The group finally decided to settle down for the night, finding a small clearing in the forest. The air was crisp, and the distant sounds of nature filled the silence. A small fire flickered in the center, casting warm shadows on their faces.
The Mud Gremlins, were busy preparing food. They worked with surprising efficiency, their small hands chopping, stirring, and grilling over the fire. One of them, a particularly round one, carried a pot that was almost bigger than its own body, wobbling as it walked.
Mike leaned back, stretching his arms. "Man, I never thought I'd say this, but I think I love these little guys."
One of the Mud Gremlins looked up at him, tilting its head.
Mike smirked. "I mean, look at them. They're like walking rice cookers with arms. I kinda wanna take one home and make it may personal chef."
Kiera, who was perched on a tree branch, snorted. "You're weird."
"Hey, don't judge. I respect hard workers," Mike replied, watching as another Mud Gremlin stirred a bubbling stew. The smell was heavenly.
Brutus, however, was not relaxing. While everyone else was resting, he was training the soldiers—again.
"Alright, you lazy bastards!" Brutus barked, pacing back and forth. "You think walking is enough? You think just following behind our fighters makes you warriors? No! Until you can fight, you're just baggage!"
The soldiers groaned but obeyed, picking up their training weapons.
Keira chuckled. " they just walked for hours. Give them a break."
Brutus shot him a glare. "Did you complain when I trained you?"
Kiera hesitated. "...I mean, I wanted to."
"Exactly. Now shut up and let me work."
Mike laughed. "Brutus, you're worse than an old man with nothing better to do."
Brutus crossed his arms. "At least I have standards my lord."
Meanwhile, Loran was sitting nearby, flipping through an ancient-looking book. The firelight flickered over his face as he read in silence.
Mike leaned over. "Whatcha reading?"
Loran didn't even glance up. "A text on magic theory."
Mike blinked. "Sounds... fun?"
Loran smirked. "More fun than watching brutus train the soldier."
The group chuckled.
The Mud Gremlins soon finished cooking and began serving food. The stew was rich and flavorful, the roasted meat perfectly tender. Mike took a big bite and sighed in satisfaction.
"This," he said, "is why I keep these little guys around."
As the group ate, the night passed peacefully. But deep in the forest, something stirred.
The real challenges were still ahead.
TO BE CONTINUED...