"Nert, stick close to Jiighual and watch his back. Use the trees and bushes to move up quietly; don't let them spot you. Jiighual, you're upfront when the time comes, but no engaging until I signal. I'll hang back, get a good look at their gear from up in the trees. Once I've seen enough, I'll signal you, Jiighual, to charge. Let's keep this smooth, understood?"

"Understood, Captain!" Nert and Jiighual replied in unison.

The three of them quietly took their positions.

Zach climbed the trees, moving with slow, careful steps as he got a closer view of the strangers approaching their hideout.

Nert and Jiighual crouched in the bushes, keeping their breaths shallow, watching through gaps in the leaves.

△▼△▼△▼△

Three men trudged slowly through the dense rainforest, each step taking them closer to the hidden hideout.

They kept talking to calm themselves, hoping their voices would chase away the shadows.

"Did you see the look on that guy's face when he said there's treasure here? Confident as hell."

"Yeah, like he's done this a hundred times. Probably thinks he's some kind of expert."

"Expert? Pfft. He looked more like a drunk idiot if you ask me."

"Will you shut it already? This forest has more than trees and bugs. For all we know, something's watching us right now."

"True. Wouldn't want to end up some creature's lunch."

"Alright, alright, weapons ready! I'm not getting ambushed by anything in here."

They all gripped their swords tighter, glancing around, trying to shake off the creeping nerves.

"Speaking of which, did you hear about that poor guy in one of the kingdoms? Forgot what kingdom it was. The one who lost his daughter? I heard some... assassins, well, you know..."

"I've heard about that. They say it was Ybael. Left that man with nothing but vengeance in his eyes."

"Yeah, wouldn't want to cross paths with someone like him, not with that kind of anger burning inside."

"They say that man's daughter. She didn't just disappear. No. She was sliced up. They say a group of assassins cut her down without mercy. Left no chance for the poor girl."

"But isn't that what the Renaissance band does? They're ruthless, slaughtering whoever stands in their way. No code, no morals. Just a thirst for blood and chaos."

"Yet, there's no proof it was them. Some say it was just mercenaries or even wild animals. But with those—those cuts? Feels too precise, too... intentional. That's why folks blame the band."

As they walked, the men's voices dropped into hushed tones.

"You know, the man's story. It reminds me of the warrior from Aetheria."

"Him? The one they say lost his wife and daughter out of nowhere? Thought he could protect anyone and everyone. Yet they were killed."

The third man let out a low, uneasy chuckle.

"Yeah, and wasn't it strange? Renaissance band didn't even hit the kingdom then, but somehow, she was just gone."

Their words turned heavier, weaving the mystery tighter.

"Makes you wonder. No blood on the streets. No fight. Just like she vanished."

"And the man? You think he ever found out why?"

△▼△▼△▼△

Zach clung to the tree branch, the rough bark digging into his palms as he focused intently on the three men below.

As they walked and talked, he began to mutter his observations, his mind racing with analysis.

"Let's see. That first one—strong stance, but there's tension in his shoulders. He's eager for a fight, but that overconfidence could be his downfall. His sword looks well-kept. He's used it before, likely in serious battles. He thinks he's invincible."

Zach's gaze shifted to the other man, who was glancing around nervously.

"And him? He's the cautious one. Always scanning, always aware. Smart, but too anxious. That could mean he's not fully committed to the group or their mission. He's got a dagger sheathed at his side—quick and dirty. He prefers stealth over strength."

Finally, Zach looked at the final man, leaning against a tree with an easy smile.

"Then there's this joker. Hiding fear behind that grin. He's the glue that keeps them together, but if things get serious, will he step up? He's got a crossbow slung across his back—perfect for picking off enemies from a distance. But that might not save him if he freezes in a tight spot."

As the men moved closer to the hideout, Zach took note of the details in their armor.

"Leather, worn and patched. They've been in skirmishes. Not the best protection, but lightweight. They're likely quick on their feet, but if they face real weapons, they'll struggle."

