Deep-Line Infiltration

A thin mist still shrouded the forest, and dew hung from the branches and leaves, glinting with a cold light. No one joked around the camp. Only footsteps and the scrape of metal could be heard. Knuckle tightened his bandages beside the fire, breathing heavily; Shoot wiped his monocle, his gaze focused; Linas carried the heavy equipment on her shoulder like a massive boulder ready to fall at any moment. Palm hugged her notebook as she sat beside a crate, reviewing last night's records. She had traced over every line forcefully, afraid of missing anything. Chatrak counted the supplies in the corner, his gaze firm as he closed the crate lid.

Morel exhaled a mouthful of smoke, spread out the map, and tapped the narrow gully between the stone basin and the side gorge with his knife hilt. He said quietly, "We'll enter from here today. The outer group must hold them back while the core group advances toward the depths. If we encounter another high-level individual, don't force a fight. Intelligence comes first."

Knov pushed up his glasses and said coldly, "I'll set up new Portal Points, but they can't be overused. Every door represents a life, so be careful."

Palm raised her head and said, her voice trembling but clear, "I'll write down everything I see."

Ryan laid his twin blades across his knees and retied the cloth around his guards. The wounds burned by acid still throbbed faintly, but his expression remained calm. He materialized Eye, and the small sphere hovered behind his shoulder, its surface giving off a dim glow. He instructed quietly, "Keep it half a person's height above the ground. Have it observe the rear sector. It must not advance on its own."

Eye trembled lightly, as if responding.

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The wind scattered the