Carnage

Laughter echoed through the bandit camp as Frank issued his grim command. "Men, get me the girls to enjoy tonight."

A sudden shift occurred as Alan's voice cut through the night, no longer humble but sharp, sending shivers through those who stood 20 meters away. "If anyone takes one step further, none of you will keep your heads on your shoulders." Even those behind him felt the intensity of his rage and shivered.

The bandits, amused by the teenage boy's words, erupted into laughter.

"Haha... enough of this nonsense, get them. I don't want a single scratch on the girls. Remember," Frank shouted.

Determined to fight, Andrew attempted to step forward, but Williams held his axe blocking Andrews movements. "Use your final arrow once they take 5 steps, then get back. No questions," Williams instructed the guards, who nodded in wonder at the calm and rage in his eyes.

"Wil, there are 28 of them. Take down the 8 who come near our family. Leave the remaining 20 bastards to me," Alan stated solemnly. William agreed without his usual disagreement.

Frank laughed upon hearing the boys' words. "Okay then, I, Frank, will stand aside and let you fight my men. Keep in mind they are all at the level of B-Class or even A-Class Adventurers."

Flames flickered in Alan's eyes as he took a step forward. "Wait, my boy, don't act hastily. Let us take the lead. Try to take the women and these two away. We will try to hold them till our last breath," Andrew called, the guards nodding in agreement from behind him.

Smiling, Alan addressed Uncle Andrew, "Do you think these weaklings can stop us? Remember what they call us?" He then turned to Elena, "Aunt Elena, close the kids' eyes; they should not see this."

As the 10 bandits advanced, the two archers shot arrows, taking down two. The remaining eight still confident, walked slowly , prompting Williams to shout, "Move back!" Everyone took a few steps behind, Elena shielding Lilly and Rose's eyes.

Alan took a decisive step forward, appearing in front of a bandit In the blink of an eye. With a swift draw of his sword. he executed a lethal strike, and a head rolled down with shock frozen on its face.

The carnage commenced, with Alan's movements displaying incredible precision. His swings were efficient, each strike finding its mark. Those observing behind Williams were captivated by his dance of deadly precision. Parrying thrusts and countering with lethal swings, Alan moved seamlessly, heads rolling with each step.

Simultaneously, Williams engaged, methodically beheading those who threatened their family. Though his movements lacked the fluidity of Alan's, raw power emanated from his clean and effortless swings. The four stunned adults, marveled at the sight of the deadly dance of these duo.

"The Deadly Duo" Andrew whispered, Elena, who turned back to witness the boys in action had to nodd in agreement.

By the time the eighth bandit fell by Williams axes, Alan had dispatched 17 adversaries and stood before Frank, who now looked terrified as he saw the bloodied young boy in front of him.

"So, you want to touch my sister, is it?" Alan's voice was soft yet audible to everyone. Frank determined, swung his sword but it met effortlessly by Alan. Before Frank could take another swing, a swift slash sent his right hand flying, landing before Elena, leaving her stunned.

The forest echoed with screams as Alan silenced Frank with a powerful punch, breaking his jaw and leaving his mouth bloodied.

"Pleeease... let me go. I beg youuuu," Frank slurred, pleading through his broken jaw.

"Did you show the same mercy to those who begged you earlier? Did you consider our request for a peaceful departure? Why should I have mercy on you?" Alan swung his sword, cutting off Frank's other arm, and punched his gut before he could make another sound.

"How many of you are still there? Tell me or your head will roll down next?" Alan demanded.

"We were 32, 4 archers dead, now all gone," Frank groaned in pain. "Where are the prisoners? Tell me...." Another punch silenced him.

"They... they are... a mile... behind... me," Frank spoke slowly in pain.

Slash... Alan swiftly cut his head off.

Silence enveloped the forest. After a few seconds, Alan breathed heavily and started walking back, his head lowered. "Wil, fancy a cold bath to clense this filth?" Williams nodded, and both stepped into the pond, started cleaning themselves before returning. The four adults were still standing in a daze, Elena still closing her daughters' eyes.

Alan sighed. "Aunt Elena, please take the kids inside the carriage. We have to discuss few things and dispose of the bodies here." Elena snapped back to reality, nodded speechlessly, and took the two kids into the carriage, still covering their eyes.