The dense night enveloped the forest, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves. The noble's caravan moved slowly, its wooden wheels grinding against the dry earth. Around it, guards stood watch with heightened vigilance, their hands ready to draw their swords at any moment.
I hid among the foliage, holding my breath. The bandits around me were also waiting for the signal.
"Wait for my cue," Noel whispered.
I tightened my grip on my sword. This wasn't training, nor was it a hunt for wild animals. Tonight, I would fight against humans.
Noel raised his hand—the first signal.
A bandit positioned on the other side drew his bow. An arrow shot through the air, piercing the throat of one of the front guards.
The man's body collapsed with a heavy thud.
"Attack! Defend yourselves!" one of the guards shouted.
"Now!" Noel commanded.
We burst out of our hiding spots. More arrows flew, while other bandits charged with their swords. I moved through the shadows, looking for a target who hadn't noticed me yet.
One guard turned around, panic in his eyes. He realized too late—my sword had already slashed his shoulder.
He screamed in pain, falling to his knees, staring at me with fear-filled eyes.
I could end him now.
But my hands trembled.
"Kill him!" Noel yelled.
I didn't move.
The guard reached for his fallen sword. If I didn't act, I would be the one to die.
I swung my blade.
Blood sprayed, splattering onto my face. The guard's body collapsed, his eyes empty.
I froze. My heart pounded harder than ever.
I had just... killed someone.
But this wasn't over.
At the front of the caravan, a knight clad in black armor raised his sword high. His killing intent was overwhelming, making the bandits hesitate to approach.
"A strong guard…" I muttered.
Noel smirked. "Relax, we've prepared something for him."
Two bandits lunged at the knight. As expected, he parried their attacks with ease. With a single slash, he sent one of them crashing to the ground.
"Fall back!" Noel shouted.
The bandits feigned panic, retreating. The knight took the bait and chased after them—without realizing he had stepped into our trap.
Suddenly, the ground beneath him gave way.
The knight plummeted into the pit we had dug earlier. Sharp spikes pierced his body, forcing a pained groan from his lips.
"Now!"
We quickly buried him under rocks and logs. He tried to scream, but after a few moments, his voice was silenced.
One of our greatest threats had been eliminated.
Meanwhile, Noel and a few others had entered the caravan. I followed them.
Inside, a girl in a white dress sat curled up in the corner, trembling.
"Princess Claude," Noel grinned. "Finally, we meet."
The princess shrank back, but a bandit grabbed her roughly. She struggled, but it was useless.
"Hurry, we need to leave before more guards arrive," Noel ordered.
With the noble princess as our captive, we retreated into the forest. Traps had already been set to slow down any pursuers.
I glanced back at the guard I had killed.
Tonight, I had crossed a line that could never be undone.
I was no longer just a child trying to survive.
I was now a killer.
---
By morning, we returned to the city and handed the girl over to the city's leader. Afterward, the rewards were distributed. It was the first time I had received money—coins that gleamed under the sunlight.
Three bronze coins for a loaf of bread.
One silver coin was worth a hundred bronze coins, while one gold coin equaled a hundred silvers. No wonder only the rich owned gold coins—their value was immense.
"You're done."
Noel emerged from the shadows.
"Yeah, I was just about to head back."
"I see. Well then, see you around."
Noel turned to walk away.
"Noel, wait—"
He immediately responded. "What?"
His tone made me hesitate, as if he was pushing me into a position where he had control over me.
I had to muster my courage.
"Do you... know someone who can teach me? I've been training on my own, but I can't progress any further because of my lack of talent."
"It doesn't matter if you only know their name—I'll handle the rest."
Noel let out a deep sigh.
"Hah... I hate this, but my brother was right. You were bound to ask."
His brother?
"Come to the north gate tomorrow afternoon. You'll meet my brother there. He'll teach you everything he knows."
Noel finally walked away, but just before disappearing from sight, he turned back one last time.
"Oh, almost forgot. His name is Ravel."