Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 30: Charred Corpse and Coin

Reflecting on her argument with Neven, Aria still felt the turmoil within. Since that dispute, the atmosphere between them had been tense and awkward. However, today she had no time to dwell on personal feelings, as the night patrol duty called once again.

Walking through the towering buildings, the biting cold made her shiver. Soldiers were busy preparing their gear, speaking in hushed tones, their faces marked by anxiety and tension. Everyone knew that tonight's patrol would be more arduous—they had to venture further and face unknown dangers.

Lyra was assigning tasks, her eyes scanning each soldier's face, both stern and worried. Aria approached her to receive the final instructions. She saw many familiar faces in the squad, as well as some new ones—the latest recruits to the Starguard.

"The hexagram is our Starguard's most proud emblem," Sable walked over and said emotionally. "Do you know why? Once, the Starguard were seen as gods by everyone."

"That was long ago," Oak chimed in, riding his warhorse, which seemed to struggle under his massive frame.

"We were once glorious," Sable said dejectedly.

In the night wind, Aria's thoughts drifted back to her first night patrol with Neven. It was her first mission, and she had nearly lost her life to a Celestial Deer's sudden attack. After that incident, Alpha became even stricter with the Starguard. She sighed and decided to put those worries aside for now.

As the cavalry prepared to depart, Tailsting officer Damian Blackwood suddenly appeared at the gate, arrogantly surveying the crowd. His curly hair fluttered slightly in the wind, and with a disdainful smile, he slowly raised a letter written by Alpha himself, announcing loudly, "Due to Starguard's mismanagement and frequent task failures, Grand Mentor Alpha has decided to remove the Starguard night patrol squad leader. From now on, this team will be led by Tailsting's captain."

After speaking, he lightly tapped the letter, his eyes filled with smugness and contempt, as if saying, "This is the right way to handle an underperforming team."

The soldiers immediately burst into an uproar, murmuring angrily. Oak clenched his fists, growling in a low, furious voice, "This is ridiculous! Tailsting knows nothing about night patrols!"

Sable frowned, speaking coldly, "Damian, this decision is too hasty. We've grown accustomed to our own way of command, and your interference will only cause more chaos."

Damian's smile widened at their reactions. "Oh, really? Is your 'way of command' referring to the recent chaos and failures in your missions? Is that what you're proud of?"

His words cut into each soldier like a knife, and Aria felt a mix of shame and anger. She knew there had been some recent failures, but she also understood these issues were not entirely Starguard's fault. She suspected this had something to do with the secret meeting at the Moon Tower; Alpha sending Tailsting was clearly to get first-hand information about the demigods.

Sable, visibly angry, retorted, "Damian, this won't bring any benefit. Starguard knows this forest better than anyone."

Damian sneered, raising his voice, "Know the forest? Or do you mean knowing how to get lost and lose targets? Stop making excuses for your failures." He mocked, his eyes filled with scorn.

"You bastard!" Oak shouted, ready to charge forward, but Sable grabbed him just in time.

"Calm down, Oak," Sable whispered, though his eyes blazed with anger, "Rash actions won't solve anything."

Damian shrugged, looking indifferent. "Look at this discipline. I knew you needed stronger leadership." He turned to signal Tailsting's captain, "Alright, let's move out. Tonight, we'll teach Starguard a lesson on what real night patrol is."