Getting here was a grueling task, it demanded everything in them to survive the prowling dangers on the way. While the current mission at hand required the best of them. Hence, they rest from noon to dusk. Furthermore, illegally sneaking in broad daylight was not very wise. They need all the advantage they could get, the obscuring cover of night included. After all, Log Wall inhabitants are not nocturnal vampires or Gricks. They're like the young Aster, lost within the cage of Foggy Ring ruled by Gricks and vampires. Hence, with capability to do so, they built their own home inside foreign property for safety or discriminative reason.
When the bright sun fully left the world, welcoming boundless shadow around along the blue moon. The two awoken and quickly begun their work.
Slowly walking in the silent woods, Pert curiously ask.
"So, what are we supposed to do now? We can't just directly barge in there, can we?... Well, considering how wild your actions are sometimes, like what you did with the Blinker. It's not out of my expectations, but I'm worried."
Zyro look at the distant wooden barrier towering above. By now, at their position, he could partially see it's true size and some vivid details. One of which is watchtowers on top of the wall, and strategic windows here and there.
After studying the imposing barricade for a while, Zyro lightly shook his head in disappointment. His tone even.
"I wish it can be done quick, but no. The enemy we're offending are too many, we're greatly outnumber. One slight mistake inside, we will be surrounded by a hundred wards with no way of scaping. That's their home after all, while we're mostly unaware of Log Wall structure. So, we better start expanding what we know by scouting around it."
There's no objections between them, for Zyro's plan followed reason. With that decided, the dou continue heading towards Log Wall by foot. The closer one in the safe territory, the fewer beast dare to roam around. therefore, threats of lurking monster was not in their worries.
Pert and Zyro maintain caution at all times no matter the circumstances. Specially Zyro, who is cynical in nature and Pert having learned the lesson of not letting his guard down the hard way.
As they tread forward in the dark forest, Zyro's attention was caught by a luminous dot ahead. Pert notice it too, of course. After all, bright things shout attention in the shadows of night.
Despite being quiet a distance away, and blocked by multiple standing trees. The orange radiance, that obviously originated from flame. Shone through tiny gaps, reaching their attentive sight.
Zyro quickly stopped, followed by Pert before saying the obvious.
"Camp fire"
It could be some kind of ghastly creature, too. The type that use bright flame in the dead of night to attract preys into a trap. However, the position being near Log Wall strongly suggest otherwise. This close to a big settlement imply that it's made by camping group of people.
Still, it's not confirmed. This world does not follow Earth's norm, thus, Zyro will never truly know whatever produce it unless he try looking.
Pert agreed as well, following Zyro footsteps as he went closer towards the burning flare. Soon, his suspicion was proven right. It was indeed man-made. Silently hidden behind obscuring bushes, Zyro's eyes stare at the slightly distant scene before him.
Three men's sat around a dancing flame on whatever low chair they could find in the primitive wilderness. Three Makeshift, long triangular tents was placed near them, each large enough to accommodate one person. They lively chat with smiles on their faces and often laugh, as they waited for the skewered meat bathing in heat besides the campfire to be cooked.
Zyro can't hear their conversation, of course. He had to maintain safe distance, hindering him from listening to their idle talk, not like he really care though, his only interested is whatever vague information regarding Log Wall they're randomly spouting. That said, judging by the barbaric acts of the three brutes, their talk seemed like meaningless bragging. Nonetheless, it's better than none.
He could personally interact with them, of course. However, he was reluctant to do so. Mainly because they're obviously real Hunters.
Differ to Earth human hunters, which is considered a practice of ancient culture in the advance era Zyro was born in. Earth hunters pale in comparison, no matter how exceptional they may be. Because of an obvious reason, most beasts of this worlds aren't born preys, rather, the opposite. They're monsters, and it's no exaggeration.
