Since it wasn't a mission that needed preparation both parties decided it would be done that same day. So, after signing all the necessary papers the group set off.
The area shown on the map was at the eastern part of the Mina woods, meaning they had to go through the slums.
They came across the area where the 2 demigods had battled but to their utmost surprise, everything had already been rebuilt and it looked like nothing had happened in the first place.
'The power of magic.' Blake thought.
If it was back on Earth, devastation on that level will take close to a year if not years.
In no time, the carriage reached the eastern gate and the group had to proceed on foot.
"Now these are the rules you have to follow." Not sure if they knew about the rules of the forest, Blake gave them a quick rundown on it.
Not only were the rules meant to make the job easier for everyone, but it was to also increase their survivability rate if they ever got separated.
Veering off the pathway, the group began heading to the designated area.
They came across multiple beasts ranging from normal magic beasts to even an elite tier beast with their packs.
If it were any normal rank C adventurer party, they would have found the journey quite troublesome, but with the help of the system's increased detection range, Blake's team was never caught off guard.
Thus making it extremely easy for them to wipe out any beast.
This didn't go unseen by the mercenaries masquerading as researchers.
It was quite odd that they knew about everything in their surroundings or the fact that the trio hadn't spoken a word since only making hand signs that absolutely made no sense.
But they soon tossed away the thought because there was no way a bunch of champions would have such a large perception. So, they attributed it to luck.
As for their unexplainable hand signs and their perfect coordination, it could be simply attributed to them having spent a very long time training together.
Finally, the group arrived at the outskirts of the area the spider monkeys were spotted.
On looking at the treetops, black spider webs could be littered around the area, meaning the information was legit, but the problem now was that the area was huge.
Due to their black color and their six limbs, the black spider monkeys were fast and hard to spot in the darkness of the forest.
"I think we should split up." The leader of the researchers who had brown hair and a mustache with tanned skin complexion suggested.
"I agree. The mapped-out area is quite huge and if we are to split up we will cover more grounds and spend less time in this forest." The researcher with glasses on agreed to the suggestion.
This made the trio look at each other before Blake spoke up.
"We may cover more grounds but not only does that put us in more danger, but it reduces our chances of catching one." Blake said.
Black spider monkeys had six limbs making them agile and giving them an unfair advantage in the forest. Also, when their webs were put in the picture it wasn't what 1 person could do.
"Spider monkeys aren't that dangerous to the likes of you. The only problem is catching them and that is why we will contact each other with our communication amulets when any of us spots one." The leader of the researchers said.
'These guys are suspicious as fuck.' Blake said through the mind link which they had been on from the start of the mission.
[I have been checking their heart rate and even when we encountered an elite beast or packs it never rises.] The system said. [They might be confident in your skills, but no researcher that is always in their labs would have such cold hearts.]
'So, they are planning on separating and ambushing us, but why?" Brian asked.
To the researchers, it looked like the trio was thinking about it, but they had no idea that they were having a conversation.
'That doesn't matter now. I don't know the strength of the ambushers, but I doubt any of them will be above the champion realm. So, this is what we will do.' Blake quickly explained the plan.
"Alright, just remember the rules and prioritize your lives over anything." Blake agreed to the researcher's suggestion and the group split up in 3 directions.
The researcher with the mustache went with Blake, while the one on glasses went with Castiel and the last which had been quiet all through the journey went with Brian.
As Blake and the researcher moved through the forest, Blake all of a sudden shot out lightning at a spot while throwing a void dagger in the opposite direction.
"What was that?" The researcher was truly shocked by the sudden outburst, but when they looked at the spot, it was the corpse of a sklade.
"Nice shot." The researcher gave Blake a thumbs up.
'Indeed…' Blake thought with a smile.
After walking for close to 10 minutes, the number of webs on the treetops was greater than usual. Meaning they were closing in on the black spider monkey, but that was when the system gave him a report.
[We were correct. There are 5 people hidden and trying to suppress their presence.]
'Any idea of how strong they are?' Blake asked as he began preparing for battle.
[Their energy signature shows they are all champions, but I can sense the presence of a dimensional pocket sealing array.] The system reported.
'Does that means I will be unable to use Ebony and Ivory once I get there?' Blake asked.
[No. Your dimensional pocket is from the system, so as long as they don't destroy the system you can access it.] The system explained.
'Aright, let's get this over with and go help the others.' Blake thought.