As another day passed, the Stellaris camp had begun its usual routine. Within its wall, silhouettes gathered inside a tent, along with stacks of paper neatly arranged at the side of a large wooden table.

Ajax had begun examining each individual present within the encampment. With Timeus's permission, they had also managed to gather information regarding the people involved with the coordinates of the minor roads. It was delivered early this morning by a man named Lucas.

However, their search proved fruitless, as they've slowly burned through the possible culprits.

The merchants and transport groups were swiftly removed from the equation. Records state that they've been gone for a while now and that their knowledge is highly limited.

This lured their attention to the knights. According to the reports, the knights were highly knowledgeable about the locations of these roads, as it's their job to maintain safety and lead the transport groups to the right paths.

However, upon careful observation, they were yet again left at a dead end.

The Liesco Knight squad was clean. There were no anomalies in their history, background, or even affiliation.

It is stated that they've been part of the Liesco Knight Squad for the last 10 years. They've undergone the knight training regime and graduated with high honours under their names. There were no loopholes.

But that didn't lower their suspicion one bit.

There was another group involved with just as much knowledge as the Liesco knights. A group with visible affiliations to the church of light.

They were priests and holy warriors borne from the exchange done by the Tertian order and ministry.

They were stationed on the Georgo Road just about the same time as the Liesco knights and have been serving there ever since.

Unfortunately, most of them were dead. Yes. Dead.

When the invasion occurred, many of them were caught in the fight. They were labeled killed in the act of duty after a week has passed without even a single news of their whereabouts.

But there was a single man who was still alive. His name was Ludric. A priest capable of using light magic.

Ludric was not present when the disaster struck. He was on a delivery mission that had just returned to Tera. This was suspicious for both Samael and Ajax. It was almost as though he knew the attack would occur that day.

Delving deeper into his history, they both found that Ludric was a priest with minor talent in the light element. He can perform basic light abilities and purification.

"It says here Ludric is situated in a camp near Stellaris camp. His return isn't expected soon. Should we make a visit there?" Samael asked.

"It's too risky," Ajax replied before taking a brief pause. "For now, we'll ask around and gather information about him. There's bound to be something considering he's been active just as much as the Liesco knight squad."

Samael gave a nod before shifting his gaze back at the paper.

While they plan to find out if the church has any involvement in all this mess, they also have to make it as covert as possible. Not to mention, liberate the Georgo road.

Ajax's plan is simple. He intends to form teams of warriors to launch missions outside the camp.

These teams will each have their own specific objectives. Currently, they're focusing on four main tasks. Namely: reconnaissance, relief missions, monster cleaning, and reconstruction.

Ajax's thought process was simple. The first was reconnaissance. He would send out teams to scout ahead and memorise the land. Why? They cannot rely on the old maps as the Georgo road they knew before no longer exists.

After the invasion, the abominations rapidly decayed the land, mutilating it beyond recognition. This took the geographical advantage of the warriors away, which paved the road for their demise.

However, there was, in fact, a hurdle ahead of them.

Scouts and trackers were a rarity among the knights. They considered it a "low" occupation, which led it to diminish rapidly. This, coupled with the sudden attack of the imgrave wolves, trimmed down their number even further. Stellaris Camp itself has barely a dozen. A few of them haven't returned from their missions.

But Samael and Ajax weren't giving up so easily.

Ajax had thought of teaching the warriors to scout and track, but he knew it wasn't the most efficient route, plus it would take months, if not years. This meant that he and Samael would have to work their backs out while they stuffed as much information as they could.

But Samael had a better idea.

Samael thought of a system where they could utilise signs to send out certain messages. They will carve out specific markings on the places they've been through, and each of these markings will have its own meaning.

This will allow the warriors moving through that place to know that it has been explored. Not only that, but it will also be present in their new maps.

To avoid overwriting the marks without permission, they will infuse their elemental essence into the marking itself.

Currently, he has made a few markings, each with its own meaning. One is a claw mark, symbolising an area infested with abominations. The amount of claw will determine the severity of the situation. One will mean intermediate, two will signify dire, and three will mean infested.

The second is another claw mark, but with a long gash, meaning the area is clear of monsters and relatively safe to camp on.

With the current intel they possess, Samael has labelled their maps in three. The inner parts, which were near the Stellaris camp, are average, with few abominations spotted. The mid-regions were marked as hostile as there were frequent sightings of imgrave wolves, while the furthest region where the major road is found is named Ground Zero.

Samael will just have to send it to Timeus for confirmation. Meanwhile, Ajax is already halfway through building each and every team. The saint made sure that every person has a job and that everything is balanced.

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He took into consideration their abilities, elements, fields of expertise, and backgrounds. After all, synergy is as important as strength.

In simple terms, the attack teams had two variants. One is labelled as a major group, and the second is a minor roup. Major groups are numbered from 12 above as they're tasked with clearing large amounts of enemies, while minor groups often number around six. They're composed of two melee fighters, one ranged mage or archer, one healer, one support, and another warrior to guard the two non-combatants.

