Bab 12: Digging One's Own Grave
As Magna Swing, I ventured out from Bag End and transformed into a magical disguise, ready to set out for the Lonely Mountain, a journey of roughly three hours on foot. The bandits I was tasked to confront were rumored to have established a stronghold in that vicinity, and it was my job to deal with them.
As I navigated the winding and thorny path through the now-named Fangorn Forest, my thoughts took a curious turn. I couldn't help but contemplate the unusual proximity of these iconic locations. In the original Lord of the Rings series, the geographical distances separating them would have necessitated months of arduous travel. This anomaly led me to entertain the idea that I wasn't in Middle-earth but in a world intricately threaded with references to the renowned epic.
My mind continued to churn as I considered the task assigned to me by my grandfather, Gamgee. I pondered the definition of "expelling" the bandits from the Lonely Mountain. Light, my ever-present companion, chimed in, assuring me that the means I used to rid the area of these miscreants didn't matter, as long as I accomplished the mission within a day. His words echoed in my mind as I mulled over the various methods to achieve this goal.
Dark thoughts briefly clouded my judgment, as I contemplated the idea of permanently eliminating the bandits to ensure the safety of the villagers. However, I promptly dismissed such notions. A former soldier who had witnessed the brutal realities of the world like myself should understand the sanctity of life and avoid rash and extreme measures. My name isn't Akainu. I decided that my first course of action should be to investigate and understand the nature of these bandits. If they were individuals driven to banditry out of desperation, struggling to feed their families, I would opt for a more compassionate approach. I would apprehend them and discreetly notify the Rune Knights for their arrest.
But, if these bandits turned out to be the kind of vile scum who took pleasure in harming villagers and capturing women, even I, as Magna Swing, wouldn't hesitate to deliver justice swiftly and decisively.
I approached the cave cautiously, keeping an eye out for any potential escape routes. In case I raised a red flag when coming here and as if following some cliche that these common bandits prove to be more than I could handle I need to know my way out.
Examining the surroundings for any signs of bloodshed and brutality, I prepared to make a judgment about how to deal with these bandits. So far, the sight was not too gruesome, with only scattered clothing rags, and discarded makeshift weapons. The torn clothing suggested some form of struggle or theft, but it wasn't enough to condemn the bandits entirely.
Could they be redeemable? I pondered as I continued to the cave entrance. There's always a mix of good and evil, even among those who resort to banditry. My judgment would depend on what I saw next.
Arriving in front of the cave with a wooden door, I observed two guards who seemed intoxicated and somewhat disoriented. Their groans and grumbles indicated a mild hangover. The smell of alcohol filled the air.
I frowned, not due to any moral judgment but because the scent of alcohol didn't sit well with me. While I had no qualms about smoking, I never understood the appeal of booze, and that had nothing to do with my orthodox Christian upbringing.
What disturbed me more than the alcohol, however, was the fact that these bandits were celebrating openly during daylight. They were raising their cups and cheering, probably a result of their recent haul. I hoped their festivities were limited to material wealth and riches, but in my gut, I had a feeling it was more than that. I couldn't shake the feeling that their actions were unforgivable, and it was a challenging dilemma I had to face.
------
I assessed the two drunken guards in front of me. Guard #1, the smaller and bald one, had temporarily put aside his intoxicated stupor to engage with me. The stench of alcohol on his breath was unpleasant, but I managed to offer him a bottle of water from my inventory. He seemed awestruck by this simple act and stammered, "Hooooow d-did yooou dooooo thatttt???". I replied with a straightforward "magic," a response that seemed to satisfy him. He uncorked the water bottle with a shaky hand and proceeded to chug it down hastily. To my dismay, instead of returning the empty bottle, he carelessly tossed it off the cliff.
