Chapter 316 - Rushing Ahead

Vloz and his band of perennials calmly and quietly exited the Iron Town. And the next moment, all of them were surrounded in their respective essences as they streaked away to the northwest.

All five perennials were focused on the goal ahead of them. To locate the incoming perennials without getting caught. Vloz and Puula sped over the ground with their dark essence, Gar and Sarpo were easily keeping up with a coat of lightning essence around their fur, while Lizbeth was nearly outrunning the fox and leopard with her dark and wind essences. 

The group closely followed Puula's intel and guidance as they never slowed down, even after a couple of hours.

"Hey, How about a quick rest?"

"No time. We keep moving," replied Vloz, not even bothering to look back at the lynx.

"If we don't have the energy to fight, then won't we regret not resting at least a little?" reasoned Gar.

The jaguar laughed. "So that's why we took over the hunting. Because you lynxes get tired so quickly?"

"That's--"

"No bickering. Same the anger for battle," Vloz ordered telepathically. "Don't mess this up. We need to keep going and we'll stop when I say so."

"Yes, sir…" Gar sighed, speeding up slightly to get in front of the jaguar.

While Gar and Sarpo tried to one-up each other, Puula noticed some uneasiness behind her. She kindly stated, "You know, we won't be going in blind. We'll plan properly and accordingly, then we'll hit hard to gain the advantage."

"I know…" Liz sighed, letting loose of some remaining nerves.

"Is this your first battle?" Puula asked. 

Nodding, Liz replied, "I've done tournaments, but this is my first true battle."

"Tournaments can only prepare you so much for life and death situations. It's in confronting those situations that we truly gain experience and confidence in ourselves as cultivators," Vloz spoke up. "It's through true battle that we're tested and can grow beyond our worth."

"That considered, aren't you taking too big of a risk?" Sarpo asked. "With you not taking on the confirmed peak-perennial?"

"True. What if you're unable to reach the other battlefield in time?" Puula asked.

But Vloz shook his head. "Don't worry about that. All we need to think about is our enemy. With Rathe leading them, I'm sure they'll hold long enough for us to arrive and help."

"But how? How can a mid-perennial hold off a peak perennial?" Gar questioned.

"Focus on our mission first and wait to witness Rathe in action after we join him on the battlefield. He may be a lazy, hard-headed brute, but he's more than capable in battle."

"But without your strategies, how will he adjust on the spot?" Sarpo asked.

"Who said I was the strategist?"

"Well--"

"As a politician, Rathe needs all the help he can get. He's too impatient and blunt to deal with such delicate matters…" sighed Vloz. "But the battlefield is different. He's bolder than I and is willing to take necessary risks with minimal time to think. I can handle small-scale battles, but he outshines me in large-scale warfare."

"But that doesn't--"

"I grab intel and lead assassination squads. He leads warriors with unfaltering morale and a broader view than you'll ever expect," Vloz stated. "We can both strategize, but he's more capable with an army and I'll admit it every time.

"So instead, I'll handle our team, tracking, inspecting, and slaying the unfortunate perennials who put Iron Territory in their sights. Follow my orders without question, and we'll be victorious. Understood?"

"Yes!" Sarpo replied, along with Puula and Liz. 

"Sure!" Gar chuckled somewhat sarcastically. "But I won't believe that ape to be so capable until I see it with my own eyes."

"Then pray to Dominus that you survive to see it. Because casualties are something I'm never opposed to if necessary, unlike Rathe," added Vloz. "Follow orders and be useful or you may as well rush back home and cower."

"We're with you," Puula stated with a nod. 

The small party continued to rush through the terrain, regardless of the changes in scenery. They kept it up for a few more hours, finally stopping long after the last sunset occurred. 

"We have one hour. Then we move." 

"Fine…" Sighing, Gar was the first to lay down and relax. "Just say the word and I'll follow…"

As Gar began to nap, the others stayed nearby. Sarpo and Vloz began to chat while Puula and Liz did the same.

"So, anyone got an eye on her?"

"Puula?" Vloz blinked and glanced at the fox across the way. "Not that I know of."

"Really? So you wouldn't mind?" asked Sarpo, raising an eyebrow along with one corner of his lips. 

Shaking his head, Vloz answered, "Why should I? It's her decision. Though I'll be honest, I don't think you're her type."

"Well, maybe not for a long-term relationship, but for a fling… maybe." Shrugging, Sarpo casually glanced at the sleeping Gar. "Why'd you bring him, anyway?"

"We need another perennial with enough speed to keep up. He fits that need perfectly." 

"Well, yeah. But he doesn't come across as a team player."

"True, but we have to work with what we have," answered Vloz. "When facing twenty perennials, we need to make accurate and bold decisions, hence Rathe assigning you and him to my squad. He'll fill his role perfectly, I'm sure."

"If you say so…" The jaguar shrugged once more before stepping away. "Then wish me luck…"

Vloz said nothing as he watched the jaguar approach the nearby women. But Vloz didn't bother watching any further. He only smiled and waited. A few seconds later, the jaguar sauntered back to the leopard. Ever so slightly grinning, Vloz asked, "So, how bad was it?"

"It's not happening…" admitting the jaguar. "You win some, you lose some…"

"Well, that's one I don't think anyone can win," Vloz joked while taking out some jerky rations. "May as well eat in peace instead of waste your time and hers."

"That's fair…" 

The two large cats split some rations while the women did similarly on their own, all while Gar began to snore.