Chapter 5: Lord Bloet (Please Bookmark & Continue Reading)

Robin, who was practicing swordsmanship, had just finished a full set of drills when the camp bell rang.

Robin was still in a daze when Carter ran over and patted Robin's shoulder.

"What are you still standing around for? We're knight apprentices; we need to report to Malizi Knight Captain."

Robin snapped out of it and hurried to follow.

"Robin! The lord has located the thieves' lair and is preparing to lead a campaign. This large‑scale battle will be your first; don't get hurt!" Malizi said to Robin, his eyes filled with expectation and trust.

Robin heard this, a flash of excitement crossing his eyes, and he silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Since he warned not to get injured, that meant the strongest foes were only at Knight Level; as long as he doesn't wander alone into enemy camps, safety can be assured.

After becoming a knight apprentice, he had long yearned for a chance to test his strength in real combat, and this anti‑thief operation was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity.

"Yes, Knight Captain!" Robin replied loudly without hesitation, his voice brimming with fighting spirit.

"In this operation, the thieves will definitely make a stubborn stand; it won't be easy. As knight apprentices, you must lead the militia in the front lines," Malizi warned solemnly, "Stay with the unit, obey orders, and don't act rashly."

"Understood, Knight Captain! I will not bring shame to you or the territory," Robin straightened his back and said confidently.

It was not only a battle but also his chance to prove himself to everyone, and a good opportunity to grind experience.

Robin mused silently that he hadn't taken part in many battles, and he still hadn't figured out how the system grants combat experience, nor what that experience could be used for.

Now he serves under Malizi Knight Captain, which explains why Malizi has been so diligent in training him.

Compared with other knight captains, Malizi has pitifully few knight apprentices; including Robin, there are only seven.

As a veteran knight, Malizi's shortage of apprentices stems mainly from the last lord war.

At that time, the troops he led suffered heavy losses and their vitality was severely damaged.

However, compared with the total annihilation of the force led by Robin's father, Malizi was relatively fortunate.

That great war not only altered many fates but also left deep scars on this land.

Back at the tent, Robin threw himself into preparations. He gently lifted his sword, eyes focused, and carefully wiped the blade with a soft cloth.

Then Robin donned the slightly worn yet sturdy armor.

The armor had accompanied him through countless trainings; its scratches and wear were marks of his growth. He deftly fastened every clasp, inspected each joint, ensuring no mishap in battle.

When everything was ready, Robin inhaled deeply and stepped out of the tent with a firm stride.

At that moment, a tense pre‑battle atmosphere pervaded the camp; soldiers streamed in from all directions, the crisp clatter of weapons intertwining like an exhilarating war march.

For this battle, Lord Bloet deployed his elite forces: at his command, five knights, forty knight apprentices, and four hundred militia gathered swiftly.

Lord Bloet sat upright on a towering black warhorse, his posture erect, exuding a chilling aura.

He was about forty, his facial features chiseled like a blade, skin bronzed by years of campaigns, bearing the marks of time and battle.

Below his high nose bridge, thin lips were pressed firm, radiating undeniable resolve; his sharp gaze swept the crowd as if reading every mind.

The black steed was tall and muscular, its coat glossy, shimmering in the sun like satin.

It seemed to sense its master's majesty, pawing anxiously, emitting high whinnies; its front hooves lifted then slammed down, kicking up dust.

The five knights stood at the front, their armor ornate, each bearing their family's glory and past feats.

With Lord Bloet's authoritative shout of "Advance!", the force surged like an unstoppable steel torrent toward the thieves' lair.

The notorious Black Bear Thieves Guild had originally ambushed the caravan Robin was escorting.

That band of thieves had long occupied this chaotic no‑man's land, acting brazenly and giving neighboring lords a constant headache.

The guild leader's identity remained a mystery; no one knew his true name, only that everyone called him the Black Bear Knights.

It was said he once served as a follower knight to a famed great lord, riding at his side and earning many battle honors.

Unfortunately, the good times were short; that great lord was defeated in a fierce territorial war, and his illustrious family perished.

The Black Bear Knights, proud and unwilling to surrender, fled with a few loyal followers from their former lands, wandering until they arrived here.

From then on, he turned to banditry, forming the Black Bear Thieves Guild.

In recent years they've roamed between several lords' territories, like keen‑nosed wolves, preying on poorly defended caravans and villages.

When the supply caravan was attacked, they surged forward in a chaotic but ferocious rush, catching the guards off guard.

They seized food and valuables, showing no mercy to resistors; in an instant, nearby villagers were terrified and passing merchants were on edge.

Now Lord Bloet leads a great army to eradicate this malignant tumor, restoring peace to the territory.

During the campaign against the Black Bear Thieves Guild, Robin, still inexperienced, could only follow orders.

Under Malizi Knight's lead, he and his squad assisted in clearing the thieves' outer outposts.

Not far ahead, they encountered a concealed outpost meticulously set by the thieves.

In the moonlight, vague silhouettes of a few wiry thieves paced back and forth, their weapons swinging loosely, clearly unaware of the approaching danger.

Malizi Knight saw this, raised his hand swiftly, and made an attacking gesture.

In an instant, Robin felt his blood surge to his head; his fury toward the thieves and his eager thirst to uncover the system's secrets filled him with power.

He clenched his jaw, drove his feet forcefully into the ground, and leapt forward like a cheetah, generating a whoosh of wind.

The first to meet him was a burly thief wielding a heavy axe, his face a mask of snarling flesh and ferocity.

He roared, swung the axe with tremendous force toward Robin, the air ripping with a whoosh of slicing wind.

(End of Chapter)