at their destination, 'Rock Castle City.'. They from afar can see the city and a large number of travellers coming from various places.
The Rock Castle City was very large; in fact, he was a bit surprised as he watched from afar and saw the large, imposing walls of two hundred feet surrounding the city. He can even feel an imposing aura from afar.
As they neared Rock Castle City, Ash and his group joined the numerous travellers and caravans waiting to enter.
The city's security was tight—a large number of well-equipped guards stood watch at the main entrance gate. Unlike ordinary cities, these weren't just common soldiers. Even from a distance, Ash could tell that every one of them was at least a second-rate martial artist just like their village.
And more than that—he could sense the presence of several first-rate martial artists quietly watching from the shadows, ensuring nothing slipped past their defence.
Everyone had to line up for inspection before being granted entry. But just as their caravan neared the massive city gates, Luna calmly stepped forward. Her presence alone was enough to turn heads instantly.
Merchants paused their negotiations.
Travellers whispered among themselves.
Even the soldiers at the gate stole glances.
It didn't matter who they were—guards, merchants, or wanderers from distant lands—the moment they saw her, their expressions shifted to shock and admiration.
Her beauty was simply breathtaking.