In Ethan's office, gathered around his desk, were Shen Bao, Zhao Ren, and the Hu brothers. The atmosphere was tense but controlled, reflecting the seriousness of the conversation about to unfold.
Ethan, sitting with a firm posture, adjusted his glasses with a measured gesture before speaking calmly and precisely:
"Shen Bao, although our overall strength is increasing, we are still at a disadvantage. Physically, we are still inferior to the cultivators. If we take them by surprise, we can eliminate them quickly, but if we fail in the first attack, the chances of being annihilated increase exponentially. We need to better understand what we're up against and develop technologies to reinforce our security. Take ten recruits and head immediately to the Dark Mountains. I need samples: spiritual herbs, demon beast corpses, and any material containing spiritual energy. Spare no effort."
Then, he turned his gaze to Zhao Ren and continued with the same calculating calmness:
"Zhao Ren, make the necessary arrangements to increase rice wine production and acquire additional shipments from outside. We need to accelerate the manufacturing of Dragon's Breath."
"Also, continue negotiating with merchants and ensure we obtain large quantities of iron, copper, lead, and coal. As for sulfur, maintain a steady supply. I also want you to be on the lookout for any information regarding a vivid red mineral with bright veins and a luster similar to coagulated blood. Ask sulfur merchants; its presence could be key to future projects."
"Regarding Dry Lake, hire workers in the area, but don't reveal too many details. Just tell them to extract the 'earth salt' and transport it back to Omega Zero personally."
Finally, Ethan addressed the Hu brothers with a precise and meticulous tone:
"Hu Jian, Hu Zhan, if my calculations are correct, the batch of liquor we sent should have been successful. Head to Black Rock City. It has been almost a month, and the liquor sale should have concluded. Take this document with you; it contains the requirements for the continuation of the trade agreement."
The four nodded in unison, understanding the importance of their missions. Without further delay, they left the office, ready to carry out their orders.
Crossing mountains covered in undergrowth, a group of eleven figures advanced in formation, their measured and firm steps carrying the discipline that only rigorous training could instill.
They wore gray hooded robes that cast shadows over their faces, while metallic masks covered the lower half, adding an air of mystery.
Beneath the robes, they wore scale armor, their only protection for now against the blade of a sword or the claws of a beast.
Their weapons, however, were their true advantage: each carried a flintlock musket, secured to their bodies with a strap to prevent unnecessary movement, and a long combat knife at the waist, ready for close combat.
Shen Bao, in addition to his musket, carried two flintlock pistols in crossed holsters on his chest, giving him additional firepower in case of emergency.
The squad advanced silently for hours until the terrain began to change. In front of them stood an imposing forest, its ancient trees forming a canopy that barely let any light through. The atmosphere was oppressive, as if nature itself was warning of the hidden dangers within.
Shen Bao raised a hand, and the group halted.
"We are about to enter the true Dark Mountains. From here on, life is not guaranteed. Maintain formation and stay alert for any movement," he warned, scanning his men.
"Understood."
"Then move."
They crossed the forest's threshold. The feeling was oppressive. The dense foliage silenced the surroundings, enveloping them in an unsettling stillness. They advanced cautiously, slipping through the undergrowth, but for a long stretch, they found nothing but vegetation.
"Captain, tracks ahead," reported the vanguard scout, his voice firm and concise.
"Recon," Shen Bao ordered immediately.
Two soldiers moved forward in a low formation, weapons ready. One knelt, inspecting the marks on the damp earth.
"High-altitude feline. Stride pattern indicates unhurried movement. It's a leopard, unknown type."
"Opportunistic predator," added the second scout. "Hunts by ambush but avoids large groups. Fresh trail, less than an hour old."
"Direction?" Shen Bao demanded.
"Moving parallel to our route. It probably detected us first and is assessing."
Shen Bao scanned the surroundings. "Maintain tight formation. We don't want surprises."
The squad advanced in a close formation, covering all angles. A predator could be lurking in the shadows, and splitting up was not an option.
The terrain changed abruptly. In front of them, a clearing opened among the trees. Large patches of grass covered the ground, and among them, some plants.
"Mark the area, security protocol. Priority: surroundings. We don't know what else might be here."
The squad deployed with precision, securing the flanks with weapons ready.
"Analysis," ordered Shen Bao.
A soldier crouched next to one of the plants, examining it carefully.
"Confirmed, Captain. It's a common species. Natural growth, no signs of recent harvesting."
Orion nodded, his tone firm but restrained. "Proceed with the extraction, but stay alert."
Shen Bao suppressed a sigh. Spiritual plants were too rare.
Two soldiers prepared to collect them, but before they could touch the plants, one of the lookouts in an elevated position spoke.
