ficcloud.com [https://ficcloud.com/images/ficcloud.jpg]
The three-day journey was completed almost without realizing it. As time passed, the scenery changed from plains to hills, and the paths became steeper. On the fourth morning, when the group left the campsite, they didn't pack up but left their attendants to take care of it. All cumbersome items were left at the campsite, as they had reached their destination inside the Bloody Valley. Today, they were to start searching for the lair of the Black Flame Snake gang.
"Alright, although I mentioned this last night, I'll briefly repeat it now," Edward began, standing behind an open hilltop, addressing his 67 mercenaries.
"The reason we got information about the Black Flame Snake is that we captured two of their members, who disclosed the location of their base. However, they were tight-lipped, and we can't guarantee the accuracy of their information. It's possible that this valley is filled with numerous traps. Identifying traps and searching for the hideout is our purpose here. This journey is dangerous, and this is the last chance to back out. Anyone who leaves now won't be blamed. But if you stay, you must unquestionably follow my orders without any disobedience."
The mercenaries, either sitting on the ground or in trees, didn't leave. The determined cries of eagles in the sky were enough to show their resolve.
Edward nodded and continued: "Good. There are 68 of us here, let's split into 17 groups of four each. You can freely form groups based on your mercenary corps or other factors. If you find any suspicious places during the search, mark them but don't investigate recklessly. We'll meet back here in the evening to share information. Understood?... Then, let's start the operation."
Some groups, already formed, nodded and left through the woods. The rest, after quick grouping, also gradually dispersed. Just as Mengdie was gearing up to join a team, Edward gently tapped her shoulder.
"With you?" Mengdie asked.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Edward, pulling along a middle-aged mage couple, nodded awkwardly at Mengdie.
※※※
The search through the forest proceeded cautiously and quickly. Despite her reduced physical abilities, Mengdie, a seasoned warrior, knew exactly what she was doing. Her eyes ceaselessly scanned the barren slopes and dense bushes, moving as silently as a night cat.
"Summon Beast, Squirrel."
The mage husband formed a circle with his hands and softly chanted a few spells. A small squirrel appeared in his palm, to which he whispered instructions before setting it on the ground. The squirrel darted into the undergrowth. After a few minutes of silent waiting, a small light in the mage's hand extinguished.
The mage couple exchanged glances and nodded at Mengdie and Edward. As Edward hesitated to move forward, Mengdie had already leaped onto a nearby tree and jumped to where the squirrel had disappeared.
"Animal trap. Simple, but practical," Mengdie observed after examining the trap's position. She then jumped down from the tree, nodded at the others, and carefully bypassed the traps into the bushes. Edward and the couple followed closely. The frequency and density of the traps they discovered along the way increased, clearly indicating they were on the right track.
"Little sister, you're very sensitive to combat and danger. Where did you learn these skills?" the female mage asked softly.
Mengdie didn't answer immediately. She felt the soil's moisture and after a while, turned to the others: "The soil is wet and loose. If I'm not wrong, there's a cliff nearby. Be careful as you walk."
After saying this, Mengdie continued her vigilant search, replying, "I learned it myself. Why?"
The female mage paused, exchanged a glance with her husband, but did not respond.
After some distance, the pattern of traps every few tens of meters suddenly disappeared. Walking nearly a hundred meters on the mountaintop without encountering any more traps, Mengdie stopped. Edward approached her, not wanting to disturb her thoughts, just watching her silently. The mage couple observed Mengdie and Edward, their eyes full of contemplation.
"Ah, so that's it," Mengdie clapped her hands and smiled.
"It's past noon, right? Can we eat first?" she asked.
Edward was momentarily stunned before understanding Mengdie's words. He looked at the sky and nodded. After confirming with the couple, they all sat down, distributed their rations, and began a brief rest.
The female mage pressed her hands to the ground, murmuring to herself. Soon, droplets of water appeared on the dark soil, gathering and rising into the air, forming a source of water purer than filtered. Edward held out a bowl under the liquid, smiling appreciatively at the mage, who returned the smile. Water flowed accurately into the bowl.
The four sat together, eating and drinking in silence, each seemingly preoccupied. Mengdie bit into her rations, sipping water, her smile suggesting understanding. Edward watched her eat, fascinated by her expressions and puzzled by her smiles. The mage couple stared intently at them, their eyes flickering uncertainly.
Read more at: fⅰÇçlоūd▪çōm
ficcloud.com [https://ficcloud.com/images/ficcloud.jpg]