Slaughter

Linshui City was roughly over 200 kilometers in a straight line from Sean's family territory, a journey of about three days on horseback. After they set out, the guards quickly positioned themselves to protect Sean and the carriage in the middle; Sean had chosen to ride a horse this time to train his equestrian skills.

After the New Year passed, Sean would soon take up a post in the Garrison; getting used to long hours in the saddle ahead of time was necessary. Just then, Guard Cavalry Captain Jack rode up beside Sean, his expression somewhat strained, but his tone respectful as he said, "Young Master Sean, our itinerary today requires us to reach Neo Town, eighty kilometers east of Linshui City, before evening..."

Sean frowned. He understood that Captain Jack's words were a hint for him to return to the carriage. These Guard Cavalry belonged to the Lord's Guard of Sean's family. The one who could decide Captain Jack's fate now was Sean's father, and in the future, his older brother. Whether now or later, Sean had no authority to discipline these cavalrymen. Captain Jack only wanted to complete the task of protecting Sean back to the territory without any complications. He was subtly dissatisfied with Sean's decision. After all, riding all day was exhausting, and he had no idea about Sean's riding skill.

"Captain Jack, rest assured. I'll keep up with everyone." Sean replied in a calm tone.

Captain Jack could only voice his discontent implicitly, since Sean was still the family's Young Master. Seeing Sean insist on his own way, he had no choice but to give up on persuading him. He naturally assumed that after the hardship of a long journey, the "delicate" Young Master Sean would willingly return to the comfortable carriage.

Soon, the cavalry troop exited Linshui City's east gate. On the main road, numerous merchant caravans and commoners were coming and going. Seeing Sean's group of cavalry riding past, they quickly cleared the main road to avoid conflict and unnecessary trouble.

Along the main road were neat, block-shaped farmlands, uniformly planted with winter wheat for the season. Scattered among them were farmers in gray-black linen clothes, busy tending to the wheat fields.

Soon, Sean and the cavalry passed the busy stretch before the city gate, and their warhorses began to pick up speed. After over two hours, the troop smoothly reached a village along the way that served as a rest stop for travelers. Sean and the others entered the village, found an inn, and rested while eating.

In the afternoon, they continued their journey. The troop also proceeded smoothly and arrived at Neo Town before dusk. They stayed at an inn within the town.

The Southern Region on the north bank of the Dorosun River, after years of development by the empire, had already shown signs of prosperity. Towns and villages were scattered like stars across the land, but the muddy roads connecting them made the first day of continuous riding exhausting for Sean. Even so, his performance today still surprised Captain Jack and the cavalry under his command.

After dinner at the town inn, Sean left alone, found an empty open space, and completed his daily knight training. When he finished, he returned to the inn and asked the innkeeper to prepare hot water for him. After bathing, Sean went to bed early.

The next morning, Sean and the others set off again. The troop encountered no incidents and reached their planned destination, North Bank Town, before dusk. North Bank Town, bordering the Dorosun River to the south, was one of the main ferry crossings on the lower reaches of the Dorosun River. Sean's cavalry troop planned to cross the Dorosun River at North Bank Town and enter the Southern Wilderness Region. From there, continuing east for about half a day would bring them to Blue Fortress Town, where the family castle was located.

On the morning of the third day of travel, Sean and his group had breakfast and immediately set out. Although Sean had been visibly tired over the past two days, his constitution allowed him to recover with adequate rest, so he didn't feel particularly exhausted.

North Bank Town had a specially built ferry dock, where many commoners worked at fishing and ferrying people. Sean's cavalry troop chartered three fishing boats for the crossing, enough to transport everyone across the Dorosun River at once.

The Dorosun River originated in the Sunset Mountains to the west, cut across the Western Continent for over a thousand kilometers, and flowed east into the Mediterranean Sea. It was the widest and most voluminous river in the entire Western Continent. The suitable climate and abundant water made the land along the Dorosun River fertile and easy to irrigate, ideal for a land of fish and rice. However, every rainy season, the Dorosun River would flood heavily, destroying large swaths of farmland in its middle and upper reaches. Combined with the sparse population, the area was overrun with criminals and bandits. Hence, it became known as the Southern Wilderness Region.

North Bank Town was located on the lower reaches of the Dorosun River, where the current was gentle and the river narrower than in other areas. This made it the main ferry hub connecting the Southern Region and the Southern Wilderness Region.

Standing at the bow of the ferry, Sean gazed at the surging river before him; his heart couldn't help but feel uneasy. Perhaps this was what they called being timid about approaching home. It shouldn't have been something the current Sean felt, but maybe the emotions of the soul he had devoured had infected him too. Now, Sean felt some fear about truly being with his close family—the Baron Horton family were merely relatives, after all.

Afterward, Sean and the others crossed the river smoothly and entered the Southern Wilderness Region. After a brief rest, they set off again. They traveled for another hour or so, and the troop entered a desolate hilly area. At this point, the guard cavalry all became alert.

