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Sun is setting down over the forested wetlands, and with it gone, so was the laziness that overtook us during the day. We are actually feeling surprisingly sharp as the evening approaches; the body seems to really affect the mind - at least if you are a demon. Something about this skill feels off, and I'm getting the feeling we are not using it properly. That's the problem with system granted powers; you can't just click a mental button and have it do everything for you, I get the vague knowledge, instinct, and the means to use it - but the complete understanding takes time.

And something about this one just doesn't seem right...

The camp was almost ready for the night, some people finishing their preparations.

I'm taking this opportunity to gather more information about what might be going on; the bombshell that Caroline dropped on me last night had my head whirling with possibilities. From me being the only one with the system - also a popular trend in the stories I've read, to it being a secret only known to the elite or maybe a religious affair. Whatever the case something strange must have happened.

"—So you are saying, one has to pass that test to get a contract with the Guild?" I ask the owner of 'Wonder Elixirs' - a Guild certified Alchemist and inventor.

After a whole day he finally opened up to have a casual conversation with a demon.

"Yup, and once you get their certificate a lot of doors open for your business; clients can be sure you have the proper skill for the job and unlike the royal license, it's acknowledged everywhere across the continent." The Gnome man nods while unloading their camping gear from the wagon. Everyone else already made their own tents.

"And all you have to do is touch that— what did you call it? Dragon Orb?"

"Draconic Rune Orb. Yeah, those people love their orbs and seem to use them for everything - fascinating things those. Rumors say they can do so much more than confirm your qualification."

-The truth seems to be somewhere in the middle.

*Mhmm~ "And they have a monopoly... Aren't the nobles or governments fussy about it?" At my question the tiny man only shrugs as the tent starts to set itself up. -Nifty contraption.

"We know better then to pry into the nobles' business. And the Guild is to big even for royals to mess with; they have connections everywhere, from temples to schools, to the biggest merchant guilds - and their adventurers' division fighting potential is nothing to scoff at."

"And you wouldn't like to find yourself on a blacklist, suddenly unable to hire their people or services if you were to cross them." His wife adds after hearing our conversation. She brought dinner that was being prepared in the middle of the camp for everyone; some kind of thick soup was made by the inn's staff from what people brought with them.

There are around 80 people here, and feeding them all meant they had to go with something fast and simple.

I take a look around this encampment - as expected from the ex military that were put in charge of organizing things, everything was set up neatly. We are inside of a half-circle of wagons and carts that were chained together, to provide some cover. They didn't ignore the threat of camping so close to were potential bandits made a nest; people are staying vigilant.

Our improvised wall opens up to a wide river we encountered on the way; a source of fresh water for the camp, and it protects our side - setting up in this way everyone was able to fit inside the cordon comfortably, as they don't have that many carts for a full circle after some were burned during the last night's attack. The area near the bridge crossing over it was cleared of the trees in the past, but small saplings and bushes were slowly reclaiming the spot until our merry group went to remove them.

This old stone structure fell into disrepair but is still serviceable, yet it was decided to wait until tomorrow to cross it.

Fuck— speak of the devil.

"I will be right back, have something to deal with..." It seems that I was wrong, which worries me.

"Well, we aren't going anywhere."

...

When will those troubles all disappear?

And where did the old man go? -Oh, he is outside the perimeter. Good instinct, but what is he up to?

-We better find someone in charge. Rose; the fact that those bastards weren't scared off by the golem we have with us is a bad sign. The few I've picked up earlier were weak, so I've dismissed them; but suddenly there is now more showing up in the nearby forest, some even creeping closer and decently strong.

Hmm? There is Caroline and that half-elf, talking with Jarred. The worried looking innkeeper is also there with Angie. Perfect timing.

"- hate the idea of leaving them out there." She is rather pensive about something. Arms crossed as she looks to the trees.

"Our men are in a pretty bad shape, we can't go looking for their base - especially with Gregory still recovering. We don't even know how big the band is, and I'm almost out of medical supplies."

"We should just go and notify the guard when we reach the town-" Our young merchant with unhealthy hobbies is barely standing and he seems resigned about the issue. "Can you even afford to get in another fight?"

After a long suffering *sigh to the heavens her head then hangs low. "It's just that, more groups like ours might use this old road - to try and escape further south, or across the sea to the Empire. We don't know the current situation and the guards might not be able to intervene. They may have left us alone, but allowing a band of scum to prey on others-"

"Recent years have been hard on the folks living in the area." The innkeeper shakes his head with downcast eyes. "Ever since the new baroness moved in, many were forced into banditry, making it unsafe to travel... Not like this land ever saw much traffic to begin with - maybe long ago in my pops' time..."

"Like you said earlier, we weren't chased after last night, yet that doesn't mean the undead aren't right behind us. I don't like it either but those good-for-nothings might be joining them soon even if we leave them be." Their medic seems to be hard against the idea of them having another fight. "We are not in the army anymore and it's no longer our duty, even if it pains me to say that." -Well, about that.

"What if we—"

"I have some good news then—" After making my presence known they all turn towards me. "It seems you don't have to make that choice... Or is it actually bad news?" I add, seeing their alarmed expressions.

