Chapter 659 First Hostile Encounter (1)

Chapter 659 First Hostile Encounter (1)

The convoy exited the colossal gate-mall building that marked the boundary of Testrovsc's Rest. n(-o/(V./e/.l))b((I/.n

The convoy vehicle hummed, a steady rhythm in the background as Lila's voice broke through the communication system, alive and electric with anticipation. "I wonder what beasts we'll meet in the White Desert. I'm itching for a fight, and those bounties won't collect themselves!"

Kael's voice came next, a rock amidst the static. "Lila, did you bother with Noah's dossier? It's got the lowdown on the critters we might face. Knowledge is a weapon, too, you know."

Lila's laugh bounced around the comm system. "Well, I gave it a shot, but lost interest after three pages."

Kael almost facepalmed.

"Lila, recklessness won't do us any good. Disregarding information is a gamble we can't afford. This mission needs caution and wisdom," Aiden said. He was accustomed to Lila's antics and wondered how Kael still couldn't, despite being more intelligent than he. Maybe it was because of his intelligence.

It was at that moment Mira stepped in. Much like Aiden, she was well-acquainted with their comrade and friend's tendencies. She had often assumed the role of a guide, steering her back on track whenever she strayed.

"Don't even try Aiden, you are talking with a stone-brained idiot." She sighed.

"If Lila steps out of line, I'll be there to pull her back."

Aiden could do nothing but sigh, too. He pressed the button on the communication device. "Lila, make sure you finish that dossier next time."

Lila said nothing.

As the car trudged into the dense forest that skirted the city, the atmosphere inside the vehicles was a mix of anticipation and tension.

The occupants, mostly low-ranked mercenaries with more enthusiasm than experience, exchanged nervous glances.

Their youth and inexperience added a layer of apprehension to the already tense environment.

Erik could feel their unease, their anxious energy palpable in the confined space of the vehicle.

However, every sane person knew if they did, they wouldn't have been able to land in the White Desert because of the Flying Thaids.

The problem was that the forest was a labyrinth of towering trees and thick undergrowth that made it difficult to travel, and the bumpy road made the journey very uncomfortable.

However, their path had been mapped out by Noah and the others to avoid any unnecessary detours or obstacles, and Kael helped them do so.

Many people within the guild found themselves puzzled by Erik's choice of management.

They wondered who Noah and the other individuals that Erik entrusted with the guild's administration were.

Questions arose about the reason Erik didn't delegate the task to Mira, Lila, Kael, and Aiden, despite them being co-founders of the guild along with him.

They were also well-respected figures within the guild, and their exclusion from leadership roles led to speculation and conjecture among the members.

Noah, in particular, was a source of intrigue. An imposing figure, he stood as tall as a tree, his stature itself commanding respect and curiosity.

His imposing height was often the topic of discussion among the guild members, with some comparing him to the ancient trees that stood tall and mighty in the forest's heart.

He was always masked, mirroring his employer Erik in this mysterious demeanor, which only added to the enigma surrounding him.

His silence was another characteristic that stood out - Noah was a man of few words, often choosing to communicate through his actions rather than lengthy conversations.

Despite his quiet nature and the mystery surrounding him, Noah commanded a certain respect within the guild. There was an unspoken understanding that he was someone Erik trusted, and this alone was enough to earn him a place of importance within their ranks.

As they moved deeper into the forest, the members of the Nexthorn Vanguard remained vigilant.

The forest was not without its own set of dangers—Thaids, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present risk of mechanical failure.

Yet, their journey was uneventful for the moment, the forest almost eerily silent, as if aware of the formidable convoy passing through it.

Inside the vehicles, guild members checked and rechecked their equipment.

Laser rifles were inspected, grenades counted, and communication devices tested.