"Huff- Huff- I... I can't! I can't...".
I fell, aided by the nearest tree I threw myself to in submission and exhaustion.
"What kind of forest is this".
Clinging onto the tree bark, my body carefully slid down to the ground where I now lay flat.
I have been walking for what seemed to me as an endless path. Without food or water to drink. Soaked under the hot sun and the humid air released from the surroundings.
Spending hours alone and on a walk is enough to get me mentally raged and riled up.
You Ordered That I Take You To The Deaman Settlement
"Yeah. The Deaman settlement, not on a long-ass exhausting excursion".
The Deamans Are A Race Versed In The Laws Of The Jungle And The Potential Danger It Poses. Hence, Their Settlement Have Been Carefully Decided After Deliberating On The Factors Involved
"What kind of factors made it so difficult to reach them".
I questioned with irritating sarcasm.
The Same Factors That Would Make It Difficult For Them To Be Found By Corrupted Beasts
"Oh!...".
Thinking of it that way, I guess it would make total sense. I have nothing to refute that logic with.
"But!...".
I have nothing to say. I just felt the need to needlessly complain. I believe I deserve at least that if only to keep my sanity in check.
"How far are we from them".
Not Too Far. Once You Cross The Stream The Distance Will B-
"Stream?! Did I just hear you say stream?!".
Yes. Is There A Problem
"You damn right there is. I have been going about on an empty stomach all this while. Water would do well enough to keep my hunger in check.
Hurry. Which path is it to the stream".
South Of Where-
South was all I needed to hear to start walking in that direction like a tired-out zombie. Did the best I could to get my legs to go faster, but the rate of exhaustion had caught up to me and slowed me down.
The more I walked the closer I could hear the sound of flowing water.
I was in total bliss.
The sound motivated my mind to work my body to its last drop, hanging on to hope gave me all the strength I needed to go faster. If only for a short while.
"Water! It is water!".
I voiced, to nobody's attention as I leaned on the tree by my side for support.
Before me is a flowing stream just like the voice said there would be.
Right at this moment, I don't think I have ever expressed more facial recognition of happiness than I have in my entire life
The flowing water looks clear. Honestly, I could give two cents about the state it was in. Clean or not.
I ran over to the stream, bent my body and with both hands clasped, I packed a handful of water to gobble down my throat.
My starvation state was evident as shown by my desperate attempt to pack more water than my hands could hold.
My thirst was quenched and hunger was mildly put in check with my stomach full of water.
I breathed out a sigh of relief and then washed away the accumulated fatigue on my face with water.
Finally, I could take a breather.
My body stumbled on the ground and there I lay, trying to relax my exhausted body.
"Voice. How much longer will it take to get to this Deaman settlement".
Before I confront the Deamans, I need a plan.
I mean it is not like I can just go waltzing up to them like; Hey guys, I have been chosen by a voice to lead you.
"...".
I can totally see them drawing their ammunition to pursue me.
The voice explanation also does not sound like the ruler stuff has been discussed with them beforehand.
Which means, I will have to do all the conversation and convincing stuff myself.
As said, they are a race that believes in what might make right. Potentially, the voice said I was the right candidate to lead them since I could be stronger.
Now the strong point here is could!
Nothing has been confirmed. I have yet to meet with this Deaman race so as of now, the word could is reliant on assumption.
Let's assume I am stronger than one, what about the rest?! Surely there is not only one Deaman.
The description also said something about them coming in different sizes and shapes. Including how they are currently divided into clans and species.
"Voice let's do this right. First, take me to the weakest of the Deaman species. I will start my way there".
I will use the discrepancy of the weakest species to test my limits. If I am any weaker than they are, I am definitely bolting out of there fast.
To be on the safe side, I will try to initiate a one-on-one with whoever is the strongest among them.
As per their motto, asking for a duel with their strongest shouldn't be hard to do. All I need is a little bit of riling up added with insulting remarks and...
"I forgot to ask, but what language do th-
It was the same as when I felt the urgent need to take my hand back inside the hole!
I stood up from the ground and I felt the slight tremor that was ongoing. My instincts told me to run and I was about to do just that when suddenly!
Turning to my right, I saw this brolly giant, six feet plus, dark pinkish skin, thick, and robust.
I hurried to step out of the way but was too late as this creature intentionally crashed into me.
His weighted body crunched my right arm and sent me flying, crashing into the water.
I was soaked and my right arm hurt like hell. I checked and I saw the bone popped up.
"Fuck!".
I muttered, groaning internally at my dislocated bone.
Damn, it hurts so bad. So much so that I want to just fall on the ground and start crying!!