Rael crouched high in the ancient tree, his armor's cloaking tech activated, rendering him almost invisible against the mottled bark. Below, a chaotic scene unfolded.
A ragtag band of five struggled desperately, surrounded by a larger group of ruthless bandits. The clash of steel, the screams, and the harsh barking of orders echoed through the clearing.
The humans, elves, and beastmen fought with fierce resolve, but their movements were disjointed and faltering.
The young human girl in a threadbare robe, clutching a simple staff, screamed incantations that fizzled out before taking hold. Her trembling hands betrayed her fear.
The elf archer loosed arrow after arrow, but each shot was wild, missing its mark against the overwhelming numbers.
The feline rogue darted and twisted between foes, but fatigue and desperation slowed her reflexes.
The tiger beastman swung his heavy blade with raw power, but the bandits' coordinated strikes forced him to backpedal, losing ground with every blow.
The small rabbit girl muttered chants that sparked faint flickers of magic — too weak to turn the tide.
Bandits pressed forward, their cruel laughter and jeering voices drowning out the desperate cries.
Rael's visor scanned the scene, red skull burning faintly in the dim forest light. His pulse was steady but alert.
He didn't know who the attackers were — or if these defenders were allies or enemies. Their species, their abilities, even their intentions were a mystery.
Nyra's voice whispered cautiously inside his helmet, "Commander, this engagement looks dire. Unknown friendlies versus unknown hostiles. We lack data on both."
Rael's gaze never wavered from the battle below. His grip tightened on the rifle's rail.
For now, he held back.
The rogue feline was knocked to the ground, struggling beneath two bandits. The tiger beastman roared, swinging his blade, but was caught by a brutal strike to the ribs.
The human girl screamed as a bandit closed in, raising a crude blade.
Rael's breath caught. His instincts screamed to act.
But without knowing friend from foe, enemy from ally, the risk was too great.
He had to wait.
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