His gaze swept back and forth across the cave when suddenly a gray but unusually conspicuous figure caught his eye.
It was a strange feeling. Clearly he dressed ordinarily and low-key, his entire body covered by a worn linen robe, standing in the shadows of a cave corner, yet he was very noticeable, impossible to ignore subconsciously.
Like having gravitational pull. Even thrown into a crowd, one's first glance would certainly be drawn to him first, though the observer wouldn't know why.
This is no ordinary man.
At first sight of that person, the returning team member made this assessment.
"You weren't here earlier, so I need to tell you. This is Levi Stonecraft. Yes, that legendary figure who's been prominent these past few years. Even we frontline soldiers have heard of him. You must have heard of him back in Gondor too."
Cain introduced the returning team member while also introducing Levi:
"And this is Trett, the team member I spoke of earlier."
Hearing the commotion, Levi finished his tasks and walked over.
"Is this the new recruit who was captured?"
The returning team member immediately saluted: "Greetings to you, Lord Levi."
"Mm."
Levi nodded, patting the young man's shoulder and moving closer to whisper: "Your captain has been very worried about you. He feels quite guilty about your situation."
Trett froze, looking at Cain.
Cain also stepped forward two paces. He first lowered his head in silence, then looked at his returning team member, Trett:
"I'm very sorry. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so strict with you that day. As a new recruit, your voluntary choice to come here already proves your courage."
"As captain, what I should provide more is guidance and example, not constant punishment."
Trett's mouth opened slightly, speechless for a moment. He hadn't expected his usually stern captain to actually swallow his pride and apologize.
For an instant, some belief deep in his heart wavered slightly. But that was all.
"No, Captain, you did nothing wrong."
"I'm the one who must apologize to you."
He lowered his head.
Cain said nothing more.
"It's good that you're back."
Levi pulled out a healing potion and handed it to Trett: "I can see your physical condition isn't very good. Drink this. It's a potion I brewed that helps with recovery."
"Take it. Many in our unit were healed by this potion."
Seeing Trett's hesitation, Cain explained from the side.
"If your memory is good enough, you won't forget that 'Alchemist' is also among his titles."
"I understand. Thank you."
Trett accepted the potion and drank it in one gulp. A bit sweet, watermelon flavored.
As the potion went down, the wounds from Haradrim torture healed almost instantly. Not only that, but much of his physical depletion was restored.
Divine medicine!
Trett stared at Levi, excitement flashing in his eyes. If this pharmaceutical ability could be used by Harad, it would definitely have a qualitative impact on the army.
Upon returning, he had to ensure detailed reporting on this target. Couldn't let him escape...
As for whether they could take him away, no matter how powerful this legend was or how outrageous the stories, he was still just one person without even an attendant.
Could one person really match Harad's army of thousands?
The brief reunion quickly passed. At nightfall, the stronghold was quite quiet, with only occasional calls from unknown creatures outside.
That night, all Rangers in the stronghold slept very peacefully. No one woke from pain and torment anymore.
When the team member responsible for first-half night watch returned, someone voluntarily stood up: "Let me take the next shift."
"Trett, what you should do is rest properly."
"Sorry, I really can't sleep."
The guard said: "That still won't work. The rotation personnel are already decided. I can't interfere on my own."
Trett's face looked somewhat dejected.
"Don't you trust me? Think I can't handle this task?"
"I certainly trust you, but this really can't be changed on short notice. How about this, Trett. If you still can't sleep tomorrow, I can help you apply to the captain for rotation changes."
"Alright then, I understand."
Trett lowered his head without further protest. The team member didn't waste time, turning to head deeper into the cave to wake his sleeping comrade.
As he turned, Trett looked left and right, suddenly stepped forward silently, raised his sword, reversed direction, and aimed the pommel at his teammate's head.
Thud!
Quick and accurate. The rotating guard immediately fell unconscious. Trett caught him and gently lowered him to the ground.
After doing this, Trett looked around again, confirming there were indeed no witnesses to what just happened and he'd made basically no noise. He quickly grabbed the rope and climbed up.
"Trett? Why is it you?"
Just reaching the surface, a voice came from behind. His body suddenly stiffened. Trett turned his head to see another team member hidden in a concealed location.
"I don't remember you being on tonight's duty roster."
"I really couldn't sleep, so I switched with tonight's guard."
"I see."
"Which area are you responsible for?" Trett asked, his hand under the dark green cloak already touching his sword hilt.
Almost forgot about this. Based on past experience, guards did work in pairs of two, watching each other's backs. He didn't know if there had been any changes during his month away.
"North side," that team member answered.
Trett's heart leaped with joy.
"Right, then I'll take the south."
"May the White Tree protect you."
"You too."
The two separated, heading toward their respective concealment points, entrusting their backs to their comrade.
Thump thump.
His heart beat rapidly. Seeing his comrade behind completely trusted him and was watching northern movements, Trett quietly stood up, left his post, and silently headed south.
He walked quite far without being discovered.
He really understood his own people's habits too well.
But there was still one outsider here. And someone who didn't need sleep at all.
From a tree by the lake, a gaze watched as that figure moved away from the stronghold and disappeared into the night.
That direction. If he remembered correctly, it was toward the Harnen River ford.
Levi chuckled quietly and continued looking up at the stars through the leaf gaps.
Oh Cain, your sincere heart is truly wasted. This one's a traitor.
After stargazing for a while, Levi jumped down from the tree, drew his sword, and was about to pursue in the direction Trett had gone when suddenly an arm blocked his path.
"Hm?"
Levi turned his head to see the strike team captain, Cain.
"So you knew all along."
"I'm not a fool."
Cain shook his head, his expression complex.