As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the camp, a faint commotion stirred the remaining soldiers.
Those left behind turned their heads toward the edge of the forest, their faces a mixture of hope and dread.
The group that had ventured into the woods earlier stumbled back into view.
Their armor was battered and dented, their clothes torn and soaked in blood—both theirs and that of some unidentifiable creatures. Each step they took was heavy, their exhaustion evident, their faces pale and grim.
The camp fell silent as they approached, collapsing near the fire pit. The medic rushed over, his hands trembling as he began to tend to the worst of their wounds.
"How did it go?" one of the soldiers who stayed behind dared to ask, his voice hesitant.