I decided not to make a fuss about it. After all, I didn't want to create unnecessary tension. Guard #2, the larger and buffer one, demanded a bottle of water for himself, pointing his spear at me, a rather feeble threat. Guard #1 spoke up at that time "Oi! Punk! Give one to my buddy here and I'm not asking". Sighing inwardly, I obliged and handed him a bottle. He nodded at me, grabbed the water, and, just like his companion, tossed the empty bottle off the cliff. At least, with the alcohol-induced haze temporarily lifted, they seemed a bit more focused.
Now, both guards stood before me, looking down as if they held some kind of advantage, especially the bigger one. I couldn't help but wonder if their inebriation would work to my advantage, as I needed information from them. So, I decided to ask, "Hey, fellas, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?" I tried to maintain a firm but non-threatening tone, keeping my eyes locked with theirs, hoping to convey the seriousness of my request despite my laid-back disguise as Magna Swing.
Needless to say, guard #1 didn't like that. "Oi brat! We're the ones that'll be asking the questions now which hole did you come out of punk!" Figures, there's no way things will be that easy. "Like I said before, I use magic," I responded firmly. Rather than seeing the expected tense reaction they just stared at me like I was trash and #2 spoke up confidently "Yeah, so what?! You think that makes you special?!"
Yes, I do cause here in the sticks you can count those who can use it on one hand. While I was grumbling with my inner thoughts it donned to me that these ignorant and likely uneducated buffoons aren't able to pick up on the finer implications of conversation. That means if I want to get things done I got to be straight with them and get to the point.
"That means I'm a wizard." This time they did flinch, a bit because if 1 in 100 country bumkins can use magic then 1 in 10 of those people are capable and worthy of being called a wizard.
Guard #1 hoarsely accused, "How do we know you ain't lying punk!" However, his tone this time had no real heat to it being cautious in case I am being the truth. After all for normal people wizards are like superhumans.
I simply nodded and did a wordless and harmless demonstration. I picked up a nearby pebble and did a simple spell, simple for me, I mentally chanted "Magic Conversion: Pebble -> Leaf". #1 and #2 watched in stupefaction as a little cloud enveloped the stone and when it dispersed all that was left was a jaggy maple leaf. To see if his eyes weren't playing tricks on him #2 picked up the maple leaf and was surprised when he effortlessly was able to crumple it.
#1 and #2 looked at one another before stepping backward a little and giving me some breathing room. I swore I could hear one gulp in trepidation. Again #1 spoke up, however more politely and possibly reverently this time, and asked "What brings you here Mr. Wizard?"
I wasn't going for the fear route but perhaps people with nothing like them only worship one thing, strength. "Just call me Magna!", I tried to boldly exclaim while desperately emulating Magna's speech style.
After they gave me nods of affirmation I continued: "Yall know Gamgee Hardwick?!". "Y-yes sir, we do", #1 timidly spoke up. Sir huh? It seemed #2 was content to shut up and let #1 do the speaking.
I could hear through the sound of awe and nervousness in his voice that Gamgee had made quite an impression on the bandit community in his time. Perhaps the reason Hobbiton sees the fewest attacks out of the neighboring villages is because of his presence. Well, not probably definitely. If Gamgee wasn't there all the villages would've probably already become a bandit den.
I shuddered a bit at the mental image of devastation, allowing it to be replaced with a prideful inner boast of my grandfather's resounding fame. "Well, you see! Old man, Hardwick can't be bothered anymore to deal with trash like you! So he put out a little job request, and a real man like me answered the call!"
"You're a guild wizard?! Who-who do you work for!"
This time I paused a little before abruptly remembering a mark on Gamgee's shoulder blade that he fondly looks at sometimes in nostalgia. Remembering its appearance I discreetly applied a subtle transformation above my elbow. But then I stopped, remembering just who I was acting like and the squad robe I was wearing I altered the emblem.
I then rolled up my sleeve showing the appearance of a black bull skull head with a star on its forehead and an off-golden outline. I then proudly exclaimed, "I'm Magna Swing of the Black Bulls!"
