After days of arduous travel through rugged terrain and enduring both physical and mental fatigue, the group finally arrived at their destination. The entrance to their objective was nondescript, a cave that appeared unremarkable and just like any other found in the mountains. However, its ordinary exterior belied the strategic importance and the secrets it held within.
The cave mouth opened into a network of passages that resembled a labyrinthine maze carved naturally through the ages by geological forces. The interior of the cave was dimly lit by occasional shafts of light that penetrated through small fissures in the rock, casting elongated shadows and giving the rocky walls an eerie, shifting appearance. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like ancient chandeliers, and the air was cool and damp, filled with the musty scent of earth and stone.
Ida, who had the unique distinction of being the only one familiar with the cave's intricate pathways, led the group confidently. His familiarity with the cave was evident in the way he navigated the twisting passages without hesitation, his steps sure and unwavering. The others followed closely behind, their senses heightened and their minds alert to any sign or sound.
After what felt like an eternity of winding through the dark corridors, the group emerged into a large cavern that housed a giant gate. This imposing structure stood as the final barrier to the chamber they were tasked to protect. The gate was crafted from ancient stone, its surface etched with runes and symbols that shimmered faintly in the dim light, suggesting magical enhancements long lost to time.
Ida halted the group with a raised hand and surveyed the area with a critical eye. "It looks like the enemy hasn't arrived yet," he announced, his voice echoing slightly off the stone walls. He turned to face the assembled warriors, a serious expression on his face. "Now, we will cover our positions. There are four paths leading to this gate through the cave."
He gestured to his teammates, who stepped forward, ready to guide each group to their respective posts. "My teammates will show you the path to the place you have to guard. Don't forget the path because, in times of uncertainty, we might not be able to show you the path again."
Ida then held up a small, rune-inscribed stone. "Every leader of a group will carry a stone like this one. When it cracks, it will alarm the others about your location. Once you get to your place, do not wander around or let your guard down, as we can't predict when and from which team the enemy will strike."
The silence that followed his instructions was palpable, each warrior internalizing the gravity of their mission. Ida scanned the crowd, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Any questions?" he asked, his tone leaving little room for doubt or hesitation.
No hands were raised; every warrior stood ready and resolute, understanding their roles and the stakes at hand.
"Great, then go," Ida commanded, and with a decisive motion, he dismissed them to their positions.
The groups began to disperse, each team following one of Ida's teammates deeper into the cave's branching paths. The air was thick with tension and the weight of responsibility as they moved to fortify their assigned locations, the sound of their boots a soft rumble in the cavernous spaces.
Amukelo's group was assigned to a relatively small but strikingly beautiful area characterized by lush, exotic plants and a meandering river that reflected the light in a dazzling dance of sparkling blues and greens. The beauty of the location was undeniable, with vibrant flowers and dense foliage that could easily belong in a tranquil garden rather than a strategic guard post. This serene setting, however, only served to heighten the underlying tension felt by each member of the group; the calm before a potential storm.
Given the compact size of the area they were to defend, it became clear why the mission had called for only a select number of warriors. The limited space necessitated precision and alertness in fewer numbers, making each person's role crucial to the success of the operation.
The group established a rotating guard schedule to ensure that the entrance was monitored at all times. They divided themselves into four shifts, each lasting six hours, with four to five people per shift. This arrangement allowed some members to rest while others stood watch, a necessity given the grueling journey they had just undertaken.
During the first shift, a debate arose among the team members about whether to rest or stay vigilant. While some argued against sleeping, pointing out the potential risks of letting their guard down, others contended that they would need to sleep at some point to maintain their effectiveness. The latter group eventually prevailed, and those not on duty tried to catch some much-needed rest.
Meanwhile, Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan were relentless in their efforts to master the mana control technique taught by Nakatashi. They used their free time to practice diligently, focusing on refining their ability to channel and manipulate mana. Their dedication was such that they only paused their training to fulfill their guarding responsibilities, and once their shift ended, they immediately went back to training.
This rigorous routine continued through the next two changes of guard, with the trio managing to sleep only during their off-shift hours, amounting to roughly six hours of rest per day. Their commitment did not go unnoticed; seeing their perseverance, other members of the group felt inspired to also use their downtime for training. While none matched the intensity of Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan's sessions, the overall morale and readiness of the group were visibly enhanced.
Day after day passed in this manner, with the group settling into a rhythm of guard, train, and rest. The relative peace of their surroundings continued, with no signs of the enemy, which allowed them to focus on improving their skills and maintaining the security of their post.
As time wore on, the initial supplies they had brought with them began to dwindle. It became apparent that they would soon need to consider foraging and gathering additional food from the surrounding area to sustain themselves.