Assault
1255 Words
At the outskirts of the village, a few dozen kilometers away, a large merchant caravan stood tall. It was very large and had lots of people organizing trading materials.
The caravan itself was so brightly lit that it seemed as if a large town was situated outside the village. Most of the local people from both Korra's village and other villages had already left. Well, it was to be expected since it was soo late.
The only people who were present were the normal slaves and servants to help with the necessities of the caravan members. Some caravan executives were also present. A large number of guards could be seen all around the caravan. They were present to provide order and protection.
At the entrance to the caravan, a large gold plated sign board was hanging infront. The words 'Hovering Sands Merchant Guild' was writing on it. Of course this merchant caravan was not like any other. This was because of the group it belonged to.
The Hovering Sands Merchant Guild was one of the most powerful organizations on the Vera continent. It's power was not below the adventurer's guild or the imperial family. It's influence spread widely and was considered a behemoth in the economic industry.
Of course, in this world of magic and monsters money alone is not enough to make an organization this powerful. Even though the merchant group mostly controlled the economy of the whole continent and their wealth was not to be trifled with, what made them more prominent was their military power.
Their strength was not beneath that of the adventurer's guild. The Hovering Sands Merchant Guild hired many adventures and gained loyalty from them. They were a force to be reckoned with. It was even rumored that the leader of the merchant group was a woman who was a level 95 berserker.
Obviously most people didn't believe this rumor. It was unfathomable for any normal person to reach level 95. The most powerful knights of the Homia kingdom had at most attained a level of 55. Even paladins who were considered the elites of the elites had only been able to touch the precipise of level 80. Only those with the titles of heroes, or geniuses with hidden classes could attain level 90 and above.
The Homia kingdom, which was the kingdom Korra's village belonged to, was a human kingdom which had few heroes.
This was why most people did not believe this rumor. Even so, no one knew or had ever seen this mysterious female who led the Hovering Sands Merchant Guild.
In the middle of the merchant caravan, a large tent was set up. It had dimly lit candles that illuminated the surroundings. The inside of the tent was extremely luxurious. It was not something that even a low rank noble could afford. There were plush couches that decorated the room, candles, wine and a large buffet.
Two people could be seen sitting at a table. They were engaging in a very heated conversation. The tension in the room was palpable.
"We can not do this. That is equivalent to betraying the merchant guild!" A fat man with plump cheeks said.
"Gilbert you fool! Are you satisfied with how the merchant group is treating you? You have served diligently as the head of this merchant caravan for years, yet have you been promoted?" A man wearing a long white rope refuted in anger. He had a well toned body and bulging muscles. He spotted a small beard on his chin.
"Are you mad? Is that a good enough reason to steal the core of a level 60 monster? We were asked to transport it safely! I can't do this Rufus" The man called Gilbert replied.
Rufus, the well built man, frowned.
"I thought I could change your mind Gilbert, I should have known you would be stubborn. I hope you do not regret your decision."
Saying this, Rufus turned his back and left. Gilbert watched the path through which Rufus had left. He sighed and collapsed into the couch.
'Rufus what happened to you? You used to be so loyal to the guild'
..............
Rufus stormed out of the leader's tent in anger. He walked away from the tent and continued out of the caravan.
'Tch. Gilbert that bastard! I did not want to do this, but I have no choice now'
Rufus stood around the outskirts of the Litch forest. He took in a deep breath and slowly released it. As he breathed out, a blue smoke like aura begun to wrap around his body. It seemed to originate from his body. It twirled around his body like snakes trying to entangle themselves. It was innate mana!
Rufus was a mage! And a level 11 mage at that! He stretched his mana out around him and begun to transmit a message.
'Blue Wolf gang, begin the assault now!'
..........
Two guards stood at the eastern side of the caravan. They were not really aware of their surroundings since nothing really happened during these type of journeys.
"Yo James, when is our shift over?"
"I'm not sure. I think by midnight"
"Tch. I need same ale to dr- UGH!!"
The first guard who was talking suddenly groaned in pain. The second guard quickly turned around.
"What- what? Bruno? Is th- Urgh"
The second guard screamed. He had suffered the same fate as the first guard. Their throat had been slit open and blood was flowing out. James covered his throat in an attempt to stop the blood from flowing. It did not work.
The two guards died silently. Suddenly, a dark shadowy figure appeared out of nowhere. It was a man. He was clad in complete black like the man who had attacked Korra and Asta. He had two blades in his hands.
Waving his hand he said;
"Move"
Immediately, numerous shadowy figures jumped out of the shadows and spread out in the caravan.
Guards were dropping one after the other. Before long, most of the guards protecting the caravan were dead.
Rufus was still standing at the edge of the Litch forest. It was as if he was waiting for something. Suddenly, the shadowy figure that murdered the two guards appeared behind him.
"Bane, you are late" he said without even looking back.
"f*****g bastard! I was preparing everything" a raspy voice sounded from the man clad in black.
"I believe we are ready?"
"Do not worry. Most of the guards have been taken care off. It has begun"
Immediately he finished talking, a large scream resounded.
"AHHHHH... Fire fire... Go get the guards!"
"I can't find them! Where are the guards?!"
"Tch! The fire is burning all the merchandise!"
"AHHHH.. A- a body... I found a dead body!!!"
...........
Smoke and fire spread quickly throughout the caravan. Tents were being burnt down. The whole caravan was in chaos.
As all this was going on, two shadows emerged from the forest. These two were not like the assailants attacking the merchant caravan. They were much smaller.
"Hohoho? It seems the fun has already started" a familiar female voice said. "Come on Asta" she continued.
Asta stood behind Korra in a dazed state. It seemed like the murder of the grown man was still having an effect on her.
"Asta!"
"Ye-yes!"
Korra narrowed her eyes.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-no"
"Good" she said as she turned around.
"Let us begin" Korra said as her eyes glittered in the darkness. Killing intent begun to ooze out of her.
- Writer