More individuals keep showing up closer to our location with every minute - not all of them seem human, there is a very unique pair among them. Might be around 30 of those good-for-nothings hiding in the bushes now, so quite the number - yet we're not sensing anything that would warrant their confidence against our golem, and it is standing out there by the bridge in plain sight.

"What do you mean?"

"They are coming to us. Maybe three dozen— let me borrow the stone, Angie." I shrug as their eyes grow wide, and ask for the heart.

We are being slowly surrounded as they spread out through the dense foliage some hundred meters from us. Their mana signatures echo far in the rich ambient magic of the marsh - sitting now at 99 Spirit also increased my range with the ability.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

-Didn't want to push for a 100 milestone during the day in case something drastic happens, was leaving that for tonight. -Wonder it it is even a good idea to do it while we are traveling with this bunch... But maybe there would be a nice skill there for us to deal with the situation. -Oh well, not like we need it for dealing with these shmucks.

After receiving the elemental's heart I'm ready to test the bandits' luck. I've no idea why they are thinking which is concerning, is there someone out there who could deal with it?

"I will go find Marcus." Saying so we slip out of the camp.

"Yes, please do so-"

I will pump some extra mana into the golem to make it quick. -After I find out what the old spear master is up to at the edge of the forest, don't want him get caught in the crossfire.

——

Last of the light is already fading away, the caravan didn't move very far so finding it wasn't an issue.

"Are you sure this is just an illusion? Looks very real to me." Arlon is currently watching the camp set by the river. -Looks more like a bunch of refugees then a proper caravan if you ask me. Where did they even come from?

Still, they are well prepared, almost like they were expecting an attack. -Well, these wetlands are dangerous. Armed guys he can see guarding them might have also served judging by how they set things up.

"Aye, dealt with the stuff before-" Their scout's ticks, while he fidgets with his bow, are so annoying to him that he can feel his jaw clenching - idiot has been snuffing to much powder. "-Carnival tricks. Little guys will make you see dragons - been keeping ma ear close to ground, the thing make ain't no sound when stomping."

Was it now... Somehow he isn't so convinced.

What did he ever do to deserve having to deal with this bullshit. He can't take the drug away from them - even if it irks him, but they should know not to take to much before a fight. -I thought we've managed to drill at least some discipline into them; they are no soldier material but they do have brains, right?

Arlon regrets allowing the practice to spread among the group, this crap is addictive.

Ever since they kicked him out of the military he had to find himself a new profession - he learned enough in there anyway and was just wasting his time. Luckily he came across this sorry bunch of riff raffs rotting here on the swamps, and turned them into a force. With iron fist he gathered the loose bands and taught them to obey orders.

The pair of orcs they found lost in the woods was a great catch; after beating them into submission the green skins proved themselves to be very useful and surprisingly loyal. What those numbskulls were doing so far south after the war is any ones guess - and too much of a complicated question to ask and hope for a coherent answer.

The wind is blowing from the sea and even this far out, he can still smell it as it travels up the river...

Arlon always wanted to be a pirate, and sail over the big blue; but after learning he would have to join the damned Cats - as in recent years they took over the business on the south seas, he opted out. No furry bastard will be bossing him around, he killed too many during the trade wars to get under one's boot now... He is going to get enough gold for his own ship and a proper crew.

The target in front of them would bring him yet another step closer to his dream.

"Alright, but where the fuck is Reggie?" Lazy bastard is never around when he needs him.

He should still confirm it—

*Sniff

-Did this fucker just dared to take a pinch right before the job, and right in front of him!? Arlon stares at the sheer hubris of the pathetic guy - he would have beaten him black and blue if they didn't have to keep quiet. Bunch of imbeciles all around him; apparently the orcs got lax with dealing out the discipline recently.

Anger is boiling within him, fists clench tight as he feels the urge to kill someone - old childhood memory coming back...

"Damn, much better... Dunno, ain't seen him arrive yet." The fool isn't even paying attention.

"Whateverr-" It comes out as a low growl, making the ratty man cower beside him. "We will attack when they go to sleep, send the word to wait for signal. And if anyone shoots any of the merchandise because they can't hold a bow, I will break their bones!" People sell well these days, just like in the old times.

His stern face and pointed look filled with murder apparently finally woke up the idiot.

"Aye boss." -And he scurries away. Good, just a moment longer and the man would have felt his wrath.

Arlon turns away from the carts visible behind the dense vegetation to find his orcs, seems the boys will need some of their tender care after the raid.

——

They wait for the folks by the river to put out lights already and go to sleep. It's gettin late damn it - he doesn't feel so peachy.

Reggie doesn't like it. Not one bit, no— This is a first it ever happened to him.

There ain't no spirit to be found around, he can't feel anything. Like they abandoned him.

"What's wrong Reg? You shiverin like a lil-"

"I need to find the boss!" Somethin's wrong- wait, need to make sure first or the boss will throw his ass to the orcs if he is just havin jitters from the powder - damn it was some strong stuff. One of the boys was passin it around when they moved here - for the courage, he said, new stuff from the west. Shouldn't have taken it, but it was free...

