Chapter 3: The Bandits' Base

Chapter 3: The Bandits’ Base

The heroes walk through the trees, approaching their destination with steady resolve.

"We’re getting close to their base," Kurt says, his eyes focused on the path ahead through all the trees and plants.

Zeth turns his head to look at him. "Have you been to the base before?"

"Yes," Kurt replies, "but I’ve never attempted to go inside it before."

Joe folds his arms confidently. "With the four of us having magic, we should be able to handle it."

"But what if the bandits have magic too?" Emily asks, her expression uneasy. "It would explain the destroyed buildings back in your town."

Kurt shakes his head. "I’ve seen the bandits before, but I’ve never seen them use magic. I doubt they have it. Still, let’s stay sharp. We need to be careful to avoid getting caught before we even get there."

***

Soon, the group reaches the edge of a clearing in the trees. Before them stands a two-story fort built like a medieval stronghold. Stone walls, thick wooden doors, and not a single guard in sight.

"So that’s the bandits’ base?" Zeth asks.

Kurt nods. "Yes."

Emily stares at the structure. "How do we get in?"

"Let’s just blow down the front door," Zeth suggests with a shrug.

Joe raises a brow. "But then they would all notice us at once."

"Do you know how strong they are?" Zeth asks in reply.

Kurt folds his arms. "As Emily said earlier, the destruction they caused might indicate magic. Even though I’ve never seen them use it before, we have to assume the possibility."

Zeth grins and clenches his fists. "Well, if they do, then this is the perfect test to see how far I’ve come in the last month. If our goal is to actually take the bandits down, sneaking in would be pointless. Let’s do this."

Without waiting for a reply, Zeth marches toward the fort’s entrance. He slams his magic-powered fist into the large wooden door, blowing it into pieces with a burst of energy.

From within, a shouting voice echoes.

"Intruders! Kill them!"

A horde of bandits rushes into view inside the fortress. They’re dressed in mostly brown and ragged clothing. Some of them wear black bandanas tied around their heads.

Emily sighs and shrugs, pulling out her daggers. "Direct approach it is, I guess."

"Come on! Let’s join him!" Kurt shouts.

Emily, Joe, and Kurt charge in after Zeth. Inside the fortress, the battle begins.

"We’re taking you down!" Zeth yells as he rushes in to fight the bandits.

Zeth’s Magic – Star Magic.

Zeth’s fists glow with radiant purple light. He punches and kicks with brute force, knocking bandits off their feet and onto their backs. Each hit leaves his enemies too hurt and stunned to recover.

Emily’s Magic – Channeling Magic.

Emily channels her magic energy through her twin daggers. With precise slashes, she leaves deep, bleeding wounds across the bodies of her foes.

Kurt’s Magic – Aura Magic.

Kurt's energy takes the form of whiplike tendrils that lash out forward. They strike with slamming force, whipping multiple enemies and knocking them back against a wall.

Joe’s Magic – Weather Magic.

Crackling bolts of lightning form in Joe’s hands. He throws them one after another, the shocks paralyzing those they hit, leaving the bandits in agonizing pain and completely helpless.

"Retreat farther in!" one bandit shouts.

"Give up!" Zeth shouts. "It’s hopeless for you!"

The bandits flee deeper into the fortress. The travelers give chase.

"You’re not getting away!" Kurt yells, rushing after them.

They climb to the second floor, but find that they have lost track of the bandits as the second floor is mostly empty.

"Where did they all go?" Emily asks, looking around nervously.

"It’s like they disappeared," Joe mutters.

A voice cuts through the silence, low and amused. "Hehe, you need not worry about them."

Zeth spins toward the sound. "Who’s there?"

A man steps forward, clad in gray armor. The man has short brown hair and crossing-sword tattoos cover both his cheeks.

Bandit Leader – Lund.

"Me," the man declares. "My name is Lund, and I’m the leader here. I don’t appreciate trespassers."

Kurt’s eyes narrow. "Cut the crap. You’ve terrorized my town for far too long."

Lund grins. "Oh? Then coming here has assured your life will end short."

Zeth steps forward. "I’ll be the one who knocks you out!"

Kurt glances at him, surprised. "You should let me handle this."

"I owe you for letting me come with you," Zeth replies, giving him a thumbs up. "And besides, I want to see how far I’ve come from all of my training."

Kurt sighs but nods. "If you say so. But if you need help, I’m going to jump in."

Zeth smirks. "Got it. But I think I can handle him fine on my own."

Lund laughs darkly. "With the new power I’ve been given, you stand no chance!"

"We’ll see about that!" Zeth says, stepping into a fighting stance.

The travelers have attacked the bandit base, and now Zeth challenges the leader to a fight! Can Zeth handle Lund on his own?

Chapter 3 END

To Be Continued in Chapter 4: Zeth vs Lund