Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos

Chapter 115. Start of the battle!

In the forest, a group of 10 people mounted on <Stormbirds> advanced at a constant pace. They weren't quick, but there was no moment of rest, making their advance constant and swift.

One of the <Stormbird Warriors> commented. "Squad Captain, why are we advancing so cautiously in a Sub-Level-10 area? It's not as if we are visiting the depths of the <Dark Aether Swamp> at the south."

The Squad Captain, a human female, spoke solemnly. "We need to be cautious either way. We were told to capture that red-haired Sylvan, and if we alert her of our presence, she might try to flee."

A man in the group grinned when he heard her sour tone. "Are you envious, captain? Hahaha. Your fun nights with Sir Eldric might get cut if she joins, right?"

The woman snarled. "Shut up! I am not doing anything like that!"

Another man of the squad snorted. "Sure. We also are unaware that the reason you are the captain in the first place is because of a few 'favors' you've 'bought,' right?"

The female turned to look at him with a glare, but they couldn't really see her eyes because of the helmet. All of them were armored from head to toe with brown-colored metal armor. A sword hanging on their waists made soft, muffled sounds when hitting the armored waist.

The rhythm of the <Stormbirds> below them was pretty bouncy. Although they were strong mounts, they weren't perfect for riding like other types. Still, they were quick and resilient, which made them proper and popular battle mounts. Their shapes were similar to an ostrich but with thicker legs and larger bodies and wings.

Flight would be impossible with their body's shape if it weren't for the incredible strength the creatures gained at Level 10 and above. So, they were considered flightless birds until Level 10. After that, because of their powerful physique, they could be used for short flights, although the agility they displayed was severely lacking. Yet, just the ability to fly for a short time made them ten times more dangerous than any land mount of a similar level.

The ancestor who managed to tame this bird is the main reason for the success of the Stormrider family.

While advancing through the forest, one of them frowned and commented. "Wait, I feel like we've been observed."

Another person rolled his eyes inside the helmet, but his tone alone was enough to explain his mood. "We are in a forest full of wild beasts, and it is normal for us to be observed."

"Wrong. I mean that a relatively powerful one looked at us."

The captain ordered. "Explain yourself, and don't talk in riddles!"

"Captain. You know that one of my skills gives me an increased perception. I think that a first-cycle creature was observing us."

The captain frowned and asked. "Has this creature completed the Level 20 sub-cycle?"

"Probably not, captain. That kind of creature gives me stronger sensations."

The captain asked with a snort. "Then, what's the problem? We've fought Level 20 beasts in the past. Are you scared of a sub-Level-20 one now?"

"Captain, we should not get arrogant!"

She argued back. "We shouldn't become cowardly either! We are Sir Eldric's personal guard! Do you want to stain his honor by being afraid of some Level 10 creatures!? Now, continue moving forward as planned!"

A few of the nine soldiers frowned, but all of them followed her words. What the other soldiers had said in the past was not completely incorrect. The captain was a woman with decent beauty and body. Hence, Eldric, being someone who did as he pleased, naturally had a "taste" of her, which rewarded the captain with a few benefits.