Chapter 658 Departing
It took a week for Erik and his people to set everything up for the oncoming quest. They planned every aspect, from gathering essential supplies to coordinating the roles and responsibilities of each guild member.
The young man stepped out of the guild's main building, his eyes scanning the bustling scene before him. The parking lot had transformed into a hive of activity, a staging ground for the high-stakes mission that lay ahead.
The air was thick with a blend of excitement and tension, each guild member aware of the risks and rewards that awaited them. The anticipation was palpable as they prepared themselves for the challenges that awaited.
Thirty guild members, including Kael, Mira, Aiden, and Lila, were already outside, busy with last-minute preparations.
They formed a diverse group, their armors reflecting their varying levels of affluence and taste.
Some wore sleek, futuristic exoskeletons that shimmered in the morning light and gave the user a little more strength and speed.
These innovative suits were equipped with advanced technology, featuring integrated energy modules and augmented reality displays that provided vital information in real time.
The exoskeletons emitted a soft hum as they powered up, emanating an aura of sophistication and innovation.
In contrast, others donned more traditional garb—a fusion of leather, cloth, and metal that spoke of practicality over style and allowed freer movements.
Their armor bore the marks of battle, with scratches and dents serving as badges of honor. Though not as flashy as their high-tech counterparts, these battle-tested attires showcased resilience and adaptability.
Guild members expressed their individuality through their chosen attire. Some opted for a sleek, modern aesthetic, fully embracing the benefits of advanced technology.
Others found comfort and familiarity in the traditional gear, relying on their skills and experience to navigate the challenges ahead.
Weapons were in abundance. Traditional arms like bows, swords, pikes, maces, and spears were slung over shoulders or strapped to backs. The weapons were made of various materials, including steel and other materials.
Some were exquisitely crafted, with intricate designs etched into the blades or handles, while others were more plain and functional.
Yet, the modernity of the mission was not lost on anyone; each member was also armed with laser rifles, pistols, and an assortment of grenades given by the guild, which was why Erik bought such items.
These weapons were cutting edge, equipped with advanced targeting systems and potent energy cells. Their power could deal crushing damage to lesser thaids. Their addition significantly bolstered the guild's arsenal, lending it an extra layer of strength.
Several guild members were busy loading rocket launchers onto the vehicles, their faces focused and their movements precise. Others were calibrating mortars, ensuring their aim would be true when the time came.
Machine guns had been mounted on several vehicles, their barrels gleaming.
These were additions to the heavy laser cannons and missile launchers that came pre-installed, turning each vehicle into a mobile fortress.
Six of these heavily armed vehicles were lined up, engines idling, ready to roll out. They were accompanied by five Traxler V-12 Cyclones, the all-terrain vehicles Erik had purchased from Lysa.
Their reinforced frames and advanced navigation systems made them ideal for the treacherous journey through the White Desert.
Erik thought about using more Traxlers and employing more people, but as his friends said.
He couldn't be anywhere, and his guildmates were still too weak to do this dangerous job without him. Aside from really valuable Thaid bodies, Erik planned to leave them all behind.
Kael nodded at Erik, signaling that everything was ready. The young man felt a surge of pride as he looked at his team. They were young, some still inexperienced, but each had courage it was hard to find elsewhere. That was all due to how strongly they believed in their guild master.
Mira, Aiden, and Lila approached Erik, their faces a mix of anticipation and resolve.
Mira's hands were fidgeting with her bowstring, a sign of her restless energy. Aiden was tapping his foot nervously, his eyes darting around their surroundings. Lila was the usual flurry of energy, her movements quick and precise.
"We're all set, Erik," Mira said, her voice tinged with nervous excitement. She glanced at her comrades, seeking reassurance in their familiar faces.
"Good." Erik's eyes met each of theirs in turn. He leaned forward, his expression serious. "This won't be a comfortable journey. Do you feel ready?"
Mira nodded despite the butterflies in her stomach, her eyes shining with determination. Aiden clenched his fists, his jaw set in a determined line. Lila gave a small smile, her eyes shining with confidence.
A knot of apprehension twisted in Erik's gut, prompting him to seek reassurances. He turned to Kael, his gaze piercing and intense. "Kael, did we encounter any issues with the weapons?" Erik's voice was steady, but the undercurrent of concern was palpable.
