Tris skipped along the path while humming a tune that sounded like something children would listen to before falling asleep. She seemed genuinely excited to be out like this. Camile walked a bit behind them with her usual tired expression.
"I don't know where she gets so much energy from." Camile muttered with a sigh, holding onto James's arm as support to spend less energy walking. Leon let out a small laugh at the sight.
"How long until we reach the mission location, James?" Leon asked while walking slightly ahead along the dirt road.
"A few hours. I imagine we'll arrive close to noon."
It was still around nine in the morning, so they had quite a distance left to cover on foot.
"Alright then!." Leon continued forward. He did not need to know the exact route, since James had explained that this was a single long road stretching for many kilometers.
However the sun affected the group. The intense light and the growing heat made it impossible to avoid taking breaks along the way, resting under trees to enjoy the cooler shade. Leon did not feel as affected. He was still quite willing to keep moving, but he respected the leader giving the orders.
During these breaks, Leon practiced with his long sword against nearby trees. James occasionally gave him pointers and advice on better movements and how to become more efficient with the blade overall.
Leon felt himself improving. With a bit more time he would reach a new level. 'All this sword training is making me more proficient. I wasn't a complete beginner with weapons, but I've never truly used one with my life on the line. Maybe it's the system influencing us.'
They made three stops along the way. At no point did Leon feel bothered by the sunlight or the heat. He sweated, yes, but it was not unpleasant. Was the single point he placed into Endurance already making that much of a difference? That was his theory as they continued walking.
Around two in the afternoon, they reached the place where the last caravan had been attacked. The road had already been cleared, but there were still many broken wagon remains scattered around.
"One monster did all this..." Leon swallowed dryly as he looked around.
"Don't spread out too much. Leon, go investigate the left side with Tris. I'll go with Camile on the other side." James gave the command and everyone nodded in understanding. Tris moved to Leon's side and the two began searching for clues about where the orc might have gone.
"Don't stray too far from me, Tris. If there's danger, I'll protect you." He did not say it out of arrogance, but because it was now his role. With the tank beside the mage, Leon had to guard the healer if something happened before the others could reach them.
"Are you nervous, Leon?" Tris asked while crouching near some debris to search for tracks.
"More or less. I don't think the monster is still around. But I've never done something like this. I've faced monsters before, sure, but never actively hunted one." He moved toward a few shattered crates nearby.
"It'll be fine! I believe in you!." She said while pushing aside broken wood pieces.
Leon allowed himself a faint smile as he examined the contents of the wrecked boxes. And then he saw something. He swallowed hard, sweat running down the side of his face.
'Is that?...'
He picked up the half destroyed object and stared at it. It was soaked and already falling apart, but in his hands was a planner. A notebook with white pages and neat lines. It was from his world.
He tried opening it, but there was no saving it. Rain and sun had ruined the paper completely.
But he had finally found something. Something that proved others like him were nearby. Or at least had been in the region.
He turned to Tris, trying to keep his emotions under control.
"T.Tris, do you know where this merchant caravan came from? Are they still alive?"
"I'm not entirely sure, Leon. But I think there should be survivors. If so, they're probably back in the city, maybe in a hospital. Why?"
Leon shook his head. "Nothing... just curious. Thanks."
He took a slow breath and stood up, looking toward the forest ahead. He noticed several broken branches leading inward. Leon gestured to get Tris's attention and pointed toward the direction.
She looked and nodded. Leon lowered his voice. "Go call them. I'll investigate a little deeper. It's possible the monster went this way."
"Alright. Be careful Leon. We'll be right behind you."
Tris stood and headed back toward James and Camile. They were a bit far, but still within sight. As soon as she left, Leon moved toward the forest with firm and careful steps, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw if needed.
Once past the first broken branches, Leon could clearly see a path carved into the ground. Debris scattered everywhere and... blood. There was a trail of blood leading deeper into the forest.
He stared at it, his feet freezing for a moment. Leon swallowed hard. Then the metallic smell hit him.
'Not good. I can't lose myself over this. The mission notice mentioned victims.'
Aside from minor injuries and occasional blood donations, Leon had never seen this much blood. Especially not a trail of it. It was dark and nearly dried, but still disturbing. Not something from his old normal world.
Leon raised his fist and lightly punched his own cheek.
'Don't freeze now Leon. We have bigger things to accomplish. Get over it.'
He recovered enough to continue forward. The scene did not change much. Occasional pools of blood on the ground, as if the creature had stopped there for a moment before moving on. Leon followed cautiously, scanning his surroundings. The smell grew stronger after several minutes of walking.
Then he heard a grunt ahead.
Leon immediately hid behind the nearest tree, positioning himself for cover. His heart pounded heavily as he tried to control his breathing.