Chapter 43: Year 2, After the Village Massacre
Year 0002, Month XIII - Year 0003, I Month: The Imperium
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Signaling the end of the Winter Season
The winter snow that had slowly accumulated over the entirety of the cold season gradually began to melt away, returning to the circle of life as it washed down to the world beneath, flowing back to the rivers and their tributaries.
One could now hear the bustling sounds of beasts returning to the surrounding forest—a sweet melody audible only after months of dead silence on the forest floor. The exception, of course, were predatory beasts like the Grimfangs, who sometimes eschewed their winter hibernation altogether.
In a month or two, the entire forest floor would return to its lush, vibrant hues. Trees that had shed their leaves would sway in joy from side to side, as if celebrating the new life bestowed upon them. The world was awakening from its slumber, preparing for a new cycle of rebirth, growth and prosperity.
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A Discussion Regarding This Years Plans in the Village
The villagers of Maya Village were busily discussing their plans for the upcoming spring season. With numerous tasks awaiting them and the welcome addition of Angeline's father and his group, they finally had the much-needed manpower to complete various projects around the village.
This year, they hoped to make significant progress with the farmland. However, before embarking on another massive and exhausting project, they first needed to address the much-needed repairs and upgrades to the gatehouse. The planned wall walkway, an additional lookout towers and repair of the damaged Gateway would need to be implemented first, as previously discussed. The remaining third phase of the House upgrades would continue at a later date—they weren't a priority right now, especially since they already had sufficient rooms to occupy for the time being.
With patches of unthawed snow still lingering, they would have to settle for hunting fresh meat in the reviving forest, as per everyone's request. Though winter supplies remained, the villagers had grown weary of their current fare and craved something fresher.
Since preparing the garden fields again remained a future task, the freshest food available was that which they could actively hunt on the forest floor. The residents had endured enough of the salty preserved meat that had sustained them throughout winter. They had long exhausted their supply of fresh vegetables, leaving only spices, some potatoes, and the dried meat in reserve.
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Hunting Expedition
Today would see a grand hunting expedition, with August, Erik, Uncle Red, and his daughter Isabel venturing out to search the vast forest floors that were slowly welcoming back their usual inhabitants—creatures emerging from their winter hibernation, perfect targets for fresh food.
Isabel's presence instead of Bren's came after she had threatened to venture into the forest alone and throw a massive tantrum if left behind. Uncle Red had been forced to compromise: she would first observe them before being allowed to join the formal hunt. And if a situation arose where they faced a threat they couldn't handle swiftly, she would return to the village and warn the others of the impending danger.
They exited the gatehouse, leaving the safety of the village perimeter behind as they headed toward the forest where beasts had ruled since time immemorial. Their first task: deciding which beast to hunt, as pickings remained slim so early in the season.
August had hoped to encounter some 'Cowdaer' or 'Meadow Moooo-se'—the official name recorded in the beast index. Yet since his birth, these creatures seemed to have migrated elsewhere, no longer found in these parts. What a shame, he thought, having only heard tales of their delicious meat, said to rival even the tasty flesh of Boarats.
His father used to recount stories of their superior taste compared to the Boarats that currently roamed the area. Even the prized Rabbiets couldn't compare. But such creatures remained only in dreams for now, leaving them to hunt Boarats instead. August made a silent promise to himself: should the legendary Cowdaers ever return to these lands, he would personally hunt them himself.
The hunting party needed to trek somewhat farther from the village, as many beasts had begun to notice the suffocating and threatening aura emanating from Aetherwing. The great creature deliberately produced this intimidating presence to scare off potential predatory invaders that might foolishly attempt to raid the village again—a scenario that had occurred before Aetherwing and his flock arrived.
This arrangement offered a beneficial trade-off: a 10-kilometer buffer zone that served as a training ground and a place for villagers to safely scour for mushrooms, wild vegetables, spices, fruits, and other resources without the constant threat and dangers of the deeper forest.
After some time, they discovered a herd of Boarats already active and engaged in their respective activities. The creatures grazed on grass that had been protected beneath the snow rather than withered by it. They used their ratty snouts to locate these patches and move the snow aside, feasting on the hidden vegetation.
