Ryo's steps were swift as he walked through the village the next morning, heart pounding with the weight of new purpose. Armed with the Rusted Dagger and the confidence gained from helping the injured wolf pup, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever lay ahead. But something nagged at the back of his mind: the threat of the Crescent Blades.
He knew how these things progressed. The initial sightings of bandits in the woods were never just a coincidence—they were a prelude, a warning of more trouble to come. In the game world, the bandits would follow a pattern, gradually increasing their presence around the village before eventually launching a full assault.
But this was real now, and if the Crescent Blades attacked, Fennwood's few defenses wouldn't hold for long.
The morning was clear and bright as villagers went about their routines, seemingly oblivious to the potential danger just beyond the tree line. Ryo scanned their faces, some familiar, some unknown, and he felt a growing sense of responsibility toward them. He had to do something—warn them, prepare them, anything to keep them safe.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out. "Ryo! Over here!"
He turned to see Gretta approaching, her face stern and purposeful. She was the strongest warrior in Fennwood, with an impressive stature and a commanding presence that set her apart. Ryo knew she'd be essential in rallying the villagers if he could earn her support.
"Good morning, Gretta," he greeted her with a nod. "I was hoping to speak with you."
Gretta crossed her arms, watching him closely. "So I heard. You think the bandits are planning something?"
"Yes," Ryo replied, lowering his voice. "I know we've had only minor incidents so far, but I believe it's just the beginning. Bandits rarely wander this close without a reason."
She studied him for a moment, as though measuring his resolve. "You're probably right. We've been too comfortable for too long. But these are ordinary villagers, Ryo. They're not warriors. What do you suggest?"
Ryo took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "We need to start by setting up basic defenses. I know we don't have much, but I believe simple traps along the perimeter could buy us valuable time. And if we train the villagers to use even simple weapons, they'll be better prepared."
Gretta raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You're serious about this. But do you really think they'll listen?"
"They will if you're with me," Ryo said, meeting her gaze. "You're respected here, Gretta. If you stand by me, they'll trust that this isn't just a fool's errand."
Gretta nodded slowly, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Very well, Ryo. Let's see if we can make fighters out of farmers."
With Gretta's support, Ryo gathered a handful of villagers near the center of Fennwood. Their expressions ranged from mild curiosity to outright skepticism, but Gretta's presence kept them attentive.
Ryo raised his voice, speaking with as much conviction as he could muster. "Thank you for coming. I know we haven't had trouble in Fennwood for a long time, but I believe the Crescent Blades are planning something. We can't afford to sit back and wait. We need to prepare."
A murmur ran through the crowd. One man, an elderly farmer, looked skeptical. "We're just villagers, Ryo. What can we do against bandits?"
Ryo nodded, acknowledging their fear. "I understand. But if we do nothing, we'll be defenseless if they attack. Even simple measures could make a difference."
Gretta stepped forward, her voice steady. "Ryo's right. We can't keep hoping the danger will pass us by. If we work together, we can protect each other."
Her words seemed to bolster their spirits, and slowly, one by one, the villagers nodded in agreement. Ryo felt a rush of gratitude for Gretta's support. She was the kind of leader these people needed, and with her by his side, he felt his plan was possible.
"Here's what I propose," Ryo began, explaining his idea for perimeter traps, simple alarms, and rudimentary weapon training. He emphasized that they didn't need to be warriors—just vigilant and prepared. It was a start, something to empower them against the threat they might face.
As they dispersed to gather supplies, Jarek, the blacksmith, approached him. "If you need weapons, I can spare a few tools. They're not much, but they'll hold up in a fight."
Ryo thanked him, feeling more hopeful than he had that morning. They were taking action, small steps that might make all the difference when the time came.
Later that evening, after a long day of work, Ryo decided to take a walk around the outskirts of the village. The traps were set, and he felt a sense of accomplishment, but there was an uneasiness in the air, something that made him feel as if unseen eyes were watching him.
As he walked through the trees, his senses heightened, he heard a faint whisper in the distance. It was subtle, almost indiscernible, but enough to make him pause. He crouched, listening carefully.
The whisper came again, accompanied by the unmistakable clink of armor. His heart raced. Bandits.
Carefully, Ryo crept forward, weaving between the trees, until he could make out the shapes of three figures, clad in dark, worn armor, their voices low as they conversed.
"This place looks easy," one of them muttered. "Hardly worth the trouble, but the captain wants to make an example of them."
The other figure snorted. "Fennwood's got no walls, no guards. They'll fall like wheat at harvest. One good raid and they'll be begging for mercy."
Ryo clenched his fists, his mind racing. He could go back, warn the villagers, but if he left now, he might miss a chance to learn more about their plans. He steadied himself, staying hidden as he eavesdropped on the bandits' conversation.
"What about the schedule?" the third one asked. "We're supposed to wait for orders, right?"
The first bandit shrugged. "Yeah, but the captain's thinking of hitting them soon. Something about making sure none of the villages feel safe. Keeps 'em in line."
Ryo's blood ran cold. The Crescent Blades were planning a coordinated strike, not just on Fennwood, but possibly on other nearby villages too. This wasn't just a random raid—it was a strategy to spread fear, to show the villages who was in control.
One of the bandits let out a low chuckle. "Doesn't matter. A few blades, a little fire, and they'll be running for the hills."
Ryo held his breath, a sense of dread washing over him. He had heard enough. Carefully, he began to edge back, determined to return to the village and sound the alarm. But just as he turned, his foot caught on a root, snapping a branch with a loud crack.
The bandits froze, their heads snapping in his direction.
"Did you hear that?" one of them hissed.
Ryo's pulse raced as he ducked behind a tree, praying they wouldn't come closer. But he knew luck wasn't on his side. The bandits moved in his direction, drawing their weapons, eyes scanning the shadows.
Ryo's hand went to the dagger at his belt, but he knew he was outnumbered and outmatched. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.
Just as the bandits came within a few feet, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by the sound of footsteps. Gretta's voice rang out from nearby. "Ryo, where are you?"
The bandits tensed, exchanging glances. "Damn, we've been spotted. Let's get out of here!"
In the confusion, Ryo took his chance, slipping away through the trees. He made it back to the path and ran, his heart pounding, until he emerged in front of Gretta, who had a stern look on her face.
"Care to tell me what you were doing out here?" she asked, arms crossed.
Ryo caught his breath, swallowing his fear. "I overheard them, Gretta. The Crescent Blades—they're planning to attack Fennwood and maybe other villages. We have to be ready."
Gretta's expression hardened, and she nodded. "Then we have work to do. Let's get back and warn the others."
The villagers gathered in the square that night, their faces filled with fear as Ryo and Gretta explained what he had overheard. But as he spoke, he saw something more—a spark of determination, a sense of unity. They weren't warriors, but they were ready to defend their home.
Ryo felt a surge of pride as they began to organize, his plan taking shape in ways he hadn't expected. They weren't just villagers anymore—they were allies, people he would fight to protect.
As he stood among them, clutching the Rusted Dagger, he made a silent vow. No matter what came, he would be ready. He would defend Fennwood with everything he had.
And he wouldn't stop until the Crescent Blades knew that even a village of ordinary people could be a force to be reckoned with.