On the other hand, scouting teams may vary. The number of people that will accompany the scouts will depend on the level of the area.

Their second day on the camp ended like that, working tirelessly as they formulated the squads one by one. Of course, it was only possible due to their awakened bodies capable of extreme speeds and with the help of volunteers.

The next morning, Timeus immediately spread word of the newly implemented teams. They've also started accepting volunteers for the scout training programme.

Due to the strict situation, Samael will be the one to lead the scouts in their ventures and will be the one to teach them the basics. After all, he's the second-best tracker in the camp after Ajax.

He's already thought of a few things, but he's mainly focusing on two things. Stealth and escape skills.

Ajax, on the other hand, will lead the monster extermination groups and aid in defence. Sightings of imgrave wolves near the border have been more frequent. It was also a great way to boost morale.

Samael silently stood in a corner, blending with the shade as he watched the long lines of warriors pile up by the second.

It was hard to gather so many warriors since the taboo that scouting is "low" still lingers. Because of this, Timeus had no choice but to provide extra benefits in the form of extra rations and better gear for those willing. Of course, only if they pass.

Samael has given them precise criteria for those who may possess talents in scouting and tracking. He'll only act once the knights have trimmed down the number of applicants.

It looks like it's not going to end anytime soon. Samael thought before opening the codex.

They've been so busy that he hasn't had time to examine the "ascension" quest given to him a few days ago.

Ascension trial available!

Do you wish to proceed?

Yes or no?

If I remember correctly, years ago, when I first joined the guild, Ajax told me the story of the cataclysm. He said that these rifts formed when the challenger failed his quest, Samael recalled.

It was mentioned by the Codex before as well that it was through these "ascension trials" that he may reach new heights. But he can't help but wonder about something.

The Codex never really mentioned the formation of rifts.

Can you elaborate further? Samael asked the Codex.

Upon receiving commands, a blue panel morphed in front of Samael, illuminating his pupils as he read the contents with great care.

An ascension trial is a prerequisite to rising in ranks. It is a plane created by [REDACTED], containing challenges or objectives that the user has to accomplish in order to ascend.

Samael's brows rose. Again, rifts were not mentioned. Nonetheless, focusing on the screen, Samael couldn't help but reminisce.

A redacted piece of information? It's been a while since I've seen one, he thought, an odd sense of nostalgia passing through his pupils.

As he flew through the ranks, so did his authority. Slowly, the information he wasn't allowed to view showed itself before him. Testament to all the hardships he's been through.

For the Codex to hide something from him means that this information far exceeds the authority he currently holds.

Observing it closer, the codex made it appear as though "someone" had created these trials.

So there are beings of such power out there? Samael thought. And he believed he was stronger than most.

Nonetheless, Samael shifted his focus to the matter at hand.

If he wishes to rise to the next rank, it seems he must undergo this trial and complete the challenge presented before him.

If I were to undergo this trial right now, what would happen? Samael asked.

With the host's confirmation, he will be sent to a different plane. There, his limits shall be tested and it will be judged whether he is worthy to ascend.

I will be sent to a different "plane?" Samael reiterated, his gaze narrowed.

Yes, a different reality created by [REDACTED]. Each of these realities is specifically tailored for every individual.

There it is again... Samael thought.

Does this mean I'll leave this place temporarily? Samael asked.

That is correct.

A small frown etched its way into Samael's visage. It seems this trial of his will be postponed for a while. It might take months, if not years, for him to finish said challenges; he doesn't have the luxury to wait for so long.

Sensing his worries, another panel warped itself before him.

Within the ascension plane and reality the user resides in, time is different.

Different? Explain Samael commanded.

Within the trial, time is slowed greatly in comparison to now. What appears to be days here is equivalent to months and years in there.

Samael held his chin, a glimmer of amusement lingering in his pupils.

Is there a fixed amount of time? For example, a day here is how long in a trial? Samael asked in curiosity.

A day inside the trial will be equivalent to six hours here. This is due to the Grand Rules of the [REDACTED], imposed by the [REDACTED].

More redacted information, but it's good to know that it has a fixed time difference set in motion, but... Samael's brows furrowed.

Thinking back years ago, Ajax told him the story of the first person to complete his trial. The person said he spent decades inside this trial, fighting for his life. If he takes into consideration the time that person spent...

Isn't that way longer than the set time? Samael couldn't help but ask.

Are you sure of this information? Samael asked the codex.

Yes. This rule was imposed by [REDACTED]. Disobedience to this rule will result in [REDACTED].

But then how...? Samael thought in confusion.

A possible hypothesis is that a [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

Samael grimaced as the sharp, blaring sounds of redacted information struck him square in the face.

ENOUGH!!! Samael hastily commanded, swiftly shutting down the Codex.

It appears he needed to rise in rank once more to see what secrets the Codex has in store for him.

Taking a glance ahead, Samael steeled his resolve.

For now, he'll focus on what's ahead of him.