Chapter 18: Arc 2 – Chapter 4: Beaten Yet Unbroken

 

It’s been four days since we began our crash course on building up Glenn’s backbone. I have to say, the boy’s got talent; the kind you’d see in one out of a hundred. Since he already had the foundation, it only took him until the evening of the second day before he could remain standing at the end of the spar. Sheesh… looking at this kid makes me a bit jealous… if I had his talent at combat comprehension seven years ago, I would’ve only needed half the time to master everything…

 

Other than training the kid, I’ve also been getting along with most of the villagers, teaching them a thing or two. Turns out they’re simple folk where most of them are farmers who came to the frontier in hopes of building a new life. Sadly, most of the land isn’t fit for the type of crops they brought, and hunting is hard due to some strong monsters and bandits.

 

As I was thinking about his village and our plans, we just finished a morning spar and he's off panting at the side.

 

“Heh… looks like you’ve finally stopped closing your eyes, kid. I believe that’s the first step. Once you actually start moving to avoid my attacks, then the rest is for you to build up.”

 

I only needed to plant the “seed” of courage. How well he’ll nurture that seed and whether it blooms is up to him. Right now, looking like a ragdoll, he’s barely standing while using his sword to support himself.

 

“… *pant*… *pant*… how much… longer… do we have… to keep doing this?...”

 

“That’s all up to you, kid. Although I pulled you here on the first day, you’re the one who chose to stay despite me giving you the chance to run…”

 

“*pant* But… you always... got in my way… whenever... I tried to escape…”

 

“I gave you the chance to go back “before” the training began. I didn’t say you could leave once you chose to continue with the training. If you’re a man, then don’t half-ass your decisions. Follow through to the end with whatever choices you make. I don’t need to teach a brat who doesn’t have resolve.”

 

To be honest, I'm being a hypocrite by saying this since I did exactly the opposite of what I just said in my past life. I made too many irresponsible choices that I regretted back then, so I obviously want to change this in my new life. Seeing Glenn, it seems like he understood as he suddenly became quiet with a look of resignation and a wry smile.

 

"In any case, we should be done for now. How soon can you be done with your errand? I'd like to start preparing for our trip to Orgo."

 

"Actually... it was finished yesterday. I just wanted to know how long we were gonna keep doing this..."

 

Ah, good. Only some minor things should be prepared now. On another note... it should also be about time until "they" arrive...

 

"Oh right. When you go back, make sure you arrive before lunch and please gather everyone at the main entrance of the village. I left a couple of little packages there for the villagers. They’re by the fence. Once you’re done, meet me back here, I’ll wait for you until then. And also... hmm... well... just have faith in me, so if you have to make a certain choice, don't feel guilty, alright?"

 

He looked at me with a confused look, but he didn't seem too curious as he lightly asked me a question.

 

"Hm? I’m not sure what you’re planning, but if it’s you then everyone probably won’t mind. Is it another gift for everyone?"

 

"Let's just say it's a precaution for something in the future. Anyways, hurry along now or it'll be lunch soon."

 

I shooed him away as I wanted to finish up some preparations. Heh... it looks I'll finally get to see how far along his training has brought him.

 

…

 

…

 

Glenn hurried back to the village before noon. He was excited to finally make the trip back to Orgo to fulfill his promise.

 

Despite it being lunch, the villagers gathered at his request due to their curiosity. Glenn found the packages, which were two crates. One was a standard square crate while the other was longer and shorter in size. Elder Yadi came closer and inspected the crates.

 

“Hmm… Glenn, are you saying what’s in these crates are gifts from sir Camus? How come he didn’t come along with you to present them? Also, why did he leave them by the entrance?”

 

Yadi trusts Camus, but as the leader of the village he couldn’t help but ask these questions due to the suspicious nature of the way they were given. Glenn could only shrug in response.

 

“I’m not sure. He told me they’re for the village, but I don’t know why he left them there. He told me he couldn’t come because he needed to make preparations. I just don’t know for what though.”

 

The elder could only nod in understanding, but wasn’t too suspicious of it. After all, what would Camus gain in wanting to kill them. If he wanted to, he might as well have done so from the start since he was capable of killing the Storm Roc. There’s nothing they knew much about him other than his race, strength, and vast knowledge. If he were actually a Demon Beast, then it would make even less sense since they were not capable of cunning and underhanded actions.

