Chapter LXXV

Kapas in a Hike

Once alone in the wilderness, Gruvin unlocked the safety cord on his backpack and placed it on the ground, kneeling beside it. Adriaas did the same, intrigued as she watched her mentor unpack various items.

"I know this might be overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite simple," Gruvin assured her. He took a blanket and spread it on the ground, arranging different cases labeled with names and tags she had never seen before. "One advantage we have over the Elkrachets."

"Where do you get all this stuff?" she asked, aware that such supplies were prohibited in Sectum.

"From El Mercado. You've heard of it, I'm sure," Gruvin replied, surprised by her question.

"It's on my radar, but I haven't experienced it. I never imagined you could find such an array there." Adriaas knew that El Mercado was a secretive market that frequently changed locations. "But how do they get these supplies?"

"That’s something we’ll probably never know," Gruvin whispered. "It's clear they are smuggled, but the exact method remains a mystery. These pills are three centuries old. They predate the Synthesis."

Adriaas found this even more baffling. "And they still work after so long? Have you encountered any issues?"

"Not at all. These pills could last a millennium. Perishable medicine stopped being used around the time the Sephirot came into existence. Back then, our species had a lifespan of up to a century and a half, before the Murmuratus came along."

She was concerned about ingesting medication that was hundreds of years old.

“Not at all. These pills could last a millennium. Perishable medicine stopped being used around the time the Sephirot came into existence. That’s what our species had before the Murmuratus came along. Their lifespan was up to a century and a half back then.”

As he continued explaining, the healer finished arranging everything, taking out a couple of small containers. "Let's start with the basics. These two are essential: Curaten and Curatex. The first is an ointment that treats external wounds, regenerating deep cuts and preventing hemorrhaging and infections. The second pill has similar effects, but it's for internal use. It can repair damaged organs to some extent. They might have different names depending on the brand, so always check the compounds. It's not like Malkuthian medicine, but having it here is a miracle. Without it, half of the camp would be dead already."

He demonstrated the proper usage of the ointment and introduced an array of products. There was Nutrix, a pill that replenished their bodies with necessary nutrients and minerals, saving the day and Heluraten, the one in charge of regenerating muscle. He also had an assortment of enhancers with unique properties to boost human capacities, as well as self-wrapping bandages and band-aids.

"What are those?" Adriaas asked, her eyes fixed on a translucent case filled with small, colorful spheres in each compartment. "They look like candies."

"Never put one in your mouth unless it’s meant for that purpose," he cautioned with a serious tone. "They're called crystapheres, and next to our medicine, they are the most valuable tools we have to protect ourselves on this journey."

Intrigued, Adriaas eagerly inquired, "How do they work?"

"That's beyond my knowledge, but I’d say nanotech. Each sphere has a different function. See those yellow ones? They release an electrical charge. The deep blue ones can create twenty liters of water, the silver ones morph into poisonous knives, and the pink ones create a dust wall to confuse enemies..."

The list continued for a while. He gave her instructions for every single item, and before they knew it, someone came to find them.

"Gruvin, Adriaas!" Miveria’s voice called out. "Lunch is ready!"

"We'll be there in a minute," Gruvin responded. "I think we’ve covered most of the basics. Don't get too confused. Everything is labeled. Now, open your backpack. Always keep some of these with you."

Adriaas carefully gathered a good amount of medicine and first aid supplies. Gruvin had provided her with enough materials to start her own clinic although he restrained himself from offering crystapheres. She meticulously arranged everything inside her bag. After their introductory session, they returned to the glade Elchome had chosen for their meal.

To their surprise, Raxae, Zunkit, Dravek, and Xendur returned with their hands full. Instead of fish, they had caught a sizable wild boar. By the time Adriaas and her mentor arrived, the boar was already hanging over a fire pit, its skin charred and emitting a powerful aroma that made her nauseous.

Adriaas overcame her initial reaction and joined the group for a meal unlike any she had ever experienced. They sat on the most advanced planet in the galaxy, nestled in a jungle around a fire, eating boar and sipping coconut water. Adriaas had become quite primitive over the past six months.

After an hour, Elchome stood up. He had been discussing Raxae’s hunting experience with Xendur and Miveria. Addressing the group, he said, “I expect all of you to be rested and fed. We have a long day ahead. Let’s pack up and get ready to leave.”

Following his directive, the group members prepared to depart. Adriaas had spent the entire time with Gruvin, so it was a pleasant surprise when Gidit approached her, wearing a big flirty smile that she reciprocated.

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“Where have you been?” she asked playfully and coquettishly.

