Chapter 105 Into the Mission Region

The city gates of Silverwood City gradually disappeared behind Aldric and his team as they continued along the road leading into the wilderness.

The journey had only just begun, but the surroundings were already changing. The paved roads connecting the nearby settlements gradually gave way to rough paths surrounded by trees and rocky hills. Beyond these roads lay vast stretches of wilderness where Monster Beasts roamed freely.

Aldric walked at the front of the group, with the chosen Shadow Soldiers following behind him.

Their destination was the region mentioned in the military’s mission report. According to the available information, several Monster Beasts had abandoned their usual territories and begun moving toward areas closer to human settlements.

Their job was to eliminate the threat before the situation worsened.

Aldric looked at the information on his communication device.

“We need to reach the destination region first.”

The mission requires the group to have a minimum strength of late stage Martial Master realm. This alone shows how serious this mission is to the military.

Aldric didn’t have any doubts regarding his ability, but he would still carry out Lucian’s orders.

This was Shadow Genesis’ first official mission, so there was no point being reckless.

As the group continued along the road, they eventually noticed several figures approaching from the opposite direction.

They were a group of mercenaries dressed in practical combat gear. Some carried weapons on their backs, while others wore protective equipment designed for fighting Monster Beasts.

From their appearance, it was obvious that they weren’t ordinary travelers.

Both groups slowed their pace as they approached each other.

One of the mercenaries looked at Aldric’s group. He then looked at their insignia.

“Shadow Genesis? I’ve never heard of that mercenary group.”

Another looked at the Aldric with curiosity and asked.

“You’re heading towards the wilderness?”

Aldric nodded.

“We have a military mission to carry out in that direction.”

The mercenary immediately understood.

“You’re going there for the Monster Beast extermination missions?”

Aldric looked surprised but still noded i affirmation.

The mercenary looked at his group.

“Then you’d better keep your eyes open. The situation out there isn’t as simple as it might seem from the mission description.”

Aldric listened without interrupting.

“What do you mean?”

“Recently, Monster Beasts have been appearing in places where they normally wouldn’t be found. Some have moved much farther from their usual territories than expected. A few groups have already encountered them while traveling between settlements.”

The man shook his head.

“We initially thought it was a few isolated incidents, but the number of reports has continued to increase. That’s why the military has issued several extermination missions across the surrounding regions.”

Aldric’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Several missions?”

The man nodded. “Yes. They’re not sending everyone to same destination. Different mercenary squads have been assigned to different areas so the military can deal with the problem more quickly.”

The mercenary crossed his arms.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean every squad will have an easy time. The strength of the beasts varies, and some areas are more dangerous than others.”

Aldric noted the information.

The mission description had already warned them about the unusual movements of Monster Beasts, but hearing from the mercenary who have traveled through the regions gave them a better idea.”

“Have you encountered any dangerous ones?”

The mercenary paused for a second before responding.

“We’ve heard reports of stronger Monster Beasts appearing nearer the outer areas. I can’t confirm everything, but I wouldn’t recommend treating this is as a normal extermination mission.”

He looked at the four Shadow Soldiers.

“Only five of you are participating in the mission?”

Aldric replied calmly. “Enough to complete our mission.”

The mercenary raised an eyebrow at the arrogant remark. However he didn’t question him.

“Fair enough. Just don’t underestimate the wilderness. Even experienced mercenaries can get into trouble if they let their guard down.”

“We will and thank you for the information.”

They said a few more words and went their separate ways.

Aldric continued to lead his group. His thoughts were racing.

“This is getting a bit complicated.”

The military had sent them on this mission to exterminate the Monster Beasts before they pose a threat to the nearby settlements. However, the Monster Beasts were acting strangely. Why?

Aldric didn’t have enough information to reach a conclusion. It wasn’t his responsibility to investigate the cause unless it directly affected their mission.

He needed to focus on completing the mission.

Still, He would remain alert or anything unusual.

A few hours later they came across a new group of mercenaries. They were talking and their faces showed they had encountered an unexpected problem.

One of them approached when they saw Aldric’s group.

“Are you heading to the extermination zone?”

Aldric nodded.

The man nodded. “Then you should know that several mercenary groups are operating in that region. Some have accepted the military’s missions, while others are there for their own reasons.”

Aldric looked at him.

“Their own reasons?”

The man nodded. “Some are going to gather resources, some are going to hunt Monster Beasts for materials and others have other missions. There are plenty of opportunities in the wilderness for those willing to take the risk.”

He chuckled. “And when several groups operate in the same region, things don’t always remain peaceful.”

Aldric understood.

Whilst the Monster Beasts posed a certain threat, Mercenaries could also pose a threat, they may work together if they have the same goals, they can easily fall out over resources and missions.

Even if they are all registered with the Mercenary Guild it doesn’t mean they’ll always get along.

“Have there been any conflict recently?”

The man shook his head. “Not that I know of. However with so many squads going there I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some disagreements. Some are more interested in the rewards..”

He looked seriously at Aldric. “If you come across another mercenary group make sure you know what’s going on. Don’t cause any unnecessary issues whilst on your mission.”

Aldric nodded.

“Thanks.”

The man waved. “No problem. We’re all going there for the same general reason. Good luck with your mission.”

They went their separate ways.

Aldric continued. His thoughts were more focused.

The Monster Beasts had become unpredictable. There were several mercenary groups in the area. Whilst these issues may not be an issue on their own, it could cause problems if they both occur.

They could come across a strong Monster Beast and be in competition with another group over the resources. This could cause a disagreement and turn into a fight. Leaving them vulnerable to the dangers in the wilderness.

Lucian had already warned him not to take any unnecessary risks.

Aldric wasn’t going to forget.

As they neared the edge of the area the road became much narrower.

Towering trees surrounded them and they had long left the noise of civilisation behind. The land ahead was very overgrown, bumpy and rocky.

Aldric stopped. He looked around.

They had finally arrived at the area Shadow Genesis would start their first official mission.

He took out his communication device and checked the coordinates from the military report. He then put it away.

“Stay alert from here on.”

The Shadow Soldiers immediately adjusted.

“We don’t know exactly where the Monster Beasts are and there may be other mercenary groups in the area. Be observant and if you find anything unusual let me know.”

They nodded.

Aldric looked ahead.

Whilst the mission was an extermination mission, they knew they couldn’t be reckless.

“Let’s go.”

Aldric led the group into the wilderness.

They had left Silverwood City behind, and were now heading into a dangerous area filled with unknowns and other mercenaries.

Shadow Genesis had taken their first step into the mercenary world.

It was time to show they could complete an actual mission as a newly registered squad.