As the hunters approached the herd, August instructed the others to use the snow as cover, creating perfect camouflage that blended naturally with the white and dark hues of their surroundings. The dark tones of their armor and weapons further enhanced their stealth, creating near-perfect conditions for a surprise attack.
August in his spare time had asked his SYSTEM to craft new clothing suited for winter seasons and cold nights, intending to distribute them among the newcomers who had settled in the village. The combatants, in particular, would need such gear more than anyone else.
Currently, their only non-combatant was Aunty Theressa, who had emerged as their true backline support and group manager. With her extensive knowledge of healing as a village herbalist and village healer, she had become their de facto leader and sole member of their nascent medical and logistics support team.
They currently maintain two teams of five members each. Team One functioned as the main attack force: August served as de facto leader and specialized in penetrating deep into enemy backlines; Erik acted as sub-leader and scout whenever August engaged in his specialty of stealthily ambushing rear positions; Bren operated as a support tank/damage dealer; while Betty and Gel served as the primary close quarter combat damage dealers supporting Bren.
Team Two provided support and defended their backline. Uncle Jonathan led as their main tank and defacto leader of Team Two; Uncle Red functioned as a semi-all-rounder and scout, providing vital bird's-eye information to his team while also serving as sub-leader; Christopher showed promise as a support tank capable of replacing Jonathan in the front lines when necessary; Isabel followed in her father's footsteps; and Adam aspired to become another formidable support/tank.
Though Aunt Theressa currently stood as the lone member of her logistics and medical group, August anticipated that her team would eventually surpass the two main forces in size and importance.
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Training the New Members
Today's hunt served partly as training for the newer members of their party. While Uncle Red already possessed fundamental hunting knowledge from his experiences in their previous village, those skills had been honed outside the Great Forest's sphere of influence. He now faced an entirely new field, unknown and potentially far more dangerous.
Exploring such territory without basic knowledge of the terrain and its threats posed significant risks. Though Uncle Red possessed the practical skills required, he would need to gain new experiences and wisdom, learning and applying a fresh set of rules to his hunting style. These adaptations would aid him greatly in this new adventure.
August doubted Uncle Red would require many hunting trips to develop his own improved hunting methodology. The man was already rapidly approaching veteran hunter status, and his skills were considerable. The only reason the hunters from Pipik—the frontier village where Red hailed from—lacked experience in these deeper parts of the forest stemmed from the cautionary tales of foolish individuals who had ventured into these dangerous regions with false bravado, mistaking ego for courage, only to be slaughtered by the forest beasts with terrifying ease.
The new generation of hunters, having learned from their seniors' mistakes, avoided such foolhardy endeavors, instead focusing on forests beyond the Great Forest's influence. Why risk life and limb when easier prey could be caught while preserving one's existence and returning safely to one's family? Red belonged to this pragmatic new generation.
Only the most experienced and aged hunters, those who had survived for decades and accumulated substantial wisdom, truly dared to invade the sanctity of the Great Forest, hunting beasts that had wounded their pride or presented specific challenges. Meanwhile, the younger hunters from Pipik Village mostly targeted Boarats that had wandered far from the Great Forest's domain.
Today, August—the last generation of Maya Village's hunters—would demonstrate to these newcomers how they had traditionally hunted these beasts, utilizing foliage and terrain to their advantage while evading the dangers lurking on the forest floor and concealing themselves from their prey's keen senses.
Now they simply needed to wait for the first potential victims to approach their position before launching their carefully planned ambush.
A few moments later, a small group of [Level 1 Common Rank Novice Rarity - Boarats] separated from the main herd and wandered into effective bow range—a perfect number for their hunting party, as there were six beasts in total.
On the count of three, they released their arrows from taut bowstrings. The projectiles silently pierced the invisible air, flying toward the unaware prey.
*Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!*
*Puik! Puk! Puk!*
Three Boarats were hit simultaneously and successfully, arrows embedded deep in their skulls, killing them instantly. The hunters now needed to pursue and slaughter the remaining three that had been alerted by the sudden deaths of their brethren. The startled creatures ran in erratic patterns, desperately attempting to escape the danger that loomed over them.
Having lost their element of stealth and surprise, the hunters would now give chase. Isabel and Erik were tasked with luring the beasts into a dead end, while August and Uncle Red would follow closely, watching the flanks and rear for unknown variables. Once they had encircled the prey, they would finish them off and drag the carcasses back to the village for a much-anticipated feast.
