The forest continued for the first day, the dense canopy gradually thinning as AJ travelled eastward. Sunlight filtered through the trees in broader shafts, warming the forest floor where undergrowth grew thick and tangled.
By mid-morning, movement in the undergrowth ahead caught his attention. AJ slowed as he searched for the source.
Three raptors emerged from behind a cluster of trees. The creatures circled around him, their movements coordinated.
Remnants from the pack? AJ thought.
The largest raptor lunged first, its claws extended and jaws open. AJ sidestepped, as he began forming his twin axes. The blades gleamed as he brought them up, catching the raptor's trajectory and driving both weapons through its skull and chest. The creature dropped instantly, momentum carrying its body forward as it crumpled on the forest floor.
The other two attacked simultaneously from different angles. AJ spun to face them, his axes at the ready. One raptor's claws raked across his shoulder, tearing through the outer layer of his form.
Pain flared through his body but he didn't falter.
His left axe caught the attacking raptor mid-lunge, the blade sinking deep into its neck. The creature's weight pulled at the weapon as it fell, but AJ was already turning towards the third raptor. His right hatchet drove forward in a powerful thrust, the sharpened edge punching through scales and bone to find the creature's brain.
Both raptors collapsed within seconds of each other, their bodies twitching briefly before going still.
The entire encounter lasted perhaps 20 seconds.
AJ stood among the three corpses, the damage to his shoulder beginning to reshape and heal. The torn section sealed itself gradually as he absorbed the three raptors, breaking down their bodies and integrating the resulting mana.
He continued eastward, leaving no trace of the encounter behind.
---
The forest began transitioning to plains by late afternoon. Trees grew sparse, their trunks thick and widely spaced. Grass replaced undergrowth, first in patches, then in broad swathes that stretched towards the horizon.
AJ paused at the forest's edge, examining a cluster of plants growing in a sunny clearing. The leaves held a distinctive reddish-brown colour, their surfaces slightly metallic in appearance.
Copperleaf.
He crouched beside the plants, his substance extending to examine them more closely. The leaves produced a faint metallic feeling when sampled, and he could sense the mild stimulating properties within. Nothing dramatic, but the plant's ability to help clear mental fatigue and improve focus made it valuable for certain applications.
AJ absorbed several samples. The copperleaf grew abundantly here, suggesting the region's soil and climate suited it well. It could potentially be cultivated and used as a trade staple for the settlement called Millbrook.
The plains proper began as the sun descended towards the horizon. Grass stretched in all directions, rolling gently with the terrain's subtle rises and falls. The openness felt liberating after days in the forest, the sky vast overhead and the wind moving freely across the landscape.
The sub-body in Valentra stirred as he focused his attention through it.
The admin building's common area materialised in his awareness. The atmosphere was tense, Lily sat at the table her fingers tapping against the table. Maria stood near the wall, arms crossed, her expression showing concern.
Walter occupied his spot near the doorframe, looking more worried than AJ had seen him in months. Victor sat across from Lily, he seemed calm on the surface but AJ noticed his clenched jaw. Ethan was stood right next to the sub-body, watching it like a hawk. Even Sam had come, standing near the window.
"Hey guys." AJ spoke out.
"AJ?" Lily's head snapped towards the sub-body, relief flooding her features. "Where were you last night? You didn't check in."
The tension in the room broke immediately. Victor's shoulders relaxed. Sam exhaled audibly. Ethan's posture eased.
"Still alive and kicking," he replied lightheartedly. "Sorry about that. I ran into something that needed my full attention."
"What happened?" The worry in Lily's voice was evident.
"Found the creature gathering Aldric mentioned," AJ explained. "Turned out to be bigger than expected, around 50 creatures, maybe more. But that wasn't the strangest part."
Everyone leaned in and gave AJ their full attention now.
"What do you mean?" Lily asked.
"There was a human controlling them. A man, he had all those creatures following his commands, not only that, they were heading east with obvious purpose."
Lily was quiet for a moment. "That's... that's not normal..."
"Definitely not. I dealt with the situation. The man's dead, the pack's scattered or eliminated. But I found a note on him, it mentions a settlement called Millbrook and some kind of strange structure nearby. I'm heading in that direction to investigate."