Why is his head so heavy?

Boss hates the stuff, but he wasn't around yet, so Reggie took some like the others, just to try. Reggie is now avoidin the man since the drug did him good, and were Arlon to see how shaky he is before they go in, *Gulp.

-Need to take a look himself, at that illusion thing. Reggie has a bad feelin' and that means trouble.

He tries to find his way through the dark, but it's much harder when he can't feel the guidance of the land - he always depended on it, maybe too much. -I will never touch this white stuff again.

A rustle to the side alarms him that someone else also left their post.

"Who the fuck is here? We ain't to leave our hidin' till-"

*Wham!

His whispered shout gets cut off by a sudden pain bloomin in the back of his head, and darkness takes him away.

——

"Nice hit Marcus." I watch the veteran expertly take out their mage - it was the only caster we could find among the hiding crooks and 'Sarge' wanted to get rid of him, to avoid complications. Causing the boy to freak out was pretty easy, and then the moron separated from his team, all according to plan.

-I'm loving it; the old man had an amazingly devilish idea on how to deal with the bandits, and it was mostly a success - didn't know he had it in him. Definitely more fun than just having the elemental stomping them to the ground as I was planning.

When we found Marcus, he was already observing what was happening in the nearby woods. Hiding here ever since we stopped by the river.

"Hush demon, keep us hidden in the open as we bring the guy for some questioning."

"Aye aye sir." He looks at me strangely and then shakes his head.

He then carries the unconscious guy over his shoulder after tying him up. Since the bandits didn't jump us on the road he was worried they may try something at night.

"Did we even need to bother with all this? Not like they were that dangerous, could have let me handle it." We follow him silently through the dark in our small form.

"At what cost?" And I can only roll my eyes at that question. They still don't trust me - smart. "And maybe not dangerous to you, but they have bows - someone could have gotten hurt if they started shooting into the camp. Better safe then sorry."

An illusion covers our retreat. There are still lights up in our camp and people are moving around, giving it appearance as if they were still not ready to rest for the night - despite it already being late. But most people who didn't volunteer to act as fake crowd are all huddled together behind the carts in case the arrows started flying - waiting.

I'm a bit hurt about the lack of trust, or that my price would not be too high if we were to just go rip them apart. There was also the mention of not wanting a demon go high on manslaughter or something - apparently that's a thing... They are still going to pay for my assistance though, I will make sure of that.

"Not all took the powder though-" I point out as we approach the lights - left there to stall the attack.

I'll not be asking why Marcus was carrying this white stuff with him - you do you man, I'm sure the war was hard... but Caroline looked sad.

It didn't take long for the gnomes to spike the stuff up and we were off into the woods, to share some with our guests. They were more then eager to get a free sample from one of their 'new comrades' to rise the spirit before a battle. Under my illusion he had no problem mixing in with the rugged bunch - old dog knows how to talk them up, and we visited most of the groups even before it got completely dark. We only avoided the ones that seemed to stay with the boss that soon arrived, not wanting to risk it. At least I assumed the strong presence to be their leader.

Marcus tried to go alone at first, sure he could disguise himself good enough to fool them with some old rags and a cape, but soon caved under Lady-boss' nagging to take the 'cat' with him as it was dangerous... Which made me laugh at her choice of words, and earned us a lot of raised brows - even offered to give extra help for that little gem.

"It's fine, like you said this is just a precaution and likely unnecessary. The golem protecting the caravan was part of your original deal after all, wasn't it?"

True that - have to protect my investments after all. Need Jarred and Angie to reach the Empire safely and would have actually dealt with the problem myself if the guy didn't share his plan with me.

"How did you even came up with something like this, you sure surprised me there."

His grimace is visible even from behind. "We did something similar once. Long ago, during a hopeless siege... Our captain there was a pretty ruthless man - we used wine back then though."

"Still, to use poison like this—"

"We spread poison for vermin in the cities all the time, this is no different..." The answer comes out sharp.

-I think he misunderstands me, I like the idea...

The illusion drops down in the safety behind the cordon of the wagons, and we are immediately greeted by many tense stares. Bows and crossbows are at the ready, and even the gnomes showed up with slingshots loaded with some alchemical concoctions - yeah these bandits were aiming pretty high even if we weren't involved.

Granted it would have been bloody, but the people of the swamps are hardy and had some means to protect themselves out here; undead are scary monsters of dark magic - but bandits? They know how to deal with those.

They are also pretty pissed now, after leaving their homes, and need an outlet. They will pay for the adrenaline rush in the morning I'm sure... *Sigh. This is totally going to cost us another day of travel.

The young bandit drops to the ground like a sack of potatoes and angry Caroline comes with two buckets of cold water. One makes the fucker sputter and gasp for air as it splashes onto his face - the other one is left aside. There will be some interrogation happening after all.

Then another gasp comes from behind—

"Reggie?"

"Uncle Hart? aunt Angie? what are you..." The moron is very surprised and blinking fast at the gathered angry crowd.

Oh dear—

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