Chapter 57: Into the Bandit’s Den

Chapter 57: Into the Bandit's Den

Night had fully descended as Kazuki, Elara, and Tara approached the old watchtower. The structure loomed against the sky, its silhouette dark and imposing. Faint torchlight flickered from the windows, and muffled laughter could be heard from within.

Kazuki motioned for the others to crouch behind a fallen tree. "We need to be careful. We don't know how many are inside."

Tara nodded, her eyes sharp. "I'll scout ahead."

Before Kazuki could object, she had already melted into the shadows. Elara bit her lip, clearly uneasy, but Kazuki placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She'll be fine."

A few minutes later, Tara reappeared, slipping back to their position. "At least a dozen inside. Most are drunk. The girl is tied up near the fire."

Kazuki's jaw tightened. "We'll need a distraction. Elara, can you cast something to draw them out?"

Elara considered it, her hands tracing a spell pattern. "I can create a loud noise, like a collapsing tree."

Kazuki nodded. "Do it."

Elara whispered the incantation, and a few moments later, a deafening crash echoed from the opposite side of the tower. Startled shouts rang out, and several bandits stumbled outside, weapons drawn.

Kazuki didn't hesitate. He slipped through the gap in the tower's wall, moving quietly as Elara and Tara followed. Inside, the air was thick with smoke and the stench of ale. A few bandits remained near the fire, but their attention was on the noise outside.

Tara took out a bandit with a quick slice of her dagger, while Elara cast a sleep spell on another. Kazuki moved to the girl, cutting her bonds and whispering, "You're safe now."

The girl sobbed quietly, nodding as Elara helped her to her feet. Suddenly, a loud roar came from the entrance. The bandit leader had returned, his eyes blazing with fury as he spotted his captives being freed.

"You think you can take my prize?" he snarled, drawing a massive axe.

Kazuki stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the firelight. "Your prize? She's not an object."

The leader sneered, charging forward. Kazuki met him head-on, blades clashing. The force of the impact sent a jolt through Kazuki's arms, but he held firm, pushing back with all his strength.

"You're just a brat," the leader spat, swinging his axe down. Kazuki dodged, slicing across the man's side. Blood spattered the floor, but the leader barely seemed to notice.

Elara sent a burst of fire at him, but he shrugged it off, his focus solely on Kazuki. Tara moved to flank him, slashing at his legs. The leader howled, stumbling as Kazuki seized the opening, driving his sword through the man's chest.

The leader's eyes widened in shock before his body went limp. Kazuki pulled his sword free, panting heavily.

\[Skill Acquired: Berserker's Might]

Kazuki felt a surge of power coursing through him, his muscles tightening. He shuddered, forcing himself to stay calm. Tara wiped her blades on the leader's cloak, muttering, "Idiot."

Elara guided the rescued girl toward the exit. "We need to move before more come back."

Kazuki nodded, taking one last look at the fallen leader. The adrenaline faded, leaving a hollow ache in his chest. As they left the tower behind, he couldn't help but wonder — how much of his victory was his own strength, and how much was the Grizzly's influence?