The clones though did decide on the one that will be the unfortunate first timers. The way they chose are a simple lucky draw. By the end of it, the losers all have cloud of depression above them, while the lucky one let out sigh of relief.
"You do realize that three days after today, you will take their place if they did not found anything," Alros pointed, out causing the celebrating clones to freeze, while the unlucky laugh at them.
While he wanted to remind the laughing clones they still need to stay for 2 days, he decided against it. Letting them celebrate the fact they did not have to suffer alone. As they say, misery love company.
-x-
With the chosen (unlucky) clones flew towards the top of the trees, Alros pondered his next move. He could just do his usual, hunting monsters but he did not want to add too many just yet, as if he was lucky enough, he could get 5 tribes of Lizardmen, and who knew how many are them.
But, if he could not capture and subdued monsters, what can he do after he was done finishing his missions?
One of his clones seem to thought of something, as he quickly told him his ideas. A devillish smirk form on Alros' face as he instantly felt enamored by the idea.
"It's too bad you will not last long like the regular monsters. If not, I would increase your strength and power," he mumbled sadly before pushing the thought away. Right now, there is still times to implement the clone's idea, and he will not let anything slow down the implementation.
-x-
"Guys, over here. The mushroom should be around here somewhere," a man said, in his hand a sword as he strode forward, swinging it and cutting the overhead vines.
"Slow down, who knew what monsters are around," another man pointed out, pushing some of the vines away with his spear.
"As long as we are careful, we should be able to retreat," the swordsman said in confidence, not realizing the presence looming behind him.
"Yeah, of course," the duo continue walking, their small talk stopped in favor of completing the mission.
"Hey, I found it!" the swordsman yelled as he kneeled, grabbing the mushroom. The spearman get behind him, covering his back.
-x-
Another 20 minutes and they soon find the corpses of the frogs, as well as the man.
The two younger adventurers looked at the corpses of the man who had taken care of them when they joined the party with despair.
"Are we, the reason, he died?" the young male asked, his legs would have failed him if he did not try to remain upright.
While Emily was shocked as well, she is more observant, having been in the field longer than the two.
"No, he killed the frogs easily. But, something attacked him, killing him a single claw swipe," the healer said, able to see the gashes on the corpses' chest.
"Something else killed him, and we should get away, now," her voice anxious, she gave the two an order, not knowing it was too late.
"You are a smart one," a flap of wing and a demon descend in front of them, looking at the three in interest. The male gulped but still took out his weapon, though he was clearly shivering in fright.
"You must be the man's party. Then you must be as weak as him. After killing those weak frogs, he decided to rest. Then I jump in front of him, then swipe," he make a motion of swinging his claw, "and he's dead,"
The casual way the demon's describe the death of his mentor caused the young male's blood to boil in rage. Yelling, he charge at the demon.
"No!" Emily yelled but before she could do anything, both her and her pupil was shove into the water, a clawed hand on each of their back.
'A second one!' she thought in shock before scream of pain filled the air, before it went silent. That was the last thing she ever thought she would hear before she loses consciousness, a blow to the back of her head is the cause.
-x-
Meanwhile, 3 other places soon find the adventurers there assaulted and defeated by demons, with the results varied between genders. Males being killed outright, while for the females, they were captured alive, their fate determined by the demons.