Chapter 116: First and last Mission

A month had flown by since Jonathan joined the mercenary guild in Lunaria. He had immersed himself in the daily routine of training quests and the camaraderie among fellow mercenaries. He had made friends, learned new skills, and faced various challenges.

He had seen the mercenary guild grow with new recruits, eager to prove their worth and earn their place. He had heard the stories and advice of the seasoned veterans, who had seen and done things beyond his imagination. He had felt the atmosphere of determination and anticipation, as each mercenary prepared for the real quests that lay ahead.

He had trained hard in the simulated scenarios with the jawless, slow-moving zombies. He had learned to use his sword, bow, and other weapons with precision and efficiency. He had adapted to the controlled environment, knowing that it was nothing compared to the dangers beyond Lunaria's borders.

He had watched a group of mercenaries work together to defeat a larger group of zombies. He had admired their coordination, communication, and strategy. He had realized the importance of teamwork, especially when facing the undead hordes.

He had earned the respect of his peers and superiors. He had shown his courage, skill, and intelligence in the training quests. He had collected scars and stories, each one a mark of his survival and growth.

He had explored the marketplace, Lunaria's vibrant heart. He had visited the stalls and shops that catered to the needs of mercenaries. He had upgraded his weapons, armor, and medicins, spending his hard-earned resources. He had enjoyed the lively atmosphere, where mercenaries gathered to prepare and celebrate.

He had learned about Lunaria's society and politics. He had heard about the different factions and their agendas. He had listened to the rumors of undiscovered territories and uncharted lands. He had felt the curiosity and ambition of the mercenaries, who wanted to explore and expand.

He had reached the milestone of Lunaria's one-month mark. He had received a letter from the high-ranking officials, inviting him to take the first true quest. He had opened a new chapter in his mercenary journey.

He stood on the edge of a new adventure, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had changed from a survivor seeking refuge to a seasoned mercenary ready to venture beyond Lunaria's borders. He looked forward to the challenges, discoveries, and freedom that awaited him in this post-apocalyptic world.

In the pre-dawn stillness at the outskirts of the capital, Alvin, the leader of the platoon where Jonathan found himself, stood among a disciplined line of mercenaries. The entire platoon, along with others, formed a formidable company awaiting orders. As the sun began to cast its first light, the captain, a stern and experienced leader, stepped forward.

"Listen up!" she bellowed, her voice cutting through the quiet morning air. The eyes of the new mercenaries were fixed on her, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension evident on their faces.

"Today marks your first foray beyond our borders. Many of you have survived outside and returned, carrying with you the experiences of the world beyond. But make no mistake, this isn't a game!" The captain's words resonated with a gravity that settled over the assembled company.

"Our objective is to scout the town of La Fiva, one of the nearest towns beyond our border. You won't receive any assistance; armed only with your medieval weapons, you are tasked to clear the entire town and establish outposts. This mission is special; those who survive will earn the title of an official mercenary. So, do your best to survive!"

The weight of the captain's announcement hung in the air. The platoon, now standing on the cusp of a significant milestone, exchanged glances and nods. The captain's words were a stark reminder that this mission was a rite of passage, a test of their abilities and resourcefulness in the unforgiving world beyond Lunaria's walls.

As the captain concluded her briefing, the company's resolve stiffened. The dawn's light cast long shadows across the company of mercenaries, each individual embracing the challenge ahead. The mission to La Fiva wasn't just an exploration; it was a defining moment that would determine their status as true mercenaries within Lunaria. With a shared sense of purpose, the company prepared to step into the unknown, medieval weapons at the ready, determined to prove themselves and survive the trials that awaited them.

Bathed in the ethereal glow of dawn, the company of mercenaries, under the seasoned guidance of their captain, commenced their expedition towards the town of La Fiva. Military trucks, rugged and marked with the scars of previous excursions, rumbled to life, their engines echoing through the stillness of the morning. The outskirts of the capital slowly dissolved into the rearview mirrors as the convoy forged ahead into uncharted territories, medieval weapons catching the first rays of sunlight and casting a subtle gleam.

The convoy's progress was marked by a rhythmic cadence, the synchronized hum of the trucks blending with the clinking of armor and the collective breath of anticipation. The journey, while framed by the familiar sight of medieval weaponry and sturdy vehicles, carried an air of uncertainty as they approached the unexplored landscapes beyond Lunaria's borders.

The convoy maneuvered through a landscape that transitioned from the known to the unknown—a tapestry of overgrown fields and dense forests unfurling before them. The medieval weapons, once symbolic of a kingdom's resilience, now served as both a reminder and a tool for the challenges awaiting the mercenaries on this expedition.

They left the border, and drive towards the town of La Fiva. As they neared La Fiva, the town emerged on the horizon, shrouded in the soft morning haze. The military trucks slowed, bringing the convoy to a temporary halt. The mercenaries, their eyes trained on the quiet town that loomed ahead, awaited the captain's directives.

In this fleeting moment, the atmosphere hung heavy with a sense of anticipation. The medieval weapons, strapped to each mercenary's side, took on a significance beyond their practical use. They were the embodiments of Lunaria's defenders, poised to face the unknown and secure the safety of their kingdom.

Under the pale light, the convoy resumed its journey towards La Fiva. The medieval weapons, the military trucks, and the company of mercenaries painted a tableau of determination and resolve against the canvas of the uncharted territories that awaited them. The journey unfolded with a mix of apprehension and readiness, as Lunaria's defenders ventured into the shadows of the unfamiliar, their collective destiny guided by the rising sun on the horizon. They arrived in 2 hours drive.

The mercenaries assembled on the outskirts of the town, where the unexplored territory stretched before them. Their faces showed a mix of determination and nervousness, as they awaited the captain's orders. The captain, a seasoned leader, spoke with authority and confidence.

"Alright, listen up! This is the plan: those who are good with arrows will stay in the back, while the rest of you will form the rear guard. It's a simple tactic: we'll lure the zombies to the rear guard, and you'll be the ones to stop them. While the achers will fire arrows. Take a break before we move on!"

The group dispersed for a brief respite, finding some shade and water. Conversations sprang up among the mercenaries, mostly about the upcoming mission. A palpable tension lingered, especially among those who were assigned to the rear guard.

"I'm not gonna lie; I'm scared. I'm in the rear guard, and I don't know if I can handle it," one of the mercenaries confessed, his voice trembling slightly.

"I'm in the archer team, so I'm not worried. I'll just shoot them from a distance," another one bragged, his voice smug and arrogant.

"Lucky you," a third one muttered, his eyes filled with envy.

Jonathan, sitting with the group, quietly ate his bread while listening to the conversations around him. He noticed a man sitting next to him, who seemed to want to talk to him.

"Hey, you're in the rear guard too, right?" the man asked.

"Yeah," Jonathan answered.

"Too bad, huh? I'm in the archer team. I'm safe, I won't die," the man boasted, his grin showing his self-assurance.

Jonathan couldn't help but warn him. "You guys shouldn't be so relaxed just because you're in the back."

"Why not?" the man said, shrugging. "You should be more careful; you should still be alert."

"Whatever. The important thing is that I'm not in the frontline," the man said, dismissing Jonathan's advice.

Jonathan shook his head, feeling sorry for the man. He could tell that the man was not prepared for the challenges ahead. He knew that the zombies were not easy to kill, and that being in the back did not guarantee safety. As the break ended, the mercenaries prepared to face the undead horde, and the true test of their skills and courage would begin, exposing the consequences of underestimating the dangers that lurked on the outskirts of the town.