Night finally descended upon the forest.
Darkness spread across the canopy like a living thing, swallowing the last traces of sunlight until only shadows remained.
From their concealed position atop the ridge, the six-man reconnaissance team continued watching.
Nobody slept.
Nobody even suggested it.
The hidden settlement below was simply too important.
Too dangerous.
And now that darkness covered the forest, they had a unique advantage.
Night vision.
Thermal optics.
Equipment that nobody in this world possessed except Atlas.
Tomas adjusted the night vision goggles resting over his eyes and looked toward the settlement again.
Immediately, the darkness vanished.
The world transformed into shades of green.
Buildings.
Walls.
Watchtowers.
Movement.
Everything became visible once more.
Beside him, Rolf was doing the same.
The former adventurer lowered his goggles briefly.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to these things."
One of the infantrymen chuckled quietly.
