Task of the Assault Team
Three Moons gradually climbed high into the sky as the Hunter Cavalry waited at the forest's edge. Behind them, five carriages came to a stop.
The five carriages accompanying the assault team included one observation carriage, two field-kitchen carriages, and two transport carriages. In addition, there were ten sturdy Pack Beasts serving as reserve transport capacity.
Because this breakthrough mission was particularly dangerous, duties such as cooking and grooming, which had originally been handled by Mana-Less Auxiliary Army soldiers, were all taken over by young barbarians. Ten riders were also drawn from the Hunter Cavalry to serve as guards.
"Knight Netherland, Knight Neil, the rat swarm seems to have been drawn toward Xing 8 Castle," reported the Mage in charge of observation after the lookout mast was raised. "I can barely see any rats left in the caves to the north!"
"Then let's head a little farther west, and turn north once we're roughly below Yafu City?" Netherland discussed it with Neil while holding a map.
Neil nodded. "I think that works. There's a river farther west. Once we confirm the area is safe, we can contact Imola and have them head north along the river."
"Mm." Netherland said, "Better wait until we've confirmed the area is safe. They don't have horses of their own, so getting around isn't as convenient for them."
Having settled their plan, the assault team set out west once more. They traveled another kilometer before leaving the forest and turning north. After circling around a Ratman camp, they followed a river northward for several hours. Dog Forest City and Yafu City stood like two immense beacons, showing them the way.
By the time dawn began to break, the assault team had reached the northwest of Dog Forest City. Along the