He continued, whispering to himself,

"They've got pockets stuffed with who knows what—maybe food or stolen goods? But wait, is that a small pouch? It could be something valuable. A lockpick, perhaps. That's dangerous."

With each muttered thought, Zach's pulse quickened. 

He couldn't help but feel the weight of their approach. 

Every detail mattered.

He steeled himself, ready to give Jiighual the signal when the time came. This was a game of wits and Zach was determined to play it to win.

Zach took a deep breath, focusing on the men below as they continued their chatter. 

The moment felt right. 

He raised his hand, fingers curling into a tight fist, the signal for Jiighual.

"Now."

Nert glanced at Zach, catching the signal and feeling the energy shift in the air.

"Jiighual, now!"

With a nod of determination, Jiighual crouched low, his muscles tense and ready. 

He could feel the adrenaline rushing through him, lighting a fire in his gut.

This was his moment.

"You three are in for a wild ride! RAAAAAA!"

Nert's heart raced as he watched Jiighual leap forward, crashing through the underbrush with surprising speed despite his heavy weight.

The moment Jiighual's roar echoed through the rainforest, birds exploded from the trees, flapping in a frenzy. 

Nearby animals—deer, foxes, wolves, and even bears—darted away, frightened by the sound that shook the air.

It was a roar that sent chills down the spine, a primal cry that felt like the call of a fierce monster, hungry for blood.

"What the—! Did you hear that?!"

"Holly crap! What in the world is that?!"

"Run, guys! RUN!"

Panic gripped them as they scrambled to escape, their eyes wide with fear. 

The unexpected chaos had turned their confident chatter into frantic shouts, and they were now just three men desperate to survive.

With fierce determination, Jiighual charged forward, his powerful muscles straining as he barreled into the trees blocking his path. 

Each trunk trembled under his force, splintering and crashing down with a thunderous thud.

The forest echoed with the sound of snapping branches and falling timber, a testament to his raw power.

As the last tree fell behind him, Jiighual's eyes locked onto the three men. 

They stumbled back, their faces pale with shock as they realized the danger closing in on them.

"You won't get away that easy!"

Before they could scatter or try to flee, Jiighual lunged at them with his pavise shield, his strong arms outstretched. 

He barreled into the trio, using his momentum to knock them off their feet. 

The impact was like a force of nature—each man tumbled, unable to react in time as Jiighual shoved them together in a heap.

"No! Get off me!"

"What the hell just happened?!"

Their shouts mingled with the sound of rustling leaves and snapping branches as Jiighual stood over them, breathing heavily, the adrenaline coursing through him. 

He had them trapped, their chaotic attempts to escape only further entangling them in each other.

With a fierce grin, Jiighual roared again, his voice echoing through the rainforest, a declaration of victory.

"Now, let's see what you're made of!!"

He shoved the three men down to the ground with his heavy shield, the weight of it pressing them into the forest floor. 

Raising his shield high above his head, he prepared to strike, ready to unleash his strength.

"Jiighual, no! I told you to go easy on them!"

Hearing Zach's shout, Jiighual froze, turning his head to see his captain standing just behind him, concern etched across his face.

"Captain, I'm sorry! I got carried away with all this adrenaline. I just wanted to show them I mean business!"

"I know, but we need them alive to talk. We can't let our anger take over, okay?"

Jiighual nodded, his chest still heaving with the rush of battle, the fire in his eyes softening as he looked back at the men beneath him.

"Alright, I'll hold back. But they better not try anything funny!"

The three men, still on the ground, exchanged frightened glances, realizing they were dealing with someone who could easily crush them.

Zach walked closer, looking down at the men with a serious expression.

"Do you know who we are?"

Jiighual leaned in, his voice low and threatening. 

"Talk! Or else!" he raised his shield high again, making it clear he meant business.

"You're Zach, the captain of the Renaissance band!"

"Please, have mercy on us!"

