Chapter 974 974 Rival Squad
"Echoes of the Land."
Standing before the traces left by another group of people on the mysterious island of fog, a member of Cassius' party named Percival activated one of his unique skills.
A wave of magical energy rippled around him and images of what happened in the recent past began to play out for everyone in the expedition squad to see.
Time played back rapidly until several translucent figures became visible.
No sound emanated from these figures, but their movements and actions were being played back as if they were happening again.
'Looks like there are thirty-six of them. Almost double our squad's size.'
Without being able to see the actual people, Marcus was unsure of how strong the members of this opposing group were, but he could get a rough estimate from the gear they wore.
He carefully examined their armor and weapons and did not see a single piece that was made from amethros.
Nevertheless, each member had powerful gear made of adamantine that was only one step below what the majority of the adventurer guild's expedition squad had.
Soon Percival's unique skill reached its limits, and the images of the past began to fade.
"That is the best I can do for now."
Wearing a haggard expression Percival looked towards his leader.
With the wave of his hand Cassius signaled that his party member could rest, before turning to the other party leaders.
The four of them quickly discussed what the expedition squad would do and came to a unanimous decision.
"This island has already been claimed by the adventurers guild and part of our mission is to make sure that no other interested parties take it from us. As per the leader of the guild's instructions we will remove these trespassers by any means necessary." Evette said with a ruthless tone.
"Thanks to Percival's unique skill, we know that our enemies were here two days ago. While we would normally rest, catching up is of the upmost importance. To that end, we have decided to break here for only two hours and travel through the rest of the night." Cassius said.
Naturally there was no disagreement from anyone in the expedition squad. They knew what their roles would be in case they encountered other people on this island.
'I suppose that I should make something that replenishes and maintains stamina.'
While Marcus would not get tired from the forced night watch, that could not be said for most of the others.
They needed to eat and sleep in order to stay in peak condition, and traveling on this island during the night was far more dangerous than just about anywhere else. It would take its toll on all of them mentally and physically.
From his item box Marcus selected several of the most valuable ingredients he possessed and began cooking several hardy stews that would help fuel the expedition squad's pursuit.
Using all manner of magic, he quickly had the ingredients simmering in a dozen pots
lightsΝοvel.cοm When the food was finished everyone gathered around for dinner, even Cassius' party which had so far refused to partake in Marcus' cooking.
However, before taking any of the stew, Cassius approached Marcus and bowed his head slightly.
"I am not so proud that I cannot admit when I am wrong. I must apologize for my actions when we met. You have proven many times over that you are a valuable member of the expedition. If it is not too much trouble, could my party partake in the food you have prepared?"
Shock was apparent on Marcus' face as Cassius sincerely apologized. Frankly he did not expect him to be the type to acknowledge his mistakes.
"I except your apology. You and your party are more than welcome to have some of the food. I am not so petty that I would waken our group for such a minor slight."
"Thank you." Cassius said before turning around and motioning for his party to advance.
Now that Cassius had made peace with Marcus, the entire expedition squad unwound together and enjoyed the same food for the first time.
Of course, Marcus received plenty of compliments for the food he prepared, which was even higher quality than what he normally produced thanks to the superior ingredients he had used.
"I didn't think you would forgive him so easily." Mrazivy whispered to Marcus.
"It did not seem worth it to drag things out when he took the first step. Sure, it was only when he realized that not eating the meal I prepared would make his party perform worse than everyone else, but at least it was something. If we were not in such a hostile environment, I would have made him apologize to you as well before forgiving him. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury here to create any more friction." Marcus replied.
Mrazivy nodded her head in agreement. Had Marcus actually gone out of his way to cause more animosity by forcing Cassius to embarrass himself further she would have had to chastise him later.
"So, what did you really want to talk to me about?" Marcus asked, sensing that something else was on his wife's mind.
"I guess I can't beat around the bush anymore with you." Mrazivy said with a sigh. "Are you going to be able to do it? These aren't the kind of people we normally fight."
"I thought I did a better job of hiding my feelings. Should've known you would see through me."
"Naturally. I know you better than anyone else. If it is going to be a problem, you can just focus on support and let the rest of us deal with the dirty work."
"No. I already made the mistake of not going for the kill before. We are going to have to fight these people no matter what. I would not be able to live with myself if anyone on our side got hurt because I hesitated." Marcus said, his eyes gleaming with resolution.
He had long since gotten over his aversion of killing people, but normally he only went so far against those that were without a doubt deplorable.
This time, though, they were going to attack another group of explorers simply for being on land that the adventurers guild claimed as their own.
These people were not demon worshipers hellbent on brining death and chaos, they were just another group like theirs.
Still, Marcus knew what this job entailed; this was something that had to be done.
The adventurers guild was just like any organization in that it would exert its power to get what it wanted. All Marcus could do was be grateful that for the most part they were a decent institution that helped more people than it hurt.
"Perhaps we will get lucky, and they will willingly leave the island if we ask nicely."
Mrazivy let out an exasperated sigh when Marcus made this suggestion. Both of them clearly understood that things were not going to be so peaceful.
The adventurers guild had made it perfectly clear that they were claiming the island and told everyone else to stay away. This rival squad was not going to be ignorant of such a declaration. Once they became aware of each other things could only end in bloodshed.
Read lat𝙚st chapters at fre(𝒆)webnovel.com Only