Chapter 674 Arrival

Chapter 674 Arrival

As the convoy rumbled forward, the landscape changed, signaling their approach to the White Desert.

The once dense forest that had enveloped them for days thinned out, like a painter meticulously erasing strokes from a canvas. The trees grew sparser and more scattered, their branches reaching out like bony fingers, their leaves losing their autumn hues, fading to a weary, muted color.

As the forest reluctantly receded, it left behind a stark transition zone. The ground beneath their feet shifted to something harsh and unforgiving.

The last remnants of the forest seemed to cling to the edge of the terrain, their roots buried deep, as if reluctant to venture any closer to the arid wasteland beyond.

The ground beneath the tires turned from the bare earth to a mixture of gravel and sand, crunching in a different tone as they moved. More importantly, the chance of being seen by flying Thaids grew significantly.

That prompted the group to cut down some trees and bushes and cover the vehicles with them. It was a crude solution, and Erik doubted Thaids would be deceived by it, but it was still something.

The mercenaries, who had been jovial the night before, now wore more serious expressions.

They sensed the shift not just in the landscape but in the atmosphere; the air grew drier, and a subtle tension hung like a veil over the convoy.

This was especially because of the fact they were aware of how dangerous the White Desert was.

In this unforgiving landscape, their reliance on Erik, their leader, became paramount. The experience, knowledge, and tactical prowess he brought to the table were their best hope for navigating this terrain.

If their previous encounters were dangerous, this was an entirely different beast, and they understood that Erik's leadership was their compass through the dangerous unknown.

Understanding their role in the mission, the mercenaries harbored no shame. Erik had been clear: their primary task was to help drive the vehicles and handling the cargo should they find it. This clarity of purpose resonated within the group, anchoring them to their duties.

As the journey progressed, conversations within the convoy diminished to critical exchanges. Each member, acutely aware of their surroundings and the task at hand, minimized idle chatter, focusing instead on the essential.

In the rear vehicle, vigilance was as present as in any other part of the convoy. A scout, eyes scanning the horizon, broke the silence with a report, his voice steady and clear over the radio. "All clear at the rear. No sign of Thaids."

His partner, the driver, nodded in acknowledgment, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. "Keep a sharp watch," she responded, her tone firm yet calm. "They could appear at any moment."This material is derived from n0v£lbin•

The scout nodded, his gaze returning to the expanse behind them.

Erik, sitting in the lead vehicle, saw the surroundings' change. He looked out at the increasingly desolate scenery, his eyes narrowing as he considered the White Desert dangers.

The place was notorious for its harsh conditions and deadly thaids, and they were now on its doorstep.

Erik queried, sounding focused. "Kael, what's our estimated time at the checkpoint?"

Erik leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on Kael, his impatience thinly veiled by a calm tone. "Kael, fill me in. Where are we exactly? How far till we reach the spot where that plane might've gone down?"

Kael didn't leave Erik hanging for long. His voice was steady and concise, mirroring his professionalism. "We're on the outskirts of the desert, Erik. About 150 kilometers from the target area, which spans about 50 kilometers wide."

Erik took a moment to process the information, his brow furrowing slightly. "How long's it gonna take us to reach that spot?"

Kael's hesitation was palpable, a visible moment of uncertainty that played out in his furrowed brow and the slight tremor in his hand as he ran it through his tousled hair.

His eyes flickered between the sand mountain that dominated the horizon and Erik.

His fingers, as they combed through his hair, betrayed the whirlwind of thoughts churning within him.

"Well," he began slowly, "it all depends on the path we choose. See, we got two options here." As he spoke, Kael gestured towards the sand mountain and then traced a winding path with his finger in the air.

"Up ahead, there's this massive sand mountain. We can cross it to save time, but it's gonna slow us down big time. The terrain's a real beast." He paused, his fingers nervously tapping on the steering wheel.

lightsnοvεl "Or," Kael continued, "we can take the longer route. Adds about three hours to our trip, but we'd keep a steady speed, which might be a tad safer."

His hand rested on the map spread out on the dashboard. "Either way, we're guaranteed to hit our destination today. So, Erik, what's your play?"

Erik reclined in his seat, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation. He couldn't ignore the lives of his team. Yet, he didn't want to

His thoughts wandered to the weapons in their vehicles. But he knew these weapons were no match for the Thaids roaming this unforgiving land. Avoiding conflict seemed not just prudent but necessary for their survival.

Yet Erik recognized the dichotomy of their situation. While evasion might be their best bet to stay alive, having an unobstructed view of the surroundings was paramount to finding the crash site amidst the desert.

He assessed the potential hazards and advantages, recognizing the unpredictable elements that might sway the balance. After thorough consideration, he reached a conclusion.

"There's no point in prolonging our exposure out here," Erik said, his voice resolute. "We'll take the fastest route. Prepare the convoy to cross the sand mountain."

Kael's voice came back. There wasn't a better or worst choice, and in the end, since the task of defending the convoy from the stronger Thaids fell on Erik, it was his call to make. "Understood. I'll relay the orders."

Erik, seated in his vehicle, surveyed the scene from a distance as the convoy pressed forward. Even at this distance, he could discern the actions of his men and women within their vehicles.

He noticed them attending to their firearms, checking mechanisms, and loading magazines.

Some were taking sips from their water bottles to combat the desert heat, some were sharing a quick meal. They savored bites of simple rations, understanding the need to conserve supplies for the journey ahead.