( Hollard's POV )
Hollard had been tracking Ben and Leo's carriage for the past three days.
Through these three days, he had been patiently waiting for an opportunity to attack them. However, knowing that his opponent was the legendary Ben Faulkner, he decided to wait for the most opportune moment to strike them to maximize his chances of success.
The road to the CrestHill Barony, was one that Hollard possessed immaculate knowledge about, for he had already killed a noble enroute this path once before.
About 25 kilometers from the Crest-Hill Barony, was a small dark tunnel, where the road was built through the hill via a tunnel and was the perfect spot to set up an ambush.
Although the tunnel itself was short, spanning only 30 meters in length and it appeared illuminated from end to end, once one entered the tunnel, there was a stretch of land for about 10 meters where visibility dropped to near zero.
It was this precise area that Hollard planned to target, as when Ben and Leo started to approach this tunnel, Hollard finally overtook their carriage and started to prepare an ambush within.
******
Hollard worked quickly but precisely within the tunnel, his hands moving with practiced efficiency as he set the trap.
He was used to this kind of work, having set up similar traps many times before, with one time being precisely at this location.
Caltrops, which were like large sized foot traps, were carefully scattered across the tunnel floor by him, designed not just to puncture the carriage wheels but also to severely injure the horses' legs when they passed over this area.
Hollard's intention was to cripple the beasts, causing chaos and immobilizing the carriage, as the first step to his assassination plan was to ensure that his prey could not escape from his attacks once the ambush began.
Next, he set up a series of spikes hidden just beneath a layer of dirt, positioned to strike the horses' legs as they trotted over them.
This was done with the hope that it would create a scene of panic and pain, making Ben and Leo seated inside the carriage confused and easier targets for him to kill.
Satisfied with his work on the ground, Hollard then moved to his hiding spot.
Constructing an artificial support system with the use of a series of ropes and planks, Hollard fastened himself to the top such that he could hang from the tunnel's ceiling without having to use his hands, as from this vantage point, he could oversee the entire ambush site without being discovered himself.
As he secured himself above, Hollard's ears picked up the distant sound of horse hooves which signaled the arrival of his enemies, right on time.
As the rhythmic clatter grew louder, echoing off the tunnel walls. His heart rate quickened as well, as the thought of finally getting to confront Ben Faulkner, excited Hollard.
Tightening his grip on the daggers at his belt. Hollard felt prepared to test the mettle of the legend, as today he wanted to see for himself if Ben Faulkner was even worthy of his name or not.
As the carriage eventually entered the tunnel, the horses' hooves struck the caltrops with a sickening crunch.
*NEIGH—*
The animals whinnied in pain, stumbling forward as the spikes drove deep into their legs, causing them to jump and move around erratically.
The carriage wheels, unable to withstand the sudden jerks and shifts, splintered and broke off, sending the vehicle crashing to a halt as from his perch above, Hollard seized the moment of confusion with deadly accuracy, hurling his daggers at the two drivers.
*Shua*
*Shua*
Both his blades found their marks with absolute precision, as Hollard punctured their windpipes.
*Splat*
*Splat*
The two poor carriage drivers slumped forward, falling dead before they could even cry out in pain, as within seconds they received a painless death.
Not wasting a second, Hollard continued with his assault and pulled out two small bombs from his belt.
*Ching*
*Ching*
Priming them, he tossed them into the carriages below, causing two massive explosions.
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
The explosions were immediate, shattering the wooden frames of the carriage and sending shrapnel flying in all directions and even towards Hollard who was forced to deflect them using his dagger.
Flames licked up from the wreckage and smoke soon began to fill the already dark tunnel, reducing the visibility inside to absolute zero.
"Oooh yeah, that's what I'm talking about–" Hollard murmured to himself as he watched with satisfaction from above, knowing he had executed his plan perfectly.
The ambush was a success, and now, it was only a matter of dealing with Ben Faulkner and his green horn disciple who were most likely severely injured from the explosion and he could then claim that he was the man who had defeated the legendary Ben Faulkner.
"I kept telling Dem that there is no need to fear an old, washed up man like you, however, Dem wouldn't listen to me….
Oooo, Ben Faulkner can't be messed with!
Oooo, Ben Faulkner infiltrated the palace and killed the crown prince!
Oooo, Ben Faulkner this…
Oooo, Ben Faulkner that….
FUCK BEN FAULKNER….." Hollard screamed with pure adrenaline, as he dropped down from his vantage point above to the floor below.
"I told Dem ages ago that the Night Guild no longer needed to use your name to build their legacy.
That we had already surpassed the legend of Ben Faulkner, but he wouldn't agree with me.
In his eyes, nobody was as good as you…. Not him, not me…. Not anyone else.
However, all that's about to change now.
The legend of Ben Faulkner ends today! The legend of Hollard Waren starts now!
Hollard Waren… the man who killed Ben Fucking Faulkner and his two bit disciple 'TheBoss' " Hollard said, as he began randomly throwing daggers into the smoke ahead of him.
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/// A/N - This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron Daoist_4732 via PayPal. Please thank him in the comments for the same. ///