"A strange structure?" Sam spoke, hints of curiosity coming through. "Like the Tower or the Spire?"
"Possibly. Won't know until I get there, but it's worth checking out."
Maria spoke up for the first time. "Be careful approaching the settlement. If someone was planning to attack them with that many creatures, the situation might be complicated."
"I will be," AJ assured her.
Ethan finally spoke, his voice unusually quiet. "You're alright though? No injuries?"
"I'm fine. The fight was easier than expected, the creatures all turned on each other the moment man died."
Lily then updated him on Valentra's routine operations, Walter mentioned some expansion plans they were considering. Victor asked a few questions about the creature types while Sam wanted to know more about the control mechanism, though AJ had little to offer beyond surface observations.
"Don't no show like that without any kind of warning," Lily said before he left.
"I'll try." He said.
"We were worried," she added quietly.
"I know. Sorry."
---
Day two brought uninterrupted travel through the vast plains. The grass grew tall in places, reaching AJ's waist when he walked through the denser patches.
By midday, he spotted the first signs of human activity.
A worn path cut through the grass, the earth packed by regular foot traffic. AJ examined it carefully, noticing boot prints and cart tracks.
He followed it, reasoning that the trail would likely lead to a settlement.
The afternoon brought more evidence of civilisation. Cleared areas appeared alongside the path, the grass cut low and the ground showing signs of attempts at growing crops. Small markers indicated property boundaries, crude wooden posts driven into the earth at regular intervals.
Soon enough structures appeared on the horizon.
Millbrook.
AJ stopped on a low rise as he observed the settlement from a distance.
The walls were wooden, they were sturdy enough but nothing like Valentra's reinforced palisade. They formed a rough oval around the settlement, perhaps two hundred metres at the longest point. Lookout towers stood at regular intervals, simple platforms elevated above the walls where guards could watch the surrounding plains.
Buildings clustered inside the walls, their arrangement more organic than planned. Most were single-story wooden structures with thatched roofs, though a few larger buildings near what appeared to be the settlement's centre showed a higher standard of construction.
Smoke rose from several chimneys, the thin grey columns drifting lazily in the afternoon breeze. People moved between buildings, their figures small at this distance.
AJ observed for another few minutes, without seeing anything else of note. The path he'd been following leading directly to one of the settlements gates. Guards flanked the entrance, their postures relaxed.
AJ as descended towards the settlement he created a simple cloak out of animal hide and a sack that he added some rations and tools to.
He walked openly along the path, making no attempt at stealth or concealment. A stranger approaching openly would raise less suspicion than one discovered skulking in the grass.
The guards noticed him from afar, their postures straightened and hands moving to the weapons at their belts as they watched his approach.
AJ raised one hand in greeting, seeing this the guards relaxed slightly but maintained their vigilance as he drew closer.
"Afternoon," one of the guards called out, a middle-aged man with weathered features and cautious eyes. "State your business in Millbrook."
"Just passing through," AJ replied, his tone casual and friendly. "Looking for a place to rest for the night, maybe trade for supplies if you've got them."
The guards exchanged glances. The second guard, younger but no less watchful, studied AJ's appearance carefully.
"You travelling alone?" the younger guard asked.
"I am."
"Long way to be travelling by yourself," the older guard observed. "Where are you coming from?"
"South west," AJ said, keeping his answer vague. "Been on the road for a few days now."
The older guard considered this, his expression thoughtful.
Finally, he nodded.
"We don't turn away travellers who come in peace," he said. "But we keep an eye on strangers, understand? Cause trouble and you'll be escorted out. Cause serious trouble and it'll be worse than that."
"Understood," AJ replied. "I'm not looking for trouble."
"Good." The guard stepped aside, gesturing towards the open gate. "Welcome to Millbrook. Main building's straight ahead once you're through, can't miss it. That's where you'll find Thomas, he runs things around here."
AJ thanked them and walked through the gate.
The interior of Millbrook was busier than it had appeared from a distance. Residents moved between buildings, some carrying tools or supplies, others engaged in conversation.
