How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 78.1: 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝟐)

When facing a monster of medium size or larger, it was common not to engage in close combat.

Fighting against a monster with tenacious vitality often resulted in the person collapsing first.

Only truly prideful knights would dare confront such monsters.

Impressive. . .!

Therefore, Caenerna had no choice but to be amazed by Johans extraordinary strength.

Werewolves, being robust and fierce monsters, could normally withstand a knights attack, but it collapsed as easily as a straw bundle.

, .

In fact, Caenerna had never properly seen Johan in battle. She had seen the chaos in Gulraks warehouse, but that was a frantic melee.

The knights were pushed back, but it was a situation where they werent fully equipped. It could have been considered bad luck for the knights.

But now, it seemed natural that the knights were overwhelmed.

Even if knights were driven by honor and bravery, they were still human, with fears and rational thoughts.

Only a very few would dare to face ferocious werewolves without wearing armor.

Come at me!

The fallen werewolf did not rise again.

Werewolves lurking in the darkness did not dare attack upon hearing Johans shout, instead circling the area.

Caenerna felt it was time to demonstrate her worth.

With a spell and complex movements in the darkness, the flames around the encampment blazed fiercely, emitting a blinding light. As the light approached, the werewolves fled into the darkness in terror.

Suetlg-nim! Well done!

. . .It was me.

Oh, really? Well done, wizard. Excellent. Are the crossbowmen ready? Fire as soon as you are loaded!

The crossbowmen gritted their teeth.

The vast eastern lands were home to all kinds of monsters. But encountering werewolves in such plains was unexpected.

It was a relief to have Johan by their side; otherwise, they would have been overwhelmed with fear.

Any more advice?

Johans attitude left Caenerna feeling complex. It was right to acknowledge her abilities as a wizard, but there was an absence of the usual awe or fear one would show, leaving her uncertain whether to be angry or not.

Its better to light more fires around and prevent their approach. Have the injured retreat. Werewolf wounds must be treated immediately, or theyll worsen quickly. Also, pair up the soldiers.

Understood.

Johan called for Gerdolf.

Gerdolf. Protect Suetlg-nim. Sir Marco. Lead the knights and move with Stephen. Protect the people of the Jarpen family.

Stephen and the Jarpen family were, apart from their combat abilities, the first to be protected.

Having issued his orders, Johan realized he had omitted something.

No, Gerdolf. Protect Caenerna-gong.

Wait, wait.

Caenerna spoke in a hurried voice.

She didnt trust Gerdolf, fearing he might turn his weapon on her at any moment.

Could I request Sir Marco to escort me?

Thats a bit. . . I apologize. It might raise unnecessary suspicions.

Marco showed reluctance. Being together with people from the Emperors faction already invited suspicion.

Then stay by my side. But be cautious. Im not skilled at fighting while protecting someone.

. . .Bear that in mind.

As the flames in the encampment grew brighter, the werewolves seemed to realize that their ambush had failed. They skulked in the shadows, circling to find an opportune entry point.

Each time the light shone, it revealed the werewolves forms.

These bipedal beasts, heads one or two sizes larger than a humans, sent shivers down the mercenaries spines. Their claws appeared sharp and thick enough to split a shield in one strike.

!

One, seemingly losing patience, finally lunged. A crossbow bolt fired, burying into its torso.

Yet, the werewolf endured, howling. Driven by a desire to repay this pain with blood and flesh, it attacked.

Even if the werewolves would fall later, the mercenaries formation was in immediate danger. Johan chanted the name of a malevolent spirit and hurled his spear.

Valkalmur!

Johan saw clearly how the spear writhed, altering its trajectory to match the werewolfs evasive moves.

And the spear pierced the werewolfs chest, unable to withstand Johans force despite its tough hide and muscles.

Move aside!

Johan rushed forward and decapitated the werewolf with a single strike. As blood sprayed like a fountain, the morale of the werewolves outside the fiefdom plummeted further.

They began to flee, howling like beasts.

The mercenaries cheers followed them, intoxicated with the thrill of battle and Johans bravery, taunting and cursing the retreating werewolves.

Caenerna, taken aback, suddenly realized something.

Didnt you say the power of a malevolent spirit isnt to be used in battle?

When its urgent, it can be used. Whats the issue?

. . . . . .

At Johans response, Caenerna was at a loss for words.

What exactly is this knight up to?

The mercenaries couldnt sleep until dawn broke. They had been attacked by werewolves in the plains; anyone who could sleep after that would have been crazy.

Only after the break of dawn could the mercenaries rest.

Its quite extreme, even for the perilous east, to have werewolves in the plains.

The people of the Jarpen family could not hide their surprise. It was that shocking.

Sir Johan. If we go further towards the river, we will come across a town. It might be better to rest in the town, even if its a detour.

Sir Knight. Someone is coming from the east.

?