The Amber Sword

Chapter 13 – Brendel’s starting point.

Not going to the Green village?

That was not possible. Brendel knew something inside there that had a great impact to his future plans. Regardless of stockpiling for food or proving he was fit to go, he had to go into the village that might be overrun with Madara troops.

So he first tried to parley with words: “If I don’t go, how would you know where to start? Sneaking in and searching are not things that you could do in the first try, and you need a detailed plan and  investigation prior to entering.”

The abilities ‘Sneak’ and ‘Search’ are the special skills of people who had put in a lot of training in the shadows, for example like the professions ‘Nightingale’ and ‘Hunter’. As a warrior, Brendel did not understand their capabilities too well, but he had partied with these players before and finished missions together. His experience alone would have triumphed over the entire militia’s experience here.

Freya still disagreed. She understood his words, but Brendel’s injuries were too grave in her eyes.

“Tell us what we should do and please leave it to us.”

Brendel was not surprised at Freya’s refusal. He broke into a wide grin with his canines showing when he knew he had to rely on his usual method of persuasion. Something that could only belonged to a warrior’s wisdom.

“The number of skeletons in each patrolling unit. Two times, four times. It seemed that there are two squadrons from Madara in the village.” Our protagonist said with the insight from his abundant experience: “Twenty two to twenty four skeletons, two necromancers.”

“That many!” Irene was alarmed.

“That’s still not the worst outcome. The problem is how they are controlling the graveyard and the plaza. The necromancers will use a summoning spell, and they will gain an endless supply of soldiers. This is where we need to be careful.” Brendel continued.

“They are desecrating the dead!” Freya clenched her fists in fury.

“Indeed, but they have the power to do something like this.” He sighed, and pointed to another section within the forest: “Over there, do you see that farm? You can sneak in by using the fences and the trees’ shade. There should be a cellar in the farmhouse that probably has not been burned yet. It should not be too difficult to find and you can hide there. When the sky turns a little darker we can start to act.”

She nodded subconsciously before realizing something was wrong: “How do you know all this?”

“I stayed here for a while.” Brendel answered naturally. He did not lie. Except it was just in another world that he stayed in.

“Then what are we supposed to do after waiting?” Irene ask.

“Just wait for me there, and I’ll come find you a bit later. These monsters are concentrating their efforts to summon new skeletons, and they should not be actively seeking to find survivors. If they are indeed looking for survivors, you need to watch your heartbeats and breathing, as the undead can see your life force.” Brendel instructed them in detail.

“Hold on, are you not coming with us?” Freya was keen enough not to let this fine point slip.

“I have something that I need to do on my own.”

“You-” She wanted to argue, but saw how the young man was patting his sword. It meant, [Don’t forget you have been convinced by me.]

‘But how could that fight count for this?’ Freya wanted to argue back, but Irene pulled her arm to warn her about the incoming skeleton patrol.

“Do you trust me?” Brendel asked in a whisper.

Freya shook her head, then hesitated, and then nodded. (TL: The amount of Tsundere is over 9000!)

“Then the matter is closed. Quickly set off. Don’t worry, I’ll come back safe and sound.” He said earnestly.

Freya looked at him with her words stuck on the tip of her tongue. But she was finally led away by Irene in reluctance. Brendel watched them hide under the thick foliage and hide under the long grass, moving slowly to their destination. When they finally sneaked into the farm, he exhaled with relief.

Brendel turned back and continued to watch the patch of short trees. Tension enveloped him. This was the first time he’s taking a risky by himself in this world. It might appear to be no different back in his previous world, but there was only death waiting for him if he failed here.

He was more willing to move with Freya, but how was he going to explain he knew about the key? He could not tell them he buried it there, this terrible lie probably could not even deceive Irene, not to mention Freya who was as sharp as a needle.

After weighing all options, he decided to move alone.

“There’s nothing to this, Brendel. Just think of it as opening a new account to level up.” He rubbed his temple and cheered himself onwards.