The buildings showed care in their construction despite the simple materials. Most were single-room homes, their wooden walls chinked with mud and their roofs thatched with what appeared to be the same grass that grew on the plains.
AJ noted the details that spoke to the settlement's quality of life. Residents wore clean clothing, not fancy but well-maintained. The children looked healthy, their faces bright and gazes curious.
They're managing, AJ thought. Not thriving, but comfortable enough.
He walked towards the central building the guard had indicated, observing as he went. The settlement's layout was organic, buildings positioned based on convenience rather than being planned. Narrow paths wound between structures, packed earth showing the routes residents used most frequently.
A well stood in what appeared to be a central gathering area, several residents drew water, filling buckets before heading back towards their homes.
The main building was larger than the others, two stories tall with a proper wooden roof rather than thatch. A sign hung above the entrance, the words "Community Hall" carved into weathered wood.
AJ pushed through the door.
The interior was dim, though he didn't need time to adjust, the main room held several long tables with benches, serving as a communal dining area. A few residents sat scattered around the tables, some eating, others engaged in quiet conversation.
A man stood near the back of the room, looking through what appeared to be a log book. He looked up as AJ entered, his expression shifting from concentration to polite interest.
"Afternoon," the man said, setting down his book. He was perhaps forty, with the lean build of someone who worked a physically demanding job. His clothing was practical, worn but clean. "You must be a traveller. I'm Thomas, I help coordinate things around here."
"Pleasure to meet you," AJ replied. "I'm looking for a place to rest for the night, maybe trade for some supplies if you've got them available."
Thomas nodded, his expression welcoming. "We've got room. Nothing fancy, but dry and secure. As for supplies, depends what you're looking for."
"Basic provisions mostly," AJ said. "Been travelling for a while, could use some variety in my rations."
"We can manage that." Thomas gestured towards one of the tables. "Have a seat. I'll get you sorted out."
AJ sat, watching as Thomas moved to speak with someone near what appeared to be a kitchen area. The residents in the hall had noticed him but showed no particular interest beyond mild curiosity. Strangers passing through apparently weren't unusual enough to warrant significant attention.
Thomas returned after a few minutes, carrying a wooden plate with bread, cheese, and some kind of preserved meat. He set it down in front of AJ along with a cup of water.
"On the house," Thomas said, taking a seat across from him. "Figure you've had a long walk, least we can do is offer a meal."
"Appreciated," AJ replied.
He picked up the bread, bringing it to his mouth and taking a small bite. He was evidently putting on a show for the others, he made sure to chew a little before he absorbed the food.
Thomas watched him eat for a moment before speaking again. "So where are you heading? If you don't mind my asking."
"No particular destination," AJ said between bites. "Exploring mostly, seeing what's out there."
"Dangerous way to spend your time," Thomas observed. "World's not exactly safe for lone travellers."
"I can handle myself."
Thomas nodded. "Well, you're welcome to stay. It'll cost you some trade goods though."
"Not a problem," AJ assured him.
Millbrook's economy was simple, based primarily on barter. The settlement specialized in hunting, Thomas explained, the plains provided abundant game that they preserved and traded.
"We're working on establishing proper crop farms too," Thomas added, a note of pride entering his voice. "Got a few fields cleared outside the walls, should have our first harvest in another month or so."
"Sounds like you're doing well."
"Well enough," Thomas smiled. "We've got what we need, mostly. Walls keep the dangerous creatures out, hunting brings in food, and we've managed a few small luxuries that make life more comfortable."
AJ slowly finished the meal as he spoke with Thomas, absorbing the food while maintaining the appearance of eating. The conversation was smooth and comfortable in the way that spoke to Thomas's experience welcoming travellers.
As the plate emptied, Thomas stood and gestured for AJ to follow. "Let me show you where you'll be staying. You can drop your things there, then feel free to look around the settlement if you like."
He paused, his expression growing slightly more serious. "Just remember what the guards said about causing trouble."
AJ nodded as he rose from the table, picking up his sack.
Whatever secrets this settlement held, particularly the strange structure mentioned in the note, he'd discover them soon enough.