Truthfully speaking, the Eyeless Hound was already as fearsome as bears. Yet those blind wolf's were deemed weak in this world. Hinting the difference in strength between human hunters of earth, and this world huntsman. If eyeless hounds was considered weak, then just how strong peoples that brave the dangerous woods of beast ridden forest?
Visibly superior than average soldiers, that's for sure. Zyro knew by experience that It took courage to venture the jungle, and more important, expertise and strength to survive.
In fact, there's been argument that hunters were better than guards. Reasonably, the former often wins. Wardens usually stayed stationed to guard on top or behind gates, while hunters dive through dreadful woods where beasts lurk everywhere without walls serving as cover.
Hence, Zyro prefer fighting guards of Log Wall than the three before him. Not like he have intention to suddenly start a brawl instead of talking. People's are abstract creatures, potential violence was always present when negotiating, when that happens, Zyro might loss his life. Considering that they look like wild brutes in wild environment, unreasonable misunderstanding leading to fist-talk may spark.
Although, Zyro's current power surpass average. With the corrupting soul core gifted ability, and Shroud of Night cladding. He won't take unpromising risk, specially near Log Wall - the place they're planning to infiltrate.
Then again, his not alone. Pert was beside him in this journey, they shared path together towards freedom. Zyro's decision may seem always right, but sometimes, his slightly uncertain. Sure, his deduction about the three hunters barbaric character was rational, but that's not the truest fact. Maybe they're actually friendly?
Zyro head turn to Pert who's observing beside him. Noticing his companion sudden movement, Pert ask in a whisper.
"What?"
Zyro's gaze return on the hunters. In even voice, low but audible, he said.
"What do you think? Should we make contact with them or nah?"
He didn't mix his own opinion, not wanting to affect Pert's judgment. The kid was born in this world, lived in the Kingdom of Strays for several years as an adventurer with his family. It's normal to assume he encountered numerous hunters too, making him better at analyzing the hunters character.
Upon hearing his questions, Pert golden eyes study Zyro's appearance. It was messy, to say the least. After a while, he try looking at himself. It was dark, so he didn't see much, but enough to confirm they're really untidy in others view.
Then, he sigh with a dejected smile. Whispering.
"I don't think we should talk to them, better yet, let's not let them see us. Because we're doomed if that happens, trust me. I've known many hunters before, although some of them are proper, most hunters were a little bit rough on the head or a lot. I mean, only deranged people would voluntarily enter dangerous wilderness and endure surviving for days. But most importantly, our appearance right now... We look like ragged slaves, and we haven't remove our collars yet."
They didn't have necessary tools and equipment to safely remove the iron shackles of the Mine without damaging their spine or neck. So, it remain, but hidden by clothes.
Zyro throw him a questioning look.
"Meaning?"
"We all know that hunters love gaining on their hunt. If they see poor dressed people like us, I'm sure they will first search for collars on our neck. Once checked that we two are scaped slaves... We will be nothing more than free loot for them to be sold for pennies."
"Wait, maybe we can somehow cut... Never mind, they'll probably just say we're still sellable without collars."
Pert's sad face suddenly gleamed, as if thinking of a solution. But turn crestfallen the next moment, shaking his head.
The least they want are fights, and attempting to made contact with the three hunters will guarantee trouble.
Unexpectedly, Zyro didn't share the kid's downhearted disappointment. Instead of being dejected, Zyro have relief painted of his face.
Staring at the hunters in a new light, as if he saw golden key's. Zyro grinned.
"Isn't that convenient."
Pert was confused.
"Huh?"
Zyro started standing up, content by what he found. Because the trouble he anticipated to bugged him for long was suddenly gone. He thought going pass the mighty wooden barrier of Log Wall would be difficult. But as it turns out, it's not.
"We're in luck kid, our key came sooner than expected."
Pert was bewildered for a few moments more by what Zyro had said. Then, his companion last sentence made him realize.
"W-wait, wait, wait, wait... Don't tell me your doing something crazy again!"