The next day dawned crisp and clear, and Kosu felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety as he made his way to the City Hall to meet Thorn's team. The sun cast a warm glow on the streets, but his mind was focused on the mission ahead. He had been eager to assist in the search for Sakura's team, yet the circumstances felt heavy with responsibility.

Upon arriving at the designated meeting point, Kosu spotted Thorn—a tall man with a commanding presence—standing by a military truck. Thorn was flanked by his team, all members of the Public Safety Department. As Kosu approached, Thorn stepped forward with a firm handshake.

"Kosu, glad you could join us. Let me introduce you to my team," Thorn said, gesturing to the others. "This is Jenna, our tech specialist; Riku, our scout; and Miko, our medic."

Each team member greeted Kosu with a nod, their expressions serious but welcoming. He felt a sense of camaraderie building, a shared purpose binding them together.

"Alright, let's head to the meeting room," Thorn said, leading Kosu and the team through the building. They walked through sterile hallways lined with posters promoting safety and preparedness, until they reached a door marked Conference Room.

Inside, Marco—a high-ranking officer and the mission coordinator—was already waiting. He looked up as they entered, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding.

"Good to see you all," Marco said, his voice steady. Thorn and his team immediately saluted, a gesture of respect that Kosu quickly followed. Marco nodded, acknowledging their greeting before diving into the details of the mission.

"Today, we have a critical task ahead of us," Marco began, his tone serious. "Thorn's team will act as the scouting unit. Your objective is to infiltrate the manor, eliminate any hostiles, and secure a location for setting up a radar machine. This radar will help us pinpoint the exact location of the Adventurer's Guild logistics team."

Kosu listened intently, his heart racing at the mention of the manor. This was real—dangerous, unpredictable. Although he was allowed to join as a representative of the Guild, he felt a twinge of disappointment when Marco made it clear that Thorn would be in charge of the mission.

"Remember, Thorn will lead," Marco reiterated. "I expect you all to follow his orders without question."

Kosu nodded, understanding the hierarchy but feeling a sense of frustration. He had hoped to take a more active role, but he kept his thoughts to himself, knowing it was for the best.

"There's also the possibility of an unknown organization being involved. I need you to gather as much intelligence as you can about them," Marco continued, his gaze sweeping over the team. "Stay sharp."

With the briefing complete, they moved quickly to the military truck parked outside. The vehicle was sturdy and built for rough terrain, a silent promise of the challenges ahead. As they drove toward the manor, the landscape changed from urban sprawl to thick trees and rocky hills, the air growing cooler and the tension palpable.

When they were close to the manor, Thorn instructed the driver to reduce speed. "We need to go stealth mode," he said, and the team began activating the vehicle's camouflage features, which blended them with their surroundings and muffled any sound.

The truck came to a stop a short distance from the manor, concealed by the foliage. Thorn turned to the group, his expression serious. "We'll set up a small tent here to establish a navigation point. Jenna, get the equipment ready. Miko and Riku, you're on lookout."

Kosu felt a rush of adrenaline as he prepared to assist. They quickly set up the tent, arranging the radar machine and other supplies inside. Inside the tent, the atmosphere was tense but focused. Thorn spread out a detailed map of the area on a folding table, the surface cluttered with markers and notes. The flickering light from a small lantern cast shadows across their faces as he pointed to the terrain surrounding the manor.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," Thorn began, his voice steady. "This is the route we'll take." He traced a line along the mountain road leading up to the manor. "It's narrow and treacherous, but it offers us cover from view and minimizes the chance of detection. We'll stick to the shadows and use the terrain to our advantage."

He looked around at his team, ensuring they were engaged. "Remember, we're in enemy territory. Keep your voices down and communicate only with hand signals. If we raise any unnecessary noise, we'll compromise our position."

The team nodded, the seriousness of the mission sinking in. Kosu felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He was ready to prove himself, but the stakes were high.

With the plan set, Thorn led them out of the tent, and they began their ascent along the mountain road. The path was rocky and uneven, forcing them to tread carefully. Jagged stones jutted out from the ground, and the steep incline made each step a challenge. They moved in single file, each member maintaining a safe distance to avoid any potential slips or falls.

As they navigated the narrow road, they faced several obstacles. At one point, a loose boulder tumbled down the slope, narrowly missing Riku, who instinctively ducked and signaled for caution. Thorn raised a hand, stopping the group to assess the area ahead.

"Stay alert," he whispered, scanning the surroundings. "We might not be alone."

They pressed on, the dense underbrush on either side of the trail rustling with the wind, making every sound feel amplified. Kosu felt his heart race with each step, acutely aware of the potential dangers that lurked beyond the shadows. He focused on the rhythm of their movements—quiet, deliberate, and synchronized.

Finally, they reached a vantage point overlooking the manor. Thorn raised a hand, signaling them to stop. They crouched low, peering through the foliage. The manor loomed ahead, an imposing structure with crumbling walls and shattered windows, surrounded by a thick line of trees.

"Alright, here's the plan," Thorn whispered, gesturing toward the manor. "We'll split into two groups. Miko and Riku, you'll take the left flank to scout for any hostiles. Kosu and I will approach the main entrance and secure the area. Jenna, stay close and monitor the radar from a distance. If you spot anything unusual, alert us immediately."

The team nodded, adrenaline pumping as they prepared to move. Thorn's leadership instilled confidence, and Kosu felt a surge of determination. He was ready to face whatever awaited them.

As they advanced toward the manor, they moved stealthily, using the trees and underbrush for cover. Thorn led the way, his eyes sharp and focused. They reached the entrance, a heavy wooden door hanging slightly ajar, creaking ominously with every breath of wind.

"On my mark," Thorn instructed, raising his hand. They waited, the tension thick in the air. "Now!"

With a swift motion, Thorn pushed the door open, and they stepped inside, weapons drawn. The interior was dimly lit, dust motes dancing in the sunlight that filtered through the broken windows. The air was stale, filled with the scent of mold and decay.

Kosu scanned the room, his senses heightened. The manor was eerily quiet, but he could feel the weight of danger lurking in the corners. They moved cautiously, checking each room as they proceeded deeper into the manor, their footsteps muffled against the dusty floor.

"Clear," Kosu whispered as they reached the first room, a dilapidated parlor filled with old furniture. Thorn nodded, motioning for them to continue.

Suddenly, a faint noise echoed from the hallway—footsteps. Thorn gestured for silence as they pressed against the walls, straining to listen. The footsteps grew louder, and Kosu's heart raced.

"Positions!" Thorn commanded, and they quickly spread out, taking cover behind the furniture and doorframes. The tension was palpable as they waited, every breath feeling like a countdown.

As the footsteps approached, Kosu gripped his weapon tightly, ready to react. They were in the enemy's lair now, and the mission was just beginning. With Thorn leading the way, they were determined to uncover the secrets of the manor and secure their objective, no matter the cost.