Chapter 3: "Whispers from Virelia"
The sun rose over the horizon, casting golden light over the dense forest path as Division 10 marched steadily toward their destination. The air was fresh and misty, filled with the sound of birds and distant water rushing from the famed waterfall nearby.
Ahead lay their target:
> Virelia — a remote village nestled near the cliffs of Moonveil Falls, once quiet and peaceful, now buzzing with rumors of a new dungeon emergence. A sudden spike in adventurer activity made it a hotspot—and a danger zone.
Captain Elara walked at the front, eyes sharp as ever.
She turned back and addressed the group. "Our mission is simple. Secure Virelia. Ensure no conflict breaks out between adventurers and villagers. The dungeon is drawing people like flies to honey. We keep the peace. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the division chorused.
As they continued down the winding trail, the atmosphere shifted slightly. The trees thinned, revealing a clearing up ahead. A group of six strange adventurers blocked the path.
They looked relaxed. Too relaxed.
One with a red scarf and twin daggers smirked at the knights as they passed.
Captain Elara stepped forward. "State your destination."
The apparent leader, a man with silver hair and a giant lance strapped to his back, chuckled.
"We're just heading to Virelia, same as you. Heard there's something fun going on."
Elara narrowed her eyes. "Try not to cause trouble. That's our territory now."
"Of course, of course," the man grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it, Captain."
As the adventurers walked off down another path, a few new recruits shivered.
Meanwhile, the younger members of the squad had begun unconsciously gravitating toward Synoh, relying on his calm demeanor and quick decision-making from the sparring session.
"Synoh, what should we do if they cause trouble?"
"Should we follow your lead?"
"Can you talk to the Captain for us?"
Synoh tried to brush it off humbly, but the seniors noticed. Especially Dred, whose jaw tightened with every request aimed at Synoh instead of them.
"Tch. Acting like he's in charge now?" Dred muttered.
Ursa folded her arms. "The recruits don't even acknowledge the chain of command."
Meth added, "They're just scared of us… and clinging to what feels safe."
Aloy simply stared at Synoh for a moment before walking ahead in silence.
The tension simmered quietly under the surface as Division 10 pressed on toward Virelia—unaware that both adventure and chaos awaited them in the shadow of the falls and the dungeon beyond.