Guard #2 then sheepishly scratched his head and deadpannely stated "Never heard of em." It took a lot of willpower to not falter at that response and Light's ridiculing laughter echoing in my head didn't help. I swiftly grabbed the big guy by his collar and pulled him down to eye level: "Oi you looking down on the Bulls big man?! Huh?! Ishgar's a big place, do you think trash like you know every guild? Huh?! I'll have you know we are gonna be number 1 one day you hear! Not just in Ishgar but in all of Earthland. You feel me?!"
Number 2 sweatingly nodded and I let him go. Wait why was I so passionate just now? Light's response mentally shocked me for a moment "You are being influenced by the bond with Magna, someone who doesn't stand for anyone looking down on his squad and that's why this also happened."
What also happened?
Instead of saying anything Light just showed it.
- Name: Magna Swing
- Alias: Weird Glasses Yankee
- Magic: Fire Magic
- Age: 20
- Height: 169 cm
- Blood Type: B
- Eyes: Light Grey
- Hair: Don't Ask
- Country: Clover Kingdom
- Occupation: Magic Knight
- Squad: Black Bull
- Progress: 25%
Damn, I feel like an idiot. To think I could have made some progress by merely declaring my allegiance!
As I was mentally conflicted with self ridicule and excited relief I felt like burning the world and committing seppuku at what happened next.
DING! The familiar sound of the system went off!
"Main Mission: 'Number 1!' Description: What a splendid declaration. Let us channel that spirit and follow the wise teachings of a certain knuckleheaded blonde and make it true. In no less than 30 years make the Black Bull Guild number 1 in the world! Time Limit: 30 years Status: Required Failure: Grave consequences (maybe game over) Rewards: ???"
"......"
Sensing the sheer frustration and killing intent radiating off of me #1 and #2 gulped and nervously backed up in fear that they were the ones who provoked my reaction.
I paid them no heed as I was internally seething. I characteristically physically screamed out, my void resounding through the whole mountain range, "Fuuuucccckkkkk you <Orion>! Whatever happened to leaving one to their own devices?! Huh?! I swear if I ever ascend one day I'll kick your ass!"
The sounds of the bandits cheering and celebrating abruptly steeled
DING! Mission update for 'Number 1'. New Time Limit: 28 years.
"....Arghhhhh!" I hoarsely screeched out but this time I kept my curses to myself. I applauded myself for my great patience even when my partner in misery mentally spoke up "Technically you brought this on yourself."
I ignored him to dully glance at #1 and #2 who were pointedly looking at me like I was some madman. I cut off their thoughts and bluntly asked "Oi dipshits. Why are you celebrating?"
To his credit #1 tried to be witty "It-it's the boss's birthday." But I wasn't in the mood for witty right now, in both my fists spiraling bowling balls of fire appeared like some Rasengan ripoff and I merely looked at him. My question was unspoken but obvious.
He didn't disappoint this time "W-we a-are celebrating the latest haul."
"What's in the haul?" I flatly asked.
"M-money, and f-food, and booze, a-and..."
"And what?"
".....w-Women."
Faster than they could think the two balls of fire in my hands rapidly condensed to the size of a marble and shot at them. Their heads immediately exploded to ash while what was left of their corpses rocketed through the gate they were guarding and smashed it down.
After a pause, the cries of "intruder" roared through the mountain rage. This setting reminded me of my last mission but this time the odds were stacked for me.
The bandits inside the den who were already unnerved by my mighty thunderous roar all got to their feet grabbed their weapons and ran out to see the source of the commotion. As they surrounded me there was only one thought going through my head.
I voiced it: "Your lives will be a requiem for my freedom."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
hmak27230
hmak27230 Sorry shorther chapter here I'm just a bit tired. I didn't use any Chat GPT time just grammarly. Although AI is convienent there's also a bit of satisfaction in editing it yourself.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone