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.
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.
Kael paused, a hint of uncertainty flickering across his face. "Are you sure?" he asked. The thought of the land Thaids lurking nearby sent a shiver down his spine. "The presence of land Thaids could pose a threat."
"I understand the concern," he said with a calm voice. His broad shoulders lifted slightly in a shrug. "But we've already proven our strength against the Erendus and many other Thaids today."
"Besides," he said, a confident smile tugging at his lips, "it's not like in other areas of the forest there aren't Thaids. We can set up a perimeter and keep watch."
"We need to be fully prepared for the desert ahead." There was a comforting certainty in Erik's voice that eased Kael's worries.
Taking a deep breath, Kael nodded. Trusting Erik's judgment, he turned to relay the message to the rest of the convoy.
"Alright." Kael picked up his communication system and opened the collective channel. "Everyone, we'll set up camp near a stream ahead. Prepare for a stop and get ready to secure the area."
The convoy moved cautiously through the forest; the darkness enveloping them like a thick shroud.
Despite the advanced lighting systems on their vehicles, the absence of natural light made the journey feel like a voyage into an abyss.
Trees loomed like silent sentinels, their shadows dancing eerily as the headlights pierced the gloom. The forest seemed to close in on them, each rustle of leaves or snap of a twig amplifying the tension that hung in the air.
Kael led the way. Not Physically, of course, that role befell Erik's shoulders. Kael's eyes squinted at the vehicle's mapping system, which showed they were nearing the stream.
The guild members were on high alert, their fingers close to triggers, and their senses heightened. Every so often, the convoy had to slow down to navigate around fallen trees or treacherous terrain, the engines' low growl the only sound breaking the silence.
As they neared the stream, the oppressive darkness seemed to recede slightly, like a curtain being drawn back to reveal a stage. The open expanse provided a modicum of visibility, a welcome relief amidst the surrounding obscurity.
However, the lack of natural illumination transformed the water into a sinister entity. It appeared as a black ribbon, winding its way through the terrain, much like a silent serpent stealthily slithering through the night. Its true character was shrouded in the mysterious cloak of shadows.
The end of their journey brought a much-needed respite, yet the encroaching darkness whispered silent threats. Far from the safety of their homes, they were but strangers in this hostile wilderness.
The vehicles came to a halt, forming a semi-circle akin to a fortress wall, a feeble barricade against the unknown threats of the night.
The guild members disembarked one by one, their faces etched with lines of fatigue.
Bathed in the silvery glow of the moonlight, the nearby stream shimmered like a jewel in the dark.
Its waters were inviting, promising refreshment and respite. But the serenity of the scene was tainted by an unspoken caution, a silent acknowledgment of the untamed wilderness that surrounded them.
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.
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