 

With all this taken into consideration, Elder Yadi instructed some of the men to pry open the crates. With a snap, the crates opened up and they soon checked the contents.

 

“… ! Why… these… are these seeds and roots?”

 

“I’ve seen some of these before in the market of Orgo! But… no one really knows how to grow them so they weren’t sold much.” <Glenn>

 

“Hey look! There’s something written under the cover of the crate!”

 

The people looked under the crate and found a parchment with written words and pictures drawn on it.

 

“Elder, can you read this?”

 

“Hmm… let me see… ! T-These… These are instructions on how to raise the seeds and roots!” <Elder Yadi>

 

Everyone was stunned. For a time, they were quiet due to the shock but soon they all started celebrating. Life in the frontier was hard. The fact that most of these people were farmers made life all the more difficult when they found out the harvest they brought wouldn’t grow in these lands. Even if they tried to grow some of the local produce, they had no knowledge on how to raise them and would require some time before they figured it out; a time they didn’t have due to the monsters and bandits that frequent the land. Left with little choice, most of them were forced to become hunters or scavenge for wild crops, which was very dangerous for the same reasons but offered a quicker solution to their shortage of food.

 

Now that they were presented with the means to grow the local crops and utilize the skills that took them all their lives to learn, it’s not an exaggeration to say that they were so happy that they started worshipping their savior who brought them hope… and a future.

 

“… ! By the gods!”

 

Startled by the outcry of one of the men, they all looked towards him and realized he was looking at the contents of the longer crate.

 

“… ! Elder, these are… “

 

“Indeed… I’m not sure why he would give us these, but there must be some good reason. For now we should move these to the back or else it may cause some trouble. I’ll manage these later.” <Elder Yadi>

 

Just as the elder was giving out instructions, a cry came from one of the villagers once more and this time it contained panic.

 

“E- Elder! We’ve got trouble! There are riders coming in from the east heading towards the south! They are headed by a Half-Orc on a Warg! They’ll soon be at the entrance!”

 

As they noticed a dust cloud in he distance, one of the village men called out what he saw from the roof of his house when he climbed it. This is worrying news indeed. Orcs are a warrior race that rules the lands west of the Plains of Death. Their savagery is well known, but the fact that the rider is a Half-Orc is making them more afraid. There are only 2 Half-Orcs that are well known within the wilderness and they are both the leaders of the largest and most dangerous bandit group in the frontier, the Vadar Bandits.

 

Knowing the seriousness about the arrival of these riders, Elder Yadi ordered the older villagers and children to take shelter at the main hall in the village square. He chose not to hide and decided to meet with these riders along with most of the villagers. Glenn stood by the elder’s side hoping he could be of some help. This time, he was not as afraid due to his training and the fact that it’s his village that he must now protect.

 

The riders soon arrived and stopped at the front of the village entrance. Their leader, Doruk, gave the villagers a fierce look while his wolf, Mesha, growled menacingly.

 

“… people of this village… I am Doruk, sub-leader and war-brother to Bolgruk, chief of the Vadar Bandits. I have come here in search of a Demon Beast… or at least a creature like it. It should have passed by here… tell me honestly, or I will make an example of your village to let others know not to defy the Vadar Bandits.”

 

The men behind Doruk jeered and laughed, waving their weapons in the air as they mocked the villagers.

 

“… Leader Doruk. I am the Elder of this village, Yadi. I swear upon my village that we have not seen a Demon Beast or it’s like around here. If there was, then our village would have long since suffered at its hands.”

 

Doruk scratched his head in contemplation. Indeed, if a Demon Beast did come, then their village would show signs of its passing. The lack of the smell of blood and destruction within the vicinity serves as proof of the elder’s words.

 

“…Mesha has scented its trail here, but it is indeed as this elder’s words. Oi! You lot! You better not be messing with me and the Chief! What the hell was it that killed Muld?”

 

Obviously irritated at his men’s incompetence, Doruk faced them with anger clear in his eyes at the idea that they may have been chasing the wrong prey.

 

“W-We weren’t lying when we said Muld was killed by a Demon Beast, Boss!”

 

“T-That’s right, Boss! It definitely was a Demon Beast! It had the head of a lizard and dropped down from the sky!”

 

“… ! Wait! Look boss! That’s the adventurer brat who Muld tried to off! He’s still alive, so he must know where the beast is!”

