Bandit Camp

In a mountain valley more than ten kilometers away from Hope Town, there is a temporary campsite.

Nick Spahnhofen and his brothers were stationed here.

Nick Spahnhofen was a high-ranking warrior who was forced to become an outlaw after killing a nobleman in his early years.

His strength as a high-ranking warrior allowed him to successfully gather a team.

He discovered the swords produced in Hope Town by chance, which gave him the idea to take advantage of the Hope Town.

Nick Spahnhofen looked at the gleaming silver longsword in his hand, a greedy glint in his eyes.

The sword's sharpness and exquisite craftsmanship captivated him.

This sword is made of a different material than ordinary iron swords; it is not only more resilient but also more durable.

The vast majority of weapons in this world are made of iron; in this era, steel is still a low-production, high-end commodity.

Strictly speaking, people in this world have not discovered the manufacturing process for alloys.

They didn't even find the metal manganese.

The ironworks that were produced by chance were purely a matter of blind luck.

An ordinary iron sword costs at most a dozen or so silver coins, but a steel sword would cost more than one gold coin.

Even a high-ranking warrior like Nick Spahnhofen originally carried only an ordinary iron sword.

"What's so interesting about a broken sword?"

A boy who looked about fifteen or sixteen years old came over and said disdainfully.

This child was an orphan adopted by Nick Spenhofen a few years ago, but he has raised him as his own son ever since.

"You brat, you don't know your place," Nick Spenhofen sneered.

"If you sold this sword, how much grain and fine wine could you get in return?"

This is a high-quality refined weapon! One weapon can sell for more than one gold coin!

Blacksmiths in this world can occasionally obtain weapons of similar quality to steel swords.

However, they relied on their honed skills and superb craftsmanship.

Among the weapons and equipment Nick Spahnhofen received from Hope Town, steel products filled an entire crate.

This means that the blacksmiths of Hope Town possess a technique for mass-producing refined weapons.

That's what finally won him over.

The boy fell silent, but a hint of disdain still lingered in his eyes.

Nick Spahnhofen ignored him and continued to examine the sword in his hand.

At this moment, a somewhat chubby-looking bandit spoke up:

"Boss, are we really going to attack Hope Town? I've heard that Lord Doug Forbes of Hope Town is a High-Rank Alchemist, and he even has a giant dragon as his mount!"

A hint of panic appeared on his face when the topic of dragons came up.

He had never seen a dragon, but he had heard countless legends about this terrifying creature since childhood.

These flying, fire-breathing behemoths are always accompanied by death and destruction whenever they appear.

They are said to be enormous, with scales as hard as iron and claws so sharp that they can easily destroy a castle.

His voice trembled as he said, "It is said that their flames can burn an entire forest to ashes and turn fertile land into scorched earth." His eyes were filled with fear and awe at the unknown.

"There was once a kingdom that angered a dragon and was razed to the ground overnight, countless lives were lost, and its prosperity was gone forever."

He swallowed hard, as if the horrific scene were right before his eyes.

His body trembled involuntarily, as if he could feel the suffocating pressure of the dragon.

At the same time, he hugged his arms tightly, as if seeking a sense of security.

Snap!

Nick Spahnhofen swung his hand and struck him on the head with the hilt of his sword.

"Don't embarrass me. What makes you think a High-Rank Alchemist can control a dragon? You actually believe that nonsense?"

The fat bandit winced in pain, clutching his head, and muttered, "But... but that's what everyone says."

Nick Spencer glared at him. "Everyone says so? Does everyone's saying mean it's true? Use your brain! Even the highest-ranking alchemist, can they control a dragon? That's a dragon, not some pet!"

The fat bandit shrank back, not daring to utter another sound.

Nick Spahnhofen frowned and continued:

"Don't let these baseless rumors scare you out of your wits. Controlling a six-meter-tall mechanical dragon is something that only an extraordinary alchemist could do."

If Doug Forbes were truly a master alchemist, how could the king have sent him to this remote place to be a mere baron?

"This rumor is clearly false. Doug Forbes deliberately spread it to scare idiots like you!"

Nick Spahnhofen dismissed it.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding bandits exchanged glances, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.

The fat bandit scratched his head and muttered, "So that's how it is. Damn it, this guy is really cunning. Boss, what are we afraid of him for? Let's march on Hope Town and take him down!"

Nick Spahnhofen glared at him:

"Afraid? Of course we're not afraid! But we can't underestimate them. Hope Town is what it is today, and that Doug Forbes must have some tricks up his sleeve. We still need to act cautiously and make a thorough plan."

"Did everyone understand?" Nick Spahnhofen scanned the crowd.

"Understood!" the bandits answered in unison.

"By the way, boss, I heard that after you take over Hope Town this time, you're planning to replace Doug Forbes as a bandit and stop being one?"

The boy standing next to Nick Spahnhofen asked a question.

"That's right, being a bandit forever isn't a long-term solution. I need to find a suitable way for everyone to make a living."

Nick Spahnhofen nodded.

Hope Town possesses the technology to manufacture steel weapons and equipment; it's a golden goose.

Once we take this place, we can live a peaceful and prosperous life.

From now on, none of you will have to live in constant fear anymore.

Nick Spahnhofen's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"But boss, will this work? What if we get caught...?"

The boy, barely out of school, was filled with worry.

"Hmph, as long as we do it cleanly and efficiently, who will find out? Once we take control of Hope Town, we can slowly build up our relationships with the surrounding lords. What's there to worry about then?"

Nick Spahnhofen said confidently.

Doug Forbes is a High-Rank Alchemist and a high-ranking warrior.

The two versions are clearly different.

No problem.

He also knew a few friends in the Noble Council, and as long as he was willing to spend a little more money, he was sure he could resolve this issue of his status.

He will then be Baron Doug Forbes.

Nick Spencer had no idea about the complicated relationship between Doug Forbes and Countess Lindsay Earl.

Even if he did manage to take Hope Town, none of his old friends would dare to make a fuss about it.