"ransom, clothes, some potion..."

Chanotte made sure all of his belongings was in his bag. He looked around and made sure that nothing was left behind.

He got down to the living room and saw his father.

"good morning father"

"so you're ready to go?"

"yes father! I'll prove myself in this expedition"

"haha, i know you will my son. But still, you will face those barbar races, you need to extra careful out there"

"don't worry father. I won't ashame our family's name"

"yes..i know you will just do that"

He tapped his son's shoulder and looked at him.

"hm, may our holy mother give her protection to you my son"

"by holy mother's grace"

Chanotte bowed to his father and left the mansion. When he passed the training ground, Tyvanne approached him.

"brother! finally you've gotten your chance!"

"yes Tinne, that's why i need you to take care our family"

"of course brother, I'll take whoever that want to disturb our family!" She pointed her long sword to the sky

"I'm glad then"

When he wanted to continue his way to the Baratraz's place, his sister pulled his hand.

"what's wrong Tinne?"

"I have this bad feeling....please take care out there brother"

"what are you worried about? I'm the one that's gonna be the chief of king's guard" He patted her head

"i see...just promise me you will back brother. I need to beat you with my sword after all!!"

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"ahaha, of course Tinne"

He waved his hand and left the mansion for sure. The capital was really crowded. It's located in the center of the continent and the most safe place for human race. To reach Baratraz's place, he needed to go out from the capital and headed to west.

After walked for one hour, he finally reached the place. It's like a mini castle with quite large yard. He could see many soldiers and mercenaries already gathered there.

He stood for a while to search the commander of this expedition, Baratraz.

"good morning sir Baratraz"

"finally!! Chanotte! come here!"

A man with height around 180cm with a sturdy posture and wise looks greeted him. He showed a happy expression when he saw Chanotte.

"I'm pretty sure your skill will really help us in this expedition"

"you're flattering me sir"

"haha, don't be too stiff Chanotte! here let me show you something"

He came into the house and indicated Chanotte to follow him. He went and followed him while trying to be more relax.

They passed through the main hall, walked through the stable, and arrived at the small two buildings. Chanotte still wondered why they went here.

"here Chanotte, i need you to see this"

"got it sir"

He opened the door and led the way. In one room, he saw several men sat there. They stood and gave their salute to Baratraz.

"sir!"

"give me the keys"

One of them gave the keys and back to his position.

"where's Khurla? i don't see him"

"ah...he still ..played with the invader"

"i see...hahaha, so that creature is more of his taste than a human?"

"i...think so sir"

"well then, come here Chanotte"

He continued to follow him and found himself in the room like a prison. There were four cells in the upper floor, and when they went down to the lower floor, he found more cells.

Baratraz lighted up the light sources in the room. Now, Chanotte could see the room clearly.

"....sir.... what's in the cells..?"

He saw something that didn't make sense. In the cell, more that two people there. He wasn't sure they were people or not because they had this bright yellow hair and a long sharp pointy ears.

Their body had so many bruises and wounds. Both of their hands and legs were chained. Near them lay several bowls with some vegetables that were starting to rooten.

"hm? you never see them? they are elf. One of the invader in our home Chanotte"

"invader....what have they done sir?"

"what? of course their harmed our villager and their animals. We are protecting human kind you know!"

"... they aren't...looking like that to me"

He tapped Chanotte's shoulder and talked to him.

"don't be deceived by their appearance Chanotte.. they are an extremely good archer and they can kill you from a really far distance"

He approached one of the cells and looked at them from behind the trail. He was being stared by one of them. Their eyes already lost their light and there's no life hope in them.

"...j....."

He whispered something. Chanotte couldn't hear it so he came closer.

"what did you say?"

"...ju.....just kill....me...."

Chanotte's pupils dilated. He could feel an endless despair from that words. He turned his sight to Baratraz and he only looked at him with no changing expression at all.

"what's now Chanotte? they are invader, another filthy creature that hate us human. Don't give them your pity now"

He couldn't answered that question.

-----( Chapter 40 "Expedition to the south 1" )-----