Chapter 24: Back to a Farm

With their horses prepared, the Grimknights followed the desperate man to the outskirts of Fagora City. As they approached, a vast farmland stretched before them, its golden fields illuminated by the morning sun. The sight was breathtaking—a stark contrast to the tension that loomed over the area.

The Grimknights observed their surroundings as they rode closer. "Not a bad place," Kaiser murmured.

"Yeah, shame it's under threat," Espada added. "Looks like these bandits don't just want money. They want control."

Elric, riding alongside them, remained quiet, his sharp gaze scanning the area.

They finally arrived at a farmhouse, where several farmer maids were hard at work. The smell of freshly harvested wheat filled the air. The civilian led them inside the house, where they would further discuss the bandits they were about to face.

The tension in the air was heavy, but the Grimknights were ready. Another battle awaited them, but this time, it wasn't just their journey at stake—it was the livelihoods of the people before them.

And they would not let these bandits win.

The sun had long since dipped beneath the horizon, casting a shroud of darkness over the vast farmland. The air was thick with the scent of soil and freshly harvested grain, but it was the distant howls of the lycan wolves that sent an eerie chill down the spines of those gathered. The Grimknights sat in a circle around a crackling bonfire, its flickering flames casting wavering shadows across their faces. Their host, Lauron, the owner of the farm, sat among them, his face etched with worry.

Lauron's voice was low and hushed as he recounted the bandits' recent activities. "They come without warning," he said, staring into the fire. "Ransacking our barns, taking our supplies, threatening my workers… If we fail to meet their demands, they promise to burn the entire farm to the ground."

"Do you know their leader?" Henry asked, his sharp gaze fixed on the farmer.

Lauron hesitated before nodding. "He wears a metal mask. A mask with no expression, no mouth—just hollow eyes staring through it."

At this, Elric, who had been listening silently, suddenly straightened. "I've heard of that masked bandit before," he muttered. All eyes turned to him as he leaned forward, arms resting on his knees. "They say he and his group roam the Ghea Mountain."

"The Ghea Mountain?" Espada asked, raising an eyebrow. "How do you know that?"

Elric exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Because I'm from Mondotiacum," he admitted. "It's located northwest of Woodsaw, past the Ghea Mountain. Before reaching Blazzarene, that land is a battlefield. War never ends there."

For a moment, the group fell silent, allowing Elric's words to settle. He was not one to talk about his past, but now, for the first time, he let himself remember.

Lauron cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "There's one more thing," he continued. "The bandits always arrive on horseback. They are skilled riders."

Kaiser, who had been leaning back against a wooden crate, finally spoke up. "How often do they come here?"

Lauron sighed. "Every few weeks. But lately, their visits have been more frequent… and more aggressive."

The group exchanged glances, knowing that the bandits could return at any moment.

One by one, the Grimknights retired to their makeshift beds inside the farmhouse, but Kaiser remained by the bonfire. He stared into the flames, lost in thought. His mind drifted to his last battle with Carmela, the raw ferocity of their duel still fresh in his memory. And then, there was the horrifying image of Alzalel consuming Rosa, her screams echoing in his head.

A voice whispered in his mind. "I had to do that. Consuming her will help us grow stronger."

Kaiser clenched his fists. Alzalel was right. Strength was necessary. Without it, survival was impossible.

"I have to train harder," he murmured to himself. As if responding to his determination, a shadow dagger materialized in his hand, its dark aura pulsating. He stared at it for a long time before finally closing his eyes, letting the fire's warmth soothe his restless mind.

Morning arrived with the noisy crowing of roosters and the rhythmic pounding of hammers against wood. The Grimknights slowly stirred awake, stretching and rubbing sleep from their eyes.

Bjorn was the first to head outside, yawning loudly as he stretched his massive arms. Espada was already up, sharpening her sword, while Elric cleaned his mace and flail with practiced ease. Kaiser sat on the farmhouse steps, watching Nyx playfully chase a field mouse, while Mariposa combed through her hair, still lost in thought about the night before.

Lauron soon called them over, gesturing toward the farmland. "Come, let me show you how we work."

The Grimknights followed him, watching as farmers moved with impressive efficiency, their hands a blur of motion as they harvested crops and stored grains. An elderly woman approached Bjorn, handing him a large stack of wheat. "You look strong, lad. Help me carry this."

Bjorn chuckled and took the bundle—only to nearly stumble under its unexpected weight. He then adjusted his grip. The others laughed as he eventually managed to carry the stack, grumbling under his breath.

The peaceful morning was suddenly shattered by a distant tremor beneath their feet. The ground rumbled as if a hundred horses were galloping in unison.

Lauron's face paled. "They're here."

"Everyone, hide among the wheat fields!" Henry ordered quickly.

The Grimknights moved swiftly, positioning themselves behind the tall stalks of wheat, keeping their hands on their weapons. From their hiding spots, they watched as the bandits rode into the farmland, dust rising beneath their horses' hooves.

And then, amidst the group of raiders, they saw him—the masked man.

His hollow eyes stared ahead, devoid of emotion, as his horse came to a slow stop. The bandits dismounted, their hands resting on their weapons, their gazes scanning the farm like predators surveying their prey.

The Grimknights tightened their grips. The battle was about to begin.