As the group descended the small mountain and began moving through the winding paths, Isabelle found herself realising everything the members of the brigade had told them was absolutely true.
Battles were occurring everywhere.
To her left, a squad of beastkin was driving back a pack of slimes with coordinated spear thrusts.
To her right, mages were exchanging spells with something that lurked in the shadows of a rocky outcropping.
Explosions echoed from the distance. Sparks of fire and ice burst across the grey sky.
And yet...it was completely controlled.
After one battle concluded, the troops didn't celebrate or collapse in exhaustion. They simply turned and began walking back toward their posts, chatting casually among themselves.
"I'm thinking of having the beef stew for lunch today." One warrior said, wiping monster blood from her blade. "The cook's been trying a new recipe."
"Again? You had that yesterday."
"And I'll have it tomorrow too, if it's as good as it was."
