In the heart of the forest stood a large tent hidden among towering trees.
Inside, wooden chairs were arranged in a circle and a fire crackled quietly.
"Mother Venice, are you certain he is the chosen one sent by the gods?" asked the beautiful woman who had spoken to Draven.
Mother Venice was a respected elder and shaman in the village. She communicated with God and made important decisions for the village.
"Naisha, do you think I would lie about the vision God has shown me?"
"No! I never thought you were lying. I'm just saying Mother, that are we sure that man was really sent to us by God?"
"But it's no coincidence that I was shown that a man would be sent to the forest. A man appeared right where the gods directed me."
"He looks weak and is not reliable. Besides, he has a Verdant I.D."
Naisha's jaw tightened as she spoke. And her hands unconsciously clenched into fists at her sides.
The meeting room erupted in murmurs at the mention of the Verdant I.D.
In addition to Mother Venice and Naisha, the elders also met with them.
"If he is like us, how can he save us?"
Everyone agreed, believing Draven couldn't save them if he was like them.
"Even us, as Verdant I.D.s, were powerless against those with abilities. How much less could that guy do?"
In this world, a person's status depends on the color of their I.D.
There were five types of I.D.
The Luminous I.D. was the strongest.
Its white screen was known for taking down rank S monsters or beasts, thanks to its rare and powerful skills.
Next came the Crimson I.D., with unmatched offensive skills. Its screen glowed a deep, blood-red.
Then there was the Azure I.D. which is more on defense. Its screen shone a cool, steady blue.
Then, there was the Terra I.D. for commoners.
The abilities were nothing to brag about. They were just basic skills useful in daily activities.
And at the bottom?
The Verdant I.D.
Those with no abilities at all.
Useless.
God's unfavored.
They even called it the "Slave Identification."
"So what do we do now if he has no abilities?" asked an elder in the meeting.
"I don't know God's plan or how He will act. We just need to have faith," Mother Venice said. "For now, let's postpone any decisions about him while I seek another vision from the gods tonight."
"Dismissed."
Since it was late, everyone left the tent, including Naisha.
---
"Sister Naisha! Sister Naisha!" the kids yelled, racing toward her with uncontained excitement.
Naisha smiled and spread her arms to welcome the children, hugging the two boys tightly.
"Why are you still awake? Were you good to your auntie?"
"Don't worry, these two are very obedient," their auntie said as she walked toward them.
Naisha patted them on the head.
"That's good. As I promised, here's a toy for you."
She handed them a wooden human statue.
"Go to sleep now, all right?"
"Yehey!" the two boys happily took the toy and returned to their tent.
"How did your mission go? Did you meet the Chosen One?" the aunt asked as they walked behind them. "Can we finally get out of our situation?"
With a heavy sigh, Naisha replied, "I doubt it."
"Why, what happened?"
"He's just like us, with a Verdant I.D. And he's a perverted idiot. He seemed unreliable and worthless."
Her aunt chuckled softly.
"Sounds like you two are already close, judging by your tone."
"What? He's so rude. There's nothing good about him."
As she tried to recall his actions, she remembered when he suddenly kissed her.
"Grr.. I hate him!" she said while rubbing her lips.
"Okay, if you say so."
"Whatever. I'm hungry, Auntie. Let us eat."
"Ok, ok."
---
At Draven's cell…
Mother Venice arrived, her frail frame draped in layers of weathered cloth.
Trailing behind her were two of her guards.
Their clothes were as plain as could be, brown tunics and worn-out boots that seemed ready to give out any second.
She gestured to them to give Draven what they had brought.
They handed him a blanket, some clothes, and a bowl of food.
"Well, this is… charming," Draven said with a smirk while wearing the commoner clothes. "Geez, it's freezing cold…"
Then he held up the blanket.
"I don't think I've ever seen a blanket so thin, I could probably read through it. But hey, at least it matches the pillow."
He patted the cushion and chuckled.
Then he glanced at the stew, swirling the bowl a little, watching the vegetable bits bob around.
"Looks like someone worked hard on this. Thanks," he said. "Really. I appreciate it."
"You must be shocked and tired. Eat and rest first," Mother Venice said.
Her weathered face softened into a small, knowing smile.
Draven eyed her for a moment, then tilted his head.
"Who are you, ma'am?"
"You can call me the head chief."
"So, you're the boss around here."
He gave a quick nod as if mentally filing that away.
"Alright then. What's the plan for me, madam? Are you guys the Verdant people?"
Suddenly the two guards who were with Mother Venice point their short swords at Draven.
"Wohh! Relax! I'm just asking."
Draven lifted his hand in surrender.
Mother Venice signaled them to stop.
They take down their sword immediately and put them on their sheath.
"Yes, we are. But please, next time, be careful when you say Verdant," Mother Venice explained. "We usually hide our identities so the hunters will not find us."
Verdants often hide in the Grimwood Forest to escape those who wish to hunt them. If they were found, they were usually turned into slaves in the towns.
As Mother Venice said that, Draven recalled Mr. Goodness' words.
'As long as you stay with the Verdant people, you'll have endless chances to fight them.'
Draven's face lit up.
"Now, we're talking. Do you know where these hunters are, madam?"
Mother Venice shook her head.
"They are scattered throughout the forest, searching for us. Outside this forest, you'll find their main base town, where the trade of Verdant people is rampant."
"Ok then, I will go there tomorrow. I'll turn them upside down."
Draven smiled confidently.
A silent sneer came out from one of Mother Venice's men.
"I heard you are a verdant like us. You expect us you can beat them all?"
Without a second, Draven dashed forward toward the man who had laughed.
Their faces were now mere inches apart.
Shock flooded the man.
Draven was just sitting in front of them. But in less than a second, without even making a sound, he found himself face-to-face with Draven's murderous expression.
His knees began to tremble, his bravado melting away.
Then, suddenly, Draven smiled and returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.
"What's the difference between you and those hunting you if you belittle your own kind?"