Chapter 659 First Hostile Encounter (1)


    The convoy exited the colossal gate-mall building that marked the boundary of Testrovsc''s Rest.


    The convoy vehicle hummed, a steady rhythm in the background as L''s voice broke through themunication system, alive and electric with anticipation. "I wonder what beasts we''ll meet in the White Desert. I''m itching for a fight, and those bounties won''t collect themselves!"


    Kael''s voice came next, a rock amidst the static. "L, did you bother with Noah''s dossier? It''s got the lowdown on the critters we might face. Knowledge is a weapon, too, you know."


    L''sugh bounced around them system. "Well, I gave it a shot, but lost interest after three pages."


    Kael almost facepalmed.


    "L, recklessness won''t do us any good. Disregarding information is a gamble we can''t afford. This mission needs caution and wisdom," Aiden said. He was ustomed to L''s antics and wondered how Kael still couldn''t, despite being more intelligent than he. Maybe it was because of his intelligence.


    It was at that moment Mira stepped in. Much like Aiden, she was well-acquainted with theirrade and friend''s tendencies. She had often assumed the role of a guide, steering her back on track whenever she strayed.


    "Don''t even try Aiden, you are talking with a stone-brained idiot." She sighed.


    "If L steps out of line, I''ll be there to pull her back."


    Aiden could do nothing but sigh, too. He pressed the button on themunication device. "L, make sure you finish that dossier next time."


    L said nothing.


    As the car trudged into the dense forest that skirted the city, the atmosphere inside the vehicles was a mix of anticipation and tension.


    The upants, mostly low-ranked mercenaries with more enthusiasm than experience, exchanged nervous nces.


    Their youth and inexperience added ayer of apprehension to the already tense environment.


    Erik could feel their unease, their anxious energy palpable in the confined space of the vehicle.


    They all knew they were heading towards the White Desert, a ce notorious for the high-level monsters that lived there.


    Despite their bravado and eagerness to prove themselves, Erik knew that the young mercenaries were aware of theirck of experience and the potential risks they were about to face.


    Their youthful exuberance was tempered by a healthy dose of fear and respect for the environment they were venturing into.


    At the moment, they were just outside Testrovsc''s Rest, a ce with a low concentration of Thaids, who were periodically killed by the mercenaries inside the city. This part of the forest was safe, with Thaids being on the lower end of the power spectrum.


    However, the ce was a transitional zone, a buffer between the rtive safety of the city and the dangerous unknowns of thend ahead of them — not only the White Desert.


    Erik sat in the lead vehicle, his posture rxed but his senses alert.


    His mask concealed his facial expressions, rendering his mood mysterious to those around him.


    He activated themunication system, his voice resonating through the speakers of Kael''s vehicle.


    "How''s everything going, Kael?" Erik inquired, seeking an update on their progress.


    Kael, who was to lead the way and coordinate the convoy, responded.


    "All systems are operational, and the convoy moves optimally. We should reach the White Desert in approximately two days if we maintain this pace."


    Erik nodded, even if Kael couldn''t see him. "Good. Keep me updated on any changes and tell me if there are problems."


    …


    …


    …


    The convoy continued its journey, the vehicles'' heavy-duty tires crunching over the forest floor, their advanced suspension systems absorbing the impact of roots and rocks.


    Everyone wished they could have taken flying vehicles to reach the ce, as that would have been much faster, especially considering that they now had to drive for at least sixteen hours a day to reach the White Desert in two days.


    However, every sane person knew if they did, they wouldn''t have been able tond in the White Desert because of the Flying Thaids.


    The problem was that the forest was abyrinth of towering trees and thick undergrowth that made it difficult to travel, and the bumpy road made the journey very ufortable.


    However, their path had been mapped out by Noah and the others to avoid any unnecessary detours or obstacles, and Kael helped them do so.


    Many people within the guild found themselves puzzled by Erik''s choice of management.


    They wondered who Noah and the other individuals that Erik entrusted with the guild''s administration were.


    Questions arose about the reason Erik didn''t delegate the task to Mira, L, Kael, and Aiden, despite them being co-founders of the guild along with him.


    They were also well-respected figures within the guild, and their exclusion from leadership roles led to spection and conjecture among the members.


    Noah, in particr, was a source of intrigue. An imposing figure, he stood as tall as a tree, his stature itselfmanding respect and curiosity.


    His imposing height was often the topic of discussion among the guild members, with someparing him to the ancient trees that stood tall and mighty in the forest''s heart.


    He was always masked, mirroring his employer Erik in this mysterious demeanor, which only added to the enigma surrounding him.


    His silence was another characteristic that stood out - Noah was a man of few words, often choosing tomunicate through his actions rather than lengthy conversations.


    Despite his quiet nature and the mystery surrounding him, Noahmanded a certain respect within the guild. There was an unspoken understanding that he was someone Erik trusted, and this alone was enough to earn him a ce of importance within their ranks.


    As they moved deeper into the forest, the members of the Nexthorn Vanguard remained vignt.


    The forest was not without its own set of dangers—Thaids, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present risk of mechanical failure.


    Yet, their journey was uneventful for the moment, the forest almost eerily silent, as if aware of the formidable convoy passing through it.


    Inside the vehicles, guild members checked and rechecked their equipment.


    Laser rifles were inspected, grenades counted, andmunication devices tested.