The Error has been summoned

12

As the soldiers made their way through the forest, the dense canopy overhead cast a dappled pattern of sunlight on the forest floor. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps echoed through the trees, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird. Among them walked Zion and Sagittarius, their presence commanding a quiet respect from those around them.

Suddenly, emerging from the shadows of the trees, a group of friends approached. Joe, a seasoned swordsman with a weathered face and a confident stride, led the way. Feli, an archer with a keen eye and a quick wit, followed close behind. Stefano, a burly man with a sturdy build and a calm demeanor, walked beside them, his imposing presence a reassuring sight. Bringing up the rear was Levi, a mage with an air of quiet intensity, his eyes scanning their surroundings with a watchful gaze.

"Zion, Sagittarius," Joe greeted them with a nod. "Good to see you both. We're heading to the same destination, it seems."

Zion returned the nod. "Likewise, Joe. It's good to have familiar faces on this journey."

Feli flashed a grin. "We're not about to let you two have all the glory," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Stefano chuckled. "Besides, someone has to keep you in line," he added with a playful wink.

Levi remained silent, but his expression held a quiet determination that spoke volumes.

As they continued their march, the group fell into step with one another, their camaraderie evident in their easy banter and shared laughter. Despite the gravity of their mission, there was a sense of solidarity among them, a shared determination to face whatever lay ahead.

As they walked through the forest, the conversation turned to their families and their reasons for being chosen to join the war effort.

Joe spoke first, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "My family has a long history of serving in the king's army," he explained. "It's a tradition that goes back generations. When the call came to enlist, I knew it was my duty to answer."

Feli nodded in agreement. "My father was a skilled archer," she added. "He taught me everything I know. When he passed away, I made a promise to carry on his legacy and defend our kingdom."

Stefano, the sturdy tank of the group, spoke up next. "I may not have come from a long line of warriors like Joe, but I've always felt a strong sense of duty to protect those who can't protect themselves," he said solemnly.

Levi, the mage, listened intently before sharing his own story. "Magic runs in my family," he explained. "My ancestors were revered for their powerful spells. I've been trained since childhood to harness my abilities for the greater good."

Sagittarius observed the group with interest, his gaze lingering on Zion. "And what about you, Zion?" he inquired. "What brings you to our cause?"

Zion hesitated for a moment before replying, "My family had no other choice but to send me. My father can't fight in the war anymore, and my mother is unable to partake as well. I have a sister who needs my protection, so I volunteered to take their place."

As they continued their march through the forest, the atmosphere was tense with the anticipation of battle. Suddenly, Asahi, the leader of the troupe, shouted for everyone to duck. Before they could react, a barrage of spears rained down upon them, catching the soldiers off guard. The forest around them seemed to come alive with the sound of rushing feet and the twang of bowstrings.

"Take cover!" Asahi's voice rang out over the chaos as he swiftly assessed the situation. The soldiers scrambled to find shelter, but some were not quick enough. The sharp spears found their mark, and cries of pain echoed through the trees as a few soldiers were wounded in the surprise attack.

Asahi quickly rallied his troops, barking orders to regroup and stay alert. The attackers had used the dense foliage to their advantage, laying a trap that nearly succeeded in catching them off guard. It was clear that they were not safe even within the supposedly secure borders of their own kingdom.

"Stay sharp, everyone! Keep your eyes peeled for any more traps," Asahi commanded, his voice firm and authoritative. The soldiers nodded in response, their expressions grim with determination. They had trained for this moment, but the reality of war was proving to be more unpredictable than they had imagined.

As they cautiously resumed their march, the tension in the air was palpable. The forest seemed to close in around them, the shadows hiding unseen dangers. Every step forward was taken with caution, the soldiers acutely aware of the perils that lay ahead. The attack had served as a stark reminder that in war, nothing could be taken for granted.

"Watch your step, everyone! We can't afford any more surprises like that," Asahi's sharp voice cut through the tension.

"I didn't expect an ambush so soon. These woods are treacherous," Joe, gritted his teeth.

"We have to be more alert. They could strike again at any moment," Feli scanned the surroundings with a wary eye.

"Let's keep moving, but stay on guard. We can't let our guard down for a second," Stefano, the group's stalwart tank, nodded in agreement.

"I'll keep an eye out for any magical traps. We can't rely solely on our physical senses," Levi, the mage, murmured a spell under his breath, his hands glowing with a faint magical aura.

"We need to be more cautious. They might have other traps waiting for us," Zion's thoughts raced as he processed the sudden attack.

"We'll press on, but stay vigilant. We can't afford to lose anyone to another ambush," Asahi's gaze swept over the group, his expression determined.

The soldiers nodded, their resolve strengthening in the face of adversity. They had trained for this moment, and they would not be deterred by the dangers lurking in the shadows.