"Why?" Velin jumped down from the battlement and came before Afah. "Have magical beasts invaded?"
"Young Master Velin, it isn't a magical beast invasion. It's a band of brigands," Afah answered without concealing anything.
A trace of doubt arose in Velin's heart. He clasped his hands behind his back and said, "Explain in detail."
Afah began, "Young Master Velin, this band of brigands appeared half a year ago. They have Kobolds, Goblins, Lizardmen, Goblins, ratmen, and even Half-Dragons among them. There are around a thousand of them. They live by plunder. Every time they capture a village or town, they take away the civilians and livestock. It is believed they may be using them as food."
"According to the adventurers who gathered intelligence, the leader of this band is a human, which makes them even more difficult to understand."
"Three months ago, these brigands ambushed and killed a border Patrol Team, drawing the Kingdom Army's attention. We thought they had been completely wiped out, but they resurfaced within the last half month."
"Late last night, an adventurer came to deliver word. After looting Baron Deborg's Territory, the brigands headed toward Baihuo Town. Upon receiving the news, my lord gathered the troops and went to ambush them."
"Where is that adventurer?"
Velin had a bad feeling. It all seemed far too coincidental.
According to Afah's account, if this band of brigands had survived for so long and even endured the Kingdom Army's purge, then their methods of concealing their tracks could not possibly be discovered by ordinary people. How, then, had that adventurer found them?
"He is in the castle." Though Afah was puzzled, he answered truthfully.
"Bring him here."
"Yes, Young Master Velin."
Afah lowered his head in salute, then waved over two knights and had them fetch the adventurer