In the southeastern reaches of the Zephinya Kingdom, the sprawling Biyak Forest stretches its domain. Enveloping much of the southeastern borders, its expanse extends across the kingdom's territorial boundaries. This forest, filled with untamed wilderness, is inhabited predominantly by ferocious mana beasts. These creatures freely roam the jungles, creating an environment so perilous that even the bravest adventurers would hesitate before venturing into its depths.
Yet, nestled within the depths of the Biyak Forest, far removed from the comforts of civilization, a tribe thrives. These resilient people have adapted to the wilderness, establishing their village within the forest's safe zone. For much of their existence, this tribe has remained distant from the contact of the outside world.
The inhabitants of this secluded village were the Ookamantukh tribe who belong to an Antlerian people race known for their distinctive leaf-shaped ears akin to those of deer. The rest of their appearance was almost the same as normal human beings.
This Ookamantukh tribe had escaped a neighboring country and took refuge within the Biyak Forest and have called it home for generations. The Ookamantukh village was formed in a mana-depleted zone which big mana beasts avoided, creating a safe haven for the villagers.
But the threat of smaller-sized beasts was still a problem for the village that attacked from time to time. To protect their village, the Ookamantukh tribe crafted a formidable wall of poisonous plants around their village. Meanwhile, high-reaching trees form a protective canopy, offering concealment from airborne monsters that traverse the skies.
Flourishing over centuries, the village's population has swelled significantly, reaching around 10,000 Antlerians.
Even though they lived simpler lives compared to modern times, the Antlerians were still dressed in clothes woven from grass and animal hides. Their tools were pretty basic too, mostly made from stones, wood, and animal bones.
However, things took an interesting turn when an adventure group ventured into the Biyak forest for a hunt. They unexpectedly encountered the Ookamantukh tribe while the tribespeople were gathering resources. The adventurers tried striking up a conversation, but the tribespeople were timid and quickly disappeared into the dense forest.
Despite their efforts, the adventurers couldn't locate the tribe's village. Eventually, they gave up and returned home, informing the adventurer's guild about what had happened.
Now, it's been around a week since this incident occurred, and things have been relatively calm.
A group of four mysterious individuals wandered through the Biyak forest. The party comprised three men and one woman, all clad in dazzling white attire, appearing to be on a quest to find something of significance.
In their wake lay a trail of blood and the lifeless bodies of mana beasts, evidence of their journey through the forest.
A single glance would tell you that these individuals were far from your typical group of adventurers. They didn't carry heavy equipment and rations typically used by adventurers in such a dangerous forest.
Leading this unique group was a man in his forties, seemingly the oldest among them. His hair displayed streaks of gray, and his arms hinted at the frailty that often accompanies advanced age. At this moment, his focus was on a mysterious purple horn, studying it intently before surveying the area around him.
His three companions waited patiently, anticipating his next move.
"Silas, are we there yet?" inquired one of the impatient companions, stepping forward. This man appeared youthful and muscular, with spiky crimson hair and teeth that resembled sharp fangs, giving him an almost beastly appearance.
Silas, the name of the elderly man holding the horn, shifted his position. He seemed to be using the horn to guide their path.
"It's faint, but I sense we're nearly there," replied Silas, the weight of his years evident in his voice.
The crimson-haired man's frustration surfaced suddenly,
"This must be the fourth time you've said that," he retorted, pointing towards the fallen monster beasts, "All we've encountered are these puny creatures for me to battle. I didn't come here for a jungle safari!"
A companion next to him interjected,
"Belarus, could you please be quiet and allow the old man to work? Your constant chatter is distracting and getting us further delayed."
The man who had just insulted the beastly crimson-haired Belarus stood in stark contrast to him. With golden blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an air of grace and elegance. He was impeccably dressed, complete with a stylish fedora hat perched on his head. He possessed the looks and charm of a fairy tale prince come to life.
