"Everyone push through! after we pass through this stormy swamp, our home is waiting!"
Blanc gave the villagers one final push. After months of travelling, only a fourth of their original food reserves remain.
This will last them for about a month only while establishing the village. After that, they have to produce or get their own food.
*fwooooosh*
Strong winds bend the grass left and right, dark clouds loom above, plains that stretch towards the horizon. They have arrived at the gloomy plains.
"I..Is this the gloomy plains?" A refugee couldn't help but ask.
"Hmm. Yes, according to the description I read from a book, we have indeed arrived at the gloomy plains." Blanc confirmed.
"Th..then.. The forest over there is the forest of echoes?" Another villager asked.
"Yes."
After Blanc confirmed that the forest that can be seen nearby is indeed the Forest of Echoes, the villagers couldn't help but gulp in nervousness.
They heard many tales of death about the forest of echoes. Just as they were getting increasingly anxious, Blanc spoke.
"I know what you're thinking, but fear not, I am confident that I can navigate us through the dangers of this area and one day, we will prosper as a country where our loved ones can live happily and peacefully."
"I appreciate each and everyone of you for entrusting your lives and future to me. I will make sure to live up to your trust and lead you to a happier life.
After hearing Blanc's speech of assurance, the refugees gradually calmed down.
Some of them even started to get excited about their future wherein they would live in peace inside a country that they built with their own two hands.
The group continued travelling for two more days before they finally arrived at the area in the gloomy plains where they would establish their village.
Upon seeing that they are closer towards the forest of echoes, some of the villagers turned pale due to anxiousness.
Seeing that, Blanc explained.
"Everyone, don't be scared, even though we are indeed closer to the forest of echoes, this area here does not have large mutated predators."
"The only threat around this area are mutated wolves which our future captain Helena here can take down with no problem."
"Instead of being a threat, these wolves will instead be one of our sources of food."
After hearing his explanation, the refugees' worries lessened by quite a fair deal.
Blanc then continued
"Although we do not know why the animals near the forest of echoes are mutated, one day we will know the reason."
"I can assure you that with my skills, the mysteries of the forest of echoes will one day be one of our strengths which will help us protect ourselves from the invaders."
Seeing Blanc's confidence, everyone grew more confident in living under such harsh conditions as well. If your village chief is this capable, everyone will surely feel assured.
"As per our expectations, we arrived here at noon."
"Although we cannot see the sun right now due to the harsh weather conditions of the gloomy plains, we still have quite a bit of time before it turns dark."
"I will divide you into three groups, group number one will be responsible for gathering sticks and lumber as it is necessary for us to start a fire before night comes."
"Some of us are currently sick and they might not survive such cold harsh weather if we don't have a fire for the night."
"Second group will be responsible for building temporary settlements we can sleep in during the night."
"Lastly, the third group consisted of elderly and the young will be the ones responsible for preparing the food for everyone. "
"This will be our assignments for our first night here, you may now proceed towards your assigned groups and start working on your assigned tasks."
Blanc gave out his first instructions for the first day. Helena was assigned to the first group as they would be going around gathering sticks and lumber so they needed someone to protect them.
Blanc assigned himself towards the second group as he was still somewhat capable in protecting everyone from a few wolves.
Lastly, Adelaine was assigned to lead the meal preparation team.
Although she struggled at the start being such a spoiled lady, she eventually found her groove and was able to prepare meals like everyone else.
The scene of the villagers working together towards their first day at establishing a village looked harmonious.
Everyone is highly motivated and is looking forward to the future. Hope can be seen in each villager's eyes from young to old.
Fortunately, their first day ended without problems.
Settlement foundations were created, there was food for everyone, and Helena even managed to slay two wolves which increased their meat reserves by quite a bit.
Although they still have a huge amount of things to do, as long as they can survive everyday like this, they will eventually live better lives.