The Achievement Junkie

Within a few hours, the entire party was gathered around the dinner table finishing a mighty feast that Eliza had prepared for them.

Rydel was the main speaker this time as he filled in everybody about the rumors of smaller military groups and companies being transferred to the nearby mountain range. It was being done subtly at first but now soldiers were no longer returning yet more were still be dispatched. He also mentioned that almost all military personnel in the city of Zurden was about to be d transferred to that very mountain range within the next day or two.

Considering everything they knew the party was able to deduce that the mountain range was most likely where they needed to go.

They then discussed what the next steps to their plan would be. It was understood by all that they would be using no fire while camping in order to remain hidden, and not stray far from camp. Also, in the morning they planned to visit the scruffy bartender and pay whatever they needed to fix the damages while letting him know that they may not return.

The girls were both excited and anxious as they moved forward with this plan. Rydel wouldn't say anything but the fire in his eyes was enough to show everybody that he didn't want to wait any longer. At the same time, Jack had an empty smile while he stewing in thought.

Night went by slow for some and quicker for others. Morning came and they all left the house and thanked the owner for letting them rent it.

They then left the city limits. Once they were far enough to not be seen or heard Jack brought out Appa and the party flew into the distance.

Not even half an hour passed before they descended and continued on foot in order to not get caught by possible military scouts.

After hours of walking stealthily into the mountain range, the party finally stopped.

Rydel, who had been scouting ahead, had returned to the group with some news about a military company not too far ahead. Based on the way they were going the party shouldn't be too much further from the army's camp.

With that in mind, Jack and the party decided it was best to find a place to camp not too far away but not too close as to be caught so easily.

It took some time but they eventually found a small mountain cave that winded for a little while till ending in a decent-sized opening.

Each party member took out some kari crystals and placed them around the new campsite. Thanks to the cave's winding path, no light would be able to exit the tunnel. Cooking with a fire still wasn't an option but at least they could have light.

It was getting late in the afternoon as the girls were setting up tents and the boys left to go scout out the army.

Both men were invisible, one thanks to his blessing and one thanks to a low level bracer.

Taking nearly 2 hours they found a good viewpoint and came to a halt.

The jagged cliffs around them made hiding easy with their invisibility. It also gave them a great view of the well-lit military camp that was hiding in the small valley within the mountain pass that wasn't commonly traversed.

"It's a lot bigger than I expected…" Jack couldn't shake his uneasiness earlier and the sight before him only made him feel worse.

"We should get closer. We have to learn more about how they are, what they have, and how exactly we can stall them."

Though Jack couldn't see Rydel, the tone in his voice assured Jack that an immovable determination could be found in the hunter's eyes. "I'll head back to the cave. Go ahead and scout out the camp but don't do anything, okay? We don't need to act or cause any trouble without planning accordingly and being ready for the consequences."

Since silence remained Jack was sure that Rydel was already long gone.

He found it easier to return to the cave than it was to find that cliff and managed to do so in half the time. Once inside the cave he was welcomed with cold bowl of soup.

In the center of their camp was a large kari crystal, a few chairs and a table were gathered around to the side of it. That's where the girls gathered around Jack to learn what came next after he finished his meal.

"It's a lot bigger than I had guessed," mentioned Jack.

Daliea chuckled and shook her head. "If I was going to invade a neighboring country I would use the largest force I could muster, so that only makes sense."

Keela and Eliza shared comforting smiles but said nothing so that Jack could continue.

"It's going to be a lot more complicated to hold the army back, that's for sure. We'll have to put emphasis on our stealth and will probably have to change base camps a few times in order to stay hidden. Rydel is learning more now as we speak. Once he gets back, I'll make sure to message Tralon and explain the situation."

"And don't forget to fill in Maura and Maynard," added Eliza. "You did promise her that, don't you dare forget."

With half a smile Jack looked back at her. "Right, I'll do that now."

Jack then entered the men's tent and took his time to inform both Maura and Maynard of their progress.

The girls passed the time chatting and talking. They frequented the topic of what might happen if they got caught and what they would then do to escape. However, the mood wasn't somber or cold. The girls were actually quite lively and enjoying each other's company.

Minutes came and went as hours passed and all the girls climbed into their bedrolls. The inside of their tent was warm and cozy, quite pleasant to sleep in. Only Jack was awake as he sat at the table while breathing in the cold night air deep inside the cave.

He waited, nervously counting the stalactites and stalagmites and then recounting them because they weren't too many of them. After 10 rounds of counting Jack heard footsteps as someone entered the campsite.

"So, what did you find?"

Rydel's deep breaths softly echoed within the cave as he walked up and took a seat across from Jack. "There are almost five thousand men down there. Almost two thousand from Sandros and the rest are from Limneer, and the count keeps rising."

Coughing to clear his throat some tension, Jack asked, "Do you think we can stall them?"

"It's possible… Difficult but possible."

A quick mental message was then sent to Tralon. What followed next startled both Rydel and Jack. There was no reply in word but a flash of light suddenly filled the tavern and a figure emerged from that light.

"Jack, are you certain of your estimation?"

Rydel spoke up in response to Tralon, "It's not an estimation and there are even more coming. I'm not sure how many but at least 100 more from Zurden alone, and that's not including any other soldiers from nearby cities or towns that might've been recruited."

Seeing the anger pent-up behind Rydel's stare, Tralon looked Rydel in the eye. "Take me there. Trouble of this magnitude is something I need to see with my own eyes. Then I can immediately report it to the Council."

"Then you'll need this." An ordinary bracer was being held out to the elderly man with somewhat pointy ears.

Tralon took the bracer and immediately equipped it. Both he and Rydel then exited the cave in due haste.

Jack sighed. Tralon's reaction was enough for Jack to realize that the mission's true level of difficulty was far greater than the elderly man had ever imagined.