 

One of the bandits noticed Glenn and immediately recognized him. No sooner than they started pointing at him, Doruk looked at Glenn and sized him up.

 

“Is this true, boy? Your elder claims that the village has not met with the Demon Beast, but my men say they recognize that you were there when it killed one of my men. Tell me the truth now, or I will have yours and that elder’s head.”

 

Glenn was afraid, but somehow his body no longer shook in fear as it once did. Breathing in while mustering up the courage to look at Doruk in the eyes, he then exhaled.

 

“… It is as our Elder said. We have not encountered a Demon Beast. However, we did encounter a Scalekin. I simply don’t know if he’s the one you're after.”

 

Doruk’s eyes widened in realization. A Scalekin! No wonder his men mistook it for a Demon Beast. He smiled fiercely as he knew they had found their prey.

 

“Where is this Scalekin? If you tell me, I promise on my warrior’s honor I won’t bother your village again.”

 

An Orc’s honor as a warrior was his life. It was the same even for Half-Orcs including the infamous Vadar Bandit leaders, so it wasn’t easy to dismiss his statement as simple words. Glenn pondered as to what he should do. If he agrees, then his village would from now on be safe from the Vadar Bandits. However, it would mean betraying Camus who not only saved his life, but also gave him courage and brought hope to his slowly dying village. At first he was torn, but then he remembered Camus’ words…

 

“Just have faith in me, so if you have to make a certain choice, don't feel guilty, alright?"

 

With resolve, he looked up to Doruk and made his decision.

 

“If you’re looking for him, he’s at the northern rocky hills, just a ways away from this village.”

 

Satisfied, Doruk gave a nod and beat his chest, an action denoting he would keep his word. He then turned towards his men.

 

“Two of you come with me. The rest of you, keep watch over this village. I’ll need to make sure it’s actually there, but if it’s not, then this village only has themselves to blame.”

 

Doruk took two of the riders with him as they rode on north towards the rocky hills that Glenn mentioned. In a low voice, Elder Yadi spoke to Glenn of his action.

 

“… Glenn, is this alright?” <Elder Yadi>

 

“Don’t worry. I have faith in sir Camus. After all, if he could beat the Storm Roc, why should he be afraid of Doruk and a couple of bandits?”

 

Upon this, the elder smiled and nodded. Indeed, if anything, it’s the bandits who wouldn’t come out unharmed should they confront their benefactor. They also knew that doing this would imply that the village kept up to common knowledge that they wouldn’t welcome the normally hostile Scalekin, so even if word gets to Bolgruk that his brother was slain, he wouldn’t take his revenge on the village since they weren’t related. However, the remaining bandits next words dashed down their hopes…

 

“Sheesh… I didn’t think he’d ever leave.”

 

“Yeah, unlike Boss Muld, Boss Doruk is too serious and doesn’t know how to have fun. Honor this and honor that… blech!”

 

“Hey guys, why don’t you say we have some fun at this here village, eh? Bwahahaha!”

 

“Didn’t the boss say not to touch them unless he knows the Scalekin is there?”

 

“You idiot… if Boss Doruk does find the Scalekin there, that means we won’t ever get to touch this village! That means we can have a go at them now since he only said we won’t get to touch them “again” if they do find it! This would make it the “first” time and we just won’t touch them “again.” Get it? Hahahaha!”

 

As the bandits talked about their boss behind his back along with their intentions, Glenn and the villagers couldn’t help but frown. While they could trust a Half-Orc’s words of honor, the same couldn’t be said of the other bandits since they knew full well of the greed of men. The villagers looked towards each other knowing that this is trouble they couldn’t avoid. Glenn gripped the hilt of his sword ready to take action anytime…

 

…

 

…

 

It hasn’t been long since Glenn left so I decided to pass the time finishing some of my old projects. There are only a few components left until I finish another one, so I’m hoping to find the missing stuff when we get to town.

 

As I was busying myself, I soon heard the sound of hooves clopping over the ground. Hmm… seems they’re earlier than I expected. I hope Glenn was able to do as I asked in time. Well, even if they didn’t, I’d still be able to do something, but the best scenario I planned out only works if he made it in time.

