The next few days after the ambush were quiet and everyone, with the exception of Ludius, was feeling the unease in the air.
After killing all those bandits before Ludius didn't level up.
---
The company didn't really specify the conditions to level up but it seemed as if a player needed a useful fighting experience to level up.
For example, a life or death battle or just a prolonged battle. The higher the difficulty to the player the more he/she levels up.
---
It was the final day of the trip and the camp were just packing up before heading off on the final stretch to the capital.
"Oi Ludius!", shouted John as he came running over.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride on a horse? You've been on that carriage roof since the start on the trip, don't you want a change?",
"No thank you, it's more comfortable on the carriage.",
"Okay that's fine... Here it is. Only a day until we see the walls of Alcasia. Ever been there before?",
"No, first time. You?",
"Yeah, well my family lives here... So I hope I can count on you for today as well.",
"Yeah, yeah let's set off already!", said Ludius lightly.
---
Over the course of the week, Ludius had come to like this old loyal mercenary. He did his job well and didn't discriminate against Ludius for keeping his hood up, unlike some of the other adventurers.
The luxurious carriage went along the bumpy road, the moods of the men were ecstatic as they knew the Capital would soon be in sight.
Ludius suddenly began to smile again, along the path not too far away stood a large band of bandits. Five times the size of the ambush and each bandit looking multiple times stronger.
The caravan stopped.
"Shit! We were so close to the city too."
---
"Ha, ha, ha. There's no escaping this time Rowan! I want those damn magic rifles! Come on out! Let's talk about this man to man.", shouted a burly built man over 2m tall with plenty of scars.
The door to Rowan's ornate carriage swung open and the blond haired man stepped out onto the road.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"I don't know who you are but if you think you're going to come inbetween me and my buissness you're gravely mistaken!", Rowan impressively snarled back.
"Men come out!", the giant man shouted and at his command at least five hundred men came out of their hiding places at the road's edge.
"Last chance.", the man shouted evilly.
"J-John what should we do?", Rowan whispered.
"Ludius?", John asked but to his surprise Ludius was not to be seen.
However the 2m tall bandit saw him quite clearly, as he was stood right in front of him.
---
"Nice to meet you I'm Ludius.", the man instantly jumped backwards, "Now, now. Don't be scared I've come over to offer you a deal.",
"What deal?",
"Go away and I won't kill you of course!", *laughs*
"You. Kill me? *laughs manically* Men, let's kill this joker first."
---
Twenty people behind the man came rushing towards Ludius with their weapons drawn.
'I thought that would work. Guess I need some sort of intimidation skill',Ludius decided in his head as he dodged fifteen different strikes from various angles.
In front of him was a spear user of some sorts. Although not a master the man wasn't useless either and with a practiced timing he thrust his spear towards Ludius' chest.
"Bo~ring!",
As the spear tip was about to puncture Ludius' chest, Ludius disappeared and reappeared behind the spear wielder.
The man's head fell to the ground.
"Hey, boss guy! I have a proposition. One on one duel. If I win, you and your men withdraw. If you win you can have the merchandise."
Quickly the giant of a man jumped at the chance to gain the magic rifles and quickly agreed to the duel.
--
"Are you ready?", Ludius asked.
"One question.",
"What?".
"What rank are you?",
"SSS. Don't worry I'll go easy on you... Limiter set to 1% strength. Okay... Let's begin."
The giants face paled, "SSS! We're dead!"