Chapter 16

While Leoard was desperately practicing grappling with Gilbert, Barbarotto was on an expeditionary mission.

The mission was to subdue a band of thieves known as the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf.

Currently, the knights of Zeato were camped out, with many knights staying in the forest. They had set up small tents in an open area.

In a large tent, the captain who led the knights was present. At the moment, the captain was spreading a map of the surrounding area on a table and looking at a young knight.

"Is it true that the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf are hiding in the abandoned village ahead?"

"Yes. However, this is based on reports from the local residents..."

"What about the scouts?"

"Yes. According to their reports, the abandoned village is uninhabited, and there are no signs of recent human activity."

"Hmm..."

"What should we do?"

"For now, we will wait. Until we have solid information, do not make any rash moves."

"Understood!"

After finishing his report, the young knight left the tent. The captain was left alone. After hearing the young knight's report, the captain looked at the map and thought.

At that moment, Barbarotto entered the tent. The captain, noticing Barbarotto, stopped thinking and turned to face him.

"Barbarotto. What's wrong? You don't look well."

"No, I was thinking of asking for your opinion on this mission."

"Hmm. Come to think of it, I assigned you to gather information about the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf from the nearby village. Did you hear anything?"

"..."

"You did, didn't you? Well, the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf are, for better or worse, a hero to the people.

They save the people from corrupt lords, take money from fraudulent merchants and return it to the people, and rescue children and women who have been kidnapped by evil nobles. They are truly champions of justice.

They do what we knights cannot. So, it's only natural that they are liked by the people."

As the captain said, the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf are heroes to the people.

This is because they practice what they preach, such as not taking from the poor, not killing, and not committing crimes.

Of course, they do this not to gain the people's support, but because it is the belief of the man who leads the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf.

"What do you think, Captain...?"

Barbarotto, who asked hesitantly, saw the captain cross his arms and look up with a serious expression.

"Well, I would rather not subdue them if possible.

But we are knights. If the country orders us to act, we have no choice but to do so.

So, I will subdue the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf. That's all."

"Are you satisfied with that?"

"Barbarotto, accept it. We must not say anything more."

"...Understood."

Barbarotto, who understood what the captain meant, left the tent without further questioning.

Generally, knights are often third or fourth sons of noble families who cannot inherit the family estate. Among them, there are many who aspire to advance, some by achieving military honors and others by stepping on others to climb the ranks.

Therefore, careless words cannot be spoken in places where anyone might be listening.

As time passed, dinner was being prepared at the camp. Normally, they would have used rations, but fortunately, they had managed to procure food in the forest.

One might worry that the smell would attract beasts, but the strong knights welcomed such a challenge.

While enjoying a satisfying meal, Barbarotto and the captain discussed.

"By the way, do you know anything about Jex, the leader of the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf?"

"I've heard rumors. He's quite a formidable fighter."

"Yes. I have high hopes for you."

"Heh. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

"Haha. As the best knight in Zeato, you can win."

After finishing their meal, the knights decided the order for night watch and went to sleep.

Late at night, a knight on watch felt the urge to urinate and told his partner, then went into the bushes. Just as he was about to relieve himself at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, he was ambushed from behind and knocked unconscious.

Meanwhile, the partner, yawning and wondering why his comrade hadn't returned, was suddenly attacked by a black shadow moving at an incredible speed from the bushes and fell without a chance to react.

"Two down."

"Understood. Keep it up."

"Got it. Leave it to me."

The man hiding in the bushes and the girl who had knocked out the knights moved without being noticed by the other knights.

The girl's skill in taking advantage of the knights' lapses to knock them out was impressive.

However, the knights were not to be underestimated. A knight who noticed the commotion raised an alarm, and the sleeping knights woke up.

"Sorry..."

"Don't worry. You did well. It's our turn now!"

The girl apologized to the man hiding in the bushes. The man patted her head to comfort her.

After confirming that the awakened knights had lit lights and were on alert, the man raised his hand.

"Let's go! You bastards, hahaha!!!"

"Uaaaaaah!!!"

With a roar that shook the ground, the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf emerged from the bushes and attacked the knights.

"Enemy attack! Everyone, draw your swords! Try not to kill them! Charge!"

Under the captain's orders, the knights drew their swords and clashed with the attacking Fangs of the Hungry Wolf. The night forest was filled with the shouts of men and the clashing of metal.

"My name is Jex, the leader of the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf! You want my head, don't you? Come at me!!!"

The knights were distracted by Jex's bold declaration. One of the knights stepped forward.

"My name is Barbarotto Doglum! I will take you on!"

Barbarotto declared his name in response to Jex's challenge. He gripped his sword tightly as Jex effortlessly deflected his attack.