 

I found out about these bandits a few days ago when I was out flying around searching for the beans, carrots, potatoes, and some pepper counterparts I’ve found in this world and gave to the village. I was downwind from their camp when I eavesdropped on them since I noticed they had a huge wolf with them. Wouldn’t want it to sniff me out so I picked out a good distance and enhanced my hearing. Turns out they were looking for me after I squashed one of their pals, and one of their big bosses was actually sent out since they still seem to think I’m a Demon Beast.

 

I had an amused expression on my face as I tried to imagine their expressions when they find out I’m not as they think I am. I soon stored all the materials I was working on and turned to see the three men. At least two of them are human, but the one in the lead had rust colored skin, dreadlocks in a ponytail, and a long face with a wide mouth and upward pointing tusks. Now that I got a closer look at him, I see that he looks pretty close to the Orcs in the games made by that snowstorm named game developer(*) back in my world. Alright! I’m so glad the Orcs here aren’t the forever-hung rapey pig-men that most eastern novels like to depict!

 

As I was lost in my thoughts, their leader got off his wolf and spoke out first.

 

“Hmm… you’re a Scalekin indeed. But you don’t seem to have wings and are not as big as my men reported. However, Mesha can smell the blood of Muld coming off of you. Tell me, are you the one who killed one of my men?”

 

So that’s how they tracked me. I’ve been wondering how that wolf got a scent of me since I don’t remember leaving anything back there. I honestly thought they had a Mage to track me or something, but it turns out my lack of showering was what caused the problem. Yeesh… I guess I’ll have to find an inn with a bath once I get to town… the villagers here have to go down to a creek on the village outskirts just to bathe, so I didn’t think much of it…

 

I stopped my line of thought since he seemed to be getting upset, so I decided to answer him.

 

“If you’re talking about a big bandit with a scar on his cheek, then I have done so. It was very unfortunate since I was carrying a big sword and it fell on him while I was scaling some rocks.”<Camus>

 

“Hoh… surprisingly, you can speak well. Your kind tends to speak in hisses and growls.”<Doruk>

 

“He’s lying boss! There weren’t no rocks where we attacked that carriage, and he definitely planned to kill us!”

 

“That’s right boss! I dunno where his wings went, but when he dropped down and picked up that huge lump o’ metal, he pointed it at us and even told us to pick a god and pray!”

 

Heh. Indeed, I’m lying, but you guys got no way to prove it. After all, I currently “don’t” have wings, and I’m smaller than what you described.

 

“… I don’t know what trick you used, but now that I got the upper hand, there’s no way for it to work on me now.”

 

Looks like he’s convinced I did something to fool his men. Well, not that I care about correcting him, I might as well see just how powerful the leader of these infamous bandits are.

 

[Status]

 

Name	Doruk
Race	Half-Orc
Age	42
Title	Sub-Chief of Vadar Bandits
Job	Bandit Leader
Threat Level	C+
Stats / Attributes	STR – C+ VIT – C+ AGI – C- END – C INT – D MP – E
Skills / Bonuses / Blessings / Curses	Passive Beast Tamer 2 Enhanced Strength 1 Strengthen Followers 1 Active Berserker Rage Roar of Valor

 

Huh? That’s weird… The status window looks different. Is it because he doesn’t count as a monster? Well, no matter. I see his stats and I honestly don’t know what to say… He’s one of the two most feared bandits of the frontier and he’s only at C+?

 

Hold on a moment… No, it’s not his fault... It’s because I was forced to face something on the level of that damn Gigapede and my dad that I have this screwed up sense of defining strength… Seriously… It’s wrong of me to compare him to those two…

 

Anyways, it looks like he’s raring to go, so I might as well end this quick.

 

“I can mostly certainly assure you that I have no trick. However, I do warn you not to underestimate me.”

 

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“Hahaha! Looks like you actually have some backbone! Very well! I shall take you on with the best of my ability! I am Doruk, the second head of the Vadar Bandits! Name yourself, Scalekin!”

 

Looks like he got even more excited. Well, I guess I should answer in kind.

 

“I am Camus Helmight. As of now, I’m still a nobody, but I plan to change that in the future.”

 

Since I can’t have a cool introduction like him, I can only be honest about it.

 

“Hah! You seem to lack spirit Scalekin! We’ll soon see if you’re truly as composed as you appear!”

 

He charged at me and unsheathed two axes to try and chop me from both sides. I grinned as I stood there as if I didn’t have a care in the world.

