Kairo checked his wristwatch as they moved away from the site of the confrontation. A notification blinked on the screen:+25 EXP.
His eyes immediately dropped to the status panel, which updated with a slight flash:Level: 2Experience (EXP): 45 / 150 (+25 EXP.)Health (HP): 110 / 110Energy (EP): 55 / 55Strength: 9Agility: 10Vitality: 9Intelligence: 11Defense: 8Speed: 10Active Skill: NoneCurrent Mission: Eliminate all bandits from the fortress.
There were no new upgrades, but his progress was real. Small, yes, but steady. He took a deep breath and looked toward the horizon. The ruins of the fortress were closer now, covered by the twilight spreading over the valley. It was time to move forward.
"Thirty-one left," Racher said, quietly calculating as they advanced among the remains of crumbled walls and rubble. "Too many for a direct assault, but enough to weaken them little by little."
Kairo nodded, feeling every muscle tense with anticipation. The air was heavy, and the silence around them almost unbearable. Every step was a reminder of what was at stake.
As they moved through the ruins, they spotted small groups of bandits scattered about, preparing weapons or repairing makeshift tents. The group decided their strategy would be to attack these small cells, avoiding large-scale confrontations.
"Divide and conquer," Robert said. "We'll take out the least alert first."
Stealthily, they ambushed a couple of bandits patrolling near a ruined tower. The fight was quick and silent; they gave no time for the others to raise an alarm.
After eliminating those enemies, a new notification appeared on Kairo's watch:+30 EXP.
The status panel blinked again, updating to:Experience (EXP): 75 / 150 (+30 EXP.)
"Twenty-seven," Kairo whispered after finishing off the last enemy in that batch.
Each small fight gave them more confidence and experience, and though the number was still high, the group's morale grew with every step.
The trio moved with precision, avoiding heavily guarded areas and attacking only when the advantage was sure. Yet Kairo couldn't help but think about the leader, Trid.
"The blacksmith guy," he murmured. "We need to find him and take him down. Without his command, these bandits will fall apart."
Racher nodded, his eyes gleaming in the dark.
"That will be our final target. But first, we have to clear this place step by step."
The sun disappeared completely, leaving the valley shrouded in deep darkness, broken only by the small campfires. The atmosphere was tense, and the battle was far from over.
"We can't fail," Kairo said, gripping his sword. "For the villagers, for justice."
The three slipped deeper into the night, ready to continue their mission.
They crept low among the remains of an ancient wall, alert to every shadow, every sound. Racher, leading, suddenly raised a hand with an open palm: immediate stop signal. Kairo and Robert halted instantly.
"There," whispered Racher, nodding toward a lower part of the terrain. "Three men. Sitting by a fire, unaware."
Kairo spotted them through gaps in some fallen stones. One was asleep, leaning his back against a broken crate, another stared fixedly into the flames, and the third was carving something with a small knife.
"Take them out?" Robert murmured, crouching beside him, dagger ready.
"Three…" whispered Racher, preparing to strike."Two…""One…"
They moved as one shadow.
Kairo was the first to strike. With agile steps, he reached his target, aiming straight for the neck. But just as he swung his sword, the bandit turned his head, and the cut grazed his shoulder.
"G...!" the enemy tried to scream.
But Kairo didn't allow it. He regained balance and plunged his sword into the bandit's chest with a dry blow, silencing him instantly.
Meanwhile, Robert attacked precisely, his dagger slicing the second bandit's throat before he could stand.
Racher leapt on the third like a shadow, grabbing him from behind and driving his weapon through the heart with a single, deadly motion.
It was all over in mere seconds.
Kairo's watch buzzed softly on his wrist.+30 EXP.
Experience (EXP): 105 / 150 (+30 EXP.)
"Twenty-four," Kairo muttered as he checked his watch, referring to the estimated number of enemies remaining.
"That one almost screamed," Robert said quietly.
"But he didn't," Kairo replied, cleaning his blade.
"Well done," added Racher, a faint smile visible in the dim light. "Let's keep going. There are still many who don't know this will be their last night."
And without another word, they vanished once again into the shadows, ready to keep hunting.