Chapter 658 Departing

Chapter 658 Departing

It took a week for Erik and his people to set everything up for the oncoming quest. They planned every aspect, from gathering essential supplies to coordinating the roles and responsibilities of each guild member.

The young man stepped out of the guild's main building, his eyes scanning the bustling scene before him. The parking lot had transformed into a hive of activity, a staging ground for the high-stakes mission that lay ahead.

The air was thick with a blend of excitement and tension, each guild member aware of the risks and rewards that awaited them. The anticipation was palpable as they prepared themselves for the challenges that awaited.

Thirty guild members, including Kael, Mira, Aiden, and Lila, were already outside, busy with last-minute preparations.

They formed a diverse group, their armors reflecting their varying levels of affluence and taste.

Some wore sleek, futuristic exoskeletons that shimmered in the morning light and gave the user a little more strength and speed.

These innovative suits were equipped with advanced technology, featuring integrated energy modules and augmented reality displays that provided vital information in real time. n-.0velbIn

The exoskeletons emitted a soft hum as they powered up, emanating an aura of sophistication and innovation.

In contrast, others donned more traditional garb—a fusion of leather, cloth, and metal that spoke of practicality over style and allowed freer movements.

Their armor bore the marks of battle, with scratches and dents serving as badges of honor. Though not as flashy as their high-tech counterparts, these battle-tested attires showcased resilience and adaptability.

Guild members expressed their individuality through their chosen attire. Some opted for a sleek, modern aesthetic, fully embracing the benefits of advanced technology.

Others found comfort and familiarity in the traditional gear, relying on their skills and experience to navigate the challenges ahead.

Weapons were in abundance. Traditional arms like bows, swords, pikes, maces, and spears were slung over shoulders or strapped to backs. The weapons were made of various materials, including steel and other materials.

Some were exquisitely crafted, with intricate designs etched into the blades or handles, while others were more plain and functional.

Yet, the modernity of the mission was not lost on anyone; each member was also armed with laser rifles, pistols, and an assortment of grenades given by the guild, which was why Erik bought such items.

These weapons were cutting edge, equipped with advanced targeting systems and potent energy cells. Their power could deal crushing damage to lesser thaids. Their addition significantly bolstered the guild's arsenal, lending it an extra layer of strength.

Several guild members were busy loading rocket launchers onto the vehicles, their faces focused and their movements precise. Others were calibrating mortars, ensuring their aim would be true when the time came.

Machine guns had been mounted on several vehicles, their barrels gleaming.

These were additions to the heavy laser cannons and missile launchers that came pre-installed, turning each vehicle into a mobile fortress.

Six of these heavily armed vehicles were lined up, engines idling, ready to roll out. They were accompanied by five Traxler V-12 Cyclones, the all-terrain vehicles Erik had purchased from Lysa.

The sight of such a heavily armed caravan was enough to stir curiosity, but the emblem it bore captured the city's attention.

People paused in their daily routines to watch the convoy pass, their expressions a mix of awe, curiosity, and, sometimes, envy.

Shopkeepers watched from their storefronts, their gazes tracking the procession through the bustling streets. Children scampered next to the vehicles, their faces glowing with awe and exhilaration.

Whispers spread like wildfire, each onlooker speculating on the nature of this high-stakes mission that warranted such a show of force.

The city's inhabitants buzzed with excitement and curiosity, their conversations filled with theories and rumors about the guild's purpose.

Erik's guild had become a subject of citywide fascination, a meteoric rise that had not gone unnoticed.

Among the crowd were some individuals whose gazes lingered longer, their eyes narrowing as the convoy moved out of sight.

They wore the colors of the Border Wolves, the most powerful and renowned guild in Testrovsc's Rest.

Their presence alone commanded respect, and their reputation preceded them wherever they went.

For years, they had been the undisputed leaders in the mercenary world there, their reputation built on a foundation of high-profile quests and unparalleled skill.

As the Border Wolves watched the convoy disappear into the distance, a mixture of curiosity and a hint of concern flashed across their faces.

They were not accustomed to sharing the spotlight, and the emergence of Erik's guild posed a potential challenge for their dominance.

To the Border Wolves, the Nexthorn Vanguard were upstarts, newcomers who had yet to prove themselves inside the city.

Despite their seeming lack of experience, Erik's guild was gaining momentum. The level of fame Erik had accumulated was truly remarkable.

Erik's reputation resonated ahead of him on all his travels. His exploits were the buzz of the city, and increasingly, clients were opting to bypass the Border Wolves, choosing instead to contract the Nexthorn Vanguard for private quests and specialized tasks.

The guild stood out with an unrivaled success rate. Its members were known for their absolute commitment to any mission they took on. They had evolved into a powerful force, their emergence causing significant waves in the mercenary world of Testrovsc's Rest.

This shift in public sentiment was not just a blow to the Wolves' pride but a threat to their long-standing dominance.

The Border Wolves had been the city's most powerful guild for as long as anyone could remember.

The Border Wolves were not used to being on the defensive, and their frustration grew with each passing day.

As they watched Erik's convoy disappear into the distance, a sense of unease settled over them. They exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a shared understanding.

Something would have to be done about this new player on the field, this guild that had so audaciously stepped into their territory and was now diverting the spotlight away from them.

As the convoy continued its journey, unaware of the silent scrutiny it had just undergone, Erik felt a sense of accomplishment.