Everyone divided themselves into groups of 100, each accompanied by a soldier.
After everything was set, they began to venture into the island.
Uncle Duncan led Kadori's group as they headed further in.The island didn't resemble a typical one.
It was much larger than usual. If they were to explore it as a unit, it would likely take a year to cover half of it.
The place was filled with tall weeds and mushrooms, giving it the appearance of a forest.
"So, is this where we'll live for the rest of our lives?" Olivia asked, her voice low and timid.
"I guess so," Uncle Duncan replied, chopping off leaves blocking his path with his blade. "If we manage to find a safe spot, we'll build a small village there."
"So, what do you expect us to eat here? Mushrooms?" A rugged-looking man with a bald head and bushy beard asked.
"Well, if that's what's available, then yes, we'll eat mushrooms," Uncle Duncan replied, giving the man a glare.
"I'd rather die than eat these stinking mushrooms!" The bald-headed man shouted, his voice mixed with anger and annoyance.
He looked like someone who had had enough of the suffering.
They had been fed only one loaf of bread a day for the past week, and now he was told they'd eat mushrooms for the rest of their lives.
"What's the use of saving us when you plan on starving us to death?"
"Why not go and die then?" Uncle Duncan snapped back. "If you can't manage, then feel free to split up and go your separate ways. That way, we'll have extra mushrooms to go around."
"You arrogant soldier!" The bald-headed man shouted. "I am way older than you, and you still choose to disrespect me?! I might have been afraid of you before because of the uniform you're wearing. Now, that uniform means nothing. There's no longer a government to back you up, or rules to hide behind. Everyone here is equal now! So mind the way you speak!"
"You said you were older than me, yet you speak like a child," Uncle Duncan shook his head. "If you can't follow orders, just piss off and get lost!"
"You fool!" The man shouted, punching out his large fist towards Uncle Duncan.
Reacting swiftly, Uncle Duncan swerved his body to the side, dodging the punch.
"Can you two just cut it out already?!" Kadori shouted from the crowd. "We're all trying to survive the apocalypse, and you two are trying to kill each other. We should stick together as a team, build our village, and live as one!"
Uncle Duncan, whose fist was already traveling towards the man's face, froze midway after hearing Kadori's words.
He was now feeling slightly embarrassed. He was the one teaching Kadori about anger issues, and here he was, fighting a poor villager.
"Let's keep moving! And I'll appreciate it if everyone keeps quiet till we're done!" Uncle Duncan said, resuming his steps.
****
Somewhere on the island, another group was busy with their exploring. The soldier guiding them seemed to be a much nicer person than Uncle Duncan.
He was in his early twenties, with black hair and a good-looking face. He had the same features as those princes in fantasy stories.
Every now and then, he would make a joke to cheer up the villagers, and everyone would laugh.
"Is anyone thirsty? I've got water," the young soldier asked, taking out a bottle of water from his pouch.
"I'd like to have some," a boy from the crowd said with a pleading look."Here you go, mate," the young soldier handed over the bottle of water to the boy, and he began to gulp it.
"What's your name, lad?""Modred," the boy replied, returning the empty bottle.
"What about your parents?" the young soldier inquired.
"They got infected. I had no other choice than to end them on the spot," Modred replied with no trace of sadness on his face.
"I know how hard that must have been for you. I am truly sorry," the young soldier said, his voice mixed with concern.
"Don't be. They deserved it anyways," Modred said, resuming his steps and walking forward.
"Look out!" The young soldier shouted, but it was too late to do anything.
Out of the bush, a creature appeared, grabbing onto Modred and sinking its fangs into the poor boy's shoulder.
Modred screamed in pain as the fangs pierced his skin and blood began to drip down.
The young soldier drew out his blade and threw it with all his might towards the creature.
The blade traveled at incredible speed and pierced through the creature's head, forcing it to let go of Modred.
The young soldier quickly rushed to where Modred lay to check up on him.
"Shit, are you okay, mate?" The young soldier asked, examining Modred's wound.
The bite mark was beginning to turn black and black veins were forming around it.
"Please, kill me, I beg of you," Modred grabbed onto the young soldier's arm and pleaded, "I don't want to turn into one of those things. Please. Kill me!"
The young soldier hesitated for a moment.
He couldn't imagine himself ending the life of a young boy. But it was the right thing to do. If Modred turned, he could end up infecting other.
The young warrior gave a nod in affirmation. Standing up, he pulled out his blade from the creature's head.
"I am sorry," he said. Gripping his blade with both hands, he lifted it up and was about to strike him down.
Help! Ahhhh!
Turning around, he found the villagers getting attacked here and there by hundreds of creatures.
The young soldier's eyes widened in shock after seeing the large number of creatures.
He had no other choice than to take out his firecracker. Pressing the button, a thin flame of fire shot up into the sky.
****
Walking through the island,no one said any word after the earlier incident.
Everyone chose to keep shut and just obey orders.
"What is that?" Kadori said,his gaze fixed on the sky as he pointed to a fire flying like rocket.
"They are under attack." Uncle Duncan said, "Wait,there's more distress signal?"
More fire crackers began to appear in the sky,meaning the whole group was under attack.