Since I had been told that they had killed many innocent people, I could no longer forgive those bandits.
So, the hunt for bandits began.
They were a group of fifteen, so close combat wasn't the best option yet.
I had already asked the master about fighting one against many, and he told me the following:
"So, you want to know how to fight against many people?"
"Yes, please tell me, Master."
"Well, a one‑against‑many fight can be handled in several ways, and you can still win.
You can face them all at the same time—if you're strong, of course.
Or you can fight at a distance, one by one.
That's why there are different types of weapons: swords, daggers, knives, bows, spears, and others."
"They are designed for different purposes, and you should use the one that suits you best.
So, to answer your question: if you're strong, advance.
If you're not, then finish them from a distance and with caution."
"Thank you, Master."
Good thing I brought the bow I used to hunt dinner with the old man.
So—one, two, three… fifteen.
There were two further away from the group; I would take care of them first.
I loaded two arrows with my Wind magic to make them more effective and shot, hitting both in the neck.
They couldn't even scream.
Now there were thirteen.
Another one was far from the group as well, so I shot another arrow.
I took down three more, one by one, but I knew I couldn't eliminate all of them silently, because one of them noticed and they went on alert.
Even so, two more didn't escape my arrows.
I shot at another, but he deflected it with his sword.
There were nine left, and I couldn't handle them with the bow anymore.
They had already discovered where I was, so long‑range fighting wasn't effective.
With only nine remaining I thought I could manage, and if not, the master would come save me—
No. I acted as if the master wasn't there, and that if I failed I would die here.
Since I had entered, I had to finish.
So I stepped out from where I was hiding.
"What the hell, it's a brat!"
"The one hunting us was just a brat!?"
"Make sure he doesn't leave here alive. Hey, kill him."
"Yes! Hey kid, I don't know who you are bu— Aaaaah!! My hand! Damn it, my hand!"
Since he was unarmed, I finished him immediately.
Now there were eight.
"Let's attack him together! Who cares if he's just a kid!?"
I retreated because I couldn't take them all at once, but one rushed at me recklessly and I killed him.
Seven left.
They became more cautious.
Since I had already eliminated more than half, it wasn't as dangerous as at the beginning.
I had already faced packs of monsters, although these bandits were stronger.
But I had also grown stronger, so I didn't worry much.
It was time to use magic and swordsmanship at the same time.
I drew my sword, concentrated my mana into it, and prepared for battle.
I dashed at them—one attacked me with flames and I dodged at the last moment, burning part of my clothes as dried leaves on the ground caught fire.
He kept launching attacks and I dodged using my Wind element as propulsion, lifting the leaves off the ground—
You could smell the burning leaves in the air.
Four of them used fire magic, two used earth, and the last one couldn't use mana at all, but still helped with the killings.
I didn't rush straight at him because then the others would know I was aiming for him.