Chapter 356: Who Dares?

Adrian opened his eyes at the mention of their distance, his gaze sharpening as Aria's voice carried through the air."Ten kilometers away from the first stop," she had said, but Adrian knew better. They were heading straight toward the middle of Deadwood Pass, where danger was waiting in ambush.

"Stop the carriage," Adrian ordered calmly, sitting up.

The merchant and his assistant exchanged alarmed glances. "W-why are we stopping?" the merchant stammered, his earlier doubt returning with full force.

"Stay inside," Adrian said, his voice steady and assured. "This is where the fun begins."

"F-Fun? W-what are you-"

Without waiting for a response, he stepped out of the carriage for the first time since they'd entered Deadwood Pass. The air outside was cool and damp, carrying a faint, earthy scent. The cliffs towered high on either side of the narrow road, their jagged edges casting long, dark shadows across the path.

Sparse trees with twisted, gnarled branches reached up toward the sky, their silhouettes stark against the fading light.

The wind howled softly, and the sound of rustling leaves filled the otherwise quiet atmosphere. It was unsettling, to say the least, but to Adrian, it was just another battlefield waiting to unfold.

There were five other carriages trailing behind theirs, each carrying a mixture of goods and people. Two guards stood by each one, their expressions tense as they scanned the surrounding terrain. They were competent enough, but clearly on edge, as if they knew something bad was about to happen.

Adrian's teammates were gathered at the front of the first carriage. Aria stood alert, her eyes already trained on the horizon, while Kairen leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and a nervous smile playing on his lips. Ardel was furthest ahead, his hand resting on his weapon, his gaze distant as if observing something the others couldn't see.

Adrian approached Ardel, his voice low. "Do you see any birds?" seaʀᴄh thё Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Ardel didn't turn but nodded slightly. "Two flocks of birds not far from here. Scattered birds in the middle, and… possibly tens of hordes after that."

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he thought it over. Birds — the code they used for bandits. The first two flocks referred to the gangs already lying in wait. The scattered ones in the middle? Scouts or potential small-time ambushes, most likely. The tens of hordes later on would be the larger, more organized groups waiting to strike when the path became even narrower and more confined.

"Good," Adrian murmured. His mind began to piece together a strategy, quickly analyzing the terrain and their current position. Protecting the merchants and goods was their top priority, but they also needed to take the initiative before being surrounded.

He moved closer to his teammates, lowering his voice as he laid out his plan. Whatever he said made their expressions shift — from concentration to brief surprise, then understanding. They nodded in agreement, ready to execute his orders. The plan was set.

Without wasting any more time, Adrian straightened and gestured for everyone to get back into position. They continued onward, the carriages moving down the pass as if they were completely unaware of the danger lurking ahead.

_____ ___ _

Hidden deep within the shadows of the cliffs, a group of bandits crouched, waiting in anticipation. They were a ragtag group of mercenaries and rogues, hardened by years of preying on travelers who dared to pass through these cursed lands. Their leader, a hulking man with a thick beard and scarred face, peered down from his vantage point, scanning the narrow road below.

"They're close," he growled, his voice low and gravelly. His sharp eyes flicked toward the horizon where the first carriage appeared. "Scouts have already confirmed. A merchant caravan, heading straight for us. Shouldn't be more than six carriages."

One of the scouts, a thin man with a hawk-like nose, nodded. "That's right. Two guards per carriage, standard fare. A few escorts up front, nothing out of the ordinary."

The leader grinned, showing yellowed teeth. "Perfect. We'll wait until they reach the middle of the pass, where the walls close in. No way for them to escape then. We hit them hard and fast, take the goods, and leave no one alive. But if there's a beauty, you know what to do."

"Of course, we will keep her or them for you, Boss."

"They are naturally yours."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they prepared for the ambush. Weapons were drawn, crossbows were loaded, and a sense of bloodlust hung thick in the air. The bandits had done this countless times before. To them, it was just another job, another day in Deadwood Pass.

The leader spat on the ground, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Let's see if these fools are ready to dance with death."

The caravan continued its slow, steady approach, unaware—or so it seemed—of the danger that awaited them just ahead.

However, just as they were about to start, something unexpected happened.

One of the escorts at the front of the caravan suddenly stopped. He dismounted with graceful precision, bowing low, and raised his voice, loud enough for the entire caravan and naturally them to hear.

"Esteemed Stellar Magus, can you protect us now? We have already reached the middle of the pass."

The leader of the bandits stiffened, his grin fading as confusion flickered across his face. 'Stellar Tier Awakener? A Magus?' His eyes narrowed as he signaled for the men to wait. They had dealt with many figures before, but he was just a Lunar Tier and in the Adept stage. He couldn't even think of going against a Stellar Tier Awakener.

But it could be a trick as well.

'But...'

Before he could process the strange statement, an angry voice boomed from one of the carriages, deep and commanding, with a raw power that sent a chill down his spine.

"WHO DARES!"

A gust of wind suddenly howled through the pass, cutting through the air like an invisible blade. It wasn't just any wind — it was strong, unnaturally strong, sweeping through the cliffs and causing several of the bandits to stumble back. Loose pebbles and dust whirled through the air, and for the first time, the leader felt an unsettling sense of unease.

'What a strong aura!'