Night went deep and the moon rose high. Siderius, Ashe, Kraus, Nadia, and a group of ten men laid down on the top of the hill, looking over a small valley with a settlement in the middle.

The camp had a high wooden fence that went all around with a few watch towers here and there. In the middle of the camp was a large burning campfire. The bandits had constructed quite a settlement with many wooden structures. It looked flimsy and run-down but should be able to withstand most of the weather in this area.

All visible bandits were gathering around the big campfire. They seemed to be talking about something. A few more were present on top of the watch towers. A group of five bandits guard the entrance gate.

"Around twenty bandits, Master. They had quite a few men." Ashe spoke out loud her observation.

"Twenty visible bandits. There are probably ten, maybe twenty more in those wooden houses and makeshift tents."

"Should we call for backup, my lord?" Kraus said.

"There is no need. They are all humans. You come with me Kraus, and bring five of your men. Ashe with me also. Nadia stayed outside with the remaining five. Your job is to stop any deserters in case they run away." Siderius said.

"I understand, Lord Snow." Nadia nodded. She retreated back to the woods and brought her men with her. They scattered in the woods, hiding and preparing for the best ambush opportunities.

"Let's go. We approach the camp from behind."

"Yes, Master!" Ashe said.

"Yes, my lord!" The others whispered.

Siderius led the way. His feet stayed nimbled and on the toes to avoid making loud noises. The others behind him instinctively copied him, suppressing their noise to the minimum.

They approached the back of the wooden fence easily. Siderius had picked a blindspot so the watch towers couldn't spot them. He grabbed the fence and lifted himself up slightly, just enough to pop his head up to look inside.

The bandits on the watch towers were distracted. Some were sleeping. Some were gambling. None focused on keeping this settlement safe.

Siderius dropped down again.

"Here's the plan. When you go inside, spread out. Put out as many torches and fire as you can without alerting the watch towers. If you are spotted, all of you need to retreat immediately.

I will approach the main campfire and fight them head on."

Ashe grabbed Siderius' forearm. "Aren't you a bit reckless, Master? I know these bandits aren't witches but there are still many of them."

Siderius smiled and removed her hand. "Within the cloak of night, I am invisible, my child.

Follow the plan."

Ashe bit her lips then nodded. The group climbed inside via the low wooden fence.

They spread out and put out as much campfire as possible.

As for Siderius, he sat in one place, waiting for the inevitable. He was testing how good his men actually were in terms of listening to orders and conducting the plan. It would be the base for how he would arrange them later on.

Surprisingly enough, there weren't any bell rings or any shouts for the entire five minutes. Siderius was impressive but knew his men shouldn't be this capable. He approached a tent of the bandits. Bottles lying around with liquid still lingered on their rims.

He picked one up and smelled.

Sniff. Sniff.

"Alcohol… So that's why…"

If the bandits didn't drink, they would at least be a little bit dangerous. But now, it would be as easy as bullying a child.

Siderius returned to his original place and continued to wait. Around ten minutes later, Ashe and his underlings returned.

"We tried our best to put out as many fires as possible, Master. Some places are too dangerous so we couldn't extinguish it." Ashe said.

Siderius stood up and looked around. Except for the big campfire in the middle, most of the area in the camp was filled with darkness. Once the commotion happened, they would try their best to light some torches on. But it would already be too late.

"You can leave now. I will take it from here. Join Nadia in ambushing the deserters."

"My lord…" A man under Siderius whispered, "you shouldn't do this alone, sir. Let us help you."

Siderius smiled and looked back at the men and the rest. How can I let you fight? You are all my precious workers and trainees. Letting you die here will be a waste. I will find a suitable place for all of you. Some will train with me and become my strength in this kingdom. The rest will help me in my domain. Letting you die here is a stupid decision.

Siderius suddenly remembered the alchemists and hunters under him in the past. He had quite a lot of them, which he had sent all away and severed their ties to make sure they wouldn't face any consequences after his attempt of world crossing.

"I remember you. Adam, right? A miner under Nadia?"

"Yes, my lord!" Adam widened his eyes. He didn't expect Snow to remember his name.

"Ashe, Adam, Igor, Asma, Eddor, Patrick, Kale, Jacob, Hans, Gester."

All of them perked their ears up when Siderius mentioned their names.

"I understand what Adam is saying. But you can't help me now. And I can't let you be in danger. Go, return to Nadia. What kind of a lord would I be if I sent my men to death?"

The ten men looked at each other in awe. They could see the empathy in each other's eyes. They were touched. Germort didn't care if they lived or died, Siderius did. Germort was a coward that only knew about himself, letting his people die of hunger and thirst.

They could feel Siderius was different. Or rather, they felt what Siderius wanted them to feel. The feeling of willing to die for their leader.

"Yes, my lord!" The men whispered in unison.

"Please be careful, Master." Ashe also said.

They all left the settlement, going out via the same way they went in.

Siderius let out a huge breath. "Politics... My game is a little bit rusty but it is still acceptable."

He unsheathed the dark gray Dull Steel and walked over to the big campfire.

"Let the blood spill tonight."

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