Currently, he gazed down at Belarus as if he was a nuisance.
"Hah! It seems you're eager for a fight, Kraven," Belarus responded with an irritated grin.
Kraven stood his ground, "Perhaps I should freeze that foul mouth of yours shut."
"Give it a shot," challenged Belarus.
Standing beside the potential combatants was a young woman of timid appearance. Her hair cascaded untidily, and dark circles framed her eyes, suggesting sleepless nights.
She interjected,
"Um, Silas has already moved ahead. We should follow quickly, or we might lose him."
The brewing conflict between the two men subsided at her words.
"Let's proceed. I'd rather not spend any more time in this forest with him," Kraven stated, trailing Silas.
"I don't get why you are here, Kraven" muttered an agitated Belarus as he followed suit.
Deeper into the forest the four ventured until Silas signaled them to halt.
Before them stood a barrier of poisonous plants, meticulously arranged as if forming a fence. It was the plants that the Antlerian people had planted.
Even the surrounding ground was barren, because of the toxicity of these plants, deterring even the forest's native vegetation.
Silas's gaze settled on the plant barrier,
"Hmm, it should be inside. This is where the village is located."
Kraven appeared impressed,
"Primitive as these villagers may be, they still have some intellect to use such methods to survive in this treacherous forest. Admirable for such a lowly tribe."
Belarus finally stepped forward looking enthusiastic,
"Such a meager fence is nothing to brag about. Get aside I shall easily burn a hole through this barricade—"
"No," Silas intervened abruptly, "Your flames would create smoke and alarm those tribesfolk. We need to catch them in one fell swoop."
Belarus suddenly looked dejected and stood back with droopy shoulders.
Silas turned to a handsome man,
"Kraven, use your ability to create the passage."
Kraven gave a nod and positioned himself in front of the barrier made of poisonous plants.
With a swift wave of his hand, a remarkable transformation began to unfold. The poisonous plants, once lush with life, started to undergo a profound change. As if responding to his command, they began to freeze, their vitality giving way to an icy embrace.
A rush of frigid air swept through the surroundings, carrying an unmistakable chill that seemed to touch everything it reached. In a matter of moments, the plants that had stood as a formidable barrier were transformed into frozen, glistening icicle sculptures, their once vibrant forms now captured in delicate, frozen beauty.
Kraven then stepped forward and pushed the plants gently with his hands. The crystalline plants instantly shattered like glass, forming a path for their discreet entry.
Silas and the group then stepped forward and entered the territory of Ookamantukh village.
Before advancing any further, Silas abruptly halted, extracting a pocket watch from his pocket.
His index finger made contact with his forehead as he chanted, "Time regal seal."
In the blink of an eye, a sizable translucent barrier manifested, encompassing the entire area around the village in itself. The image of ethereal clock hands materialized on the barrier's surface. This ethereal shield encased the vicinity, lingering for a few minutes before vanishing.
"The time seal is in place but it's still possible for the villagers to escape it," Silas informed.
Kraven nodded in acknowledgment, his focus intense, "Leave it to me,"
Stepping forward, Kraven dramatically spread his arms wide,
"Eris, Frost Cage of the Damsel," he declared.
In the next instant, the forest shook for a second and a colossal fence of ice emerged, where the poisonous barricade once stood circling the village. The icy fence towered over even the tallest trees and it almost looked like a scene from a fairy tale. The frost emanating from the fence was so cold that it extended to the surrounding area, creating an icy terrain. Any potential life that approaches the fence would likely find themselves frozen before even reaching it.
They had managed to separate the village from the outside world.
"Excellent work," Silas praised.
Kraven, slightly out of breath, inquired,
"That's nothing. By the way, where's Belarus?"
The woman next to them pointed casually,
"I saw him charging ahead."
Silas's expression turned agitated as he muttered,
"That reckless fool!"
Kraven let out a sigh, "This is exactly what I dislike him,"