 

Enraged that I seem to be doing nothing to block his attack, he cursed and rushed faster.

 

“Are you mocking me you damned lizard!? Let’s see you if you’ll still smile after I lop off your scaly head!”

 

His two men in the back were smiling and talking as if the fight's already over… But their next expression would only show the speechlessness of shock… and horror.

 

*shatter*

 

Dumbfounded at what happened, their leader, Doruk, was staring motionlessly at the two handles of what was once his prized axes.

 

“W-What the… what just happened?” <Doruk>

 

Rubbing my neck as if it were stiff and patting off the shattered remains of his axe, I then motioned my left arm and grabbed him by the neck then lifted him into the air.

 

“Hyuk!”

 

“… Do you understand now? Why I didn’t bother to move?”

 

He started to struggle when he realized I lifted him off the ground by his neck. He also tried to break my arm and kick me, but I could hardly feel him doing anything at all to my arm and his kicks to my body felt like I was being hit by a pillow.

 

“Grrrrg… Me-Mesha!”

 

As a last ditch effort, he slipped his head higher and called upon his wolf. With a roar, it lunged at me seeming as quick as lightning and just as it appeared it was about to snap its jaws on my neck, it’s maw snapped an inch too early before it could reach the back of my neck.

 

Confused, it tried to snap several times more but it just couldn’t reach. It then realized I grabbed it with my tail, but before it could move I smashed it headlong into the ground and followed up by throwing it against a large rock. With a loud smash, a depression on the rock can be seen while the large wolf coughed up blood.

 

“If this is all you got, then I’m afraid even if you brought all your men, you wouldn’t be able to win.”

 

I then let go since it seemed he was already turning blue from a lack of air. It’s not like I’m showing him some mercy, but I found it too sad to just squish his head like a tomato. After all, his image is like the warrior Orcs I admired in the game I used to play, so I wouldn’t want to ruin that image. If he’s going to give up then I’ll let him go, but if not, then I’ll give him a warrior’s death.

 

“…*pant*…*pant*… why… did you let me go?”

 

“… To give you another chance… If you would choose to live, then I’ll let you. However, if you wish to die, then I’ll end you with all of my power.”

 

Doruk stared at me wide-eyed, then he lowered his gaze and chuckled slowly… his voice in resignation, yet with resolve.

 

“He… he… it seems I’m to be granted the greatest death. I thank you, Scalekin… No… Camus. Failing my mission, I can no longer face my men, let alone my brother... It would truly be an honor to die a warrior’s death at the hands of someone truly strong. I don’t know how a Scalekin such as you were able to obtain so much strength, but I truly respect it and I’m grateful that you would honor me.”

 

I gave him a solemn nod in acknowledgement. I then brought out World Breaker and held it over my shoulder with one hand.

 

“Mesha! Come!”

 

Doruk called upon his beaten wolf and rode it. He then pulled out a dagger from its sheathe that was tied to the back of his waist.

 

“Camus Helmight! I have only one favor to ask upon my death! Burn my body along with Mesha’s, and in return I’ll give you this dagger! Please accept it!”

 

“… Very well.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

After that last exchange, we stared each other off for some time. His face drenched in sweat, the tension was so thick I felt that I could cut it with a knife. When a drop of sweat fell from his face and dripped to the ground, that was the signal for his charge.

 

They both leapt at me with Mesha bearing its fangs while Doruk readied himself to bring down his dagger on my head.

 

All this happened in an instant, but to me it felt like a slow moving picture. I motioned my other hand to the handle and with both hands; I swung World Breaker with all my might in an overhead swing. Like a flash of lightning, I appeared behind him with our backs facing each other and my blade extended forward not touching the ground.

 

As Doruk landed on the spot where I once was, he smiled and looked onto the heavens as his body split in two since it was bisected along with his wolf.

 

Blood flowed from the spot where he stood and afterwards… Silence…

 

I walked over to his corpse and took the dagger he entrusted to me. Afterwards, I used my fire breath to turn his and his wolf’s body into ashes.

 

I then looked to the side, as I didn’t forget about his two men. They were frozen in fear. Their legs lost strength and they fell on their asses while sniveling and chattering their teeth. Soon, even a foul smell started coming from the both of them as their excretions started showing from the stains on their pants.

