C17 Destroy Pirates

"These despicable bandits, we must do everything in our power to wipe them out," Landry declared, thumping his chest, while the man of silence and Matthew nodded in agreement.

"Then I'm counting on you," Greenwald said, clearly worn out from the bandits' torment. "Some of the manor's warriors will join you shortly. Please, make sure those bandits are dealt with!"

On the road outside the manor, Matthew surveyed the assorted group of so-called warriors with a hint of curiosity. They were merely a collection of less-than-bright NPCs, save for their leader. This man stood roughly 185 centimeters tall, clad in armor that resembled Greenwald's, and wielded a longsword. Matthew's attention was fixed on him throughout their journey, not because he was the sole intelligent NPC, but in hopes of triggering a side quest with him. The memory of the treasure chest still lingered in his mind. Despite his efforts, the man seemed solely focused on the task of eradicating the bandits, leaving Matthew no choice but to abandon his quest.

Their journey was uneventful, as the road had been the sole thoroughfare between the manor and the town for decades. Were it not for these bandits, it would have remained clear.

"We're nearing their hideout; it's on that mountain ahead," the more astute NPC informed them, picking up his pace before being restrained by the man of silence. The most prudent approach was to take cover and scout the area first. Realizing his mistake, the NPC quickly apologized, explaining that his kin had perished at the hands of the bandits, and his desire for revenge had clouded his judgment.

Landry volunteered for reconnaissance, citing his anti-surveillance training from the police academy. With his expertise, he was the natural choice. The others withdrew to the concealment of the forest.

Landry returned about 20 minutes later, his face etched with concern. "There are roughly fifty bandits. We number just over thirty, and the mountain is a stronghold, difficult to assault. The path is steep and narrow, and I spotted sentries midway up. Should they dislodge boulders from their position, we'll be in grave danger."

"We have to draw them out; otherwise, we stand no chance," the man of silence deduced.

"Their spies are scattered around the mountain base. They'll be alerted if any caravans pass by," the intelligent NPC supplemented.

Following a heated debate, Matthew orchestrated a plan for several NPCs to pose as itinerant merchants. Landry and the intelligent NPCs trailed not far behind, while the man of silence stationed himself on a nearby hillock, ready to provide long-range support.

Unperturbed by the lurking danger, Matthew and his party pressed on. Meanwhile, a formidable assembly of dozens was taking shape in the vicinity. At the forefront stood four or five individuals, likely the sub-leaders, all of whom regarded the towering figure before them with reverence. This was Zebediah, the mountain lord, the revered chief of the pirate gang. Initially, these pirates were nothing more than downtrodden thugs, but it was Zebediah who united them to reign supreme over these hills. As such, they held him in high esteem. At that moment, Zebediah was attentively receiving a report from his scout.

"Your Majesty, it appears to be a band of ordinary merchants, seemingly unguarded, and they've just crossed Little Witch Ridge," the scout conveyed the latest update.

"Dispatch a squad to intercept them," Zebediah ordered. Initially, he had mobilized his forces upon hearing of the merchants' approach, but now he harbored suspicions about their apparent lack of caution.

"I'll take some men and handle the interception," offered a weaselly-looking subordinate with an obsequious tone.

"Very well, proceed. But withdraw at the first sign of danger," Zebediah instructed, demonstrating both his savvy for soft power and his prudence. Despite the small number of merchants, he wasn't dismissing the possibility of an ambush.

The subordinate led a contingent of over twenty men to the mountain's base. "They're in that direction," the scout indicated.

"Attack! Kill the men, spare the women. Let's finish this quickly and return to our drink," the subordinate said with a sinister smile.

"Move out."

The group of twenty-plus charged toward Matthew's location with great speed. "Spread out, teams of three," they ordered, as they fanned out to encircle the unsuspecting party.

"They're here."

Matthew heard the commotion of footsteps not far off and quickly slowed down to rendezvous with Landry, who was trailing behind. The man of silence, perched on a distant mountaintop, had used some kind of card that allowed him to see what was happening on Matthew's side. He, too, began to prepare for what was to come.

"Have they arrived?" Landry asked, brandishing the Ruinblade with a fierce determination. Matthew responded in kind, drawing the Red Flame Battleaxe.

The confrontation was swift; the bandits, foregoing any clichéd claims to the land, launched a direct attack. Matthew charged with his battleaxe, and the clash that ensued was fierce. The pirates, usually meticulous in their combat skills, quickly put Matthew's group at a disadvantage.

"Kill!" The intelligent NPC fought valiantly, recklessly throwing himself into the fray as if possessed. As more NPCs, slower to join, arrived, the tide of battle began to turn in their favor.

A single arrow whistled through the air, tracing an arc before piercing two bandits. It was support fire from the man of silence. With the upper hand in weaponry, Landry and Matthew wreaked havoc, and the bandits, sensing defeat, began to scatter. "Retreat!" someone yelled, and the bandits' organized formation crumbled into a chaotic escape.

Matthew and his allies gave chase, intent on leaving no survivors. With a swing of his battleaxe, Matthew decapitated another bandit. Despite the victim being an NPC, the act weighed on him. Previous missions had involved merely directing heroes in battle, but this was different—this was actual combat, and it involved killing. Yet, Matthew felt no discomfort, perhaps because it felt like a game, or maybe it was in his nature. A thrill coursed through him, leading him to question his own psyche.

Ultimately, seven or eight enemies managed to flee. Matthew's side mourned the loss of nine of their own, but they had secured a decisive victory.

The mood was somber as they regarded their fallen comrades. The NPCs appeared genuinely grieved. The man of silence approached with his usual reliable counsel. "The enemy was stronger, but we prevailed. Our three are formidable, but these NPCs are no match for the pirates. We should find a place to lay low and guard against a surprise attack." Taking the man of silence's advice to heart, Matthew and his group began their retreat toward the safety of the manor.

On the other side, Zebediah, the Lord of the Mountain, observed the seven or eight people who had managed to escape and was displeased with their demeanor. He hadn't anticipated an ambush. When had these simpletons become so cunning? Furthermore, he'd heard that the opposition possessed a formidable weapon, leading him to surmise that an adventurer must be involved; only they could wield such impressive fighting capabilities. Indeed, it was clear that Zebediah had previous encounters with such players.