Qin Yu led his troops toward the bandit stronghold in the northeast of his territory.
These bandits generally ranged from Tier 1 to Tier 3, with their chief possibly Tier 4 or even Tier 5.
The minions shouldn’t trouble the kids much. As for the chief—Luna or Shikari would handle him.
“Everyone, rest and keep watch here. Shikari, you stay too.”
“Yes, My Lord!”
Clad in armor and gripping a lance, Shikari stood like a valkyrie. In most fantasy tales, elves wear revealing gear even in battle—but Fate Paradise was different. Elves of Elysian Haven were fierce, battle-hardened warriors.
With such a diligent subordinate, Qin Yu felt completely at ease. Hong was still too young; Shikari was the perfect second-in-command.
Qin Yu and Luna moved ahead to scout the stronghold and plan their assault. Combat in Fate Paradise mirrored reality—victory demanded careful strategy.
“Luna, did you map the bandits’ positions?”
“Of course. A task this simple? No problem for me.” Luna replied with a confident smirk.
Fewer than twenty patrolled outside; over thirty were visible within, mostly cleaning or hauling supplies.
“Tier 1: fifty-eight. Tier 2: forty-seven. Tier 3: eighteen. Tier 4: three. Tier 5: one. Human, what’s your move?”
Warfare wasn’t Luna’s strength—brawling was. The bandits held numbers and tier advantage. Qin Yu’s forces were still kids. Even at matching tiers, skill varied widely—hence the infamous “rookie shame.”
“We’ll whittle them down slowly. First, let the kids adapt to their power.”
Clearing the stronghold wasn’t the goal. Training was.
After briefing the children and confirming the plan, they moved out.
Inside the stronghold’s hall, the bandit chief feasted with his men.
“Chief~ Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
They dug into the lavish spread of meat and fish.
“Chief, hauls keep shrinking. Greenskins wrecked nearby villages. Brother strongholds are relocating.”
“Yeah, Chief—should we move too?”
The chief slammed his empty bowl onto the table with a *clack*, let out a deep breath, and snorted, “Hmph. Believe their rumors? They want us gone first.”
“One mountain can’t hold two tigers—let alone three. If two leave, the last one eats easy…”
He refilled his bowl and drained it.
“Makes sense.”
“But those greenskins… no restraint. Wiped whole villages clean.”
“Pretty girls ruined. They’re worse than us.”
“We’re villains. They’re beasts.”
“What if they attack us next…?”
…
His men despised the greenskins’ mindless destruction. Sustainability mattered—but greenskins shattered balance without care.
“Fear nothing! Brainless monsters! They bully villagers. Meet us? Their heads become chamber pots!”
Morale surged.
“Right, Chief! What *are* greenskins?”
“Exactly! They burn villages? We raid *them*!”
…
Cheers turned to a drinking contest—who could down the most.
Outside, ten patrol minions trudged wearily.
“Stop! Rest!” the squad leader barked.
“But boss—we just rested!”
“Can’t rest twice?!” He raised his voice. Subordinates nodded fast: “We can, we can!”
He poured a splash of liquor for them, then chugged the bottle. “Ahhh… refreshing. Pity—no women.” Regret tinged his tone.
“Last time the brothers played too rough… killed ’em. I never even got a turn.”
“Villages gone. Villagers fled. No women left.”
…
They never noticed shadows closing in.
Qin Yu and Shikari had split the team, infiltrating from both flanks. Teleport scrolls ready for emergencies.
“Luna, bind these ten.”
“Done.”
“Others—launch basic Crimson Missiles the moment they’re bound.”
“Mm!”
Luna cast Moonlight Bind.
The minions froze mid-laugh.
“What’s this?!”
“Something’s on me!”
“Magic bind?!”
“Doomed—!”
Dozens of Crimson Missiles shot forth.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Unlike elemental missiles, Crimson Missiles silently drained blood essence—perfect for stealth.
Ten dried corpses collapsed.
Ordinary kids would shudder. But these children had faced far worse in the Bloodsoul Domain. No fear. Only quiet excitement—they finally held power to protect themselves.
“Well done. Advance.”
First strike successful. Qin Yu pressed on. Meanwhile, Shikari and Hong’s group eliminated the other patrol, moving precisely per plan.
In the Holy Capital,
Xiao Ya logged back in, heart light with anticipation as she began her nun duties. Compared to reality… this game world felt more real.
