We left Vailor before the sun reached its highest point in the sky, and this time it wasn't like departing for a common mission. The movement was greater, organized, heavy. Entire troops followed defined routes, with commanders at the front and clear objectives. The sound of armor, synchronized footsteps, and orders being given created a constant rhythm that left no room for distraction.
I was at the front of one of the columns.
Not alone.
Beside me, Liriel kept an attentive gaze, analyzing every detail of the movement. Elara followed a bit behind, observing both the groups and the terrain at the same time. Rai'kanna walked firmly, with an imposing presence, while Lyannis seemed lighter, yet still attentive. Scarlett stayed close to me, silent, focused. Vespera moved naturally among the groups, as if she had already adapted to the chaos.
It was the first time I led something like this.
Not a small group.
Not a mission.
But a real force.
"You're quiet," Scarlett said, without looking directly at me.
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
"How to keep all of this working."
She nodded slightly.
"Makes sense."
Ahead, the road began to split. Some troops headed east, others more directly north. Our route was intermediate, passing through regions where villages had been frequently attacked.
Liriel moved a bit closer.
"We need to maintain formation. If it starts to break, it turns into a mess quickly."
"I know."
"Then define roles now."
I looked back for a moment. The number of adventurers wasn't small. Many were high rank, but still… different styles, different behaviors.
"We'll divide into three lines," I said.
She listened closely.
"Front, middle, and rear."
Elara approached as she heard.
"Who goes where?"
"Rai'kanna at the front. Raw strength and initial impact."
She smiled faintly.
"I expected that."
"Elara, support in the middle. Situation control."
"Of course."
"Vespera and Lyannis in the rear. Coverage and quick response."
Lyannis raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting."
Vespera simply nodded.
Scarlett looked at me.
"And me?"
"With me."
She didn't respond, but it was clear she understood.
Liriel crossed her arms.
"And me?"
"General coordination with me as well."
She nodded.
"Then it works."
It wasn't perfect.
But it was a start.
We kept advancing for hours. The terrain gradually began to change, becoming more uneven, with clear signs of recent passage by larger groups. Marks on the ground, damaged trees, small burned areas.
"They passed through here," Elara said.
"Yes," I replied.
"Not long ago."
Rai'kanna tightened her grip on her weapon slightly.
"Then we're close."
Lyannis looked around.
"Or they want us to think that."
"That too," I said.
The march continued, but now more cautiously. The pace slowed a bit, and the groups began to adjust better. It wasn't just walking anymore.
It was advancing.
After some time, we stopped at a small elevation. From there, it was possible to observe part of the region ahead. There was no visible movement, but the silence felt strange.
"We'll camp here," I said.
Liriel looked around.
"Good position."
"Wide view, stable ground," Elara added.
The groups began to organize. Some set up simple structures, others took care of equipment. There wasn't complete relaxation, but it also wasn't constant tension.
It was control.
Scarlett approached again.
"First day."
"Yes."
"And you can already feel it."
"Yes."
She stayed silent for a moment.
"You're handling it well."
I looked ahead.
"I'm adapting."
Rai'kanna approached with firm steps.
"The front line is ready."
"Good."
"But some aren't used to following orders."
"I noticed."
She crossed her arms.
"You'll have to enforce it."
"I know."
Lyannis appeared shortly after.
"The rear is calm."
"At least for now."
"Exactly."
Vespera simply confirmed with a slight nod.
Elara returned to observing the horizon.
"This is too quiet."
"I thought so too," Liriel said.
The wind blew stronger at that moment, carrying a faint smell of something burned.
Everyone noticed.
"Then we're not far," Scarlett said.
"No," I replied.
The sun was beginning to set, and the golden light cast long shadows across the terrain. The atmosphere grew heavier as night approached.
I looked once more at the horizon.
Something wasn't right.
It wasn't just the silence.
It was the sensation.
Still faint.
But present.
As if something was watching.
I took a deep breath.
"Tomorrow we advance further," I said.
The group nodded.
No discussion.
No doubt.
The first march had been completed.
But that was only the beginning.
Because now…
They were already close.