There were about thirty of us who had left Amiria two days ago.
Our journey through the
Izulte Forest was coming to an end as we steadily climbed in altitude toward our goal: Mount Lustfor.
Though the distance wasn't too great, the rugged terrain and harsh conditions made our progress slower than expected.
As night fell, Gilbert spoke up:
We'll camp here for the night. Set up surveillance units.
Understood, sir! responded the soldiers in unison before dispersing to establish the campsite and organize guard shifts.
Inside the main tent, I stood alongside Kaylen and Gilbert, closely examining the map spread out before us.
We should reach our destination in about seven hours.
Kaylen nodded, his expression grim.
So far, we haven't encountered any Highbeasts, but we mustn't let our guard down.
It's highly likely that Zeprys are lurking in this area…
No sooner had he spoken those words than a shrill scream rang out outside. Aaaaaah!
We rushed out of the tent and were immediately faced with a scene of chaos.Massive, bat-like creatures with wingspans of nearly six feet swooped down on our soldiers.
Their glowing red eyes pierced the darkness, and their razor-sharp fangs gleamed in the torchlight.
Gilbert drew his sword and shouted: Those are Zeprys!
Kaylen unsheathed his saber and barked: Regroup! Use fire magic—they're vulnerable to it! Understood! the soldiers shouted, quickly forming a defensive line.
In one synchronized movement, they raised their hands to the sky and cast blazing spells. Streams of fire lit up the night, casting crimson glows through the darkness.
The Zeprys shrieked in agony, writhing under the flames before crashing to the ground, charred and lifeless.
After several minutes of intense fighting, silence finally returned to the camp.
The next morning, we resumed our ascent toward the summit of Mount Lustfor.
The air grew colder, and a thick mist wrapped around us reducing visibility.
We advanced cautiously, fully aware that the real challenge was only just beginning.