"So," Corporal Kael began, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "the key will be the initial lure. How do we draw out a single ape without alerting the entire group, especially the alpha?"
Corporal Vala spoke up, her voice clear and focused. "Sir, for these Iron-Backed Apes, Ren and I can handle the baiting one at a time. Given their significant strength compared to the dark wolves we faced previously, a more controlled, individual engagement for each team seems appropriate."
Usato nodded in approval. "Excellent idea, Corporal Vala. That approach aligns well with our need to provide focused learning for each team against a stronger opponent."
Corporal Vala then looked towards Corporal Kael. "Corporal, while Ren and I are busy luring the apes, would you be able to provide temporary oversight for my team—Naya, Torvin, and Wren—during their engagements? Your experience in combat would be invaluable in guiding them."
Corporal Kael puffed out his chest slightly with a smirk. "Hmph! Leave it to me, Vala. My guys and your little group will be tearing through those apes in no time. They'll see how it's done!"
Usato then addressed all the officers. "So, to reiterate: Corporal Vala and Private Ren will be responsible for carefully baiting one Iron-Backed Ape at a time. Each of your teams – Corporal Kael's team: Bram, Finn, Jiro; Nature Healer Elara's team: Lyra, Sena, Hiro; Sergeant Syka's team: Kana, Rela, Kaelan; and temporarily Corporal Kael overseeing Corporal Vala's team: Naya, Torvin, Wren – will then take turns engaging the lured ape under your direction. Gorthok, you will be the vanguard for each team, drawing the ape's aggression. Remember the focus: controlled combat experience and the safety of our trainees."
Usato then looked around the fire at his officers. "Now, we need to decide the order of engagement. Does anyone have a suggestion for which group should face the first ape?"
Corporal Kael, ever eager, raised his hand quickly. "Sir, if I may? Since I'll be guiding Vala's group after my own, it would be most efficient if my team—Bram, Finn, and Jiro—goes first. That way, there's a smoother transition and no time wasted." He punctuated his suggestion with a confident grin.
Usato considered this, and it made practical sense. "An efficient approach. Does anyone have any objections or other suggestions?" He waited a moment, his gaze sweeping over their faces. Seeing no dissent, he continued, "Alright then. If there's nothing else, we will proceed with this plan. Corporal Vala and Private Ren, prepare to lure the first ape. Corporal Kael, your team will be ready to engage first, with you then overseeing Corporal Vala's group. Nature Healer Elara and Sergeant Syka, have your teams prepared to follow."
Sergeant Syka, her expression resolute, stood up, her voice clear and commanding. "Alright, listen up, everyone! Prepare yourselves! We march to the gorge! Move out!" Her words spurred the troops into action, the earlier relaxed atmosphere now charged with anticipation and focus. The plan was set, and the Evergreen Tribe was ready to face their next challenge.
With a mixture of nervous excitement, the Evergreen Tribe followed Syka's lead, marching towards the gorge where the Iron-Backed Apes resided. The air was thick with anticipation, a sense of both trepidation and eagerness for the challenge ahead. After a few minutes, the towering rock formations of the gorge came into view.
Usato gestured to Sergeant Syka. "Syka, take command of the troops. Find a concealed position for everyone where they can observe the gorge without being seen by the apes. We need to be ready but out of sight until Vala and Ren bring the first one."
Syka, her movements efficient and decisive, immediately began directing the tribe members. She led them towards a cluster of large boulders and thick foliage overlooking a section of the gorge, ensuring everyone had cover and a clear line of sight towards the expected engagement area. The troops moved with a newfound discipline, remembering the importance of alertness and following orders, a direct result of Usato's earlier training. They settled into their hiding spots, their anticipation building as they waited for the first sign of the Iron-Backed Apes.
The concealed ranks of the Evergreen Tribe held their breath, becoming one with the shadows beneath the ancient trees. A profound stillness descended, broken only by the faintest sigh of the wind as it rustled the leaves overhead—a stark contrast to the simmering impatience that churned within the younger warriors. Gorthok, a mountain of barely leashed energy, shifted his weight with suppressed eagerness, his gaze, like a predator's, locked onto the rugged silhouette of the gorge. A nervous energy rippled through the other youths, their hushed whispers betraying their barely contained anticipation.