After several minutes of intense pursuit through the forest, they managed to direct the three Boarats along the same route. Finally cornered, the beasts would soon meet their end. Moments later, three more arrows found their targets, striking the vital organs of the Boarats.
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
The beasts stumbled and collapsed, now lying lifeless on the cold forest floor. All six had been successfully hunted and were ready for processing back at the village. Satisfied with their successful expedition, the hunting party began their trek homeward.
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Bren and The Eagle
Back in the village, Bren maintained watch from atop the lookout tower while Adam waited near the gate below. Bren yawned, still feeling drowsy in the lingering cold, though they remained sufficiently warm despite standing outside. August had prepared and gifted them thick leather hides and beast furs, pre-made and ready to wear, fitted comfortably to their body sizes—functional as both clothing and armor.
After an hour or two, the hunting party returned, dragging their kills behind them as they slowly approached the village walls and main entrance. They waved at Bren and Adam, who returned the gesture.
In truth, the village no longer truly required guards since both predators and prey alike feared approaching their settlement. Ever since Aetherwing and his flock had arrived and claimed the village as their nesting ground, they had patrolled the skies, intimidating any beast that dared venture near. Having learned of the villagers' previous troubles, Aetherwing had established this protective perimeter to safeguard the inhabitants of the village, and since the magnificent creatures hunted for their own sustenance, the villagers needn't worry about feeding them or following their commands.
The primary reason they maintained guards at the entrance was to provide experience for the younger members. Should Aetherwing and his flock ever need to leave, the village would need to quickly address their defensive vulnerabilities.
Bren had developed a particular fondness for one of Aetherwing's three chicks. The young creature now stood slightly taller than him and occasionally pecked at his head in playful interaction. Bren enjoyed the company of the baby Peregrine Eagle and spent his free time playing with it.
Little did he know that in the future, this Peregrine Eagle chick would become his bonded beast, and together they would rank among the most feared entities on the battlefield. Merely whispering their names would cause weak men to tremble violently, while even stronger warriors would be stricken with paralyzing fear. But for now, they remained mere children, engaging in the play that seemed inherent to all young creatures.
Returning to the present moment, Bren counted at least six fresh catches brought by the hunting party—enough for a proper feast. Aunt Theressa would be especially delighted with this bounty!
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Jonathan Under Recovery
Inside the warm, cozy longhouse, Jonathan rested in a rocking chair. Having recovered approximately fifty percent of his original strength, he continued to improve under Gel's attentive nursing. Soon enough, he would stand tall again, but for now, he savored the privilege of his daughter's care, spending every waking moment in her presence and even joining her daily morning routines.
Since his departure had caused him to miss a year of her growth, Jonathan felt determined to establish proper bonding time with his daughter. She matured so rapidly, and his near-death experience with the Grimfangs had provided ample opportunity to contemplate life and identify what truly mattered. He now sought more time with his daughter, having realized how fleeting and fragile existence truly was—how it could vanish without warning at any moment.
His thoughtful daughter deliberately matched her pace to his during their morning exercises, adjusting the number of laps and repetitions to accommodate his limited abilities. These sessions served as therapy, helping him regain his strength, and Jonathan finally understood why August performed them religiously each morning.
*Ha!*
This was life, he reflected. If only his lovely wife still lived, they could all enjoy these moments together. A sudden melancholy descended upon him as he recalled the past and its happier times. His reminiscence was interrupted when the hunting party finally returned home.
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Theressa the Village Mother
Meanwhile, Theressa, the mother figure for all the village children, had been teaching the girls how to cook and maintain the household while instructing the boys in proper manners and necessary chores around the house and village. Having a maternal presence guiding these young ones through life's early stages proved invaluable.
When her wayward, tomboyish daughter and the others returned, Theressa initially intended to scold Isabel for her earlier behavior. However, upon seeing the fresh catch they brought, she immediately forgot her irritation as they began butchering their prizes at the designated spot.
Theressa's eyes glittered with anticipation; she couldn't wait to cook this fresh meat being processed before her. Their recent meals had grown increasingly limited as fresh vegetables had long since disappeared during the first or second month of winter.
