Chapter 349
Chapter 349
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 349
Chapter Title: Kim Katt and the 40 Bandits
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Elise suddenly appeared and suggested we go out together to commit murder.
Saying it like that makes us sound like total weirdos, but since we're doing the right thing, it shouldn't be a problem.
Catching bandits is pretty lucrative anyway.
They've been causing massive damage to small merchants and travelers, so they've probably looted plenty of goods and stashed them in their hideout. And since they're robbers, they'll be armed to the teeth.
I recalled the raid that happened when I first arrived in Isvant. Their combat power and gear are probably about the same level.
Bandits generally aren't good fighters.
Life in the mountains is seriously inconvenient. They have to fight monsters and raid people. All their income and survival depend on luck, and fatigue builds up every day.
These guys can't even eat properly. Their nutrition is so bad they're all sickly. If they looted food, maybe, but...
That's why only pathetic losers who couldn't survive otherwise turn to banditry. If you have real skills, there's no need to live like that. Even E-rank adventurers struggle, but they can get by in the city.
And to top it off, these criminals can't even organize worth a damn, so even as a group, they're weak in group fights.
They only attack small groups of weaklings like merchants or travelers they can overwhelm with numbers.
They hit hard in crowds, but the moment things even out, their combat power drops off a cliff.
Explaining it like this, they really are idiots.
There's no way to describe these bastards other than "total morons." Unless they're psychopathic rebels who were born to rob because they can't do anything else.
Of course, they could just be deserter heretics like Elise said.
Like always, most people aren't my match anyway.
"From what we've gathered at the Adventurer's Guild, merchants who've survived the attacks are hiring adventurers for revenge. They'll probably lead the adventurers themselves to wipe out the bandits. I think it best if we join them."
Elise added that explanation.
"Sounds good. When do they leave?"
"They're recruiting until tomorrow, then heading out the morning after. About a dozen have already been hired."
That's a decent-sized group.
"Over ten already... How many bandits?"
"Not sure on details, but a surviving merchant said it was a group of around twenty."
Numbers are about even, so no issue there.
"Alright. That should be enough to deliver justice. A few more hires by tomorrow, and we'll have plenty on our side. Heh, time to give those vermin their divine judgment. Elise."
"Your enthusiasm is the greatest encouragement."
Work starts the day after tomorrow—not bad.
We bought new gear today, and there's still a day left, so plenty of prep time. Bandit hunts like this probably involve trekking mountains and tracking, so it'll take a few days.
Prep today and tomorrow, check our skills, then head out—perfect.
"All done eating? Let's go."
"Yes."
We finished our meal with Elise and headed outside.
"Then, Saint, shall we meet the merchant..."
"Hold up. Got a stop first."
"Somewhere to go?"
"Need new gear. Look—no chestplate."
"Now that you mention it, no breastplate. What happened?"
"Fought some evil bastards, and my armor got smashed."
Elise gasped in shock at my words.
"No way! What kind of monsters were they?!"
"Heh, evil robbers. Already judged 'em all, so it's fine. Calm down."
Rujet smashed it, but we've glossed over that, so blame naturally falls on the slum robbers.
"Still, I nearly died. Got surrounded. Survived, though."
Those robbers might as well have smashed my gear. Next time with Rujet, we'll kill them all and take their cash—or no forgiveness.
Anger rising.
In the broad sense, these mountain bandits are accomplices who wrecked my gear.
No—main culprits.
Slum robbers = bandits. Same thing.
Daring to damage my property, you bandit scum?
Can't hold back unless I slaughter and judge them all.
"I regret not seeing the judgment with my own eyes. Fighting even with your armor shattered—you truly are unbreakable."
"Then let's shout it strong? Diivaaaaiiiin!!!!!!!"
"F-Friendshiiiip!"
Anyway, time to buy gear.
I headed to the commercial district with Elise, chanting slogans. Planning iron breastplate and gauntlets. Got time, so hang out a bit.
"I feel the passion. Hmm, the displayed armors look ordinary."
We scanned the smithies lining the commercial district. Better head to a specialist armor shop.
"Ordinary?"