Zach nodded slowly, his gaze intense.

"I have three questions for you. Answer them all, or things will get very bad for you three. Understand?"

He shot a quick glance at Jiighual, silently signaling him to back off.

Jiighual lowered his shield, respecting Zach's authority.

"Now, who are you? Why are you here? How did you get here?"

"We're just a bunch of adventurers! We make a living by taking quests from strangers, guilds, or even rich folks. We came because of two men from the guild in Aetheria. They gave us a ride and pointed us in the right direction. I swear, that's all we know about how we got here!"

Zach raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did those two men look like? Any idea who they are?"

"One was a tall bald guy, and the other looked like a drunk! They said they were treasure hunters and mentioned something about treasure in this rainforest. We didn't even know we'd find you here!"

"Yes! That's the truth!"

Jiighual leaned closer, still unsure. "Captain, do you think they're telling the truth?"

Zach thought for a moment, assessing their sincerity.

"From my gut feeling, I think they are. But we'll keep a close eye on them."

As the tension hung in the air, Jiighual's brow furrowed. He glanced around, his heart racing.

"Oh yeah, where's Nert, captain?"

The question echoed in his mind, growing louder with each passing moment. He could feel a knot of worry tightening in his stomach.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The once vibrant sounds of the rainforest faded into an eerie silence. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, leaving an unsettling stillness in the air.

Zach's instincts kicked in; something felt wrong. He turned back to Jiighual, urgency in his voice.

"You three. Get out of here, now. Don't do anything stupid, or else..."

"Yes! We're going!"

The three men scrambled to their feet, ready to flee. 

But just then, a dark shadow leaped forward, a massive halberd slicing through the air.

Taking their heads off in one swift motion.The sickening smell of blood filled the forest, but Zach and Jiighual were hardly shaken. 

They had faced worse horrors in battle.

"Can't let you three take our precious info back to the guild! That's our credit! HA HA HA HA HA!" Xertu cackled.

Zach and Jiighual exchanged quick glances, knowing they were up against a serious threat.

Then, another shadow rushed into the fray, darting behind Jiighual and stabbing him in the right leg with a machete. 

The sudden pain brought Jiighual to his knees, and a hard kick knocked him down further.

Zach spun around, his heart racing. 

Seeing Jiighual on the ground, he lunged forward and landed a solid punch to the attacker's jaw. 

He followed up with a kick to the head, but the man dodged, quickly distancing himself.

"Ouch! That hurts, you know?!" Sanaage exclaimed.

Zach's eyes narrowed as he prepared for the next move, adrenaline pumping through him.

Jiighual gritted his teeth, struggling to stand despite the pain.

"I'm not done yet! Let's take them down together!

The tension in the air was palpable as Jiighual and Zach faced off against Xertu and Sanaage.

He quickly closed the distance to Xertu, aiming a powerful punch at the man's gut. 

"Stay sharp, Jiighual!"

Xertu sidestepped, swinging his halberd in a wide arc. The blade missed Zach by inches, but the force of it sent a shudder through the ground.

"You'll need to do better than that!" 

Meanwhile, Sanaage's eyes were locked on Jiighual, spotting the weakness in his stance.

"Time to test that leg of yours!"

Without warning, he lunged at Jiighual, machete aimed low. 

Jiighual raised his shield just in time, but the impact rattled him, pain shooting through his injured leg.

"Argh! Not today!" 

Using the momentum, Jiighual shoved his shield forward, pushing Sanaage back.

Zach saw Jiighual struggle and quickly turned his focus back to Xertu, who had recovered and was swinging the halberd again. 

This time, Zach ducked and tackled Xertu to the ground, grappling for control.

Xertu grunted, trying to push Zach off. 

But Zach used his weight to keep Xertu pinned down, landing a couple of quick punches to the man's side.

"You think you can take us both?" 

Meanwhile, Jiighual gritted his teeth against the pain in his leg, watching Sanaage recover. 

He took a deep breath, determined to stand his ground.

