The knights staggered as the teleportation spell was completed, the shock of the sudden displacement evident on many faces. Some clutched their heads, trying to steady themselves, while others looked around in awe and disorientation. Kylian felt as if his entire body had been squeezed through a narrow tube, and he took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

  "Everyone alright?" called out Captain Loras, his voice cutting through the murmurs. The knights quickly gathered their composure, nodding and assuring each other.

  Lord Samuel Alanor, unfazed by the teleportation, was greeted by Lord Arlyn, who stepped forward with a nod. "Duke Samuel, it's good to see you. We appreciate your assistance."

  Samuel inclined his head, his voice firm and commanding. "Lehard, let's dispense with pleasantries. We have a mission to complete. Ensure the knights are prepared."

  Lord Arlyn turned to the assembled knights. "Everyone, take a short rest and have a meal. You move out at midnight. Make sure to maintain absolute silence and discretion."

  The knights nodded, breaking into smaller groups as they settled down for a brief respite. Soldiers distributed rations, and the knights ate in relative silence, the weight of the upcoming mission hanging heavy in the air.

  Samuel retreated to a secluded spot, breaking open a sealed vial and drinking its contents. The liquid glowed faintly before disappearing down his throat, and he closed his eyes, resting as the night deepened.

  Around midnight, the call went out. The knights assembled quietly, their movements precise and cautious. Commander Daelan ensured everything was done with the utmost care, avoiding any hint of their presence to the enemy.

  The special troops gathered in a tight formation, their black leather armor blending seamlessly with the night. Duke Samuel Alanor stepped forward, beginning to cast his spell. No visible change occurred initially, but an unsettling feeling of something creeping around them intensified. Kylian's breath hitched as he watched his comrades slowly transform into mere shadows, indistinguishable from the darkness surrounding them.

  Samuel cast the same spell on himself, his figure fading into the night. "Move out," he ordered, his voice barely a whisper.

  The team began their journey through the rugged terrain, moving smoothly and silently. They navigated the landscape with practiced ease, closing in on the occupied territory. Samuel maintained his spell, constantly reinforcing it as they moved. As soon as they reached the end of Alanor's territory, a calm voice echoed in their minds, like telepathy, "My work here is over. Everything depends on you now. Do not disappoint me."

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  With that, Samuel teleported himself out, leaving the team on their own. The real mission had begun. They had two hours to infiltrate the enemy camp and gather as much information as possible. Samuel's final advice rang in Kylian's ears: "Stay away from traps and avoid killing the enemy as much as possible."

  The team pressed forward, their forms invisible in the dark. Every step was calculated, every sound carefully muted. The journey into the unknown had begun.

  The special squad moved like phantoms through the dense jungle, their black leather armor blending seamlessly with the shadows. Each knight's breath was barely a whisper, every step measured and precise. The mission was clear: infiltrate, gather intelligence, and return without detection. The weight of the task pressed heavily on each of their minds.

  Captain Loras led the unit with determination. His eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, seeking any sign of danger. He felt the heavy responsibility of ensuring everyone returned safely. Every rustle of leaves and a distant animal call made his heart race, but he remained composed, signaling to his team with a series of subtle insect sounds that blended seamlessly into the natural jungle noises.

  As they navigated through a particularly dense thicket, Loras mimicked the soft chirp of a cricket, signaling the team to halt. A Galdorian patrol appeared in the distance, their presence barely a breath in the night air. The patrol passed without incident. Loras exhaled slowly, relieved but aware that their path was fraught with more danger.

  Kylian moved with a mixture of fear and resolve. The memory of his mother and the destruction of his village fueled his anger. Yes, he controlled his emotions and focused on his mission. He kept close to Loras, mimicking his movements and absorbing every piece of guidance the captain offered.

  As they approached a clearing, Kylian noticed something peculiar: a faint, almost imperceptible line stretched across the ground. He signaled to Loras with a series of short, staccato chirps, warning him of the trap. They carefully stepped over it, avoiding what was clearly a trap meant to ensnare the unwary.

  Kylian's heart pounded in his chest, but he felt a surge of pride at having spotted the danger. The mission continued, and he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

  In the midst of this, someone's foot caught an almost invisible tripwire. A sudden snap and a whoosh followed as a concealed spike trap was triggered. Cedric barely had time to gasp before a sharpened wooden spike impaled him. He fell to the ground, his lifeblood staining the jungle floor.

  The unit froze in horror, but there was no time to mourn. Loras signaled for silence with a low, persistent hum, his expression a mask of pain and fury. They couldn't afford to alert the enemy to their presence. They moved on, leaving Cedric's body as a silent testament to the mission's peril.