Chapter 668 The Ravine (2)
Mira's voice broke the silence, her question echoing through the communication devices in each vehicle.
"Is it going to be safe inside?" Her question hung in the air, laced with a hint of anxiety.
From his position in the vehicle, Erik reached for his communicator. His fingers traced the cool metal, a stark contrast to the warmth of the uncertainty that swirled within him.
"It's hard to say," was his honest reply, his voice steady despite the absence of any comforting pretense. "We're still in Thaid territory. We might steer clear of the airborne ones, but we can't rule out other risks."
Erik then adjusted his communicator to reach Alina. "Alina, we need your keen senses now more than ever. Any Thaids in the vicinity, especially the ones fond of surprise attacks, we need to know."
"Got it," Alina's voice echoed back, carrying that familiar undertone Erik recognized. "I'll do everything I can to give us a heads-up."
Despite her quiet and reserved nature, Alina was a mercenary with a courage that outshone many. Her words, though spoken, were filled with a determination that Erik respected. He knew that beneath her shy exterior was a brave heart, ready to face whatever danger they might encounter.
Satisfied, Erik switched back to the general channel. "Alright, everyone, we're moving forward. Keep your eyes open and your weapons ready. And remember, if you see something, do not freak out."
With that, he gave the signal for the convoy to proceed. One by one, the vehicles revved their engines and moved, entering the dark maw of Serpent's ravine.
Advancing at a slow pace, the convoy of vehicles entered the depths of Serpent's Ravine, with their engines humming, mindful of the ancient, towering walls that surrounded them.
The ravine, with its towering vertical cliffs, created a natural fortress that appeared to reach the sky.
With its walls made up of a combination of jagged rocks and scarce vegetation, this place offered many hiding spots for any creature that might live there.
The ravine, even in the scorching midday heat, was still illuminated by a surreal and enchanting half-light. With the sun positioned overhead, its rays faced a formidable challenge in reaching the bottom of the deep crevice. The small fragment of the cerulean sky that was visible seemed like a distant recollection, serving as a sharp contradiction to the somber and obscure environment below it.
The sunlight, although feeble and fractured, still reached the depths of the ravine, creating an intricate tapestry of shadows on the rocky ground.
The sun's futile attempt to assert dominance was clear as each crevice and jagged rock adorned a cloak of darkness, which swayed and flickered.
Despite the harsh conditions, the vegetation that encompassed the ravine displayed remarkable tenacity as it clung to the rocky edges.
The roots of the plants, resembling the desperate fingers of a climber in need, grasped onto the cracks and crevices, searching for sustenance from the meager amount of soil available.
In a mesmerizing display, the leaves, resembling a vibrant tapestry of green, reached upwards as if in a silent plea, seeking the elusive sunlight.
With every fiber of their being, they contorted and twisted, bending at angles that seemed impossible, their outstretched hands grasping for even the slightest glimmer of light that ventured into the depths of the ravine.
Each leaf, reminiscent of a small-scale solar panel, possessed an innate longing to harness and keep the life-sustaining energy descending from the sky.
Despite this, within the confines of this specific chasm in the earth, it seemed as if the memory of that world had vanished. The ravine, with its dark and constricted passage, seemed like a universe of its own, as if it had been carved through the very heart of the earth.
The air, saturated with the moist and earthy fragrance, whispered a tale of the ravine's profound seclusion from the outside world.
The dense walls of the ravine acted as a barrier, muffling and swallowing the sounds that attempted to escape.
The road itself was wide enough for two vehicles to pass side by side, and the drivers navigated the twists and turns with extreme caution.
Every so often, the convoy would have to slow to a crawl to maneuver around a tight bend or a fallen boulder that had tumbled from the cliffs above.
Inside one of the vehicles, Jack, a seasoned mercenary, broke the heavy silence, his voice trembling with a touch of unease. "Man, this place... it gives me the creeps," he admitted, his words trailing off as he glanced nervously out of the window. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, searching for any sign of danger.
Mark, who was sitting beside him, nodded in agreement. As he furrowed his brows, his face became etched with a blend of caution and determination.
"Yeah, don't mention it," Mark responded, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness. He shifted in his seat, adjusting the strap of his laser rifle across his chest.
Curiosity sparked in Jack's eyes as he turned towards Mark. "Why'd you choose to be a mercenary, then?"