She wished for wheat and chicken-like beasts, along with cow-like livestock—such additions would be heavenly for their meals. She made a mental note to discuss the possibility of procuring these resources in the future, along with other necessities. The thought of baking fresh bread and expanding their culinary options filled her with excitement.
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Christopher's POV and Secretive Training
In another part of the village, Christopher continued recovering from injuries sustained in their last battle. Already ninety percent healed, he anticipated returning to full strength within days. He had noticed significant improvements in his condition since joining the children's daily training regimen.
After discussing these observations with Red and Jonathan, they wholeheartedly agreed with his assessment. Additionally, the "little boss man" had provided him with new shields, weapons, and armor—the same equipment Jonathan had previously used. Christopher remained mystified as to how the boy found time to craft such items without anyone noticing.
Even the children who had accompanied August the longest couldn't answer this question; they too had wondered about it for considerable time. The little boss truly represented a mysterious entity. Could he be a deity gracing the mortal realm? Perhaps a god who had descended to live among them?
Christopher decided not to dwell too deeply on August's mysterious powers. He needed to focus primarily on himself, having discovered a new purpose for his previously meaningless existence. He required strength to protect those behind him as he stood firm on the frontlines.
Shame washed over him when he recalled always being protected by Jonathan. Now even the children nearly matched his abilities. While August could defeat any of them in one-on-one combat without difficulty—such confrontations would be mere trifles for the boy. They might have a chance if it's was group battle them versus August alone he thought, but the chance of them winning would only be 30%.
And currently, August practiced with his master, Aetherwing, learning to engage multiple opponents simultaneously. The little boss would evolve into a truly formidable figure; Christopher shuddered at the boy's steadily accelerating progress toward greater heights. That future approached rapidly.
He resolved to ensure he never stood against August in the coming days. Instead, he would follow the righteous path destined to be recorded in historical annals. Christopher committed himself to even more intense training than before arriving at the village. His current objective: to withstand multiple enemies for at least as long as Jonathan had single-handedly defended the gates without calling for assistance.
He no longer wished to be protected—he wanted to become the protector.
Red's son Adam had begun joining Christopher's secret training sessions. The boy apparently wished to follow in Christopher and Jonathan's footsteps rather than his father's. Meanwhile, Isabel had already committed to emulating her father's path.
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Betty's Insecurities of Being Left Behind
Betty also felt somewhat overshadowed by her peers' rapid growth. Though she fulfilled an important role in the village, she questioned whether her contributions sufficed. Determined to improve, she trained secretly whenever time permitted.
Currently sequestered in her hidden training spot, the sounds of her intense practice echoed faintly. She repeatedly thrust her spear toward a training dummy, focusing on improving her accuracy in striking critical and vital points of potential enemies.
Initially motionless with eyes closed, Betty suddenly sprang into action, moving with the precision of a well-trained dancer. She stabbed her weapon in various directions, evading attacks visible only to her. Though appearing to engage with emptiness, in her mind's eye she clearly visualized her attacks connecting and piercing the invisible opponent before her.
She could perceive her imaginary enemy's attack patterns and responded accordingly, sweat flying from her body with each powerful movement. Betty engaged in an intense shadow fight against her imaginary foe, pushing herself beyond previous limits.
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New Year Inside the Village of Maya
These activities characterized daily life in Maya Village as they transitioned from the harshness of winter into the promising rebirth of spring. With new additions to their community and continued dedication to improvement, the village stood poised for growth and renewal in the coming seasons.
The past year had brought trials and tribulations, but also new strengths and alliances. As snow melted away and fresh growth emerged from the forest floor, so too did the village continue its transformation—a small pocket of civilization surrounded by the mysterious wilderness of the Great Forest, protected by both human vigilance and the watchful eyes of their magnificent guardian beasts circling overhead.
Each villager contributed uniquely to their collective survival, whether through hunting, defense, care, or support. And at the center of it all stood August, the mysterious young leader whose origins and abilities remained an enigma even to those closest to him. Yet they followed his guidance without question, for his wisdom had repeatedly proven itself in times of need.
As the days lengthened and warmth returned to the land, so too did hope flourish in Maya Village—hope for prosperity, for growth, and for a future where their small community might not merely survive but truly thrive amidst the dangers and wonders of their world.