Saltmarsh thrived with prosperity as its population reached 10,000. The village expanded on all levels at a very quick rate. Large swaths of forest lands lay bare, awaiting the construction of new buildings. New departments were set for the smooth running of the administration, and new workers were hired. Saltmarsh fared much better compared to the rest of the villages in the surrounding, attracting more and more inhabitants, traders, and travelers.
A black shadow bolted towards Kaito as he prepared to counterattack it. With one swift movement, the black shadow appeared right beside Kaito. Having experienced this attack multiple times, Kaito believed he could counter it this time, but like every other time, the shadow left him no space to dodge or attack. With a roundhouse kick, Kiato was flown a meter into the distance.
Kaito woke up sweating and gasping. He was inside the formation for a straight twenty minutes. His friends respected him greatly for his stamina and endurance.
"How did you fare this time," enthusiastically enquired Danish. Everyone's eyes focused on Kaito.
"I was this far from the victory," Kaito pointed at the distance between his thumb and forefinger.
"This is the seventh time this time," grumbled Malik, "are you even close to defeating it?" His tone carried some sarcasm.
"Look who is talking. You can only stand the formation for less than fifteen minutes. What do you know, it is not that easy." Kiato leaned back and continued, "I have concluded that the shadow adopts our every move every time we infuse our essence. The only way to clear the first stage is that we overcome the stage with absolute strength."
"Agreed!" interjected Malik. "I was having the same thoughts."
"There you go," said Turan, "I was waiting for this exact moment. When you will speak," he made a space among the circle, his huge body barely fitting. "What is the solution?"
"We need some real-time experience," said Malik and Kaito simultaneously.
The sky was clear, and sun shone brightly. A light breeze blew over the island. As the friends emerged from the small cottage their eyes stung as the sunrays assaulted their eyes.
The island had also transformed a lot over time. Large storage houses stood tall, filled with grain, corn, and other food items. People were busy doing their chores, carrying goods in the carts. Others were busy constructing different facilities.
"Isn't the training draining you guys a little too more," remarked Elder Ravi, as he saw Danish and his friends approaching near the training site, bringing a light smile on the paler face of the group.
"How are you doing elder!" remarked Danish.
With a shrug, Elder Jeremiah added, "See for yourself."
Hundred and fifty men held wooden weapons, as the trained in groups. The youth on their faces had began to fade as they journed to become reliable force of the village.
"Impressive, I would say," added Malik.
"Elder are you ready to go with us?" Kaito asked Elder Ravi.
"I have been waiting to see your performance," Elder Ravi said excitedly.
"And the items we requested...," Turan paused, "my appoliegeis elder. Are our times ready, I am so excited."
"yes, they are," interjected the other Elder.
The group rested in Chief Kamal 's house as their items were brought.
"My friends these are the finest we could arrange for you guys. Though they are not tailer made, they aren't lacking either," Kamal khan shifted in his sofa as the weapons were produced from their cases.
The first item was a beautiful Rapier with intricate feminine designs drawn on the handle. It was light and extremely sharp, such that the pointed end shone as Leila weilded the weapon of her choice.
"Good choice!" remarked Elder Ravi.
Leila smiled at the complement. "The sword is excellent," she grinned as she held the weapon closer to herself.
The second item came in a very big casing. "That is for you, my dear." Kamal khan said to Turan.
"This is heavy," blurted Turan as he held the casing.
A huge Axe came out of the casing, "Wow! It is so cute," said Turan with escitement.
It was a double edged axe with strong handle and shinning blades. It produced gale as Turan swung it twice in the air. The weapon suited Turan's huge physique.
"Gigantic!" blurted Leila.
"This one is for you, my boy," Kamal khan handed the third packaging to Kaito.
It was rather a small one. Kaito revealed two black large daggers as he untapped the packaging. They shone with bluck luster, giving off dark vibe.
kaito with testing the two daggers kept them in their sheaths.
"Come on!" Turan interjected, "show off a bit."
The last two weapons were swords, on for Malik and the other one for Danish. One was a Katana with sharp edges and equiste designs on the hilt, the other one was a two handed great sword.
The friends readied themselves when they were finished with all the preliminary preparations.
Their destination was to venture deeper into the forest. Ever since a group from a few months ago vanished in this forest no one else came to explore it.
As per the intel they had, the main threat was posed by Two-Tailed Fox, Timberfang, and Sylvan Bear beasts that lurked close to the explored parts, often entering this part of the forest.
Two-Tailed Fox was a fox species that had two tails and was very cunning by nature. They lived in herds and hunted in groups.
Sylvan Bears had two horns that grew out like dried branches of a tree. It also had large green hair dangling on its forehead. They were very protective of their surroundings, and until they did not feel a threat they were very good-natured.
Timber-Fang was a wild dog breed that had huge fangs, the very aggressive type with huge bulky bodies.
The sun began to set as the group passed barred wires with a sign, 'trespass on your own risk, that warned those who ventured deeper. As they ventured deeper into the forest, an insidious cold began to seep into their bones, and an overwhelming sense of nervousness enfolded them in its icy embrace.
"It is not that dangerous, look at your faces," jested Elder Ravi as he saw nervousness appear on their faces. "I have been here so many times, but have never come across a real threat."
As they traveled deeper, the sky was partially covered by the huge trees that rose several meters in height. "Isn't that a very good place to camp," pointed the Elder at a small clearing in the distance.
"It looks good," responded Turan.
"Everything looks good to you," interjected Kaito.
"and nothing looks good to you," added Malik.
Hahaha...
"you guys are pretty good along." Elder Ravi complimented.
As they set their camp, by setting a small fire close to their small tents and putting the meal upon it, they set around it and gazed at it as they were lost in their thoughts.
The steak sizzled as the fire below sparkled, and the tantalizing scent wafted in the atmosphere. Birds cooed and animals grumbled as the final activities in the forest faded into a silence that enveloped the starry night sky.