The rustic cottages blended seamlessly into the dimly lit forest, their weathered wooden exteriors mirroring the ancient trees that loomed above.
Figures clad in dark attire, their faces obscured by scarves, moved with deliberate steps among the makeshift dwellings.
The air was heavy with an almost palpable sense of secrecy, as if the forest itself was privy to their clandestine activities.
A bell tolled, its metallic clang piercing the stillness and bringing all activity to a halt.
The figures froze, their heads swiveling towards the largest cottage in the center of the clearing.
As one, they moved towards the gathering point, their curiosity and anticipation palpable.
Fifteen men, each dressed in the attire of a burglar, assembled before the large cottage. They waited with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the entrance.
The door swung open, revealing a towering figure with massive muscles and piercing eyes that seemed to bore into those before him.
His gaze swept across the assembly, and most felt a shiver run down their spines as his eyes locked onto theirs.
At an intimidating height of seven feet, the man exuded an aura of power and authority.
His presence was undeniable, and the fear that flickered in the eyes of those before him was a testament to his commanding presence.
As he stood before them, his gaze lingering on each face, the air seemed to vibrate with tension, and the assembled group held its collective breath, awaiting his words.
The leader's calm voice cut through the air. "You guys have at least done some work." However, his tone shifted as he continued, "But you wasted hours with the slaves, indulging in unnecessary pleasures."
His disgust was evident as he glared at the group. The leader stood there, contemplating how to punish them for their lack of productivity, when he heard footsteps behind him.
A man emerged from the house, his body covered in scars. He was lean and muscular, but shorter than the leader. "Leader, don't worry about them," he said. "They're the type who think with their instincts; they can't change that."
The leader scoffed, and the scarred man took charge. "There's an announcement to make," he said. "Tomorrow, we'll be looting another village. Today, you're free to use the slave women as you please; we'll be restocking them soon."
The group's faces lit up with lustful smiles, and the scarred man nodded. "Now, get back to work. Ensure our weapons are ready and cleaned by tomorrow."
As the group dispersed, they bowed their heads in respect. "Thank you, Vice Leader," they said in unison.
The leader nodded and said, "Dismissed."
As the group dispersed, the leader turned to the vice leader, his voice tinged with contempt.
"We're spoiling them, giving them too much leeway." The vice leader approached, his expression neutral.
"We can't be choosy, Leader," he replied, his tone pragmatic. "We're not in a position to dictate terms. We have to make do with the resources we have."
The vice leader glanced back at the departing figures, a hint of disgust flickering across his face.
"And those men are a bunch of depraved animals," he added, his voice low.
The leader's gaze snapped back to the vice leader, his eyes narrowing. "We need to be prepared for tomorrow," the vice leader continued, his expression serious. "Those adventurers are still hunting us after the last village raid."
The leader nodded curtly, his mind already focused on the challenges ahead.
"Once I reach [D-] rank, we'll have more freedom to operate in the forest," he said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
"That's great news," the vice leader replied, flashing a smile as he followed the leader.
Meanwhile, two guards took up positions at the entrance of the base, a sturdy wooden structure that blended into the surrounding forest.
The rest of the men dispersed to their assigned tasks, their rugged appearance and battle-worn gear a testament to their turbulent lives.
As night began to fall, one of the guards atop the watchtower spoke up, his voice low and conversational. "Why do we have to stand guard today? There's nothing going on."
His companion, scanning the surroundings with a bow at the ready, replied, "Just wait for our shift to end, and then we can have some fun with the women."
The first guard's gaze drifted out into the darkness, his eyes sparkling with a mix of boredom and curiosity.
"Hey, have you heard the rumors about something haunting this forest?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
His companion snorted, his expression dismissive. "Don't be ridiculous. This is the Elshire forest, home to some of the most powerful monsters out there. No way someone could take them down solo."
He emphasized his point with a crude gesture, his middle finger raised in mockery.
The storyteller persisted, his hands weaving a vivid picture of the gruesome scenes left in the mysterious entity's wake.
"They say it's impossible to tell if it's human or monster, the way it leaves its victims."
The other guard rolled his eyes, his expression disgusted. "Stop being so dramatic. You look like a fool."
But the storyteller just smirked, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "You won't be laughing when it shows up. I bet you'll be the first one it takes down."
Just then, a faint hissing sound echoed through the forest, sending a shiver down the guards' spines. "Did you hear that?" one of them whispered, his eyes scanning the darkness.
The other guard's grip on his bow tightened, his arrow at the ready. "Hear what?"
But as they waited, the silence stretched out, and they found nothing. "Must have been my imagination," the first guard whispered, lowering his guard.
His companion followed suit, loosening his bowstring. But as they relaxed, one of them suddenly spoke up,
"I'm going to take a piss. Want to hold it for me?" He asked casually, already heading down from the watchtower.
"Get lost," his companion shot back, taking a few steps away from the watchtower.
The remaining guard stood alone, waiting for his friend to return from his brief excursion.
However, as the minutes ticked by, his companion failed to reappear.
Just as the guard was about to call out for him, a glint of metal caught his eye.
Something was hurtling towards him at an alarming speed.
"Wha-?"
The guard's words were cut short as the object pierced his skull, exploding it in a shower of blood and bone.
The projectile lodged firmly in the wall, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.