"I know our brothers' armor is bizarre too."
"Ah, the Arkio brothers."
"Theirs is even more extreme."
Radiant Cross Society holy knights have demonic armor sense. Spiked pauldrons and gauntlets, nightmare helms, pointed sabatons—no gaps there, but chests and stomachs always exposed, just panties underneath.
Nuns like Elise cover up fully—amazing contrast.
We chatted about armor as we entered a promising shop. Practical designs everywhere.
"Welcome. Nun and big warrior? What can I get ya?"
"Iron breastplate. Pick one for my build?"
"Got it."
"No frills. Like practical stuff."
"You know your armor. Heh, alright."
The owner measured me, bustled about, selected one. Elise and I browsed other gear.
"Ah, Saint! Found some brutally punitive-looking gauntlets."
"Punitive how?"
"You'll see."
What Elise pointed to was indeed...
"Brutally punitive."
Iron gauntlets designed for pure punishment.
Unlike normal ones, four thick spikes on the knuckles—like nightmare knuckles fused with gauntlets. Practical terror.
Wearing these for Asura Blood Palm? Most foes go down instantly.
Four holes punched through.
"The craftsman's righteousness shines. Made to judge evildoers barehanded, even without weapons."
"You're right."
Can't disagree with Elise—kinda like it.
Buying these.
I picked them up; owner brought a rugged breastplate.
"Mass-produced, but designed over quilted armor cloth, so fits big warriors. No decorations as requested. Side belts—easy solo wear."
Tried it on—solid. Like my old one.
"Those gauntlets too? Good eye. Smashes monsters barehanded."
Obviously.
"Both. How much?"
"Two together? 20 silver discount."
Fuck, way too expensive—tears welling. Armor ain't cheap.
—You fucking bandit shits!!!!!!!!!!
Swallowed my scream, handed over 20 silver. Rage boiling.
"Have a good one!"
"You too."
Essential investment—no choice. Got savings; not fatal.
"Alright, Elise. Guild time."
"Yes."
Out and back to the guild.
Need to see the merchant hiring adventurers.
Elise said he's camped there all day, interviewing applicants.
Filters out weaklings first, attracts brutal types eager to kill for cash second.
That crew? Bandit wipeout guaranteed.
"Hehe, armed, you look even holier, Saint."
"Heh heh, same for you. Let's show those bandits justice and order live."
"Of course. Most rewarding work."
Nothing more rewarding or profitable than killing bad guys.
Chatting murderously, we reached the guild. Less crowded than before.
Found the merchant.
"That gloomy guy's the merchant."
"Looks furious."
"Lost all his wagon cargo—natural rage."
Approached the dour merchant with Elise.
"You the one hiring for bandit extermination?"
"M-Mirkeisha? Y-Yes. That's me."
"D-rank adventurer Kim Katt from Isvant. Outsider washed up in this harsh land. Mind negotiating pay?"
Played barbarian warrior bit.
Bit of bluff builds trust, maybe ups pay.
Gear, looks, build sell it.
"Pay... Show your tag first."
"Heh heh, feast your eyes."
D-ranks are guild core here. Local only—works limited in Krasheim, useless elsewhere.
But here? Proof.
"R-Real. Skilled... 30 copper per day."
"Merchant, you want revenge, right? Those bandit punks? I go, they're done. 30 copper's short."
"Not done. Hiring warriors like you, yeah short. More, of course."
Merchant continued.
"Kill bandits on-site? 70 copper per head bonus."
Changes things.
30 copper daily base, plus per-kill bonus. Loot too? Nice profit.
"Fair enough. Loot?"
"My stamped goods stay mine—I'm merchant. Rest? Take what you want."
Reasonable.
"Deal. You're my employer now."
"City folk got spine. Follow my lead after departure. Leave morning after tomorrow—guild front before dawn. No-show, contract void."
Signed, reported to guild desk. Elise agreed 30 copper. Forces: one D-rank, eleven E-ranks.
E-ranks 10 copper daily.
Thirteen total.
Solid enough.
"Elise, where you staying? Walk you."
"Same place as last time... Thanks."
Wrapped up, headed out.