The bandits who survived the initial explosion tried to resist. They attacked Keyzier who was standing casually at the hall entrance. However, resistance remained just resistance. In the face of a Rank C mage possessing monster-level strength, they were mere ants.
Keyzier danced between sword slashes, countering with cutting wind magic and burning fire magic. In less than five minutes, the entire bandit gang in the hall was dead, including the leader whose head was separated from his body.
After ensuring there were no more threats, Keyzier continued walking into the depths of the cave to the very back end. There, he found rows of fragile wooden prison cells.
"Help... Please, help us..." A faint voice was heard from behind the bars.
Keyzier found a dozen kidnapped people. Merchants, villagers, and travelers, all in a gaunt and terrified condition. However, the sight in the furthest cell made Keyzier's face harden. There were two captives who had died inside that prison, their bodies full of torture wounds.
Keyzier destroyed the prison padlock with his bare hands. "You are free. Come out!"
He then approached the two bodies. With a respectful gaze he rarely showed, Keyzier put the two bodies into his dimensional storage space, separating them from the loot. "I will bring you home to be buried properly in Pixa City."
The liberated people stepped out trembling. They were shocked to see the bodies of the bandits who had tortured them now lying in various places in gruesome conditions. They looked at Keyzier with disbelief. They never imagined that this young man alone could wipe out the entire terrifying bandit gang.
Keyzier didn't want to leave traces that could cause disease or attract other monsters. He started putting the bandits' bodies into his dimensional storage space.
"Come with me!" Keyzier commanded.
He led everyone toward the second cave, where the treasure was stored.
"Take back your stolen belongings. We'll haul the rest!" said Keyzier. He also took the time to put the two bandit guards' bodies in the second cave into his dimensional space.
The people cried with emotion upon finding their valuables again. After everyone took their things, Keyzier ordered them to transport the remaining money, jewelry, and merchandise using three large horse carts he found in front of the cave, which were carts stolen by the bandits.
Outside the cave, Keyzier approached the guide bandit who was still tied to the tree. He tapped the bandit's cheek until he woke up.
The bandit blinked, seeing the crowd of people loading goods. "W-where are my comrades? Where is the boss?"
Keyzier smiled coldly. "I've killed them all. Every single one. No leftovers."
The bandit's face went pale, all blood seemingly drained from his face.
"Those of you outside the cave are the only ones left. I will hand you and your other colleagues over to the authorities in Pixa City as living evidence. I hope you won't put up any meaningless resistance! You know what will happen if you try anything, right?"
The bandit nodded in panic, tears of fear flowing down his cheeks. "I'll go! I'll go with you! I'd rather be imprisoned than undergo torture like that again!"
Together with the hostages who were now boarding the horse carts, Keyzier dragged the bandit and returned to the grassland where Donovan and Novalia were waiting.
His two colleagues were sitting relaxedly guarding the fourteen bandits still paralyzed by the Paralyze magic.
"Key, you took so long!" greeted Donovan.
"Had a bit of cleaning up to do." Keyzier answered casually.
They then loaded the fifteen paralyzed bandits into one of the horse carts, stacking them like sacks of rice. After ensuring nothing was left behind, the large group immediately moved back toward Pixa City.
The sun began to set as the convoy of carts arrived at the Pixa City gate. Their arrival attracted the attention of many people. Keyzier was immediately interrogated by the soldiers on duty. However, seeing the many survivors, the soldiers' attitude turned respectful.
After recording the necessary initial report, a platoon of soldiers escorted them to the Adventurers' Guild building.
The atmosphere inside the guild that night suddenly became uproarious. Party Noiver reported their completed mission in spectacular fashion: bringing a dozen bandits captured alive, the successfully liberated hostages, and piles of loot.
"We want to report a subjugation mission!" said Keyzier to Sera, who was just about to close the administration book.
Keyzier then began to bring out the 'proof' of the mission.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Keyzier took out all the bandit corpses he had stored in his magic bag. He threw the bodies onto the guild hall floor very roughly, creating a gruesome pile of corpses. The stench of blood filled the room. Other adventurers recoiled with horrified faces.
However, Keyzier's attitude changed drastically when he brought out the two victims' bodies. Very carefully and gently, he laid the two bodies on a white cloth prepared by the guild.
"These two did not survive, and by the time I arrived, they were already lifeless." Keyzier said softly.
Guild staff immediately performed identification. Sera's face paled when she saw the faces of the two bodies. "This... this is a member of Party 'Fire Blast'. They are Rank C adventurers reported missing two weeks ago."
It turned out the two were quite respected seniors. The guild and the army commander were very grateful for Party Noiver's hard work. They not only suppressed the bandits but also provided closure for the families of the missing victims.
"You have saved the honor of the guild and the safety of this city," said the Army Commander while shaking Keyzier's hand.
After everyone was recorded, the authorities promised to return all survivors to their respective places of origin with escorts. All money, jewelry, and valuables on the carts would be handed over to the authorities and the guild to be distributed or used as evidence.
The bandits captured alive were herded out with iron chains to be thrown into the dungeon and await execution.
And as for the killed bandits, they would be buried in a mass grave outside the city. And for the two deceased adventurers, their bodies would be handed over to their respective families for a proper burial.
Before leaving, the rescued victims came to Party Noiver. Several women wept while holding Novalia's hands, saying thank you repeatedly. They left the guild with the soldiers with deep gratitude.
Sera then approached the reception desk carrying a money bag.
"Outstanding work. Here is 50,000 Lyra, the official reward for the bandit capture. Please accept it!"
Keyzier accepted the reward bag with sparkling eyes. A wide smile adorned his face, as if he hadn't already taken a 'share' of the treasure in the cave earlier.
"Thank you, Sera! Pleasure doing business with you!" Keyzier exclaimed with full happiness because he had once again succeeded in getting 'official' extra money from the guild.
Donovan and Novalia, who understood Keyzier's character very well, could only remain silent. They glanced at their leader with a look that was a mix of fatigue, resignation, but also relief because this mission ended safely.