Chapter 3
Seeing a lock on the gate of the Fence, the Judge didn't hesitate and ordered his attendants to break it open.
"Stop! No one is to leave!"
"And if you try to break that lock again, I'll cut you down today!"
Serena narrowed her eyes, a slight curve forming at the corner of her mouth.
Interesting. There was actually someone here who could step up and take charge?
In her previous life, she had simply climbed over the Fence and rushed out the West Gate while the Demon Spider Bandit Group was still encircling the area, so she truly hadn't known what happened at the East Gate.
Soon, everyone understood. The newcomer was none other than the Garrison Captain of Ganquan Fort, a robust young man in his early twenties.
Under normal circumstances, no one would take such a fellow seriously, but given the potential for combat, those around exchanged glances and then all looked towards the captain.
"It's dark now. Who knows what we might encounter if we go out? Besides, I am responsible for the defense here. If the bandits take advantage of the chaos to charge in, any problems that arise will be my trouble!"
"Moreover, once dawn breaks, I can send a Carrier Pigeon to call for reinforcements."
"Today, within the camp, we have twenty-five guards, five knights, and among the merchant caravan attendants, there are also many capable of fighting. Holding out until daylight, we can assess the enemy's situation and then formulate a response. Isn't that better than you all running around in a panic?"
What surprised Serena was that this seemingly rough and straightforward fellow spoke with remarkable clarity and logic, clearly someone who had received an education.
Indeed, by common sense, a Bandit Group had no reason to launch a full-scale assault on Ganquan Fort.
Even if some merchant caravans were staying overnight, the potential spoils from a successful raid might not outweigh the cost in personnel losses.
Not to mention that Ganquan Fort, though small, was a sturdy fortress. The most valuable targets could very well retreat inside, and taking it would be no easy feat for a Bandit Group.
"But the Demon Spider Bandit Group..."
The Judge was not someone easily persuaded.
For one thing, the Demon Spider Bandit Group was known to be the most powerful Bandit Group active in the vicinity.
There were even rumors that their leader could truly summon a Demon Spider, a creature even a valiant knight might struggle against.
In truth, Serena knew more. The leader of this Bandit Group was indeed a warlock with demonic heritage and could command a large spider-like monstrosity with blood akin to a Bebilith.
Moreover, that leader possessed some magical items that would give even the current Serena a headache.
In her previous life, it was during her escape that she was hit by a curse, which irreversibly triggered the erosion of her Succubus Bloodline, ultimately leading to her transformation into a succubus.
"Even if it is the Demon Spider, I am confident I can escort you, Your Honor, into the Inner Keep."
The Garrison Captain's words caused many around to change color, but the Judge's eyes [~
"That is acceptable. May I know your name, sir..."
"I am Walter Ganquan."
The captain replied with evident pride.
From his surname, Serena understood that this guy was clearly a local, likely from a family of hereditary garrison soldiers.
No wonder he was so invested—this place was essentially his home.
"Very well. Then I shall wait and see the prowess of Walter."
The Judge smiled slightly and gestured for his attendants to stand down for now.
Soon, the sound of urgent hoofbeats approached.
This time, it was the Morning Glory Knights.
"Open the gate quickly! We have urgent military business!"
As everyone expected, these men were also here to flee.
And also as expected, Walter drew his sword and blocked their path.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be the kingdom's sturdiest shield? Now is the time to put that to use. How can you run away?"
"Bastard! Who are you calling a runner? Look at who I am!"
The leading knight removed his helmet and glared angrily at Walter.
Walter was taken aback for a moment, his expression clearly showing he recognized this knight.
But the next second, his face returned to its initial mix of anger and disdain.
"Ha! Isn't this Little Ted? I know your father was a great warrior, and I know you once killed a bear single-handedly—but that doesn't mean you wouldn't flee before the Demon Spider!"
"What did you say?"
Knight Ted's face twisted.
He truly wasn't here to flee. In fact, he genuinely had urgent military business that prevented him from staying to fight, but the details of his mission could not be disclosed.
"I'll say it one more time. Get out of the way and open the gate."
Flames of anger flickered in Ted's eyes.
"My mission is of utmost importance and brooks no delay."
"So you can just watch these innocent people be exposed to the blades of the Demon Spider Bandit Group and leave with a clear conscience?"
Walter clearly didn't want to let these combat forces go, so his words grew even more provocative.
"I..."
