67

The previous village was another bust. Another cold lead in which the hero had already passed through weeks back. This repeat of a wild goose chase garnered opposite reactions within the two travelling companions. Whilst Rose, was ecstatic to hear that her supposed vacation would be receiving another extension. Chris literally saw this as a terrible waste of human resources and time.

"Say Chris." Her butt slightly sore from the long travel, she decided to cure her boredom with the recent news.

"Yes, Rose sama?" 

"Have you heard of the monster of the west?" After glancing towards her travelling buddy and receiving no reaction she continued. "The Monster of the west, I heard it eats and drinks its blood and meat raw. It Especially enjoys its meals fresh from the hunt."

"You know, that's just the local folk tales they tell to scare their kids right? Danger this danger that, stay home and be good. You know? That stuff."

"Don't you think as knights, we should go investigate? You never knew, it might be a vampire!"

"Vampires aren't real. And before you start, ghosts aren't real either."

"Tch! You're no fun. I already purchased the garlic, I was ready to make you a necklace with it!" Rose laughed her ass off as she imagined her trusty knight sporting the garlic, almost- almost falling off her mount.

"STOP! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!"

The two glanced up to find a blockade of sorts. They must've popped out of the treelines considering how sudden their appearance was.

"MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. PAY OR DIE!" Multiple men pulled their individual weapons out. The majority wielded kitchen knives, pitch-forks or garden scythes. Rose was delighted upon noticing this, a free show to kill her boredom. 

"How nice of them to present their necks to us. Don't you agree Sir knight of mine?" Rose remained unmoving, on her mount. Insisting on maintaining the high ground to hold a better view of the show. Chris sighed before unsheathing a blade so polished, it glistened the evening light.

Chris alone approached the 10 bandits, ready to mop the floor with their heads. 

"Bandits?" A lone man, clad in blackened armour from head to toe appeared from beyond. The bandits now trapped between the two realised their folly. Under pressure, half the group decided to fight the new appearance, whilst the other hand ran back into the tree line pissing their pants.

"Oh? He's dual-wielding. A rare practice for swordsmen." Rose with her squinted eyes continued to enjoy the show. No intent on assisting. She watched as the man nimbly dodged weaving in and out of melee and landing pin-point stabs at critical positions. Every attack that landed would cause the bandit's body to suddenly erupt. The bandits didn't stand a chance even if it was a five versus one. "Not bad. Fast, swift, dexterous and so powerful, their body parts explode upon contact." Rose nodded in approval.

"Rose sama, is this the hero that we've been searching for?"

"Possibly, his appearance and prowess certainly does match the bill. Would you like to go challenge him to a friendly duel?"

"Rose sama, surely you jest?"

"If you won't maybe I will?" 

"Are you two alright? Would you like me to escort you back?" The man offered in kindness.

"Are you the hero who single-handedly destroyed a bandit base, cleared out multiple dungeons and also protected the people from the recent monster horde?" Chris was quick to ask, eager to control the conversation lest Rose starts her shenanigans and starts duelling the guy.

"I am, what of it? More bandits?"

"We're in need of your service. Are you available?" 

"More bandits to kill?"

"No, not bandits. Monsters."

"Oh..." He sounded strangely disappointed. This some what irked Chris. Since Chris hesitated, Rose took the chance to cut in the conversation.

"The monster from the west, have you heard? We're searching for clues. We'd deeply appreciate it if someone of your calibre were to protect us from bandits. It is a long and arduous journey for just us two and this little sword by my hip is actually just for show." Before Rose could even mention any form of payment or reward the man agreed.

"Well, that was surprisingly easy. Now to make him develop feelings for me and it's done~ A little charm here, a little charm there and bam! Love!" She internally exclaimed.