 

“I’ll give you two a chance to run… take your friends along with you and tell your chief that if he wants to find me, Camus Helmight, then I’ll be at Orgo. If you two can do this, then I’ll let you live. If not, then you can die while I use your other friends…”

 

Upon knowing that they get to live, they immediately got on their knees and started bowing. They soon got up and got on their horses as they made way towards the village at breakneck speed.

 

“Now then… I wonder how Glenn’s doing.”

 

I grinned as I pondered on the boy’s progress and made for the sky to watch the show.

 

…

 

…

 

“Oi brat. What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

 

Turning back time a bit, and just as the bandits were planning to make trouble, Glenn unsheathed his sword before a bandit’s neck as he was about to grab one of the village women.

 

“I should be asking you that question. Do you honestly think I’m going to let you guys do whatever you want?”

 

Glenn was afraid… afraid that he would lose everything again… this fear clenched at his heart greater than any fear he’s ever known, and Camus made him realize that risking his life was indeed a small price to pay if it meant he could protect everyone and everything he cared for.

 

“Eh!? Who the hell do you think you’re messing around with brat!? All these guys here know you’re nothing but a gutless n – gaaaaah!?”

 

Before the bandit could finish mouthing off his vulgarity, Glenn slashed at the bandit’s wrists before he could make a grab for his sword.

 

“I can’t believe you think I’m so naïve as to let you finish your stupid talk.”

 

At this moment, the rest of the bandits became angered and started pulling out their weapons.

 

“T-This fucking brat! I’m going to rip his damn dick off and fuck his ass with it until it bleeds!”

 

The bandit with his wrists cut could only spew curses, as he no longer had the means to hold a sword. However, Glenn was still wary… after all, there were still over 10 bandits.

 

A bandit at the side kicked the crate filled with seeds and made it spill over. Seeing this, Glenn became enraged that their hopes were tossed to the side and stepped on by these bastards.

 

He charged into the center of them and attacked their legs and arms becoming a sharp whirlwind. Whenever they tried to attack him, he ducked and weaved between them causing the bandits to attack each other. Compared to having to deal with Camus’ speed and killing intent, all their movements appeared slow and their bloodlust only lukewarm.

 

As he was toying with them, the bandit whose wrists he cut realized Glenn’s reaction was due to the crate being kicked over. He had an idea and soon had a malicious grin on his face.

 

“Boys! The brat’s trying to protect the crate with the seeds! Hurry and burn it!”

 

Hearing their comrade’s instruction, they soon went over to the crate and tried to destroy its contents or to set it on fire.

 

“… !! No!”

 

Glenn, in a panic, rushed towards the crate and swung his sword to make the bandits retreat.

 

Realizing what their friend said was true; they soon started circling Glenn and pretended to attack the crate while attacking Glenn.

 

Having the tables turned, Glenn was soon filled with cuts and bruises… but still he refused to stand down and let their hopes be trampled.

 

“What the hell is with this brat? Just fucking die already!”

 

The bandits became fiercer in their attacks and it wouldn’t be long until Glenn would go down in exhaustion.

 

Seeing this, the villagers and the elder were in a panic.

 

“Elder, if we don’t do something soon, Glenn boy is gonna die!”

 

“We have to help him Elder! He’s not the only one who can fight!”

 

The Elder was also afraid… afraid that if they indeed bared their fangs at the bandits, then the others would come seeking revenge. But seeing Glenn before him… the boy he raised in place of his parents whom he made a promise with to protect him… who was doing his best to protect them and their hope, and was now about to be killed before him… Elder Yadi closed his eyes and with firm resolution, he now made a decision.

 

“You’re all right. There’s no point in trying to avoid a fight that they insist themselves… I now understand why sir Camus left that other crate with us. To arms my friends! We protect our village with our own hands!”

 

Everyone nodded with determination and soon moved towards the other crate. None of the bandits noticed since they were all busy with Glenn.

 

As Glenn finally made a mistake in his exhaustion, the bandits took this opportunity and pinned him down.

 

“Finally… this brat sure gave us one hell of a time.”

 

“Heh! Goes to show that no one messes with the Vadar Bandits! C’mon Reek, cut his bloody dick off like you said!”

 

The man called Reek who had his wrists cut looked evilly at Glenn as he pulled out a knife.

 

“Time to eat dirt boy. What was it your lizard friend said when he tried to gut us? Oh right! Time to pick a god and start praying brat!”