Ted was momentarily at a loss for words.
He took several deep breaths, then with a metallic *shing*, drew his own sword, his face hardening.
"Last warning, Walter—either get out of the way, or die!"
The atmosphere tensed to its breaking point.
At that moment, Serena, hidden in the shadows, gently licked her lips.
'Ah, good. Now it's my turn to take the stage.'
Time to make an entrance.jpg
Chapter 4: The Night the Wheel Turns (Part Two)
"This is wrong!"
To Serena's surprise, Aurora launched a preemptive strike.
At the most critical moment, Aurora shook off Serena's hand, ran in front of Ted's horse, and stood in the center of the road, spreading her arms.
"A knight should not abandon the people he is sworn to protect! Your honor is weeping!"
Aurora shouted hoarsely, her eyes fixed intently on Ted's.
Ted was clearly stunned for a few seconds before he reacted.
Even in the dim firelight, Serena could see the knight's face shifting through a tumult of emotions.
'Interesting...'
Although this disrupted Serena's plan, it seemed it might also bring an interesting twist to the situation.
Or rather, this actually suited Serena's intentions perfectly.
Her 'lying flat' strategy dictated that she must not let all the spotlight fall on herself—she only wanted to stand in its periphery.
Now, with Aurora taking the lead, it couldn't be better.
Therefore, Serena didn't voice support for Aurora, nor did she try to pull her back. Instead, she stepped further into the shadows, diminishing her own presence.
By now, Ted had settled on an expression of anger and frustration.
"Get out of the way! You understand nothing..."
"I do understand!"
Aurora stubbornly lifted her head, her eyes shining brightly.
"A knight is someone who charges forward courageously, no matter how difficult the situation."
"I am the daughter of a knight, I know this! So, Sir Knight, please hesitate no longer—take up your sword to defend the people. That is a knight's calling!"
"You don't understand!"
The fire in Ted's eyes seemed almost tangible.
"I bear a weighty mission, and that takes precedence over everything else!"
"A knight has honor and duty, but do not forget, the commands of one's liege are the highest obligation a knight should uphold!"
Aurora stared directly into Ted's eyes, a look of dismay on her face.
She knew he wasn't lying.
She also knew what he said aligned with the knightly code.
But she truly didn't want to see a slaughter here tonight.
"Can't we... work together to repel the bandits?"
Aurora managed to say.
"I... I can offer a few humble blessings. That might be some help. And I can also..."
"You can do nothing!"
Ted cut Aurora off roughly.
"Judging by your robes, you're just a Lowly Nun. Your divine magic is utterly dispensable to us, and we have no time to waste here! The situation is clear. We must leave immediately!"
"Not necessarily!"
A sweet yet firm voice rang out.
Serena
"Sir Ted
Ted
He felt, deep down, that he shouldn't have wasted time arguing. Forcing his way through and breaking the gate open would have been the correct course of action.
Yet some force prevented him from looking away from that bright spot in the firelight.
Yes, in the brightest place, flames danced. There lay infinite hope and divine guidance... Serena
She had been a little worried earlier about how effective her Charm Ability
Of course, this might also be because Aurora's words had already unsettled the knight's mind. Regardless, Serena
"First, the situation is far from clear."
"We've only heard shouts that the Demon Spider Bandit Group is nearby."
"No one has verified the truth of this, nor confirmed whether it's truly them, if they've all come, or if it's just a few scouts, or perhaps they've allied with other Bandit Groups for a larger raid."
Serena's points were logical, but Ted knew the Bandit Group had indeed mobilized in full force.
Their target was him. There was no doubt about that.
If not for the item he carried, the bandits would have had no reason to penetrate so deeply into the kingdom's territory for such a risky operation.
The garrison here might be small, but given its strategic location, reinforcements would certainly arrive by noon tomorrow at the latest.
If the defenders here could hold out until late morning, the bandits, regardless of how close they were to success, would have to retreat.
His lips moved slightly, then he gave up on arguing.
He couldn't reveal these details. Doing so would expose his mission.
Seeing Ted's expression, Serena's smile widened.
"Second, consider this: what if the Demon Spider Bandit Group *wanted* to be discovered?"
"That would mean they have a clear target and hope to cause chaos among us."
"Think carefully. What is the most terrifying thing about the Demon Spider Bandit Group?"
[<
That's right. The most terrifying thing about the Demon Spider Bandit Group is that they never fail.