"Movement. Northeast perimeter. Something is watching us."
Shen Bao raised a hand, and in an instant, the team adopted a defensive formation. In the thicket, something moved among the shadows.
The muskets aligned. Then, among the trees, a pair of amber eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"Flanks, ready," he ordered in a low voice.
A faint rustling in the undergrowth. Then, a short, dry growl.
From the foliage emerged a sleek, muscular silhouette: a mountain leopard, its mottled fur perfectly adapted to the dense vegetation. It was not a giant monster or a spiritual beast, just a natural predator, with sharp fangs and claws capable of tearing a body apart in seconds.
It did not attack immediately. It circled them, studying them, measuring their strength.
"V-0005, V-0006 If it moves closer, fire," he ordered in a controlled voice.
The leopard growled, baring its teeth, its tail swaying. Then, its body tensed.
It leaped.
"Fire."
Two shots rang out. The leopard twisted in midair from the impact, its pained howl cut short before it hit the ground. It did not move again.
Shen Bao scanned the perimeter. Nothing else stirred among the trees.
Shen Bao took a deep breath. "Gather the plants and get ready to move. We're not waiting for something else to come drawn by the smell of blood."
The squad advanced with discipline, moving in tight formation while their eyes scanned the undergrowth for any signs of danger. For the next two hours, they traversed the forest, collecting plants and herbs of medicinal and alchemical value. Occasionally, they encountered some beasts: long-tusked boars, dark-furred deer, and even a bear that retreated upon detecting their presence. All were common creatures, with no traces of spiritual energy.
However, as they ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere shifted.
The air grew denser, charged with an energy that made the skin prickle. The sounds of the jungle became less frequent, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Orion raised a hand, signaling them to halt while he analyzed the surroundings.
A guttural roar echoed in the distance, followed by a sharp scream and the crash of breaking branches. Then, another roar, deeper this time, almost like thunder rumbling in the gut.
They moved cautiously, advancing just enough to see through the foliage without being detected. The clearing ahead was devastated, the grass stained with black and crimson blood. Two beasts were engaged in a brutal battle.
The first was a creature resembling a wolf, but much larger, with claws as long as daggers and dark gray fur that seemed to absorb light. Its eyes glowed with a metallic sheen, and its muzzle was stained with the blood of its opponent. This beast radiated demonic energy.
The other creature was reptile with thick scales, a mane of black spines running down its back. It had four crimson eyes and a pair of protruding fangs capable of piercing armor. It looked weakened, its body covered in deep wounds, but it still fought fiercely. Both beasts lunged at each other with rage, tearing flesh and filling the air with growls of pain and fury.
Shen Bao felt his heart pound. This was the perfect moment. The tension in his chest was undeniable, but so was the opportunity.
He gestured for them to prepare the muskets.
The soldiers raised their weapons with precision. Testing the power of the musket against a demonic beast was risky but necessary. They didn't know how much of a difference there was between a common predator and a creature infused with spiritual energy. Now they would find out.
Shen Bao watched as the demonic wolf finally brought down the reptile with a brutal bite to the throat. The scaled beast shuddered before collapsing lifeless. The wolf raised its head and let out a deafening howl, proclaiming its victory. Its chest rose and fell with each deep breath, exhausted but triumphant.
Shen Bao signaled to V-0007 and V-0008 to aim for the chest, then to V-0001 and V-0002 to target the head.
The soldiers aimed with steady hands. The adrenaline electrified the air. Palms sweated against the muskets' wooden stocks, but not a single finger trembled. Shen Bao waited.
The demonic wolf turned its head in their direction, its burning eyes locking onto them.
"Fire!"
Four shots shattered the forest's silence. The recoil jolted the shooters' shoulders. Shen Bao tracked the rounds with sharp focus.
Impact confirmed!.
One bullet punched through the beast's left eye, another shattered its forehead in a spray of dark blood. The remaining rounds tore into its chest, piercing its hardened hide. The demonic wolf staggered, its hind legs buckled, and its body crashed onto the ground.
Silence.
The squad held position, muscles tense. Shen Bao's pulse pounded—not fear, but the edge of executing something new, something untested. And it had worked.
"Reload."
He exhaled, controlled. "Confirm kill."
A soldier advanced, musket aimed. He pressed the barrel against the beast's throat. No movement.
"Neutralized."
Shen Bao gave a sharp nod. "Take the bodies. Fast"
The Vesper moved in, Hands steady despite the adrenaline surge. This wasn't just a kill—it was proof. They had taken down a spiritual beast. The impossible, made real.
Shen Bao glanced at the slivers of sky above. This was only the beginning.
"Move out."
The squad melted into the foliage, leaving behind the echo of gunfire and the first trace of a new era.