The final embers in the Ogre camp let out a few reluctant crackles before turning into wisps of blue smoke that dissipated into the air. The stench of blood and decay lingering over the scorched earth seemed to fade slightly as well.
Under the command of their captains, the coalition soldiers began systematically clearing the battlefield. The Ogre corpses were dragged into a central pile, prepared for a massive bonfire to prevent the spread of plague.
"Snap to it! Move these damn logs and let's see what good things are hidden in those holes!" Commander Buck's booming voice echoed through the camp. He wiped the soot from his face and pointed toward several large cave entrances.
These dens, carved deep into the cliffside, were crude and cluttered with boulders and heavy timber, emitting a damp, musty odor. As the soldiers cleared the obstructions, a few brave mercenaries lit torches and ventured inside. Moments later, stifled gasps erupted from the darkness.
"Heavens! Look at all this!" "Those Ogre whelps actually hoarded this much treasure!"
Soon, item after item was hauled out of the black caves and piled in the center of the camp. Under the sunlight, the spoils gleamed in sharp contrast to the surrounding ruin. There were bundles of silk—stained but still visibly opulent—alongside half-rotted spices and tea. There were crates from various caravans containing everything from exquisite porcelain to common iron tools.
Even more prominent were the scattered coins: Gold Dragons, Silver Eagles, and Copper Sparrows all mixed together. Weapons and armor were also plentiful, mostly human-standard issue stripped from luckless guards or adventurers. Among this motley collection sat over a dozen magical items, pulsing with faint fluctuations of mana, set aside for special appraisal.
Leylo stood to the side, watching quietly. His gaze swept over the loot, searching for his true objective.
Viscount Baker approached with a wide smile. "Sir Leylo, per our agreement, you have the right to pick one item first." He gestured toward the mountain of wealth. "See if anything catches your eye."
The surrounding knights and mercenaries watched with envy and curiosity. The right of first pick meant the chance to claim the single most valuable treasure.
Leylo nodded slightly, offering no polite refusal. He walked slowly toward the pile. His eyes passed over the staves, scrolls, and rings radiating obvious magical power—items that would make any ordinary caster's eyes turn red. The knights, too, were staring at the enchanted weapons and armor with hunger.
However, Leylo's gaze finally settled on an inconspicuous object in the corner.
It was a horn, roughly a foot and a half long, with a dull, dusty yellow hue. Its material was neither metal nor wood, but seemed to be fashioned from some kind of giant tusk. Its surface was etched with unrecognizable ancient runes, and black, dried stains clung to its crevices.
Viscount Baker raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise in his eyes. "Sir Leylo... you are certain you want this... horn?" He chose his words carefully, clearly finding the choice baffling.
Leylo took the horn and examined it for a moment. He looked up at the Viscount's questioning gaze. "Yes, Lord Viscount. Though it looks weathered, I sense something extraordinary about it. Perhaps it involves ancient craftsmanship beyond my understanding. I plan to take it back and have an alchemist or a grand mage look at it; perhaps it can be restored, or its hidden value revealed."
Leylo's explanation was a blend of truth and fiction, justifying his choice without revealing his hand. Though the onlookers felt it was a waste, no one spoke up.
Baker nodded. "If you have made your choice, then so be it." He didn't press further; every man had his own secrets and judgment.
Afterward, the Viscount organized the tallying and valuation of the remaining spoils. The wealth the Ogres had accumulated over the years far exceeded everyone's expectations. Once the magic items were set aside, the coins, silks, and spices alone were worth a fortune.
According to their contract, Leylo was entitled to thirty percent of the total value. Since transporting bulk goods was a hassle, the share was converted into three pieces of enchanted equipment and a heavy chest of Gold Dragons.
"Bulwark Bear" Knight Shield: Pitch black with a faint green shimmer at the edges. A roaring bear's head was carved into the center. It significantly increased the wielder's blocking power and had a chance to trigger "Earthen Strength" upon impact, forming a small shield to mitigate damage.
"Wind's Wail" Longsword: A slender blade flowing with cyan wind-patterns, featuring a wind-element mana crystal set in the crossguard. It manipulated air currents to increase swing speed, and the blade emitted a faint whimpering sound as it cut the air, confusing enemies and providing a slight armor-piercing effect.
"Ring of Vitality": A simple bronze band with no gems, only a continuous loop of vine-like engravings. It slowly restored the wearer's physical stamina—not instantaneous like a potion, but invaluable for long battles or high-intensity marches.
In addition to these three items, Leylo received 2,300 Gold Dragons.
"Alright, warriors!" the Viscount shouted. "The spoils are distributed! Break camp immediately and return to Red Maple Castle! Tonight, I shall host a victory banquet for everyone!"
A roar of cheers erupted. The journey back was far lighter than the march in. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the familiar silhouette of Red Maple Castle appeared, its spires draped in the golden veil of the twilight.
Night fell, and the banquet hall was ablaze with light. Tables were laden with roasted sheep glistening with fat, mountains of wild game, and heaps of fresh fruit. Golden ale and crimson wine flowed from massive barrels and silver pitchers, free for all to take.