A half-moon glistened in the sky, casting a dim light through the dense canopy.
The night felt thick with tension as Evan, Suri, and their team of agile operatives prepared for their mission.
Each member, trained in assassin techniques from the Virtual Real world, donned the sleek, dark gear and carried a backpack containing the nerve gear.
The night air was cool and filled with a sense of foreboding as they adjusted their equipment and double-checked their gears.
Aurora's voice crackled softly in their earpieces. [Stay on the safe routes. The drones are covering you. Watch for patrols and wild animals, and stay cautious as some beasts might be hidden under the thick bushes.]
Evan glanced at Suri, who gave a quick nod of acknowledgment. The team moved silently through the dense underbrush, their steps barely audible on the forest floor. Overhead, the drones hovered quietly.
The tiny flight bodies were nearly invisible in the darkness.
The environment was indeed grave and eerie, with the foliage casting haunting shadows that danced with every gust of wind that only lacked a ghostly soundtrack to complete the atmosphere and scare everyone.
After maneuvering around the perimeter, they finally reached the walls of the Sentinel village and came to a halt.
"Can they even see us in this dark? I don't think the light from the flame torch can reach here," Mac muttered aloud.
The wooden barriers, intricately carved and overgrown with thick foliage, loomed high above them.
Aurora's voice came through once more. [Guards patrol the perimeter. You'll need to avoid them and enter through the blind zone. There will be a brief window and in those moments, you need to run to the other side. Go in a squad of 10—any more might be risky.]
They waited for Aurora's signal. After a few moments, the guards moved away.
[Now...]
SWOOSH!
The team moved with practiced efficiency, scaling the walls with deft movements.
[What you are doing might save them in the future for real. At least they can still preserve their culture and heritage under your leadership. Do you think centuries from now, people who invade this place would care. And as per the future, believe me, one day such an invasion is bound to happen.]
'Damn! You are the real influencer, Lord System. Always managing to hit the mark.'
[Hmm! After all, I am nothing less than Almighty.]
The system snorted and Evan chuckled inwardly.
'Hail the system.'
After the small matter was sorted, Evan approached the sleeping old chief cautiously. Any slightest noise could wake him, causing Evan's heart to race with the tension. As he reached the bed, the chief stirred but only mumbled in his sleep. Seizing the opportunity, Evan pulled out a handkerchief soaked in chloroform and swiftly placed it on the chief's face, covering his mouth and nose properly.
The old man's eyes shot open and he struggled, kicking his hands and feet before going limp, and falling unconscious.
Evan took a deep breath, he could literally feel his pulse pounding in his ears. He then quickly placed the headgear on the chief, making sure that he wouldn't wake up during the operation.
Turning his attention to the next room, Evan hesitated. The sight of the four sleeping children and their parents struck a chord within him. His initial plan was to incapacitate them as well, but the risk seemed too high.
His heart pounded so wildly that he feared that it would alert everyone.
After a moment of intense consideration, he decided against it and left them untouched. He couldn't risk a situation where a misstep could cost them everything.
'Let's not be greedy.'
Evan then slipped out of the cottage, his heart still racing.
[Go northeast of current position. The drones have shot down the Panther to sleep.]
'Okay!'
As minutes ticked by, Evan and his team continued their meticulous work, ensuring that their objectives were met. Approximately 15 minutes into their operation, Evan's earpiece crackled to life with a message from Aurora.
[The job is done on my end. You're clear.]