"You think a shield will save you?" Sanaage sneered.

Sanaage charged again, swinging his machete with intent. 

Jiighual raised his shield defensively, feeling the weight of the blow. The shock vibrated through him, but he held his ground.

"You're going to regret that!" Jiighual vowed.

As Zach finally managed to push Xertu off him, he turned just in time to see Jiighual struggle. He rushed to his friend's side.

With a renewed sense of determination, Zach helped Jiighual regain his footing. 

They stood side by side, ready to face their attackers together.

"Let's end this!" Jiighual declared.

Sanaage suddenly raised his hands, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"Wait! Time out!" 

Zach and Jiighual exchanged confused glances, both men ready to fight but sensing something had shifted.

"What are you playing at?" Jiighual asked.

Sanaage took a step back, a mix of frustration and urgency in his eyes.

"Look, let's be real. You two are stronger than we thought. That sneaky attack? You survived it. We're not gonna win this. Not now."

"So, you're giving up? Just like that?" Jiighual challenged.

Sanaage shook his head, his tone shifting to something darker.

"Nope. This isn't over yet. We'll meet again, soon enough. And that friend of yours, the charming blonde kid? You two didn't even notice. HA HA HA HA HA! He's going to die soon—not by my hands, but I know it'll happen!"

"What are you talking about!?" Jiighual yelled.

Sanaage smirked, his eyes glinting with malice.

"You'll find out. Soon."

Without another word, Sanaage and Xertu turned and bolted into the shadows, leaving a heavy silence behind.

"Captain! We can't just let them get away!" Jiighual urged.

As Jiighual prepared to chase after them, Zach's voice stopped him.

"Jiighual, no. Nert is our priority now."

"But captain!" 

"I know. But finding Nert comes first. Plus, one of your legs isn't in good condition. We can't let those two lead us away from our real mission."

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the tension.

"Captain, I'm right here behind you," Nert said.

Zach and Jiighual turned to see Nert stumbling towards them, bleeding but looking surprisingly okay.

"Nert! Are you alright?" Jiighual asked.

"I'm okay. Just a scratch. I got ambushed from behind. Before I knew it, I was knocked down. Just a few cuts on my arms and legs," Nert replied.

He gestured to the small, shallow gashes on his skin, each one a reminder of the surprise attack.

Jiighual's expression hardened with concern.

Nert smiled weakly, trying to ease their worry.

"I'm okay. Just a scratch. I didn't want to miss out on the fun."

Zach let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relief flooding through him.

"You scared us, man. We thought—" Jiighual began.

"Yeah, I know. But I'm still standing! I didn't let them take me down completely. What's the plan now?" Nert asked.

Zach let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relief flooding through him.

"I'm glad you're okay. But first, let's get you patched up."

△▼△▼△▼△

Xertu sprinted ahead, laughing with glee.

"HA HA HA HA HA! Did you see that kid with the shield? He was shaking like a leaf, bleeding from his leg! That was priceless! HA HA HA HA HA!"

Sanaage shook his head, still feeling the tension from their earlier encounter.

"This isn't the time to celebrate. Just because he survived my ambush doesn't mean we're in the clear."

"I get it! But next time, we finish him for good, right?!"

"Next time." 

Xertu's laughter faded as he recalled something important.

"Hey, why didn't you finish off that blonde kid when you had the chance?"

Sanaage hesitated, a shadow crossing his face.

"I don't know... something just felt off. But don't worry, I'll make sure it gets done."

Xertu paused, sensing something was troubling Sanaage.

"What's bothering you?"

Sanaage brushed off the question, his focus shifting back to their escape.

"Nothing! Let's just get out of here. We need to inform those adventurers where they are, and then we can claim the reward for ourselves! HA HA HA HA HA!"

Xertu grinned, feeling the excitement return.

"Now that's the spirit!"

As they ran, Sanaage's brow furrowed, deep in thought, almost like he was second-guessing something from earlier.

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════