The sun was setting over the horizon, with a cold breeze flowing through the dusk sky. The chatter of animals commonly found in forests seemed to have suddenly stopped. A lone gecko curiously watched the hooded individuals making their way through the forest. Despite its curiosity, the gecko also seemed to have another emotion coursing through its lite little body. While it was no stranger to this emotion, fear, it was confused over what exactly was causing the sensation. Desperate to uncover what ailed it, the gecko looked on intently towards the only foreign presence in the forest.
A strange light was emitted by one of the beings, which caused the gecko to scurry to safety. It figured that what it knew not was best left unknown, and the risk was definitely not worth the reward. As the gecko scrambled towards an area it considered safe, loud shouting broke the still calm of the forest.
"Why the hell did you use [Summon: Light Spirit]! I didn't know you wanted to be dragon fodder so bad!"
"I felt something crawling through my feet! Besides, we aren't close to the dragon at all...Stop overreacting."
"Did you forget about all the other traps laying around in the forest? I can't save us from all of them you know..."
"I don't need saving Lors, and your shouting is clearly not doing us any favors."
"Alright, everyone calm down. Let's keep moving forward and keep the bickering to a minimum please, the faster we kill this dragon the sooner we can go home."
"I agree with Vars. We mustn't fight among ourselves."
"Whether we find this dragon or it finds us doesn't matter... I'll eviscerate it completely."
"Your gonna save some for me, right Zeka?"
Zeka gave her companion an annoyed stare.
"...I'll take that as a no. In that case, the only thing I can do is beat you to it!"
The man known as Danro smirked boldly at Zeka, and promptly began running ahead of the group.
"Danro, wait a minute! Don't break formation!"
"What a nuisance..."
Zeka soon took off following the warrior, leaving the rest of the group in disarray.
"Well boss, it looks like the party went that way. So I guess I'll be seeing you guys in a bit...[Shadow Mist]."
Lors' figure became enveloped in a shroud of darkness. Before any of the other members could utter a single word, Lors was nowhere to be seen.
This left a total of five members remaining in formation.
Vars facepalmed...hard.
"How are we supposed to act like a team if everyone's only looking out for themselves?"
"A good leader would have been able to keep his team under control. If you don't follow your words with action, then you aren't suited to this task."
"Don't you think that's a little harsh Vera?"
"Harshness has nothing to do with it. We must all be adequately skilled and prepared to accomplish the tasks the Great One has set out for us. If someone is lacking in one manner or another, they will only impede the rest of us. I know Demiurge-sama would say something similar."
"But he was chosen by the Great One...surely-"
"While he may indeed have been chosen by his Majesty, that is not to say he is without fault, or irreplaceable. He has potential, but such things can always be squandered."
"I admit I'm not the most suited to being the leader, you don't have to convince me... But if it is the will of Ainz-sama, then I will lead... I trust you have no further issues with that?"
"Correct... Know that I am always watching, and ever-vigilant of your actions or inactions."
Vars sighed.
"Do you have anything to say Yuric?"
The grey knight marched on in silence.
"Okay... We're gonna need to move more quickly to catch up with the others. Maryl, can you please grant us a boon of swiftness?"
"I'm on it."
"Thank you. I swear if they start fighting it on their own... the dragon will be the last of their worries."