Chapter 665 Rest (1)

Chapter 665 Rest (1)

Hours had passed as they forged their path through the dense forest, the convoy wrestling with minor skirmishes against the Thaids.

The burden of their journey etched itself into their bones, a constant reminder of the trials they had endured and those yet to come.

At the forefront of their ranks stood Erik, the figurehead of their motley crew. His gaze roved over his guild members, each faces a canvas painted with the weary lines of exhaustion. nOve(lB)1n

His eyes held an understanding of their shared hardship, a silent acknowledgment of the toll their journey had taken on them.

The sky had darkened, and even the advanced lighting systems and AI navigation on their vehicles couldn't fully compensate for the challenges of nighttime travel in such unpredictable terrain. Erik opened a communication channel with Kael, who was managing the minor things for the convoy.

"Kael, we need to find a place to set up camp. What's the situation ahead?" Erik inquired.

Kael took a moment before responding, his eyes scanning the vehicle's mapping system. His fingers traced the digital outline of a nearby stream.

"According to the vehicle's mapping system," he began, his voice steady, "there's a stream up ahead." He paused, his gaze still fixed on the screen as he considered their options.

His hand fell away from the screen as he turned to face the others. "It should be free of water Thaids," he said, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "But it's a known gathering spot for land-based ones."

His voice held an undertone of concern, a subtle hint that their decision was not to be taken lightly.

He leaned back in his seat, his arms crossing over his chest as he contemplated their situation.

Erik fell silent, his gaze distant as he pondered over their options. His fingers drummed a slow, thoughtful rhythm on the armrest of his chair.

"We're heading into the White Desert," he finally said, his voice carrying an edge of determination.

He leaned forward, his hands clasping together. "It would be wise to have our water supplies at maximum capacity."

"Let's camp near the stream," he decided, straightening up and sweeping his gaze over his guild members.

His gaze softened slightly as he talked, "We can use the opportunity to wash up and refill our water reserves." The hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Erik's voice crackled through the communication system, summoning Kael to his side. Within moments, Kael was there, standing beside him. "How long will the vehicle batteries last if we use them for lighting?"

Kael glanced at the vehicle's control panel, his eyes scanning the energy readout. "About twelve hours," he stated, his voice steady despite the gravity of their situation. He met Erik's gaze. "They'll recharge with solar energy once the sun comes up."

Erik let out a sigh that seemed to echo in the confined space of the vehicle. It was a sound that spoke of relief, but also of frustration. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers gripping the strands tightly for a moment. "I should've spent more on the vehicles," he said to himself.

But then he seemed to shake off his regrets, his shoulders squaring as he refocused on the issue at hand. His voice was firmer when he spoke again. The decision was made. "Twelve hours should be enough for now."

Erik's voice cut through the air, his tone shifting to one of authority. "First order of business," he began, his eyes scanning the surrounding area, calculating and assessing. "Is to set up camp. I want as many fires started as possible. It'll not only keep us warm but also improve visibility."

Kael, standing at his side, nodded in understanding. His eyes were focused, taking in every word Erik said.

His mind was already whirring, mentally organizing tasks and assigning roles. "Understood," he said, his voice carrying a determined edge. "Anything else?"

Erik's gaze was still fixed on the landscape before them, his mind strategizing. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice steady and resolute. "Position the vehicles so that their headlights illuminate the surrounding area. We need to see as far as possible; it's our first line of defense."

Kael saluted, a gesture more of respect than formality. "Will do, Erik."

As Kael moved away to relay Erik's orders, the guild leader watched him go. Erik couldn't afford any mistakes; the lives of his guild members depended on it.

Kael's voice crackled over the communication system, passing on Erik's instructions. "All units, prepare to set up camp. Start as many fires as you can for warmth and visibility. Also, position your vehicles to maximize the lighting around the campsite."

The convoy sprang into action. Members disembarked from their vehicles, gathering firewood and setting up tents.

Others maneuvered their vehicles, the headlights casting elongated shafts of light that sliced through the darkness like a sword through a shadow. This created an illuminated boundary around the camp, akin to a protective barrier of light warding off the encroaching night.

As the fires crackled into life and bathed the area in a comforting glow, a wave of cautious relief permeated the guild members. It was as though a heavy weight had been partially lifted from their shoulders, their tense muscles gradually unwinding.

Their hearts, which had been clenched tight with anxiety, beat with a rhythm less frantic. The light seemed to chase away not just the darkness, but also the shadow of fear that had been looming over them. It wasn't complete assurance, but in those flickering flames, they found a small respite from their worries.

Erik surveyed the camp, satisfied but vigilant. The fires were burning brightly, and the vehicles' headlights filled the gaps, creating a well-lit circle amid the dark forest. For tonight, at least, they had light. And where there was light,

there was hope.