After some time, Draven made a different set of training. He put some long branches in the ground in a zigzag pattern.
He sprints through them, cutting hard at each turn.
Gil was already healed at that time.
Sometimes, he and Toby joined him in his training sessions,
While they continued the journey, Draven observed that the four newcomers were becoming quiet, especially Deka.
Maybe he doesn't want to mess things up again.
Draven tried talking to them together with the other villagers.
---
Thirteen days have passed since they started their journey.
The sun was about to set.
Mother Venice, Draven, Naisha, and the scouts, Gil and Felix, gathered to discuss their plans and routes.
The number of Rank A monsters was increasing, forcing them to change their route.
Because of this, their journey, which was supposed to take only ten days, ended up lasting much longer.
"Another route again?" Draven grumbled. "Actually we can stay here now since this Safezone is quite big."
"It's still better if we go to Riftwater," Mother Venice said. "Our water supplies are endless there."
"Fine. I'm just kidding."
"That is all right. By tomorrow, we can reach our underground destination," Naisha said.
"Hoping there won't be any conflict," Felix added.
"Tomorrow, I will join Gil and guide him to the underground," Mother Venice said.
As they talked, Draven noticed someone outside.
"Who's there?" Draven asked, cutting their conversation.
Everyone turned toward the door, where the tip of a shoe was visible.
As the figure stepped forward, they realized it was Hans.
He was carrying water to give to them.
"Sorry, I was too shy to come in," Hans said.
"Don't be shy. You're no different from the others. Treat us as your family too," Mother Venice said.
"Thank you, Mother Venice," Hans replied before leaving the tent.
As he exited, Hans suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong, Hans?" Mother Venice asked.
Hans turned back to face them as if he had something to say but couldn't find the words.
"Ahmm…" He looked at Draven. "Are you really the Chosen -?"
"No," Draven answered before Hans could even finish his question.
Naisha hissed at him.
"Why? I'm not really the Chosen One you think I am."
Hans kept his gaze on Draven.
"But… will you really save ALL the Verdants?"
"No. I'm not omnipresent. There are thousands—maybe even more—Verdants out there."
He added, "Obviously, I can't save them all. Sorry, but I'm just stating the facts."
"Then why were you sent to this village and not ours?" Hans asked, his anger rising.
"Maybe because even though these villagers are sincere in helping, they're still being fooled by ungrateful people."
"What do you me—"
But Draven stood up and yawned.
"I'm getting sleepy. I'll go ahead, guys."
He stepped out of the tent and left.
Looking around the village, he continued walking.
'Oh man, This is becoming too complicated!'
Inside the tent, silence filled the space.
The frustration on Hans' face was clear.
Mother Venice approached him.
"I understand you, Hans. I know that feeling… But we should trust our god."
Hans lowered his head, apologizing.
"I'm sorry for my attitude, Mother Venice."
Time passed, and the others had already fallen asleep.
Amidst the darkness, while two villagers stood guard, a man hooded in a brown cape released a small fireball as large as a hand.
The fireball appeared above the trees, shooting an Eatherbloom flower, and burned it instantly.
Then the hooded man instantly vanished in the dark.
"Enemies!" the guard shouted to his partner.
"Go and inform everyone!"
"Enemies! Enemies! Enemies!"
The other one shouted as he ran back.
The villager guard who stayed braced himself, his sword raised.
Moments later, glowing eyes began appearing in the shadows from different directions where the fire had originated.
They were followed by snarling figures emerging from the darkness.
They appeared like jackals whose bodies glowed with an inner fire.
As they growled, flames licked at the edges of their mouths, illuminating their snarling teeth.
The guard's hands trembled as he pointed his weapon at them.
"Why... Why are Magma Jackals here?!"
The Rank C Magma Jackal were only 1.5 meters tall, but they were ferocious beasts.
Their ember-filled furs radiate heat.
Each of their steps left a scorched mark on the ground.
Their claws burn like molten steel, leaving searing wounds on those who come in contact with them.
As the villagers heard the enemies, they immediately rose from their sleep and sprang into action.
Naisha and Mother Venice emerged from their tent, their expressions grim.
Draven, already awake, scanned the area.
His sharp eyes caught the fiery glow of the beasts in the distance.
"Everyone! Elders and kids stick together and go back to the tents!" Draven commanded.
"Women, go and pack up in case we need to leave."
"Toby! Take ten men and form a perimeter around the tents. Protect the women, children, and the elderly no matter what. If anything approaches from the other side, report to me immediately!"
Without hesitation, Toby and the others moved.
They formed a protective barrier around the tents, their weapons ready.
"Gil! Take Felix and scout for a new location nearby. We may need to retreat soon. Be careful and avoid engaging!"
Gil nodded quickly, grabbing Felix and a horse before heading into the woods.
Draven turned back to the rest of the men.
"The rest of you, hold the line! Stop any that get past us, and watch each other's backs. It's too dark to fight recklessly!"
In less than thirty seconds, Draven had issued a series of orders.
The villagers responded immediately to him.
Draven watched as they moved into position.
"What the hell did I do?" Draven muttered in shock as he realized what he just did.
Naisha, running beside him, smirked.
"Commanding like a leader now?"
"Told you. Instant planning is more thrilling," he replied as he grinned.
Near the treeline, the guard who had been on duty swung his sword wildly at an advancing Magma Jackals.
But as he tried to back away, his foot caught on a root, and he tumbled to the ground.
The beast, with its fiery mouth open wide, leaped toward him. Flames trailed behind like a comet.
The guard's eyes widened in terror as he raised his arms in a futile attempt to shield himself.
But before the Magma Jackals could strike him, a blurry shadow appeared overhead.