The messenger entered the tent, with Verken following close behind.
I didn't know what was happening, but judging by the messenger's expression, the news was either extremely good or extremely bad.
There was nothing I could do except wait.
After some time, Azpen emerged from the tent with several other officers. He looked around the camp and raised his voice.
"Everyone, gather around!"
The mercenaries and soldiers immediately began moving toward the makeshift platform where he stood. Within minutes, most of the camp had gathered.
Azpen waited until everyone was paying attention.
"We found them!"
His voice carried across the camp.
"We found the five remaining lizardman mages!"
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"However, things aren't as simple as we hoped. Our scouts have confirmed that the lizardmen have regrouped. Their numbers have grown to more than three hundred, and they aren't gathered in one location. They are spread across several groups."
He paused before continuing.
"We also discovered something important. Their scouts have been tracking our movements. They've been observing us, and we can't allow them to keep doing that."
"We have finally located their positions. If we attack with our full force, we should be able to destroy them. But we cannot simply march toward their locations in one large group. Their scouts would notice us long before we reached them."
"So, we'll continue moving as we normally do. Our groups will travel separately and regroup at predetermined locations. The regrouping must be completed while the sun is still high, preferably around noon or early afternoon. Once everyone has gathered, we'll launch our attack."
His expression became serious.
"This is our only opportunity to finish this hunt. If we miss it, I don't know whether we'll get another chance to find them—or even escape this swamp forest safely."
He looked across the assembled soldiers and mercenaries.
"Prepare yourselves. We're moving out. And remember, we'll use the signal horn to coordinate the attack. Once the signal is given, we'll launch a full frontal assault."
The moment his words ended, the camp became busy.
So, the hide-and-seek is finally over.
It seemed that today would decide the outcome of this hunt.
As I returned to my tent, I noticed several mercenaries sharpening their weapons. Some were checking their armor, while others were inspecting their equipment.
I did the same.
My sword had become dull after repeated use. I took out my sharpening stone and began working along its edge. I carefully sharpened the blade, then checked it for small chips and imperfections.
I didn't want my weapon to fail me in the middle of a fight.
Once I finished, an officer approached and handed me a piece of paper.
It contained a map with our current position marked as the starting point. Several locations had been indicated as regrouping points.
I studied it carefully.
I understood the arrangement and memorized the location assigned to my group.
The real battle would begin in the afternoon.
I didn't want to waste my energy searching for lizardmen before then. Instead, I kept my Sensory Field active at a low level, remaining alert while conserving my strength.
Time passed slowly.
Eventually, the afternoon arrived.
I began moving toward the assigned location. I followed the route marked on the map, keeping our formation as we travelled through the swamp forest.
The location was surrounded by trees, some of whose thick roots disappeared beneath the water. It was difficult terrain to move through, but it matched the position marked on the map.
As I approached, I noticed something unusual.
There was movement nearby.
I immediately drew my sword and remained alert.
Then I noticed several figures approaching through the trees.
They were moving on horseback, while some travelled on foot. Their equipment and appearance suggested that they were part of another human group.
I kept watching them as they approached.
"Oi, oi! Calm down! We're on the same side. Don't start killing people just because you see someone approaching!"
One of the men called out.
I relaxed slightly, though I didn't put my sword away immediately.
The newcomers continued toward us. There total strength to be around thirty people.
After a short exchange with our group, the leader looked around and spoke.
"We've now need to reach the second location. Follow me."
He mounted his horse and began moving toward another point marked on the map.
We followed him.
The regrouping operation was still underway, and we had another location to reach before the real battle could begin.