Captain Jack rode up beside Sean and said respectfully, "Young Master Sean, ahead is Golden Wolf Ridge. Bandits haunt the forests and mountains here. Perhaps... you should return to the carriage." After two days of interaction, especially Sean's various displays during that time, Captain Jack had come to see him in a new light. He now showed even more deference when addressing Sean.

"Golden Wolf Ridge? Captain Jack, how far is it from the family territory? Also, do you know the size of the bandit groups active in this area?" After hearing Captain Jack's words, Sean thought for a moment and quickly asked a series of questions.

From what Sean knew, Golden Wolf Ridge was a hilly area of about a hundred square kilometers on the south bank of the lower Dorosun River. It was said that wolf packs roamed the ridge, and occasionally people found gold dust there. Hence, the locals called it Golden Wolf Ridge.

"Young Master Sean, after crossing Golden Wolf Ridge, it's another twenty-plus kilometers to enter the Viscount Territory," Captain Jack replied immediately. He paused, then added, "It's said that small groups of bandits operate within Golden Wolf Ridge. They usually only dare to attack lone travelers or small merchant caravans. They shouldn't have the nerve to attack our cavalry troop, but..."

Sean cut Captain Jack off before he could finish, waving his hand and saying, "Captain Jack, don't worry. I'll take care of myself. Immediately send out cavalry scouts to reconnoiter, and order the cavalry to heighten their vigilance." Sean knew Captain Jack was worried about his safety—if anything happened to Sean, he and the guard cavalry would face severe punishment.

What Captain Jack didn't know was that Sean was already a Rookie Knight, with enough strength to protect himself. In fact, Sean was somewhat looking forward to the bandits daring to attack their troop, so he could have a chance to test his abilities.

Captain Jack, somewhat helplessly, passed on Sean's orders. He had no way to force Sean into the carriage. All he could do was heighten vigilance and hope no reckless bandits showed up.

Soon, the cavalry troop entered the depths of Golden Wolf Ridge along the mountain path. The tall trees on either side of the path made it very dim. The scout cavalry rode a hundred meters ahead of the troop, warily watching both sides of the path. Suddenly, from behind a large tree by the path, a trunk as thick as a bowl flew out, hurtling straight toward the lead scout.

The scout immediately performed a bridge pose on his horse, bending backward to narrowly dodge the trunk aimed at his chest, while letting out a warning whistle. Hearing the alert, the cavalry drew their longswords and formed a defensive formation, scanning their surroundings. The coachman also grabbed a wooden plank to shield himself.

A crashing sound of a tree falling came from behind them, cutting off their retreat. The scout cavalryman also returned and rejoined the formation. Sean initially wanted to draw his longsword, but after a moment's hesitation, he instead grabbed the strongbow hanging from his horse's side.

Shadows of many figures flickered among the surrounding trees. After directing the cavalry to prepare their defenses, Captain Jack called out loudly, "We are cavalry of Lord Viscount Winchester. Whoever you are, leave immediately, or you will be killed without mercy..."

Upon hearing Captain Jack's words, the other side buzzed with murmurs. Clearly, the name of Viscount Winchester intimidated them. Then a rough voice shouted, "Brothers, there aren't many of them. Kill them all, and we'll drink and eat meat back at camp!" As the words fell, several shouts of "Kill!" echoed in response, and a few figures among the trees lunged toward the cavalry troop.

Sean nocked an arrow and drew his bow, immediately entering a state of focus. He understood that even a lion should use its full strength when hunting a rabbit, let alone when facing bandits several times their number. Seeing the bandits charge, Sean pulled the strongbow to its full draw. A black streak flew out, and a bandit among the trees screamed and collapsed. Seeing this, Captain Jack led the cavalry charging forward. In moments, the dozen or so bandits blocking the mountain path were wailing and lying in pools of blood.

Sean shot arrow after arrow, quickly emptying the ten arrows in his quiver. With Sean's strength, firing ten consecutive arrows only left him slightly short of breath. The cavalryman guarding beside Sean stared in shock at his archery skill. Seeing Sean's quiver empty, he immediately handed over his own.

Soon, another quiver was emptied by Sean. Aside from one or two luckier bandits groaning among the trees, over a dozen bandit corpses lay in the woods with arrows sticking out of them. This forced the remaining bandits to turn their attention to attacking the cavalry on the path.

Sean shook his arm, quickly relieving the fatigue. Seeing Captain Jack still handling the bandit assault with ease, Sean couldn't help but show a contemptuous look toward these bandits.

These bandits were more like farmers than bandits—wearing tattered linen clothes, wielding hoes and splitting axes. A few carried rusted longswords and wooden-shafted spears that looked ready to fall apart at any moment. Their combat skills were pitiful. Each bandit had prominent cheekbones and sunken eye sockets, dark skin, and gaunt frames. They let out cries mixed with fear and frenzy, charging forward again and again before finally collapsing.

Sean didn't hesitate. He put down his bow, drew his longsword with his right hand, and spurred his warhorse forward, swinging his blade. With a flash of sword light, two heads, still frozen in terror, flew into the air. Sean was a Rookie Knight. Against these farmer-turned-bandits, he held an overwhelming advantage in both strength and speed. This advantage, combined with superior equipment, produced a terrifying effect.