Chapter 31 Into The Chosen's Territory

We departed at dawn, the world awash in hues of pink and gold. With every step, the weight of responsibility bore down on my shoulders, knowing that we were chasing a force far superior in technology. Our group of hunters was small but determined. Eastward we went, toward the territories of the Chosen.

As the appointed scout, I was tasked with the responsibility of advancing ahead. Using markers made of rocks and broken twigs, I indicated the route for the team. My pace, aided by my unique physique and cultivation, far exceeded that of a regular man.

A day after our departure, I stumbled upon a horrifying sight. A body, clearly thrown from an astonishing height, lay sprawled on the ground, its limbs contorted unnaturally. Over the next few days, my path was littered with more such gruesome discoveries, a clear indication of the Chosen's trail.

On the twenty-first day, I saw it: a metallic object, unlike anything I'd ever seen, soared in the sky, darting from the north to the east. My heart raced; we were on the right track.

Days later, civilization emerged in the form of vast fields, each tilled meticulously, with workers toiling in the scorching sun. Domesticated animals roamed nearby, guarded by shepherds. And among those toiling, I recognized the familiar features of the tribes.

My journey brought me face to face with a slave who was collecting firewood. Recognizing the language he murmured to himself, I captured him discreetly. His name was Jorah, a native, captured years ago by the Chosen. From him, I learned about the hierarchy and systems of the Chosen. Their society was strict, with the elite at the top and slaves at the bottom. They believed in their divine right to rule, deeming others as inferior.

Navigating through the outer regions proved tricky. Plantations stretched endlessly, and every shadow could be a lurking guard. Using Jorah's knowledge and my skills, I threaded through this vast maze, each step taking me closer to the heart of the Chosen's domain.

It was a fortnight later when I saw the towering walls of a city, its grandeur reflecting the might and opulence of its rulers. The City of the Chosen awaited.

Making my way back, I retraced the marked path to rendezvous with the hunters. The knowledge of what lay ahead weighed heavily upon my shoulders. By the time I reached the familiar campsite, the sun had set, casting the forest in a cool twilight.

The camp had been set up in a secluded clearing. The fire at its center illuminated the determined faces of the hunters who had come on this perilous journey. Among them, I immediately spotted Ninsianna and Zuran, who looked up expectantly as I approached.

"Brandon," Zuran greeted, standing to meet me. His face, though etched with worry, carried an undercurrent of hope.

"Tell us what you saw," Ninsianna implored softly.

I relayed my observations, from the expansive plantations to the domesticated animals and the towering city in the distance. I spoke of my brief interaction with Jorah, the enslaved man, and the invaluable information he provided about the Chosen.

The hunters listened intently, processing the daunting details. It was clear we were venturing into unknown territory, both in terms of geography and the nature of our adversary.

An elder hunter, Tarnik, broke the silence. "Their world is different, but they bleed as we do."

Zuran nodded, his mind already working through strategies. "We need to be smart. We're not going to overpower them, but we can outthink them."

Ninsianna, ever the spiritual anchor of the group, added, "Our ancestors watch over us. We must remember our roots and use them to guide our path forward."

It was decided: a small reconnaissance team would move closer to the city, gathering more detailed intelligence. I would lead this group, accompanied by Zuran and a few other adept hunters. The remainder would establish a more permanent base camp, from where they could provide backup or stage a larger assault if necessary.

With our plan in place, we tried to get some rest, knowing full well that the journey ahead would demand every ounce of our strength and resilience.