The special squad moved like phantoms through the dense jungle, their black leather armor blending seamlessly with the shadows. Each knight's breath was barely a whisper, every step measured and precise. The mission was clear: infiltrate, gather intelligence, and return without detection. The weight of the task pressed heavily on each of their minds.
Captain Loras led the unit with determination. His eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, seeking any sign of danger. He felt the heavy responsibility of ensuring everyone returned safely. Every rustle of leaves and a distant animal call made his heart race, but he remained composed, signaling to his team with a series of subtle insect sounds that blended seamlessly into the natural jungle noises.
As they navigated through a particularly dense thicket, Loras mimicked the soft chirp of a cricket, signaling the team to halt. A Galdorian patrol appeared in the distance, their presence barely a breath in the night air. The patrol passed without incident. Loras exhaled slowly, relieved but aware that their path was fraught with more danger.
Kellan moved with a mixture of fear and resolve. The memory of his mother and the destruction of his village fueled his anger. Yes, he controlled his emotions and focused on his mission. He kept close to Loras, mimicking his movements and absorbing every piece of guidance the captain offered.
As they approached a clearing, Kellan noticed something peculiar, faint, almost imperceptible line stretched across the ground. He signaled to Loras with a series of short, staccato chirps, warning him of the trap. They carefully stepped over it, avoiding what was clearly a trap meant to ensnare the unwary.
Kellan's heart pounded in his chest, but he felt a surge of pride at having spotted the danger. The mission continued, and he steeled himself for what lay ahead.
In the midst of this someone's foot caught an almost invisible tripwire. A sudden snap and a whoosh followed as a concealed spike trap triggered. Cedric barely had time to gasp before a sharpened wooden spike impaled him. He fell to the ground, his lifeblood staining the jungle floor.
The unit froze in horror, but there was no time to mourn. Loras signaled for silence with a low, persistent hum, his expression a mask of pain and fury. They couldn't afford to alert the enemy to their presence. They moved on, leaving Cedric's body as a silent testament to the mission's peril.
The jungle grew denser, the path more treacherous. The knights moved with heightened caution, every shadow a potential threat. They listened intently, catching snippets of Galdorian conversations and gathering crucial information.
"Loras," Kellan whispered, "I heard something about increased security at 2 o'clock. They're definitely hiding something."
Loras responded with a series of soft clicks, signaling agreement. "Then that's where we need to go. Stay sharp."
They pressed on, their journey fraught with close calls and tense moments. They skillfully avoided patrols, using the shadows and the natural cover of the jungle to their advantage.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of a large excavation site. Kellan's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight. Below them, partially uncovered by the Galdorians' digging, lay the ruins of a massive metropolitan city. Ancient buildings and streets sprawled out in a hauntingly majestic tableau, hidden for centuries beneath the surface.
The knights could hardly believe their eyes. This was no mere fort or hidden outpost, it was an entire city, a relic of a long-lost civilization. The implications were staggering.
Loras responded with a soft, urgent trill. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the excavation site below. "Lara," he signaled, his voice barely above a whisper, "go down and check for any clues on what we're looking at."
A shadow detached itself from the group, moving swiftly and silently down the slope. Lara's form became almost imperceptible as she glided between the guards, her presence masked by Samuel's shadow spell. Her movements were fluid, a ghost navigating through the enemy's stronghold.
Loras watched her progress intently, his expression tense. After a moment, he gave another signal, a soft buzz that rippled through the group. "Everyone, to your positions," he ordered, his tone commanding despite the quiet. "Be ready to back Lara up at any time."