At Marcus’ declaration, the bickering that had been going on subsided all at once.

Of all the ideas and strategies that had been tossed out, not once had anyone suggested splitting up the expedition squad.

The wendigo itself was an incredible danger, but there were plenty of other unknown entities that called this island home and might easily pick off a smaller group.

“Are you serious?! That’s probably suicide!” Fianna said, looking shocked that Marcus would even make such a suggestion.

Several others backed up her viewpoint and told Marcus that it was too reckless to try something like that.

Naturally he knew that his plan was dangerous, but he did think it had a good chance of success.

“I can understand where all of you are coming from. We have only been here a day, yet this island has already shown us just how perilous it can be. Still, at this rate nothing is going to change. This wendigo that has attacked us will not let up until it gets what it wants, or we kill it. There is no way we will be able to properly continue the expedition with such a monster constantly stalking us. Using ourselves as bait is far better than waiting for it to pick us off one at a time when we least expect it.” Marcus said, making his point.

This time he did not receive such staunch refusal of his plan. Everyone else had become silent as they understood the logic of using a few people as bait to lure out the wendigo.

However, there was one person that walked right up to Marcus, and her demeanor showed that she did not approve.

“There is simply no way we can allow the three of you to risk your lives like this. This island may be filled with valuable resources, but I would say that it is too dangerous to keep exploring. Our strength may be great, but it means nothing in the face of a foe that can hide out of our range of detection and afflict many of our members with a maddening curse. Our best course of action is to leave and report back to the guild what we have found. Then they can organize another squad that will be entirely immune to this wendigo’s abilities.” Evette said, taking charge of the situation now that it had come this far.

She had stayed out of the discussion amongst the members of the expedition squad, but as the leader of the highest-ranking party here, she felt it was her responsibility to stop any reckless action. 

Nevertheless, while her suggestion might have been sensible, it caused many members of the expedition squad to flinch.

They were an elite force gathered by the adventurers guild for the express purpose of exploring this island. Abandoning their mission on the first day would severely damage their reputations.

“Lady Evette, might I ask that you reconsider your position. We have a means of combating the curse through your magic. There are still many stratagems that we can attempt before allowing this sole monster to drive us away.” Adlamin said.

It was rare for him to speak out against Evette who he highly respected, but in this case, it was for her sake.

Not a single party had every member resist the wendigo’s howl. If they were to leave and ask the adventurers guild to form another expedition squad, their party would not be among it. Adlamin knew Evette well and understood that she would not exclude any of their members. She would refuse to be part of this theoretical new squad no matter what. 

Should they leave now at her direction, the bulk of the blame would rest on her shoulders. This would lower the prestige that Evette had carefully cultivated.

“Adlamin, we can not worry about reputation at a time like this. There is a very real chance some of us might die.” Evette said in a chastising tone.

Still, her plan was not particularly popular among those that made up the expedition squad. Even with her status being the highest among them, that was not enough to sway everyone in this situation.

“Evette, while I appreciate your concern, I am not planning on getting myself, or Mrazivý and Miguel killed. I would not suggest this method if I did not think we could pull it off. Surely you know just how capable I am. We can pull this off.” Marcus said, continuing to push his case.

He even went so far as to add a bit of spiritual energy to his voice. He did not like doing this, but he decided to exercise his higher ranking as a spirit to get Evette to back down.

“If that is what you want, I will acquiesce. Just do note I am not in favor of this plan.” 

Realizing that Marcus meant to go through with his strategy no matter what, Evette stood down. Albeit reluctantly.

There were others that thought Marcus’ plan was rash, but no one else spoke out against it. They had not come up with anything better to get them out of this situation without abandoning their mission.

“Since we are all in agreement now, I would ask that everyone not joining me wait here. We will wander around the area to draw out the wendigo. We shall plan to return within five days at the latest whether we are successful or not. If we do not make it back by then, assume we are dead.”

After saying this Marcus motioned towards Mrazivý and Miguel and began heading back towards their campsite in order to pack up.

“Are you sure that you want to just go with the three of you? Kollo and I would be more than happy to join you as well. It may just be temporary, but we are a party.” Thegia said, an expression of concern on her face.

“Thank you for the offer, but I am afraid it needs to be the tree of us. If too many people accompany us, the wendigo is less likely to drop its guard and attack us openly.” Marcus responded.

Thegia sighed, but she expected this answer in the first place.

‘Sorry, Thegia, but for my plan to work, I will need to capitalize on my ghostly abilities. There is no room for anyone that does not already know my secret.’ Marcus thought as he finished up his preparations before leaving.