Our Family Has Fallen

This Cavalry Squad numbered fifty men, with even more horses. Bastia’s prosperity allowed for a two-to-one horse-to-man ratio, the extra mounts dedicated to carrying armor and heavy baggage.

Otherwise, why would the Warwolves be starving to the point of eating grass, while Alvin and his men could continue their pursuit without any logistical pressure?

Within Bastia’s territory, they could always resupply in nearby towns. Even after entering Hamlet, they could still ensure logistical support—a true testament to their strength.

Likewise, the Cavalry advanced in a particular way. They didn’t continuously wear armor, as that would burden both horses and men.

Therefore, a few fully armed cavalry units typically scouted the periphery of the main troop, maintaining a secure perimeter.

Only upon encountering the enemy would they don their armor for battle. This was a common and practical tactic, the safest approach when lacking clear targets or destinations.

Similarly, such a large troop had many considerations when setting up camp, from selecting the campsite to arranging sentries and safeguards against night attacks.

Alvin’s military sense was very sharp. After all, the Baron, an experienced combatant, was by his side to assist. Thus, when they made camp in the abandoned village, everything was arranged properly.

Ordinarily, they would expect to find traces of the Barbarians upon waking. However, at midnight, they were met with an unexpected and senseless night attack.

There was no concealment, nor any cunning tricks—just a sudden encounter and an abrupt start to the fight.

The Ascension Cultists indeed caused considerable trouble with their miraculous flesh-healing abilities, sparking chaos. However, these soldiers had fought Barbarians before, so such extraordinary powers were not entirely unfamiliar to them.

Furthermore, the arrival of Alvin and the Baron quickly suppressed the situation.

Once it was discovered that beheading them was lethal, the remaining Heretics were also eliminated.

Since all of Alvin’s men wore armor, there were no fatalities—only superficial wounds at most, or damaged armor requiring repair.

The only one seriously injured was an unlucky soldier targeted by a Heretical Witch with a Soul-Entangling Curse. Fortunately, the Witch hadn’t received Strengthening from the Evil God and only managed a single-target attack, which plunged the man into despair.

Unlike in the wilderness, here the blazing campfire brightly illuminated their surroundings, allowing the Baron to find and slay the Witch casting her Sorcery.

Their deaths were clean, without much bloodshed. The Heretics’ power had been massively reduced, and facing the Knights’ onslaught, they quickly all perished.

A night attack, so suddenly begun, had just as abruptly ended.

Nevertheless, the Heretics’ eerie abilities still left them astonished.

”Lord Alvin, these individuals are likely Heretics, though it’s still unclear which faction they belong to.”

Alvin directed his question not to the corpses, but to the Baron, who was inspecting them.

The Baron wore a grave expression, clearly having some understanding of the situation.

”Damn it! How could there be Heretics here?”

As expected, Alvin exclaimed in astonishment upon hearing this, then immediately began cursing.

”What kind of incompetent Lords are in charge here? And the Church? How could they allow Heretics to appear?”

Alvin had never encountered them before, but he had heard how troublesome these people could be—as disgusting as cockroaches.

When you discover one, hundreds, even thousands, are already hiding in the corners of your house.

It was precisely because he already considered Hamlet his own territory, himself the master of this ”house,” that he was so furious.

”This area lacks strong local powers and is largely ungoverned, so it’s not surprising that Heretics would target it. After all, the Church isn’t omnipotent,” the Baron explained coolly. As he implied, Heretics were not uncommon in this world.

Where there are people, there are desires; where there are desires, ambition follows, and evil cults naturally emerge.

This wasn’t unique to this place; even Bastia had its share of troublemakers, not to mention the followers of the Barbarian Evil God who were also somewhat involved.

However, the Bastia Family was powerful and maintained firm control over their territory. Any Heretics discovered were promptly eradicated, leaving them no room to survive.

In some regions, even under the Church’s strong suppression, Heretics weren’t completely wiped out but instead lurked in dark corners, awaiting their chance.

Such as here, in the lands of Hamlet...

”I will drive out every last Heretic!” Alvin roared, already embodying the role of the Lord of Hamlet, his voice filled with righteous indignation.

He had fought hard for this opportunity and would not allow such chaotic elements to undermine his rule over his territory.

The Cavalrymen witnessing this were quite convinced. Just moments before, Alvin himself had decapitated a Heretic. His authority as a leader appointed from above was being cemented with each battle.

”Why have you returned?” Alvin had just shifted his attention from the dead Heretics when he noticed the conspicuous woman in the crowd.

”I’ve found traces of those people. I also discovered that the Barbarian Tribes were attacked by Heretics…” The woman reported directly, without mincing words, also mentioning the Heretics.

”Oh?” Alvin’s mood improved slightly at this news. Hearing that some of the Barbarians had suffered casualties even brought a smile to his face.