The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 15: Dark Experiment

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Noir, Lyralei, and Thalor gathered in a small clearing just outside the village. The air was still, filled with the sounds of the waking forest, but their focus was sharp, intent on the task ahead.

"We need to approach this carefully," Noir began, his voice low and steady, carrying the weight of a seasoned strategist. "Lyralei, you're familiar with the terrain. How do we get to Grimbark without being detected?"

Lyralei, ever calm and precise, crouched down and used a small stick to draw a rough map of the area in the dirt. "Grimbark is about two hours' walk from here, deep in the densest part of the forest," she explained, her voice measured, her eyes sharp with focus. "There's a path the goblins use, but it's heavily patrolled. Our best bet is to take the ridge along the western side. It will be slower, but it keeps us out of sight until we're close to their camp."

Thalor, with his characteristic stoic demeanor, leaned in, studying the map intently. "And once we're there?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with a seriousness that reflected his tactical mind. "How many guards did you see?"

Lyralei's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "There are several goblins patrolling the perimeter—four on each side. They rotate every few hours. Inside, there are more, but I couldn't get an exact count. The children are kept in a makeshift pen near the center, guarded by at least a dozen goblins."

Noir considered this information, his expression dark and contemplative. "We need to take out the perimeter guards first," he decided, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he formulated the plan. "Quietly. That will give us an opening to get inside without raising the alarm."

Thalor nodded, his deep blue eyes focused. "I can handle the guards on the north side," he said confidently. "My Frost Arrows will take them out before they know what hit them."

"I'll cover the east," Lyralei added, her voice resolute. "With Wind's Whispers, I can curve my shots and hit them from a distance, unseen."

Noir glanced between the two elves, appreciating their deadly precision and reliability. "Good," he said, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of authority. "I'll move in from the west and take care of any stragglers. Once the perimeter is clear, we regroup at the southern edge of the camp and proceed to the pen. We'll need to move fast. If they realize we're there, the children will be in danger."

Lyralei nodded, her expression set with determination. "Understood. Silent and swift."

Thalor tightened his grip on his bow, his face stoic as ever. "Silent and swift," he echoed in agreement.

With the plan in place, they waited until dawn's light had fully risen. The forest around them was beginning to stir with life as they moved out, following Lyralei's lead through the dense undergrowth. The path she took was narrow and overgrown, but it kept them hidden from view.

After nearly two hours of careful maneuvering, they reached the ridge overlooking Grimbark. Noir crouched low behind a thick bush, his intense crimson gaze scanning the camp below. The goblins were busy, moving about with purpose, but they seemed unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows.

"There," Lyralei whispered, pointing toward a group of four goblins patrolling the northern side. "We take them out first."

Noir nodded, his focus unwavering. "Let's do this."

They split up, each moving to their assigned positions, the forest swallowing them in its embrace. As they approached the camp, the tension in the air grew thick, each step a silent whisper on the forest floor.