"Hurry over here!"
"They're almost at the village entrance!"
"Grab your weapons—now!"
The people of Kate Village were no strangers to bandits. They had long since developed their own methods for dealing with them.
And through countless encounters, those methods had grown increasingly refined.
Some villagers carried farming tools, others wielded large blades. One after another, they gathered at the village entrance, staring at the "black dots" in the distance.
As those dots drew closer, the villagers were finally able to make out their appearance.
There were nearly a hundred of them. Each rode a horse, wore decent equipment, and carried finely crafted weapons...
Moreover, every single one had wrapped a strip of black cloth over their face, leaving only their eyes exposed.
They clearly did not look like good people.
The old village chief's expression darkened.
Ordinary bandits usually numbered no more than twenty or thirty. With Kate Village's own armed strength, they were fully capable of driving such rabble away.
But this time...
The chief knew that typical bandits dressed carelessly. Their riding posture, their weapons—everything about them was random and undisciplined.
The masked riders approaching now were different.
Even from a distance, he could tell that their horsemanship was precise and uniform. Those were not the casual movements of brigands—they were trained.
"What is going on?"
If they were not bandits, then who were they?
"Let me help as well, Village Chief."
The goddess stepped to his side. She too could discern the difference in their movements.
"If they intend to do something excessive, I absolutely will not allow it."
Her expression was solemn. As a goddess who symbolized justice and order, she could not tolerate evil—especially not before her very eyes.
"I've been very happy during my stay here. Thank you for your hospitality."
She offered a gentle smile and continued, "In the name of Astraea, I swear that no matter what happens, I will not allow you to suffer harm."
A god's oath was more precious than any ordinary promise.
And this one was sworn upon her own divine name.
The goddess Astraea had made her decision.
Before long, most of the villagers had gathered at the entrance, casting hostile stares at the riders in the distance.
"Who are you? Why have you come to our village?"
Seeing that the other side made no move to speak, the chief shouted loudly—but the riders offered no reply.
The two sides faced off in silence.
Until suddenly, the masked riders changed formation. They spurred their horses faster and charged straight toward the village.
"Not good! They're enemies!"
"Stop them!"
Numerous villagers rushed forward, stretching ropes and barriers across the path in an attempt to block them, but...
"Aaah—"
"Ugh!"
"How can this be?!"
In just a single exchange, the villagers were sent flying by the enemy rider at the very front.
Even the old chief's eyes widened in shock.
"How is that possible?"
What ordinary bandit could possess such overwhelming strength—sending seven or eight people flying in an instant?
This was clearly beyond the ability of common men.
At the same time, their identities became somewhat apparent.
With physiques this exaggerated, these so-called "bandits" were clearly individuals who had received a god's blessing.
But if they had already received divine grace, why would they attack a village?
"They are probably a direct military unit from some nation, disguised as bandits," a clear female voice said from beside him.
The chief turned and met the goddess' gaze.
"Just as you said earlier, Village Chief, this land is exceptionally fertile. It also occasionally suffers bandit attacks. If someone were to claim it as their own, a nation's strength would surely grow considerably, would it not?"
Her words brought understanding to the chief's face.
"Now that you mention it, some time ago, a captain from a certain kingdom did come here, saying they wished to take over the village..."
"But we refused their proposal at the time..."
"Could it be that they intend to use such despicable means against us?"
Because the village frequently suffered bandit raids, if someone disguised themselves as bandits, it would be nearly impossible to suspect the hand of a kingdom.
They could seize this fertile land, then publicly condemn the "bandits" and announce a campaign to eliminate them—earning tremendous praise in the process.
Though the villagers were strong for ordinary people, how could they possibly match those who had received a god's blessing?
In less than a short while, the villagers were herded to the center of the village, surrounded by masked men.
"What exactly do you want?" the chief finally roared, unable to endure it any longer. "Did we not already reject you last time? Has your kingdom fallen so low that it must seize our village by force?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? I don't understand a word of it!"
At the chief's accusation, the leader's pupils flickered for a brief moment—but he quickly composed himself.
"I don't understand what you're talking about!"
"Our stronghold just took a liking to your village. We've raided you many times before and were driven back, but this time is different!"
Whether the chief's suspicions were true or not, whether these bandits were truly from a kingdom—they would never admit it.
"Also, drag that old man out!"
The leader pointed at the village chief. His subordinates immediately understood and pulled him forward.
"All of you, watch carefully! This is what happens when you resist us!" He clearly intended to make an example of him.
"Cut off that old bastard's head and hang it at the village entrance!"
"Yes, Boss!"
A subordinate stepped forward with a long blade. Without hesitation, he raised it toward the chief's neck, preparing to bring it down.
"Stop!"
A clear, ethereal voice echoed across the village as the goddess Astraea stepped out from the crowd.
"You are... a god?"
The leader had clearly not expected a deity to appear here. There had been none during their previous visit.
The difference between gods and mortals was unmistakable. Unless a god deliberately concealed herself, ordinary people could sense her divinity.
"If it is the village's possessions you desire, then take them," Astraea said, her face stern. "But why must you kill?"
"Hey, hey, Lady Goddess—we're bandits!"
"Killing and looting—we do whatever we please!"
The leader laughed loudly. His gaze swept over Astraea's figure from head to toe, naked greed flickering in his eyes.
"But don't worry. Since you're a goddess, we certainly wouldn't dare lay a hand on you."
He had the desire—but not the courage.
Mortals could not force a god.
Astraea naturally noticed the look in his eyes. Then she spoke.
"In that case... what if you take me in exchange for the villagers' lives?"