Three days later,
The squad ventured to the Desolate forest. When they were about to enter the forest. The squad divided into 5 exact groups. This was how the squad worked in the forest. To not attract too much attention from the Magical Beasts. They wore a camouflaged cloak over them and covered their weapons to not catch the eyes of any Magicals beasts and they used leather armours made using the skin of Magical beasts. this cloak is useful for them when they stay out in the rains.
Marcus currently had his bow unstrung and hanging from his shoulders and two kukri knives attached to his utility belt along with their sheaths as this time they are the real deal acquired from the forest folks. And a magical quiver gifted to him by his father attached his back over the cloak that quiver could catch onto the arrows even if it is turned upside down it is quite useful to someone like a Ranger and the weird thing is this is the first magical thing that Marcus came across in this world. As for his Mother, she gifted both Leon and Marcus with a Magical dagger each. Which was enchanted with spells Sharpen and Harden. Everyone knew that there is a lot of difference between an enchanted sword and a dagger, as a dagger has less penetrative depth in an actual fight with average-sized Magical beasts but still this was what their family can garner with their current wealth as a backwater noble whose most of the income was just enough for their self-sufficiency. He was excited over his first trip to something other than Corinth and its surrounding forests. It took him many hours to even fall asleep on the day Marco broke the news. So, he went to the library and read whatever there is about the desolate forest to revise the facts.
Leon maintained his stone-cold expression but his hand was slightly shaking due to excitement on his first trip to the forest. He was not rebellious like Marcus. He did what he was told and he always followed the orders. So this was the first time he was going to the forest.
Marcus and Leon went with Marco. Their team consisted of Marco, Nidar and a soldier called Tom.
All the teams travel to pre-designated checkpoints. In the forest Marked by them in previous surveys of forests. And they rest during the night. As it is not advantageous for the squad if they come across a nocturnal beast with night vision.
Their journey was not all that difficult. Not many weak animals pick a beef with Humans they just move away if they are on the same path. But, they have to look out for the stronger and more confident Beasts which attack humans that intrude on their territory. There are also a few that does not have a designated territory and just wander around the forest in packs like iron tailed Monkey.
But they are forces to be reckoned as they live in groups no other beasts bother with them as long as they stay up in the trees.
But most of the aforementioned types live in the area of the Bluestone valley or its surrounding except the iron tailed monkeys. Although the reason for that is still unknown there are rumours that it used to be a very powerful beast's lair in the past that failed to break through to the guardian level and perished. And it's blue blood dyed all the area into the blue. The soil lost its colour due to plants sucking in the blood and becoming blue themselves but the rocks maintained it for who knows how long. they assumed this was why there never was another Magical beast that declared this location as their territory.
Night, in a cave all the rangers have assembled after the day's travel. They shared their experiences.
"something is weird boss the density of animals in the outskirts was high compared to normal but when we went deeper a lot fewer animals are there. Even most of the remaining animals are quite old or injured". Jeff gave his summary of the experience.
Another team leader also reported the similarly.
"It is same as Jeff said boss our team even encountered a group of iron tailed monkeys fleeing outwards without even noticing us right underneath the trees".
all the squads gave a similar report.
Marco and peter went into contemplation of the current situation. It is normal for living beings in the outskirts to be weak but there were always many of them and that is also their secret for survival from stronger predators. But all these actions signify that there is something that is frightening them deeper in the forest. Usually, this kind of behaviour is displayed when a powerful beast expands its territory into the outer forest. But these kinds of situations are dealt with by the beast guard. This time their mission was just to survey the area around Bluestone valley Due to some disturbances.
After seeing this they understood what was going on in the bluestone valley.
So Marco took out a blue coloured stone from one of his pockets. It was a communication amulet. There were quite a few engravings on it. When he injected his dark Aura into it glowed blue.
He immediately spoke as if time was not enough "Squad leader Marco to Castle of Corinth do you copy? ".
immediately there was a response the voice was rough and deep "yes we can hear you Squad leader Marco why have you contacted us".
Just like Marco, their voice was hurried Marco took a breath and injected his Aura into it once again "There is an update on the Mission I was assigned".
Like that after a few back and forth messages he relayed all the information the squad has collected.
In the end, the other side of the communication amulet replied "go forth your mission Squad leader ".
Marco replied, "yes sir! ".
the other side said, "if you feel confident in taking out the target proceed if not contact us".
"copy that sir! Over and out".
After the conversation Marco sighed and cursed "Damn! old goods should be in a museum can't work straight for more than ten seconds".
Marcus who was looking at this was shocked once again he read about military usage communication amulets but this was his first time witness them being used.
It indeed felt a bit difficult to converse with the time limit of ten seconds he now understood why they were speaking almost like they were rapping.
Marco notified the squad again"okay boys you heard the castle we are going on with the mission".
He stopped for a second and continued "bury all the game you caught in the journey I don't want any type of fire lit until our mission is over so apply insect repellents around the cave".
All the faces in the cave sunk. But they immediately turned back to normal as they remembered an incident when their sadistic captain tormented a poor sod for days when he kept a sulking face in front of him.
For the rest of the night, they slept while taking turns in keeping watch.
But, both Marco and Marcus were not sleeping well. Marco did not sleep well due to him wondering about the weird occurrences. Marcus was thinking about the dread in the hearts of the Animals that were fleeing in the morning. When he thought he almost forgot about this ability it showed him that whatever they are going against in the Bluestone valley it is going to be dangerous.