Chapter 61: The Peculiar Bandits (Part 1)

Inside the carriage, Merlin was observing the two spell models within his mind's eye.

The fireball spell model had accumulated a substantial amount of magical energy. Merlin estimated it could release about twenty-five regular fireballs.

This amount of magic was already quite formidable. In Etta's old spellbook, it was mentioned that most spellcasters, after years of accumulation, could only manage to release around thirty spells in one go. Yet, Merlin, having only constructed his spell models in the past two or three months, was already approaching what might take others years to achieve.

One reason was Merlin's use of the Matrix device to select the best spell models out of 180,000 options, leading to models that were far superior to those of the average spellcaster. Indeed, the limit of Merlin's spell models was likely far beyond merely thirty regular spells.

The ice spell's energy accumulation wasn't slow either, and he could now cast it seven or eight times.

However, while his magic had grown rapidly, Merlin's mental power advanced much more slowly. Relying only on basic meditation techniques, his mental power increased at a limited pace.

At this rate, if Merlin continued to progress step-by-step, it would take at least half a year for his mental power to support a third spell model.

Half a year might not seem long to most spellcasters, but to Merlin, who had become a powerful caster in just a few months, it felt agonizingly slow.

Apart from his slow mental growth, another issue was the scarcity of spells. Etta's wind spell was no longer of interest, but finding suitable spells was still difficult.

High-level meditation techniques and appropriate zero-level spells were what Merlin lacked most. He looked forward to reaching the Black Moon Kingdom, the spellcaster's holy land, where finding advanced meditation techniques and zero-level spells would be easier.

"Hmm? Why did we stop?"

Merlin furrowed his brows, sensing that the carriage had halted suddenly. Lifting the curtain, he looked outside.

"Young Master Merlin, bandits are attacking!"

Moss's expression remained calm, showing no signs of panic.

Merlin looked at the bandits ahead and couldn't help but display a hint of amusement. Ahead, a ragtag group stood blocking the path, dressed in a chaotic assortment of colors, mostly rough linen with the few better-off bandits wearing battered light armor.

Their weapons were almost laughable—most of them wielded only wooden sticks.

"These are supposed to be bandits?"

Merlin recalled the "bandits" he'd encountered in the Wilson territory, who were actually church sword guards in disguise—well-trained and well-equipped, more like an army than real bandits.

In contrast, these men seemed like true bandits.

There were over a thousand bandits, and Merlin could clearly see that they showed no fear against Old Wilson's knights, with greed evident in their eyes.

Merlin looked from the fully armed knights in heavy armor to the motley crowd of bandits, feeling rather speechless.

"Moss, do we look weak?"

Before he could finish speaking, Old Wilson's heavily armored knights had arranged into a charge formation, ready to tear the bandits to pieces with a single command.

***

"Commander Mance, bandits are ahead—what should we do?"

Princess Sherris wore a grim expression, seeing the swarm of bandits ahead—at least two to three thousand strong.

Commander Mance remained unfazed. "Your Highness, they're merely bandits. Their numbers mean little. Even if they were more numerous, they're nothing but rabble. My six hundred Firebird Knights alone could rout them!"

The princess nodded, relying on Mance's confidence. "Very well, Commander Mance. Lead your six hundred knights and scatter the bandits!"

Mance quickly rallied the knights into a charge formation, shouting, "Charge!"

A cloud of dust rose as six hundred knights thundered forward like ferocious tigers, heading straight for the bandits.

Commander Mance led the charge, radiating an earthy yellow glow, his large sword poised. Every swing sent bandits flying.

As Mance felt victory within reach, expecting the bandits to scatter soon, the crowd parted suddenly, and out charged a dozen well-equipped knights who surrounded him.

Despite being encircled, Mance remained composed, observing them closely. They lacked any elemental aura, meaning these knights weren't elemental swordsmen.

"Bandits, prepare to die!"

Targeting one of the knights, Mance lifted his sword, enveloped in yellow light.

While Earth swordsmen excelled in defense, Mance's strength was on par with a level-three elemental swordsman, capable of overwhelming even a level-two swordsman. These ordinary bandits would stand no chance.

"Clang!"

Mance's sword struck an iron blade, and the resulting shock nearly dislodged his weapon. Astonished, he stared at the bandit who had blocked his blow—this man bore strange facial markings yet exhibited no elemental power.

"How is this possible?"

Still reeling, Mance saw the strange-marked bandit sneer, "Heh, nothing's impossible. Kill him!"

The surrounding knights drew their swords, unleashing a relentless assault. Each rivaled level-two elemental swordsmen, yet none displayed any elemental aura.

Pure physical strength alone made them a formidable force, enough to rival level-two swordsmen. Such talent in one person could be dismissed as luck, but with over a dozen of them, it was no coincidence.

The six hundred Firebird Knights also encountered bandits of exceptional strength. While untrained and lacking coordination, each could rival a level-one elemental swordsman. The combined power of hundreds of these fighters was daunting.

Thus, even the elite Firebird Knights were now locked in a brutal struggle, teetering on the brink of annihilation.

What once seemed a trivial encounter had now turned dire, with Commander Mance and his knights surrounded. Watching from afar, Princess Sherris wore a look of shock and anxiety, unable to believe that the formidable Commander Mance and elite Firebird Knights could be outmatched by mere bandits.