Avi activated the 'World Map' function for Muse 3, yet the information it unveiled wasn't granted without cost; every piece of data demanded its corresponding effort to acquire.

For instance, while Muse 3 could furnish intricate terrain data, delving into finer nuances required further enhancement. Moreover, details such as team positions and stronghold locations necessitated actual reconnaissance by Avi's personnel.

Nevertheless, the capacity to obtain such data without relying solely on reconnaissance reports was already formidable, leaving Avi considerably content.

Initially, Avi hadn't wished to resort to manual reconnaissance. Presently, he couldn't afford to reveal his possession of the system to anyone, save for Rafe. Even with Rafe, caution against his indiscretion was paramount.

Furthermore, only after Avi's soldiers encountered the enemy would the corresponding intelligence manifest on the map. Whether they could return post-discovery... therein lay the cruelty of warfare in this world and era.

After gauging distances on the map, Avi turned to his comrades and said, "You've all labored diligently. Rest a while, but be on guard; the beasts' assaults may not have concluded, so beware of night raids."

In bygone times, such words typically signified an imminent cessation of battle, prompting most mercenaries to exhale in relief. However, this time was different. Having witnessed the ferocious onslaughts by the beastmen, none deemed Avi's caution redundant.

Once the soldiers had rested, Avi, his body weary, reclined upon the hay-bed. Though fatigue endeavored to ensnare him in slumber, his vigilance staved off its grasp.

Rafe, entrusted with night vigil, sustained his exceptional stamina and alertness despite the relentless battles.

Beyond the wooden stronghold walls lay heaps of beastman corpses, obscuring the surrounding grass entirely. The grotesque faces of the fallen lay inert upon the cold earth, their bodies akin to the chilled soil post-rain.

Within the stronghold, the bonfire's flames flickered minimally, casting a reassuring glow within the stone windbreak.

The moist earth exuded the fragrance of grass and rainwater, while the orange-red firelight suffused the stronghold with a gentle, inviting ambiance.

Yet, the dampness permeated, precluding restful slumber. The makeshift tents of animal skins and canvas barely shielded from the elements, serving as mere windbreakers.

Lost in contemplation, Avi resisted dwelling on today's casualties, though the panel beckoned.

"Including those from the first minotaur wave, we've lost eleven and injured thirty-two, fifteen of whom severely," Avi murmured, eyes fixed on the panel. "Medicine and Surgery prove invaluable, yet I lack the skill points to allocate."

Airen and Manid's modest interventions facilitated swift recoveries, their medical prowess praised by the soldiers, unaware of Avi's system's role.

"But our medical supplies dwindle; continued attrition will leave us depleted," Avi pondered.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

With a touch, he accessed the 'Teams' interface, noting the wounded's gradual recovery, hastened by medicine's use.

"Our casualty recovery rate will diminish rapidly," Avi mused. "Thankfully, the minotaurs' assault ceased after one wave. Should they return, retreat becomes imperative."

"Chief, you're still awake?"

Avi's reverie was abruptly interrupted as Rafe cautiously lifted a corner of the tent and peered inside, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "Mind if I have a chat with you? I don't know why, but being alone out there feels... unsettling."

"'Unsettling'?" Avi paused, his mind swiftly catching on. "You mean you're feeling uneasy? What's wrong? This doesn't sound like you."

"I don't know, maybe..." Rafe's cheeks flushed inexplicably. "Maybe it's something you said about women before, it got me thinking..."

"What? Are you seriously thinking about those harpy women?!" Avi's senses jolted awake, rising to his feet immediately. "Rafe, I understand everyone has their preferences, but you shouldn't, at least not... that."

"Boss, no, that's not what I meant!" Rafe hastily interjected, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "Just thinking about them gives me the chills. And by the way, what's that 'stars fart' thing you mentioned?"

"Oh, forget about that. What's on your mind?" Avi asked, his tone softening.

"I was thinking... when can we settle down and let the lads find wives?" Rafe's voice carried a hint of longing.

Avi sighed, leaning against the wooden wall. "I wish I had an answer. In this world, merely surviving demands everything we've got. What more can we do?"

"Get stronger!" Rafe's voice rang with determination as he pounded the wall. "Boss, don't you think we've come a long way already? Setting aside everything else, just being able to put food on the table is a victory. And when this is all over, we can return to our village—"

"Yes, the village." Avi's gaze drifted to the stars, his voice trailing off. "In a world filled with suffering and despair, why can't we seek some comfort? The days of mercenaries living by the sword..."

"Boss, look—"

Avi shook his head, interrupting Rafe. "I understand your sentiments, Rafe. But we're still in a precarious situation. We can't afford to waver, especially you and I, understand?"

"Of course, boss. Anyway, fighting's my thing. Women can wait." Rafe hefted the hefty sword against the wall, swinging it with gusto. "Hah, hoo! Women only slow me down in a fight. It's all about the thrill of battle!"

"You're starting to sound like a brute," Avi chuckled.

"Really? Hahaha..."

Avi joined in the laughter, but his senses were alert. There was a sound, faint yet unmistakable, pricking his ears.

Hooves pounding the earth. Chaotic. Heavy.

Minotaurs.

"Boss, did you hear that?" Rafe's voice snapped Avi back to the present. "I think those long-hoofed bastards are out there!"

"Alert the others, quickly!"

Avi swiftly donned his armor and unsheathed his sword before stepping out of the tent. He checked the map panel confirming the enemy's approach towards the stronghold.

"They must have been spotted by the cavalry scouts yesterday, but dismissed." Avi muttered to himself. "Their pace is unnaturally fast. Fight or flight?"

With no one to consult, Avi made a swift decision. He needed reconnaissance, but he also feared others underestimating the beastmen's strength. There was only one course of action left.

"Melee cavalry, prepare torches and mount up!" Avi's urgent command echoed through the stronghold. "Hurry!"

Despite grogginess from sleep, the cavalry complied. Their eyes bleary, struggling to hold the reins.

"Rafe, Airen, Resarit, form up! Archers and arquebusiers, to the shooting platform! Infantry, fortify the gate!" Avi directed orders swiftly.

"Understood, boss!"

"As you command, sir."

"Don't worry, boss. We'll hold the fort," one of them assured.

"I'll lead the reconnaissance. If I return, I'll bring back intel. If not..." Avi's gaze swept over his comrades. "Airen and Rafe, you'll lead everyone back to camp."

Silence hung heavy. Avi's tension was palpable, infecting all present.

"Alright, cavalry, follow me!"

Ten riders thundered off into the night, heading towards the dark forest looming ominously on the horizon.