Chapter 3

After turning around Kane spotted 2 gruff-looking men one tall and skinny with piercing eyes while the other one more buff with a long brown beard and shaggy unkempt hair. They both had leather outfits that were mismatched so it was likely they stole the piece separately. Skinny had 2 daggers in his hands with a bow attached to his back and Shaggy had 2 hatchets.

"Who the hell are you!?" growled Shaggy while Skinny looked prepared to fight at any moment. Skinny was clearly more wary and careful of Kane.

[Host these 2 seem to be bandits]

"That works for me I may be able to start my adventure with the help of these 2," Kane said to the system. Then he turned to the bandits "My name is Kane and I am a nomad warrior looking for my fortune" He really hoped these 2 for bandits.

"Well well looks like you found it," said Skinny "We happen to know someone who could help but he will have to see if you can even fight because even with that scar of yours I still like to be sure."

Skinny sure was perceptive thought Kane "Sure I understand" Kane was just glad that all he had on him was his tattered cloak and looks strong because these 2 would probably have just gone straight to robbing him.

"You look tough enough but I have seen frauds before," said Shaggy. "How about you follow us?" Skinny said before turning around. Kane had nowhere to go and hoped that the beginning of his empire would start from a humble background. And what's more humble than bandits who live in a forest?

After walking with the bandits for about half an hour they finally stood in front of what looked like a wooden log wall with a sharpened edge at the top. It covered 10 small houses and this bandit village did not seem in the best condition. The good thing about it was that it was in a small valley with mountains protecting its sides. It seemed like the front gate was the only way into the village. And the gate had 2 archer towers so the village, in general, seemed like a decent stronghold. When he entered who could tell that the only things this place had to it were the buildings which seemed to only be homes and storage for the bandit's loot as well as the big entrance to a cave at the end of the village. 2 bandits stood guard at the entrance of the cave so Kane assumed that that's where all the important loot was. Next to the cave and near a house were stone steps that lead to a wooden throne with skulls on it. On the throne was an older man full of scars and rusted steel armor. He had a giant battle-axe next to him. Several bandits were next around him and he was clearly the leader of these bandits.

[Contratulations to the Host for discovering your first location: Lonely Highland Woods Bandit Camp. Reward: Updated map, 100 shop points]

Kane was happy with his reward but decided to check the map at a later date when it was important. Now he should focus and the bandit chieftain in front of him.

"Who is this beggar and why did you bring him to me?" asked the Chief. "He is someone who we picked up while patrolling boss," said Skinny who actually goes by George the Curious while Shaggy is known as Osborn the Wild. He also found out that the Chief's name is Dallin Scarface.

While the 2 bandits were talking to their chief Kane waited in silence. Then when they were done Dallin turned towards him. "So Kane what can you offer me?" So now I guess it's time for the test. "I am just a simple martial artist who likes to travel. I have no money just spirit and a yearning to fight. What could I offer you?" He asked the same thing. All he got in return was a deathly silence. It seemed to last ages but was only a few seconds until Dallin burst into laughter "You must prove yourself and if you are a strong warrior I will offer you the chance to join me and my merry men on our road to riches."

This may be a good way to start off this journey. "I accept" right when he accepted Dallin signaled Osborn to step towards Kane. "If you can defeat Osborn in a brawl then I shall offer you a bunk with the boys and some silver to help you settle in. And maybe get some clothes that cloak may make you mysterious but you must be rather cold with just it on HAHAHAHA"

Osborn circled around Kane while Kane watched. He found these bandits interesting. Especially Dallin. They reminded him of his fellow seals but with more passion which is good because his fellow seals were rather dull. Osborn threw a sloppy yet powerful punch towards Kane which in return Kane easily dodged. "Hmmm these bandits brawling methods are rather ugly but they seem like they can pack a punch," Kane thought to himself before he used a right hook to hit Osborn in the liver. Then when Osborn's face shriveled in pain Kane quickly jabbed him in the head which in turn knocked him down. He only needed to use a few boxing moves to win which is a statement of the strength and technique of these bandits.

The bandits whooped and cheered with Dallin clapping and Kane smiling for another reason altogether.

[Congratulations to the Host for leveling up. Reward: Random E Grade Weapon Voucher, 50 system points.]

[Congratulations to the Host for improving relations with Lonely Highland Woods Bandit Camp. Current relationship Strangers -> Associate]

[Status]

Name: Kane Hoth

Race: Human

Age: 38

Level: 2

Inventory

Map

Shop

Abilities: King of strategists, Fast learning, extreme reflexes, leadership, greater strength, manly charisma

Skills: Appraise, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai, karate, Blood Aura]

Money: 10 gold, 20 silver, 50 copper

Shop points: 250

Followers: none

Armies: none

Empire/diplomacy: Lonely Highland Woods Bandit Camp (Associate)