Nearby, Corporal Kael, his expression a mixture of boredom and his usual self-importance, noticed the undisciplined movements. A low, menacing growl rumbled in his chest, like a cornered beast. "Insolent whelps!" he hissed, his voice barely a whisper but carrying a sharp edge that sliced through the tense quiet. "Have you forgotten the first principle of a hunter? Patience is the viper's coil, waiting to strike. If you twitch and fidget like startled sparrows, the prey will vanish before your clumsy feet even touch the ground. Remember your training! Stillness! Observe! Wait for the opportune moment, or you'll remain nothing more than noisy nuisances in the forest!" His reprimand, delivered with a characteristic sneer, silenced the restless youngsters, their gazes snapping back towards the gorge with renewed focus.
Moments after Corporal Kael's sharp words silenced the restless warriors, the focus shifted to the precarious edge of the gorge, where Corporal Vala and Private Ren were enacting their part of the strategy.
The shadows within the gorge deepened, the air thick with the musky scent of damp earth and wild vegetation. Corporal Vala, moving with the fluid grace of a seasoned hunter, signaled to Ren. They moved with a growing synergy, their movements becoming increasingly coordinated through their recent training under Usato. Vala, light as a falling leaf, traversed the uneven terrain, her senses acutely attuned to every rustle and snap. Ren, his steps more deliberate but gaining confidence, followed closely, his gaze sharp and watchful.
Reaching a cluster of fruit-bearing bushes near the gorge's edge, as they had observed earlier, Vala began her subtle manipulations. With nimble fingers, she disturbed the branches, releasing the sweet aroma of the ripened fruit into the air, carrying its tempting scent down into the gorge. She then subtly dislodged a few of the brightest, most appealing fruits, letting them tumble down the rocky slope, their vibrant colors a visual lure against the dull grey stone. Ren, meanwhile, positioned himself strategically, ready to provide cover or deliver a swift attack if needed. They waited, concealed behind a jagged outcrop, their senses strained for any response from the depths of the gorge. The silence hung heavy, broken only by the distant rush of water, each moment stretching into an eternity as they waited to see if their bait would draw the attention of an Iron-Backed Ape.
A rustling in the undergrowth below broke the tense silence. A moment later, a hulking shadow emerged from the denser foliage within the gorge. Its massive form was unmistakable – an Iron-Backed Ape. Its gaze, initially sweeping the surroundings with suspicion, soon locked onto the scattered bright fruit near the edge. A low grunt rumbled in its chest, seemingly a sign of curiosity and perhaps a hint of hunger.
The ape lumbered closer, its movements surprisingly agile despite its size as it navigated the rocky terrain. It paused a few feet from the fallen fruit, its beady eyes narrowing as if assessing a potential trap. Then, with a seemingly casual swipe of its large hand, it snatched one of the fruits and brought it to its mouth. After a moment of chewing, its expression seemed to shift slightly, perhaps indicating approval of the taste. This was the signal Vala and Ren had been hoping for.
The ape, having consumed a few more of the scattered fruits, seemed momentarily satisfied. This was the signal Vala and Ren were waiting for. With a silent nod, Vala moved from their concealed position, making herself briefly visible while Ren followed suit, retreating slowly but deliberately in the direction of the Evergreen Tribe's hidden location.
The movement caught the ape's attention. Its beady eyes, which had been focused on the fruit, snapped up. With a furious roar that echoed through the gorge, the Iron-Backed Ape dropped the remaining fruit and charged towards Vala and Ren.
(Scene Change: The Hidden Camp - Overlooking the Gorge)
A collective intake of breath rippled through the concealed ranks of the Evergreen Tribe. Sergeant Syka's hand tightened on the hilt of her bow as she watched Vala and Ren sprinting towards their position, the massive, enraged form of the Iron-Backed Ape lumbering close behind them. The ground trembled with each powerful stride of the ape, its furious roars echoing through the air. Syka looked at Usato, her eyes asking for the command to engage. The hunt had begun.