The Fate X Dungeon
Ch#09 - Bandits

Ingglis is a mountain range stretching from east to west, separating the great continent into two parts. Making the geographical terrain difficult for anyone to pass through, and storing countless natural treasures.

Even so, the mountains of England do not enter the territory of any human country, since the great war in the past ended. People believe that the mountains are landscapes owned by the world, and no one is allowed to monopolize them.

But that doesn't mean everyone will abide by rules that don't even de facto exist. Many parties are secretly taking personal advantage to get the wealth provided there, not least myself.

For me, the mountain is a strategic place to 'hide' the dungeon. Ever since the dragon stream I found buried in a part of the mountain region, this place has been the best choice. In addition to the wealth of nature, difficult terrain, wild creatures, and wild monsters found within. The fact that the mountains do not enter any territory is a fortune in itself.

Now I was with Sella near the village of Arunn located at the foot of the northern mountain, observing the first village that became my 'target' since coming out of the dungeon.

With my sense of sight already surpassing that of an ordinary human, everything that happened in the village was clearly visible to me. Currently by chance the village was being attacked by a group of people. Houses and some fields were devoured by the blaze. The residents were surrounded by a group of armed men who looked like bandits.

“It seems that there have been no casualties among the villagers.”

As Sella said. The movements of the bandits felt strange in my eyes, as if they were waiting for something. Or rather, looking for something.

“In addition to those in the village, there are still people hiding and waiting outside the village. The number is estimated to be almost a hundred people.” I said after observing it with my familiar.

An unreasonable amount in my opinion, just for a bunch of bandits. Sella herself did not believe it, and said.

“What bandit group is that big?”

Before he finally believed it after I told him that I had released some Shadow Walkers to search for their whereabouts.

Shadow walkers are a type of demon that can move in the shadows. A group of familiar experts in reconnaissance.

Since my plan was to gain the trust of the villagers, I had to save them directly while showing myself to them. It just so happened that I found the right moment.

One of the bandits dragged an elderly resident, and threatened with a sword. Because it was too far away, I didn't understand what they were talking about. But from the gesture and the mouth movement of the bandit, it looks like doing the interrogation in my opinion.

After a short talk, the bandit looked less satisfied. The sword in his hand was raised upwards to the point of making the old man terrified. Even if I didn't know what to talk about, I could guess the scene that would happen next.

So now it's my turn to perform.

“Kill.”

Just from a single word from me, the body of the bandit who wanted to behead the old man was cut into pieces. Just now, I ordered the shadow walker to brutally dismember her body.

Using displacement magic, I appeared with Sella in the middle of them. None of the bandits and villagers would have thought of my arrival.

“Bags, what did you just do to the commander?!”

One of the bandits asked me that. Both the bandits and the villagers looked suspicious when they noticed me.

Other than Sella who was standing quietly near me, after I had previously asked her to hide her identity with a cloak from me. There was still an old man who was almost decapitated before squatting down near me. He looked even more frightened when our gazes met. I ignored him and turned my attention to the bandits.

when I stepped forward before the bandits, their weapons were already pointed at me. They seem very alert. That's where I started to introduce myself.

“I am the Dark King Erza! This village is within my territory, anyone who dares to touch it will feel the consequences!”

I think that name sounds pretty good on their ears. The proof is that they are more vigilant now.

Originally, I wanted to introduce myself as the Demon King. But considering everything related to the demon lord and his demon army was the greatest conflict in the world, using the name of the king of darkness was the wise choice at the moment. It's also too soon to show yourself to the countries out there.

As I was thinking about my next action, one of the villagers spoke to me.

“Lord of the Dark Lord, I-we do not understand what you mean to call this village as your territory. But... We do not want to oppose you.. Please forgive us!”

If noticed, the villagers were more afraid of me than the bandits before. For me this is only natural, after I scatter someone's body without touching it. Although it was done by the Shadow walker, but because it was not great enough to see the real events, it made more sense that they were afraid.

“As long as you do not betray me, I will guarantee your safety.” I told the villagers. As soon as I was looking away, an arrow shot through my body. Fresh blood flowed from the target of the arrow.

Compared to the villagers, the bandits seemed satisfied watching that. However the feeling of pleasure did not last long as they watched the next scene, their gazes gradually became despair.

I who was still standing straight pulled out the arrows stuck in my body. Various words of disbelief came out from their mouths.

“Ba-How is it possible?”

“Ha... It should have hit his heart.”

“Must be, she's a monster!”

I could hear their desperate cries. Then, the next thing I did was squeeze the arrow in half, and said to them.

“Can I assume this is your resistance to me, right?”

Eve killed Quote to the bandits that stood before me. Despite the fear, they fought with all their might to not fall.

“Calm down, we're still ahead! We can fight him if we attack together!” One of the bandits yelled reassuring his comrades.

“Alright if you guys want to test me. I'll see what you're trying to do.”

Threat sentences I uttered while smiling coldly at them. By throwing one hand at them, I said—

“Ennyah.”

SRASSSHHHH!!!

In just one second, all the bandits standing before me were decapitated and created a terrifying flood of blood.

Sigh, no one even reacted to my attack. Am I overreacting?

The actions I just did were incomprehensible to the residents. They were only stunned to witness the extraordinary event, when all the bandits were killed with their heads not connected to their bodies.

Sella may seem ordinary, but I think she's also a little surprised to see what I'm doing. However, for some reason he seemed surprised at something else.

Who cares, the bandits have been cleared. What should I do next?