Kael responded with a shake of his head, his expression calm and reassuring. "We had to substitute a few laser rifles and rocket launchers, but apart from that, everything is in order."
Still not satisfied, Erik probed further, his brow creasing with concern. "What about the explosives?" he asked.
Kael responded with a decisive nod, motioning towards the convoy. "All are loaded onto the vehicles," he confirmed. His voice, steady and sure, seemed to ease a portion of Erik's lingering unease.
Erik was on the brink of voicing his concerns about the guild members' morale for the upcoming quest when Mira's presence interrupted his thoughts.
"Erik, it's okay," she said, her voice a soothing whisper amid his brewing storm of worries. Her hand found his arm, a warm, reassuring weight that grounded him. "Everything is ready and everyone is focused. Don't worry."
He met her words with a nod, a silent acknowledgment of her reassurances. A soft sigh eluded him as he allowed her confidence to seep into him. They were as prepared as they could ever be for the trials that lay ahead.
With that, Erik climbed into the lead vehicle, his team following suit.
As the engines roared to life and the convoy moved, Erik couldn't help but feel the weight of his responsibility.
Lives were at stake, and failure was not an option. Everything depended on how he and the others, in particular Kael and Aiden, managed the situation.
Erik's convoy rolled out of the guild's parking lot, a procession of armored vehicles and Cyclones adorned with the unmistakable insignia of the Nexthorn Vanguard.
The vehicles were in pristine condition, their surfaces gleaming under the sun's rays. The Cyclones, in particular, were a sight to behold with all those heavy weapons mounted on them.
As they navigated the labyrinthine streets of Testrovsc's Rest, their heads turned, and eyes widened.
The sight of such a heavily armed caravan was enough to stir curiosity, but the emblem it bore captured the city's attention.
People paused in their daily routines to watch the convoy pass, their expressions a mix of awe, curiosity, and, sometimes, envy.
Shopkeepers watched from their storefronts, their gazes tracking the procession through the bustling streets. Children scampered next to the vehicles, their faces glowing with awe and exhilaration.
Whispers spread like wildfire, each onlooker speculating on the nature of this high-stakes mission that warranted such a show of force.
The city's inhabitants buzzed with excitement and curiosity, their conversations filled with theories and rumors about the guild's purpose.
Erik's guild had become a subject of citywide fascination, a meteoric rise that had not gone unnoticed.
Among the crowd were some individuals whose gazes lingered longer, their eyes narrowing as the convoy moved out of sight.
They wore the colors of the Border Wolves, the most powerful and renowned guild in Testrovsc's Rest.
Their presence alone commanded respect, and their reputation preceded them wherever they went.
For years, they had been the undisputed leaders in the mercenary world there, their reputation built on a foundation of high-profile quests and unparalleled skill.
As the Border Wolves watched the convoy disappear into the distance, a mixture of curiosity and a hint of concern flashed across their faces.
They were not accustomed to sharing the spotlight, and the emergence of Erik's guild posed a potential challenge for their dominance.
To the Border Wolves, the Nexthorn Vanguard were upstarts, newcomers who had yet to prove themselves inside the city.
Despite their seeming lack of experience, Erik's guild was gaining momentum. The level of fame Erik had accumulated was truly remarkable.
Erik's reputation resonated ahead of him on all his travels. His exploits were the buzz of the city, and increasingly, clients were opting to bypass the Border Wolves, choosing instead to contract the Nexthorn Vanguard for private quests and specialized tasks.
The guild stood out with an unrivaled success rate. Its members were known for their absolute commitment to any mission they took on. They had evolved into a powerful force, their emergence causing significant waves in the mercenary world of Testrovsc's Rest.
This shift in public sentiment was not just a blow to the Wolves' pride but a threat to their long-standing dominance.
The Border Wolves had been the city's most powerful guild for as long as anyone could remember.
The Border Wolves were not used to being on the defensive, and their frustration grew with each passing day.
As they watched Erik's convoy disappear into the distance, a sense of unease settled over them. They exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a shared understanding.
Something would have to be done about this new player on the field, this guild that had so audaciously stepped into their territory and was now diverting the spotlight away from them.
As the convoy continued its journey, unaware of the silent scrutiny it had just undergone, Erik felt a sense of accomplishment.
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