The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 201

More than a dozen bandits, covered in blood, were flung through the air, landing hard but managing to steady themselves. They looked around in shock and uncertainty at the strength.

From a distance, another bandit yelled, "What's all the fuss about? Why does killing a few women make you produce such a racket?"

Out of the dust cloud, a portly little fellow sauntered forward with his hands clasped behind his back. Following him were over two hundred figures clad in black. Their short spears peeked over their shoulders, long swords were in their hand, and belts were coiled with daggers. Their faces were hidden behind masks, and their features were indiscernible, yet pairs of eyes gleamed cold and sharp as blades.

The first hundred drew their swords and advanced, while the second hundred unsheathed their spears, poised and ready. The air was thick with their fierce, wild aura, and the iron-blooded scent was intent. They moved slowly, and with such stability that their footsteps made no sound, yet the icy chill of their murderous intent was palpable.

"Who are you?" the dozen or so bandits stammered as they backed away, fear creeping into their hearts. That was impossible. Were these reinforcements? Who would come to the rescue of the Mallister family?

The bandits from around the manor charged towards the scene, utterly bewildered by the sight of this group.

"And who might you be?" The portly man's eyes were small but sharp as he scanned the bandits with a cold gaze.

"We're bandits."

"Coincidence, so are we," the portly man sneered with a chilling laugh.

“Liars,” they thought. One of them spoke, “You don't look like any bandits we know. No matter who you are, you'd best not meddle in the affairs of Azure Mountain."

"And what if I insist on meddling?"

"With just that rabble, you won't be able to Azure Mountain alive."

"Isn't it customary for bandits to settle their scores with blades instead of words? Come on, let's have a little practice," the portly man slowly lifted his right hand.

The two hundred black-clad figures halted. Their presence swelled with an intense surge of energy. Each one of them stirred up a wave of force. Their garments billowed, loose stones skittered across the ground, and their eyes narrowed with renewed killing intent.