 

Just as Reek was about to stab Glenn, suddenly, a sharp object burst through his chest.

 

“Wh- Wha…”

 

Reek would never finish his words as light soon left his eyes.

 

Shocked, the bandits turned around and saw that over one hundred angry villagers wielding swords and spears surrounded them all… Life in the frontier was hard and savage. The villagers weren’t naïve enough to only threaten or shallowly strike at them, and made sure the attacks were meant to kill.

 

“O-Oi! W-What the hell do you people think you’re doing!? Don’t you know who we are!?”

 

In a panic, one of the bandits tried to threaten the villagers, but this only served to fuel their fire, as they angrily made to charge and stab at the bandit who threatened them.

 

“Gyaaaaagh!”

 

The bandits were gradually getting overwhelmed, and soon only a few made it back to their horses. There was a reason Doruk asked them to only watch at the entrance of the village. Even he knew it was stupid to provoke over a hundred frontier hardened villagers gathered at the town entrance with only more than 10 men. Unfortunately, these bandits were too used to pushing other people around, and were overcome with stupidity and greed. And now, they were reaping what they sowed.

 

As they only numbered less than 5 now, they turned towards the villagers angrily and threatened them one last time.

 

“You fucking bastards! When our boss Doruk comes back, he’ll be sure to feed you all to the wolves!”

 

But their hopes were soon dashed as he saw the two who came with Doruk rushing back in a maddened state and filled with terror.

 

“R-Run! Boss Doruk got done in! That thing was a monster! There’s no way we can beat it and it said if we don’t go away now it’ll kill us all!”

 

After hearing this, the surviving members grew terrified and started running far into the horizon, leaving only another cloud of dust.

 

“We did it! Serves those bastards right!”

 

“Haha! We pushed them back!”

 

The villagers were cheering as they were able to not only save their fellow member, Glenn, but they were also able to protect their “hope.”

 

“Elder! Sir Camus really helped us a lot didn’t he!”

 

“That’s right! We’d never have the courage to fight back if he didn’t give us a reason to fight!”

 

Despite having protected the village themselves, they knew that they’d never be able to do it without Camus’ intervention. He gave them “hope” and a “future” as well as the means to protect them. Whether they would choose to protect it or throw it away all depended on their choices.

 

“Hohoho… you’re all right. So what do you all suggest we should do to honor him?” <Elder Yadi>

 

“How about we name the village after him? Our village doesn’t have a name yet!”

 

“Oh! Good idea! Let’s call our village Camus Village!”

 

“No way, you dunce! He has a second name, so he must be a noble! We have to call this village Helmight Village to honor his noble name!”

 

“Hmm… that’s a good idea, but I think it wouldn’t be wise to directly call ourselves under his noble name. If he had enemies, then they would directly tie us to him, so they might use us against him. That wouldn’t be good now wouldn’t it? So instead, in his honor, we shall now be henceforth called Helming Village!”<Elder Yadi>

 

“Hooray for Helming Village!”

 

Everyone cheered, as they were happy for their new identity as a village. Camus planned the best scenario for everyone, but even he'd have never suspected that the people of the village would decide to honor him by using his name for the village. After all, the reason he left them to themselves was so they wouldn’t think it was he who helped them, but he never thought it would backfire and ended up making them worship him more…

 

…

 

Time flew by and Glenn soon recovered. He then left to meet Camus at the same hill…

 

“Sir Camus! Everyone’s been looking for you, you know?”

 

“It’s fine kid, I’m no good with that sort of thing so it’s fine… By the way… did you all really have to name the village after me?”

 

It was really embarrassing… when they started cheering after they drove off the bandits about how they wanted to name the village after me, I couldn’t help but tear up a bit. I feel that if I drop by over there now, I just might break down…

 

“Haha! It’s a great honor don’t you think? After all, you’re our hero!”

 

Hero… whenever I hear that, I end up thinking back to the time when my dad was training me to shape me up to be this world’s hero… Well, it doesn’t sound so bad, but it’s kinda pointless now since there isn’t really some big threat to the world at the moment… or at least, none that I know of…

 

As I kept my thoughts to myself, Glenn just chatted all the way about how he dealt with the bandits.

 

Soon we would arrive at Orgo… and I didn’t know it now, but I probably would never have come if I knew how much pain I’d be made to go through when I arrived…

 

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