A surprise offer

As the team moved, those at the back could not help being impressed by what they were seeing. At the front, three expert led the way. As they moved, there was a synergy about their movements. 

All three parties were experts, and they were doing their best to make haste without leaking their presence. Usually, when Carlos and Joel worked together, the two couldn't help competing with each other. They would end up in each other's ways, and most times, they would never work together. 

However, now that there were three, things were different. Tim, the new addition, seemed to fill a part in a jigsaw puzzle. He was always there to provide balance. Instinctively, the other two fell in place behind him, as he led. 

With his movements and agility through the forest, Tim looked like a specter. His every move was precise and well planned, but that was not the most impressive bit about him. As he walked, he made way for the rest of the group, providing the way while also leaving enough room for the team to operate. Even without orders, he was still in charge. 

Consequently, the team found destruction in the forest, and signs of an intense fight taking place in the forest. Suddenly, there was a loud boom coming from up ahead. This was followed by the sound of gunshots and people attacking, and grunting. 

Before they were ready, they heard a deafening roar of a monster. The deep guttural sound of raw power paralyzed everyone. They just couldn't understand what kind of animal would produce such a sound. 

Just as everyone was hesitating, wondering whether to proceed forward or make a hasty retreat, that decision was taken from them. 

A team of three shot through the forest, heading right through them. It was clear they did not know they were there. The group seemed scared out of their wits, afraid of something that was hot on their heels. 

Seeing this, none of the Forest view members were left standing, choosing to bolt as fast as possible. Greed and rescue plans thrown out of the window. Haiser was not left behind, making sure he was faster than the rest. 

"This way!" Suddenly, someone in the team shouted, attracting the attention of everyone else. She was a petite lady, but despite her small structure, she radiated a sharp aura, like an unsheathed sword. Without hesitation, Haiser and the rest followed her. 

After several meters of running as though death was right behind them, the group made it inside a cave that was behind a waterfall. There was the occasional blood curdling roars coming from behind. They did not doubt the beast was just a few steps behind them. 

Despite settling inside the cave, the group was still alarmed. They eyed the cave's mouth eerily, afraid of the beast breaking through. 

"Don't worry, it won't follow us here," the woman said, letting out a sigh of relief. She took off her gear and set it down, closing her eyes to compose herself. The rest of her group did the same. 

"How do you know?" Carlos couldn't hold it any longer. 

"It's a griffin, water is just about it's only weakness," she casually answered. However, hearing her answer, everyone was shocked. 

"Wait, did you just say griffin? Isn't that some kind of fairy tale beast?" Carlos asked the question burning a hole inside everyone's mind.

Anyone who had read or watched fantasy beasts knew about the incredible beasts such as griffins, unicorns, dragons, phoenixes and the like. However, none of these beasts were real. It was like saying they were being hunted by vampires. 

"Well, we have dinosaurs and the like, how real were those once?" the woman said, "Who the hell are you guys and how come you don't know what we're hunting?"

"Hold on, did you say you were hunting the beast?" Carlos asked, bewildered. "On purpose?" 

"Yes, but you haven't answered my question, who are you guys?" The woman asked. 

"You don't ask someone a question you're not prepared to answer yourself," Carlos retorted.

For a moment, there was an awkward silence. Tensions were rising. From the woman's tone, she was not asking, but demanding to know their identity. The woman and her companions seemed on edge, as though they did not trust the new arrivals. 

As for Haiser and his group, they were also wary. 

"Where are my manners, I am Cate, Team leader of the Iresal Consolidated Company's Adventure team. These two are my companions, Jeff and Taylor," The woman said, alleviating the tension that was building up. 

"We met someone else, said you were out here, so we came looking," Carlos said, probing further. He wanted to ascertain whether the guy they met had any relations with this group. Judging from their apparels, they too came from well-to-do backgrounds. 

"You must mean Bradley. He was the lead scout, we sent him to go look for help," Cate said. With a stern look, she eyed Carlos and said, "I have answered all your questions, now its time you answered mine." 

"Oh, right. We come from a nearby settlement. We were out for a hunt, but your man ran into us. He's been taken to the settlement to receive medical help, so we came to escort you guys to safety." Carlos explained. 

"All this from the goodness of your heart?" The woman scoffed. 

"Naturally, we would need some compensation, we did risk our lives," Carlos answered, without even a flutter. He had suddenly changed his hat from that of a skilled scout to that of a seasoned businessman, totally shameless. 

"We are not planning on leaving while that beast is still alive," Cate answered. "How about you help us kill the thing, and then you can make some real money."