chapter 70 carlos

The bandits had once ruled this land with fear and violence, but after their leader was out of town, chaos followed. Without a strong hand to guide them, the remnants of their group scattered like leaves in the wind. Some fought among themselves for control, others fled, and many simply perished in the anarchy that followed.

When the remaining high-ranking bandits finally returned to what had once been their stronghold, they were met with devastation. The once-thriving den of criminals was now nothing more than a shattered ruin—burnt-out buildings, empty storerooms, and corpses littering the ground. The scent of blood and decay lingered in the air, a reminder of their downfall.

Standing amidst the wreckage, the bandits' new acting leader turned his furious gaze upon Galthor, one of their trusted warriors. "This is what you've done!" he roared, pointing at the destruction around them. "You abandoned our home—our strength! All for a worthless prince who was already reduced to nothing!"

Galthor clenched his fists, his expression a mix of frustration and shame. He had believed hunting the fallen prince would restore the band's former glory, but in his absence, everything had crumbled. The decision to leave their fortress unguarded had been a fatal mistake, and now, all they had built was lost.

The bandits' rage and disappointment filled the air like an impending storm, and Galthor knew that words alone would not be enough to regain their trust.

Carlos, the highest-ranking bandit among the remnants, stepped forward, his presence demanding absolute attention. He was a seasoned warrior, a Level 5 menace known for his ruthlessness. His armor, though scratched and weathered from countless battles, still carried an intimidating weight. His scarred face twisted in fury as he took in the devastation around him.

The remaining bandits, bruised and battered, stood in uneasy silence. They knew Carlos was not the type to tolerate failure or excuses. His gaze locked onto Galthor, his expression filled with disdain.

"I take the lead from now on," Carlos declared, his voice cold and unyielding. "No more reckless decisions. No more pointless pursuits. From this moment forward, you will follow my commands without question."

Galthor opened his mouth as if to protest, but Carlos immediately cut him off. His tone sharpened, carrying the weight of authority. "This is an order. I am not requesting—I am telling you."

The words struck like a blade, final and absolute. The remaining bandits exchanged glances, understanding that defiance would mean death. Carlos was not a leader who entertained debate; he was a warlord who expected obedience.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he unsheathed his weapon—a curved blade with a darkened edge, stained with the blood of those who had dared to oppose him in the past. The message was clear: follow, or perish.

The bandits lowered their heads in reluctant submission. Galthor, though his pride burned, knew he had no choice but to obey.

Carlos stood amid the ruins, his cold eyes surveying what remained of their once-powerful bandit stronghold. His mind was already working, calculating their next move. They had lost their leader, their base was in shambles, and their numbers were dwindling. Survival demanded resources—gold, supplies, and weapons. Without them, they would be nothing more than scattered thugs, easy prey for bounty hunters and rival factions.

Galthor, still seething from Carlos' takeover, took a step forward. "Carlos, I think now we need money," he said, his voice firm but cautious. "Attacking adventurers in Greenhaven Town would be our best move. I have my doubts that they're just ordinary travelers. I suspect they've done something… something that might be connected to our downfall."

Carlos turned to him, his sharp gaze narrowing. "You think those adventurers had a hand in this?"

Galthor nodded. "It's too much of a coincidence. While we were chasing after that damn prince, Greenhaven was swarming with adventurers. Not just common ones, either—strong ones. It wouldn't surprise me if they had a role in what happened here. If we strike them now, we take back what's ours and make them pay."

Carlos considered his words. It made sense. Adventurers were always a nuisance, meddling where they didn't belong. If they had indeed taken part in the destruction of their stronghold, then this was more than just a raid—it was payback.

A slow, cruel smirk spread across Carlos' face. "Then we hunt," he said, his voice laced with dark amusement. "Gather the men. We move at night. Greenhaven will soon learn what it means to cross us."

The bandits murmured in agreement, their spirits rising at the thought of revenge and wealth. Galthor gave a sharp nod, his doubts replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.

Carlos unsheathed his blade, running a thumb along its edge. "No survivors. We take their gold, their weapons, and their lives. Greenhaven belongs to us now."

[System Announcement]

Attention, players!

Due to the destruction of the Bandit Occupation by a player, the surviving bandits are furious and seeking revenge. They have regrouped and are now planning to ambush adventurers outside Greenhaven Town.

Important Notices:

1. Greenhaven Town remains a safe zone – Players within the town's boundaries will not be attacked. However, the bandits may attempt to cut off supply routes or blockade exits.

2. Caution is advised when traveling – The roads and forests outside town are no longer safe. Bandits have been spotted setting up hidden camps, traps, and ambush points along major travel routes.

3. Increased enemy activity detected – Bandit forces have been observed organizing in large numbers. Their leader, Carlos (Lv. 5), has taken command, making them more coordinated and aggressive.

Warning: Any player traveling alone or in small groups risks being targeted. Be prepared for combat, travel in parties, and use stealth or alternative routes if necessary.

— System Notice: Quest Opportunities —

[Emergency Defense]: Help defend merchant caravans and travelers from bandit ambushes.

[Bounty on Bandit Leader Carlos]: Defeat Carlos (Lv. 5) and claim the bounty.

The battle for Greenhaven's outskirts has begun! Will you stand and fight, or evade the rising danger?