I Reincarnated as a Shinai

Stella and her group will take six to eight days to reach the Islefield Fortress… If they decided to stay long in the cities or villages that they would pass by, it might even take a couple of weeks for them.

"Hmm… Isn't it a bit too peaceful?" Yasmin asked as she glanced outside the window.

They were already traveling for two days and they've never encountered roaming evil beasts or even some mountain bandits. 

"Maybe because it was raining for a couple of days? They probably decided to stay in their homes."

Stella said jokingly. She knows that the rainy season is actually the best time for the predators to hunt especially for the Evil Beasts.

Their scent would easily be washed away by the rain and their tracks can be easily covered by the running water. In short, even the Hunters would favor this season to hunt in the jungle. 

"Ugh… Someone jinxed it. Be ready… I can feel more than twenty people hiding behind those rocks and trees."

Aria suddenly said to her passengers. Apparently, they are switching their turns to drive this carriage. It wasn't too long when she switched with Stella so it seems that her luck isn't that good after all.

"You can feel them already? Aren't they a bit too far? I can barely sense any presence there. If you didn't point it out, I would've completely missed it." Lyrei said feeling impressed by her performance.

"Well, two of them have Arcana… I think that this is not a simple bandit group. Any person who could summon Arcana wouldn't lower themselves like this." Aria continued as she uses her Magic Item to carefully analyze the people that are waiting for them.

The other three ladies on the back could understand what Aria was trying to say. Nevertheless, their real identity isn't important right now. As long as these people dared to attack them, they wouldn't show mercy at all.

This time, since there were many bandits in front and they also have an advantage with their inclined position, the four of them decided to act together. 

After all, even if Yasmin managed to surprise these bandits with her pistol, it wouldn't be enough to eliminate all of them since they aren't in an open area. They could easily hide between the rocks and trees to avoid getting shot.

"There are indeed two Arcanists between them. We don't know their Arcana so be careful. Use whatever defensive Arcane Magic you have just in case." Stella added after she finally managed to use her Arcane Sensitivity. 

It appears that Aria has a longer range of Arcane Sensitivity than her. 

Anyway, now that they have gotten a bit closer, they have finally confirmed that there are exactly 24 bandits that are waiting for them.

They seem to be unaware that they have already alerted their small group…

This prompted them to act like they haven't noticed the bandits yet in order to surprise them with their attacks. 

"Should I set up an Array? I brought an Array Disk in my bag." Aria suggested. Whether it is a defensive or offensive array, it would surely help them eliminate these people with ease.

"Hmm… That's a good idea. Just make sure that our carriage and our horses with be protected. I don't want to walk from here to the fortress." Stella said as she readied her sword inside the carriage. 

As for Aria, she already opened her bag so she can be ready to activate the Array at any time. 

Twang! Twang!

They suddenly heard the sound of bowstrings being triggered followed by the flash of arrows coming to their carriage…

Thud! Thud! Thud!

They let the arrows hit the front of the carriage scaring the horses. Aria decided to let them hit them since it would barely affect them anyway. It will also lower their guards if they showed some weakness in the beginning. 

In short, their first volley of attack is not that threatening… 

She then stopped the carriage and acted afraid. She even tried to order the horses to move around them.

However, the group of bandits already surrounded their group… They raised their weapons and they approached the carriage slowly. 

"Get out now and bring all your possessions! Do not fight back or we'll burn you together with the carriage!"

One of the young Arcanist announced as he showed his wand and created a ball of fire. He then controlled it to move around the carriage like it has its own spirit. 

He only appears in his twenties and he's definitely an Arcanist. He should be working for the government or even the Arcanist Association but instead, he's really working as a robber!

Aria felt a bit curious about the identity of this guy since not just anyone could summon an Arcana within this kingdom.

As she stayed silent, she heard the man continue with his threatening words. 

"I know that you guys are here after accepting missions to kill the Elves or something… You don't have to be shy… We just need all your weapons and wealth then we'll set you free."

The man said as he tried to make their jobs easier.

Thud!

The door of the carriage opened and Lyrei came out. 

She's wearing her battle gear and showed her appearance as an Elf!

"Whoa! I changed my mind! You will be coming with me!"

The man said as he ordered his men to capture her.

"Hurry! Push her down and take all her weapons!"

However, as soon as he said this, he heard a deafening blast from the carriage.

Bang!

Something hit the barrier he set up to protect himself!

Crack! Crack! Crack!

It shattered after a couple of seconds leaving him completely unprotected from the second shot!

Bang!

This time, however, he was saved by his friend… He is the second Arcanist in their group! This person doesn't have any offensive Arcane Magic in his Arcana but has disguise magic to hide their real appearance and protection magic that could defend in from an attack coming from Epic Arcana!

"Kyr! Thank you for saving me! Did you see where that attack came from?" He asked after panicking for a moment.

"It came from the window of the carriage. Be careful, if I'm not mistaken, there should be a few more shots."

Kyr replied and just like what he guessed, the pistol fired a few more shots killing their subordinates before stopping completely. 

This destroyed their momentum so they need to make a move as quickly as possible!

However, they suddenly saw an angel coming out of the carriage as she flew into their midst and sliced every person she passed by!