A flicker of emotion passed through Mark's eyes, sadness. He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the road ahead before meeting Jack's gaze.
"I gotta take care of my two brothers," he revealed, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "Our parents kicked the bucket two years ago, and this was the best way for me to make a quick buck."
Sympathy welled up within Jack. He could sense the burden that rested upon Mark's shoulders, the sacrifices he had made for the sake of his family. It was a heavy load to bear, yet Mark carried it with an unwavering resolve and putting his life at risk.
"I can't imagine how tough that must be," Jack's voice was filled with empathy. "But I admire your dedication to your brothers. It takes a special strength to do what you do."
The corners of Mark's lips curled in a faint smile as a glimmer of pride flickered in his eyes.
"Yeah, it's not easy," Mark acknowledged, his voice carrying a mix of weariness and determination. "But when you have family counting on you, you push through. It's what keeps me going."
Across the communication channel, a voice broke the silence. "You ever hear the old tales about Serpent's Ravine?" the voice asked, its tone tinged with a hint of intrigue. "They say it's haunted, that spirits of ancient warriors roam these cliffs."
"Yeah, let's add some more worries to Mark and Jack!" Mira said through the communication device.
Aiden, his eyes scanning the towering walls, chimed in. "Haunted or not, I just hope we don't run into any Thaids," he remarked, his voice laced with caution. His gaze shifted from one shadowy crevice to another, his body poised for any sign of danger.
Kael, his eyes never leaving the vehicle's side mirrors, added his own apprehensive thoughts. "I'd rather face a ghost than a Thaid in this tight space." His fingers tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.
Mira sensed the growing unease among the group. "Either way, let's just get through this as quickly as possible."
She glanced around, her eyes scanning their surroundings, her hands steady on her bow.
The comments echoed the sentiments of everyone in the convoy. Each twist and turn of the ravine seemed to ratchet up the tension, and the mercenaries couldn't shake the feeling that they were not alone.
Despite the lack of any immediate threat, the oppressive atmosphere of Serpent's Ravine weighed on their minds, making them wish for a swift and uneventful passage.
Except for the occasional remark, there was no communication, as each individual was too absorbed in their immediate environment to take part in idle talk.
It was understandable, given the circumstances. Out of all the guild members, only the four leading the expedition stood out in terms of their strength.
As they moved deeper into the ravine, the walls seemed to close in around them, amplifying the sense of isolation and vulnerability. Yet, for all its foreboding atmosphere, Serpent's Ravine remained silent.
No Thaids leaped from the hidden crevices in the walls, no ominous sounds echoed through the narrow passage. It was as if the ravine itself was holding its breath, watching and waiting for the intruders to make the first move.
After what felt like an eternity, Alina's voice pierced through the static-filled communication device, carrying a tangible undercurrent of apprehension.
"Guild Master," she began, her voice quivering with a mix of fear and urgency, "I sense something... Thaids. They're ahead."
Erik's response was swift, his voice steady but laced with a sense of urgency. "Clarify, Alina. How many are we dealing with?"
Alina's reply came in a breathless whisper, her words barely audible over the crackling of the communication device.
"I can't say for certain." Her voice trembled with unease. "But the feeling... it's faint, yet overwhelming. There are many Thaids, and they're close."
Erik's fingers remained steady around the hilt of his blade. "Everyone, stay alert."
A sense of reassurance was instilled within the team as his eyes, filled with a composed gaze, surveyed their surroundings and radiated a quiet confidence.
Being aware of the consequences, he comprehended the utmost significance of maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, as even the slightest hint of uncertainty on his part would trigger a wave of panic throughout the guild.
"Alina senses Thaids up ahead. We don't know how many, but we need to be prepared for anything."
A murmur of concern spread through the convoy, the tension in each vehicle palpable. Weapons were checked, safety measures reviewed, and eyes scanned the looming walls of the ravine even more vigilant.
"Alina, keep focusing and update us if you sense any changes," Erik instructed.
"I will," she said, her voice still tinged with fear, but steadier now.
Moving at a slow pace, the convoy pressed on through the narrow and lit ravine, causing every single mercenary to be on high alert, their fingers ready to pull the triggers, and their eyes scanning the towering walls for any potential threats lurking in the dark crevices.
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