They walked through the dense forest carefully, each step calculated to avoid alerting any lurking beasts.

The canopy overhead filtered the moonlight, casting a dappled pattern on the forest floor. Despite their caution, every once in a while, they stumbled upon beasts that they couldn't avoid. Adhering to the strict rule of no killing, they didn't dare to engage lethally. Instead, they incapacitated the creatures, ensuring they wouldn't be chased.

Their strategy was straightforward but effective. Jason took on the role of distraction since his class lean more on tanking damage, drawing the beasts' attention with calculated movements and taunts. His endurance and experience made him perfect for this task.

Gabby and Sam, however, were the ones who did the most work in incapacitating the beasts.

Gabby, a rune assassin, utilized her speed and precision. Although her class focused more on versatility than pure combat, she was far from weak in battle. Her swift strikes targeted key points on the monsters, temporarily disabling them. Her movements were a blur, often finishing the task before the beasts even realized what hit them.

Sam, despite being the lowest level in the team, played a crucial role. Positioned at a distance, he supported Gabby with his rifle. His shots were aimed at the beasts' eyes, blinding them and significantly reducing their threat.

Although some monsters had hide too tough for his bullets to penetrate, he compensated with persistence, repeatedly firing the weak point such as the eyes until he succeeded. His sharp aim and calm demeanor under pressure made him a great support.

Kaya, on the other hand, did not engage in combat unfortunately. It wasn't out of reluctance or fear but on Sam's insistence. Kaya was simply too strong. Her level far exceeded that of the others, and her attacks would likely kill any monster they encountered rather than incapacitate it. The highest level beasts they had faced so far was only level 25, and with Kaya's power, she would have effortlessly slain it.

As they continued their journey, the forest's ambient sounds accompanied them. Owls hoot in the trees, and the rustling of leaves added a rhythmic background to their progress.

They remained vigilant, knowing that danger could strike at any moment. Fortunately, they hadn't encountered any of the terrifying blank eyed humans, a small mercy in their perilous trek.

Each encounter with a beast followed a similar pattern. Jason would bait the creature, leading it away from their path while Gabby and Sam executed their coordinated attacks. Gabby's swift movements and precise strikes would immobilize the monster, and Sam's well placed shots would blind it. Once the beast was incapacitated, they quickly moved on, avoiding further confrontation.

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Time passed like water flowing in a river. It took them about a day to reach the settlement Kaya had mentioned in the northeast direction.

Before they made contact with the group, Sam stopped them to discuss a plan. His tone was serious as he cautioned them not to let their guard down and to be prepared for combat or to run away if needed. Gabby and Jason did not protest, understanding that it never hurt to be cautious. Kaya, however, felt irritated at the thought of running away again. She had already fled during the attack on her group by the blank eyed humans, and the idea of retreating once more left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Why do we need to be prepared to run away?" Kaya asked, frustration evident in her voice. "It's not as if the whole group will be hostile and attack us."

Sam turned to face her, his mask hiding his expression, but his voice was firm.

"We never know what danger might befall us. It's better to be as cautious as possible so we won't get caught off guard. Besides, there could be people drunk on their power, becoming tyrants or even psycho killers. Who knows?"

Kaya didn't agree immediately, her pride resisting the idea of retreat. But Gabby, seeing the sense in Sam's words, persuaded her to set her pride aside. Reluctantly, Kaya agreed.

Sam then asked Gabby if she could teleport with someone to her marked location. She replied that she could, but the distance would depend on the number of people she brought. She could teleport the four of them, but the distance would be short. If she tried to teleport farther with everyone, she would likely don't have enough mana to activate the skill or even exhaust her mana.

The fewer people she teleported, the farther they could go. Sam considered this and decided that even a short teleportation distance would suffice as long as they had a means of escape. Gabby nodded and estimated the distance to the settlement. She drew a rune on the ground and marked her team with her skill.

With their preparations complete, they approached the settlement. Four men holding spears stopped them at the entrance. Kaya stepped forward, explaining that they came without ill intent. One of the guards, his gaze unpleasant, asked their purpose.

Kaya, focusing on the task at hand, stated that they sought to create an alliance to overcome a crisis.The guards exchanged skeptical glances. One of them, however, noticed the masked man among the visitors. His eyes widened as he recognized the mask. He whispered to the others, who also glanced at the masked man, their expressions changing from suspicion to recognition. They called him "the meat dealer." The guards kept their composure, not wanting to alert the man, but their demeanor shifted.

One of the guards directed Kaya to the settlement leader's location, describing a large wooden lodge straight ahead. They allowed the group to pass. Kaya, confused by their sudden change in attitude, decided not to dwell on it. She thanked the guards and led her team inside.

As they headed towards the lodge, one of the guards instructed another to notify the Golden Eagle and report the meat dealer's presence before they arrived at the lodge. The guard nodded and ran off.

Oblivious to this exchange and the pain on the ass that would bite him soon, Sam casually snacked on beef jerky under his mask.