Mutated Wolves?

" We are not only going on a mission but we are competing." Noah came back and informed his team about the bet. Seeing them already restless about the mission, he think it's a good way for them to let out their fear thinking it as a game and not as something they were putting their lives on the line.

" A bet?" Tang asked with a curious face.

" Yes. Don't worry about it. It's the first mission so I will be directing everyone. Just follow my command and remember the training. We will definitely win this." Noah tried to lift up their spirits but they were still hesitating.

The reason was clear, it's because the difference in target. Alastair was a sly fox, choosing the easier goblin village to raid. From what Noah was told, they were small humanoid creatures that had strength of a normal child.

The only thing one needed to take precaution against were their numbers. They breed fast reaching staggering numbers within couple of months. Other fact was their intelligence, unlike most other low level monsters they used tools and even tactics while facing their opponents.

It was the reason why they could live in these harsh forest against other superior monsters species. Still a monster was a monster, there was no need for them to feel bad about exterminating them. After all it was survival of the fittest.

Since they left them alone for couple of weeks up till this point, their numbers were nothing to scoff at. Alastair had to sweat a little and devote time to clear their base.

" But...our target is the wolf den near the damned cave! Anyone that goes near that thing is good as dead!" Luke blurted out. He knew he sounded weak but Noah repeatedly emphasized about surviving before anything, why then make a stupid bet that would only make the mission more risky?

" I will be there. Are you afraid of some wolves? I thought we were going to wipe even biggers monsters that are far scary than them." Noah patted his shoulder. It was good to be anxious but when it becomes prominent it would a contagious doubt that would spread to the whole team demoralizing them leading to increase in mistakes.

" From the scouts, we got their estimated numbers which is believed to be in hundreds close to two. If they started charging together, even the whole village would not be able to handle it. Which is why we have to approach this mission stealthily." Noah picked up a long stick and started going through the actual plan.

Just from scouts information, he was able to draw vivid picture on the ground, the location of the series of caves that acted as wolves den, the general layout of the area, interesting vantage points etc. Though his simple explanation, they started to feel some confidence about this mission.

It was one thing to learn and another to actually implement their training in battle. They were greenhorns that have to experience it to know that they could do much more than what they thought they are capable of.

" Luke. You will on the front of it. Use the light shield that I provided and block the pack at this crevice. We still only know the rough location but from what I have heard, this small area is the perfect place to destroy their momentum. Milo will support you and Tang will be behind the line providing cover fire when needed."

From what Noah had heard, the wolves of this world were more geared toward sharp attack and agility. They are fast, faster than anything he knew from how the scout described it and they liked to group together in batches of five to ten.

The smaller groups was responsible for hunting and providing food for the younglings and because of their relatively low numbers compared to other species, small grouping were a way to cover more ground.

The height and build were similar to what he remembered from Earth with only exception being they were leaner with most of their explosive power situated in their hind legs. They could jump and do dash attack but that also revealed their weakness, they couldn't turn midway during their attack so if one manage to avoid to initial charge, they would get ample window to fire when they are changing directions.

Their jaws and claws are sharp capable of tearing through leather armors that usually villager wore which was the reason why they tend to avoid them. Noah had already fitted his whole team with low weight military grade armours coupled with thick riot shield he knew someone like Luke could take them head-on if needed to. 

Seeing at Milo's expression, Noah knew he liked to be a sniper more than a rifler but in this mission he didn't have the luxury of numbers. Julia or Cody with their twig like physique wouldn't be able to support Luke if something went wrong which was why he made this decision.

It was only a second but Milo recovered and nodded without hesitation. Noah still didn't know what was the deal with this obedient ever smiling young man but right now they had bigger things to deal with.

" Julia and Cody would perch up on these locations. Even if we have suppressors, with their hearing, they would be able to know your location. Fortunately, these small hills are high enough that the wolves had to go around to attack, giving you ample time to change locations."

" First we will dwindle down their numbers numbers from far. Milo and Me would fire those that tries to retreat, even if they discover us we can just use our rifles for close range. You guys will keep supporting from the top just target the farthest wolves so that you don't accidently shoot one of us."

Since their accuracy was still poor, it was right choice to let them experiment and keep that battle separate. Friendly fire would instantly ruin this mission, their moral would collapse. 

" Do you understand?" Noah looked at their faces. It was a mix bag but he still had trust in their grueling training.

" Yes sir!"

" Alright, let's go! Let's have some wolves for dinner!" Noah shouted enthusiastically but they looked at him like they were looking at a weirdo. He almost forgot that these monsters were not for human consumption!