MTLNOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Echoes in the Forest
Chapter 6: Echoes in the Forest
Jack's Perspective
The elf's words lingered in Jack's mind as he stood in the Command Center, staring at the holographic map of the surrounding region. The mysterious figure had disappeared into the forest hours ago, but their warning echoed louder with each passing moment.
"The forest watches, outsider. Be careful where you step."
The map pulsed with markers, each one indicating a potential resource site or a scouting report. The abandoned mines remained a priority, but the forest on the eastern edge of his territory now glowed with a red marker labeled "Unexplored Territory: Caution Advised."
Jack folded his arms, his jaw tight. "They're watching me, but I'll be damned if I let them dictate my next move."
Unit 01 stepped into the Command Center, his polished armor reflecting the dim light. "Commander, the first infantry squad has completed basic training. They're ready for deployment."
"Good," Jack replied, glancing at the display. "We're expanding east. I want a forward base near the forest's edge. Nothing aggressive—just a staging area to monitor the region."
Unit 01 saluted. "Understood. I'll lead the operation."
Jack shook his head. "No. You stay here and oversee the base. I'll take a team myself."
Unit 01 hesitated, his expression unreadable. "As you wish, Commander."
Establishing the Forward Base
By midday, Jack led a squad of ten freshly trained clones and two combat drones toward the eastern forest. The march was quiet, save for the rhythmic clanking of machinery and the occasional rustle of leaves. The forest loomed ahead, its dense canopy casting long shadows that swallowed the light.
Jack raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. "This is far enough. Let's set up here."
The system interface appeared, outlining options for a temporary outpost. Jack selected the Field Command Module, a compact structure designed for rapid deployment. Within minutes, the system's construction beams activated, and a small metal dome materialized in the clearing. Autonomous turrets rose from the ground, their barrels scanning the perimeter.
[Forward Base Established.]
[Monitoring Active: Eastern Forest.]
Jack surveyed the base, his eyes scanning the tree line. Despite the apparent stillness, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The elf's warning had been cryptic, but Jack didn't believe in idle threats.
"Spread out," he ordered, his voice steady. "I want a full perimeter scan. Anything moves, report it."
The clones moved in perfect synchronization, their plasma rifles at the ready. The drones hovered silently overhead, their sensors sweeping for any signs of movement.
First Encounter with the Forest Elves
The first arrow came without warning.
It whistled through the air, embedding itself in the ground inches from Jack's feet. He froze, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treeline.
"Hold your fire!" he barked, raising a hand to stop the drones. "Let them show themselves."
A moment later, a figure emerged from the shadows. Slender and impossibly graceful, the elf wore green and brown armor that blended seamlessly with the forest. Their bow remained in hand, though the string was relaxed.
"You were warned," the elf said, their voice calm but firm. "Yet here you are, bringing your machines into sacred ground."
Jack stepped forward, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "This isn't an invasion. I'm building a monitoring station to keep the area secure."
The elf tilted their head, their golden eyes narrowing. "Your machines disrupt the balance. Your presence invites conflict."
"Conflict wasn't my first choice," Jack replied evenly. "But I won't back down because you don't like how I operate."
The elf's gaze flicked to the drones hovering behind Jack, their hum a low reminder of the technological power at his disposal. "You're arrogant, outsider. The forest does not take kindly to arrogance."
Jack's patience wore thin. "And I don't take kindly to threats. If you have something to say, say it."
The elf stared at him for a long moment before lowering their bow. "Your actions will bring you no allies here. You've been warned."
Without another word, they melted back into the forest, leaving Jack and his team alone in the clearing.
Returning to Base
By the time Jack returned to the outpost, night had fallen. The base was alive with activity, the hum of machinery blending with the sound of clones drilling in the barracks. Jack stepped into the Command Center, his mind racing.
Unit 01 greeted him at the door. "No casualties, I assume."
"None," Jack replied, brushing past him. "But we've got company. The forest elves don't want us there."
Unit 01 raised an eyebrow. "Shall I prepare for combat operations?"
"Not yet," Jack said, pulling up the map. "They're not bandits. Killing them would just make things worse."
Unit 01 hesitated. "What's the alternative?"
Jack leaned against the console, his gaze fixed on the red marker over the forest. "Diplomacy. If I can get them to back off without a fight, it'll save us time and resources. But if they push too hard..." He trailed off, his expression hardening. "We'll be ready."
A New Threat
Later that night, the system chimed with an alert.
[Unidentified Movement Detected: Northern Perimeter.]
[Analysis: Human Settlement Detected. Distance: 10 km.]
Jack frowned, expanding the map to reveal a small cluster of buildings just north of his territory. The system highlighted the settlement, marking it as a potential resource node.
"Locals," Jack muttered. "This just keeps getting better."
Unit 01 stepped forward, studying the display. "Shall we send a scouting team?"
"No," Jack said. "Not yet. First, we figure out what they're capable of."
He tapped the console, activating a recon drone to survey the area. As the live feed appeared on the screen, Jack's eyes narrowed. The settlement was primitive—little more than wooden houses and farmland—but it was heavily armed. Groups of men in chainmail patrolled the perimeter, their weapons gleaming in the moonlight.
"Looks like a militia," Jack said. "They're not just farmers."
Unit 01 nodded. "Do we engage?"
"Not yet," Jack replied, his mind already working through the possibilities. "But keep the troops on standby. If they make a move, we hit back hard."
Ending
As the recon drone continued its sweep, Jack leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the screen. Between the elves in the east and the militia to the north, his outpost was quickly becoming the center of attention.
"Everyone's watching," he muttered to himself. "Good. Let them."
But deep down, Jack knew that attention came with a cost. The question was, who would make the first move?
End of Chapter 6
"Every great journey begins with a single step. Jack's story is one of resilience, ambition, and the determination to rise above impossible odds. Right now, you're witnessing the birth of something extraordinary—a vision of unity, strength, and progress that will one day shape the entire world.
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