Chapter 3: Survival (1)

Looking at everyone looking at me full of hope, I can’t help but shatter their expectation.

“I don’t have anything noteworthy except for my sharp instinct at the moment so I want you guys to tell me what you are capable of so we could at least proceed forward safely.”

They looked taken aback by my words and silence once again permeated the area. They all seemed to be in deep thought. Using this opportunity, I removed my goggles and acted as if I am cleaning it. While doing so, I observed the surrounding area.

Previously, everyone was clearly focused on me. In this area with zero visibility, it was impossible for them to see me unless there was something within me that make me visible.

Without the goggles, the area was totally foggy. The only area where we could see was at least five steps away from us. Light also seemed to be illuminating our group right now but I can’t pinpoint where it is.

Gripping the bat in hand, a sudden thought came to mind. This weapon…

Trying out my theory, I threw the weapon lightly. It rolled at least a few meter away and a five-step radius was once again illuminated out. There was a tree near where it landed and even a few rocks were around it.

Grabbing the weapon from the uncle beside me, I could finally know where it is. It was thanks to the small stone embedded in the weapon that we could at least see about five steps away from us.

If it was the case, why was the previous troop making a round formation?

Wearing the goggles back, I checked the area where the weapon landed. Since it was safe, I decided to move towards the weapon I’ve thrown. Picking it up, I sat on the small rock and waved towards the group. Convinced that the area was safe, they then move towards me.

“Kid, that was some excellent observation.” The man named Muris patted me while he sat at the rock beside me.

“I’m Roco and though I am not sure of my strength, I could at least run fast.” One of the uncles voluntarily spoke as he finds a place to sit. The others then similarly voiced out the same thing while explaining that it was the only thing they could do as they were still pretty tired and hungry. It turned out that slaves were working as miners before being dragged to war.

Facing the lone girl in the group, she stammered but still introduced herself. “I-I am Diana and I’m also a graduating student.” Her gaze at me explains that she knows me and she even look a bit familiar.

“You are also playing the flute right? Try playing some notes like the other girl before.”

Diana’s expression instantly changed. It was jealousy at first then she was filled of fury and hatred.

“Diana?” I tried to get her attention and she then quickly tried to play some notes. The sound was so bad that I can’t help but cover my ears!

Finally noticing our dilemma, she abruptly stopped. She is now fidgeting none stop, I know she was feeling anxious but I don’t know how to console her. The music was truly bad. When I looked at the uncles, they were holding their heads while kneeling down the ground. Their faces were beet red, it was as if they were drunk.

Looking at the other guy who came with us, he was similarly holding his ears. The music has different effects!

“Hey.” I patted the other guy’s back lightly. I should use this chance to know his strength while the uncles were still in their drunk state.

Finally snapping out of it, he replied. “Thanks senior. I’m Denis, and like I’ve said before I’m only from the landscape club…” his voice sound dejected.

“Hmm… What were the things you have been doing there?” Though he was confused with my question he still answered me.

“Alright, hold the ground while imagining that you are planting some tomatoes then.”

Though perplexed with the idea, his eyes showed great interest. In no time, he crouched down and touched the ground with his hands. Magically a little stem popped out of the ground and little by little it was forming a tomato plant, it even bore few fruits and it ripened fast!

“Wow!”

Diana and Denis were both surprised. With my cue, we each curiously took out some fruit. Right after plucking the ripe fruits, the plant turned into smoke – it was as if it was never there as the soil looked so flat.

With tacit understanding we tried out the tomato, it was juicy and somehow it quench my thirst. “Before we were here, what are you guys doing?” I asked while munching down on the red tomato, right now I truly need this, it felt like even my wounded feet was healing up.

“I am in the garden at that time when I saw a blinding light.” Denis replied while munching. Diana also voice out that she saw same thing.

We all saw a blinding light huh. 

Noticing that the uncles were still in their drunk state, I asked Denis to try imagining other fruit trees. He successfully produced some watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces. But producing apples and others are hard for him.

Seems like his power would only work if he knows the exact plant or tree itself, just imagining the fruit it bears is useless.

“This time, try imagining the soil at my feet to form into shoes but this time, just look at the ground.” I urged Denis.

Nodding, Denis looked intently at the ground before me. It already took a while and I could even see Denis was sweating profusely but there were no changes. “Denis, stop. Just touch the ground and try it one more time.”

He looked tired but he still followed my instruction. This time it was done swiftly and it was a huge success. I felt that the soil was coiling into my feet like that of a snake and in the next moment, a shoe was made out of the ground. Trying it out, it was stuck right to the feet and even though I jumped, it did not break!

“Oh, that sure is some kind of special magic kid!” Muris spoke as he went near us.

Glimpsing at the other uncles, they were still feeling groggy but they were now snapping out of their drunk state. Muris was the first one to get up and I did not even notice his presence when he approached us.

“Uncle, we are trying out the abilities we gained.” Denis spoke and it was apparent that he was seeking some praise.

“Nice one kid.” Muris even patted him. “So what about you two?”

“I-I think I was the one who made you guys feel sleepy.” Diana replied.

I stayed quiet and observe the group. From the uncles’ gazes I could already tell they have ranked us three. Checking the Orcs, they still appear to have no movements and they looked like they were guarding something.

“Let’s prepare to move forward. For the meantime you guys could eat the food Denis has prepared.” While saying so, I pointed out the foods we collected.

“Oh, Denis’ power sure is great.” The uncles simultaneously thanked him and began eating. They were not even half done when we heard a loud rumbling sound gathering our attention.

When I looked into it, there was a group of Orcs coming our way and their speed was alarming! Damn! They were clearly not there before!

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---