The squad moved through the crimson forest slowly all the while keeping their eyes peeled for any threats. "We will stop here" Gale called out to the others who were on the verge of collapsing from sheer exhaustion. They all gladly agreed as they sat down to rest. Lee with his hands outstretched conjured water out of the air as he directed it to flow into a small earthen container (this of course was produced by Okuagu and Boaruss). The water was passed round as the squad drank not to their full but rather to what was necessary for them to survive. "I and Okuagu will go and find something to eat" Lee said out loud; slowly getting to his feet. "Not a chance. Do you think I will fold my hands and let you guys have all the fun? Asked Boaruss. "We all know that as far as hunting goes Okuagu is the best in our squad" Lee added "And also if you want to take my place you are most welcome". "Fine by me" Boaruss said as he got up smiling. "Don't wander to far" Emerald said with a yawn.
"Why don't you join them Lee? Gale asked with a forced smile. "Two people are already enough and also the rest of us will need to reserve our energy" Lee replied. "Anyways I will be off" Diamond suddenly said, taking a look at her soiled tunic. "To where? Gale asked with a frown. "Lee said earlier that he had conjured the water from a nearby source and not from the air like I originally thought" Diamond said as she continued to walk forward. "That doesn't answer the question" Gale shouted after the exiting Diamond. "Wait for me sis! Emerald called out as she ran after Diamond. "So that leaves the both of us" Gale said dejectedly after Okuagu and Boaruss left. Lee didn't say anything and simply closed his eyes as he rested his back against a tree. "Hehehe it's time for me to check on the girls" Gale reasoned as he smiled sheepishly. "Don't even think about it, it is rude to invade on ladies' privacy" Lee said out loud giving Gale a knowing look. "When did I ever say I was going to check out the girls" lied Gale. "Good because I suggest you spend your time on thinking of our squad's next course of action" Lee added closing his eyes once again. "Whatever I wonder why all the guys in this squad are such 'killjoys' Gale reasoned as he too rested on one of the many crimson trees that littered the strange forest… "Any sign of potential meat? Boaruss asked Okuagu who currently had his face on the ground as he searched for any sign of life. "Not yet. But I do smell something" Okuagu replied. Boaruss with a rotation of his palm prompted Okuagu to add some more details. "I smell other humans" Okuagu replied. "Four of them and judging from their perfumes, they must be female" Okuagu added as he rose to his feet. "Finally, there was a point that I thought we were the only surviving humans in this labyrinth'' Boaruss remarked as he heaved a sigh of relief. The two eventually decided to meet the other humans and at least find out if they had any information regarding beasts in the area.The four humans who like Okuagu had guessed were young beautiful ladies that had come to search for artefacts for their clan. Their leader was a tall brown haired woman who seemed to be in her late twenties and thus making her the oldest in her group. Unlike the Flaming Tempest squad, the ladies weren't hunters but rather mercenaries from a clan that hired out forces to tyrants and kings all over. "Rose don't you think we should head back to our shelter" one of the ladies that was currently dressed in a blue robe asked. "It's not safe there and as such we shall be leaving there to find a new shelter" Rose replied as she arranged her long flowing hair. The other ladies didn't question Rose any further as they joined her in their journey to find a new shelter or better still a way out of this cursed forest. Rose however stopped before she pointed at some bushes. The lady in the blue cloak nodded as she readied her bow and aimed at the bushes that were currently shaking.