“Learning how to save your life,” Adriaas responded, matching the mood.

“Does that include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?”

“Can’t say. We’ll have to wait until you get injured, or worse. My treatments are adaptable.”

Their flirtatious banter continued as they walked uphill, reaching their first mountain. The climb was bearable as it wasn’t too steep, but the heat was becoming bothersome.

The jungle on Imperia teemed with vibrant life. Adriaas listened to a variety of birds singing and occasionally saw them flying between towering trees. At one point, she noticed a family of curious-looking chimpanzees retreating after nearing their territory. As Gruvin explained, he used a crystaphere designed to repel wildlife, ensuring their safety from unnecessary dangers. Contrary to the earlier part of the day, as the hours passed, they fell silent. The hike had become physically demanding, and they needed to focus their energies on keeping up with Elchome’s pace.

Reaching the mountaintop, those unfamiliar with the route realized that their journey had just begun. It had led them into an apparently endless expanse of valleys and mountains. Their lunch had merely marked the initial phase of a journey destined to last at least another day. Navigating the trails, they maintained their distance from the Elkrachets’ territory.

As the sun began to set, fatigue had settled deep within the group’s bones after nearly eleven hours of relentless walking. Instead of stopping for a second meal, they satisfied their hunger with the fruits they found along the way. Adriaas savored the taste of a mango for the first time since her exile, a stark contrast to the old, desiccated fruit she had subsisted on for months. However, by the time they reached the end of their grueling day, everyone was ravenous. The sun had dipped below the horizon when Elchome announced it was an opportune moment to rest. They found a suitable place to camp after descending the last mountain.

Dinner comprised coconut boar, a recipe Zunkit suggested to infuse a distinct flavor into the meat they had earlier. Adriaas and the rest of the group were grateful for the variation, but the weariness that engulfed them stifled their conversation that evening. They pitched their tents, prepared for sleep, except for those assigned to keep watch.

It was the first time Gidit and Adriaas found themselves alone since their encounter the previous night, resulting in an undeniable air of awkwardness between them.

“Why are you so quiet?” Adriaas asked.

“My mind is playing tricks on me,” Gidit admitted, cutting to the chase. “I don’t trust that guy either, and having him next to our tent gives me the creeps. There’s something off about him; his energy is strange.”

Adriaas chuckled, assuming Gidit’s unease stemmed from their intimate encounter.

“This isn’t a joke,” her roommate said, clearly dissatisfied with her response.

“I know it’s not,” Adriaas replied with relief. “What happened? Why do you feel that way?”

“I can’t explain it; it’s just a gut feeling. He’s too nice and charismatic for someone living in Imperia. It’s not normal, as if he enjoys being exiled in this furkan dump.”

“Perhaps he does,” Adriaas mused, theorizing. “Malkuth isn’t for everyone. I’ve learned that during these months. Imagine Sabina and the Elkrachets unleashed in Malkuth. It’s a good thing they’re here, and maybe Xendur too.”

“You’re right,” Gidit found solace in her words. “I trust Elchome and his judgment. Nothing has raised any red flags, but his energy still bothers me.”

“Let’s sleep. Sound good?” Adriaas suggested. “This day is endless.”

Gidit and Adriaas joined their sleeping bags together, wordlessly seeking comfort in each other’s embrace. The cool night air enveloped them as they succumbed to sleep within minutes, dreams whisking them away into oblivion.

Before sunrise, Elchome roused everyone with his boisterous singing and exuberant noises. He was eager to begin the day’s hike as early as possible and cover more ground. Within twenty minutes, they had dismantled their tents and were back on the trail, maintaining a faster pace than the previous day.

The second leg of their journey brought enjoyment, devoid of immediate dangers, and with a smoother path to tread. They even took breaks for lunch and bathroom visits while the morning slipped away. The afternoon also flew by as they traversed the valley of mountains, ascending and descending.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with vibrant hues, Elchome called for an unexpected halt, surprising the group. They gathered around him, curiosity etched on their faces.

"Come closer, everyone," Elchome urged, his voice filled with anticipation. "Believe it or not, we're just a few kilometers away from our destination. It's time to prepare ourselves."

The group formed a circle around their leader, their expressions a mix of surprise and readiness. Adriaas couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through her veins.

Elchome continued, his eyes scanning each member. "This is the plan: Raxae, Gruvin, Xendur, Raveena, Gidit, and I will lead the way. We'll split into two groups of three and scout the area. We'll send smoke signals to indicate when it's safe for the rest of you to join. Remian, Zunkit, Suley, Zaraz, and Dravek, keep a watchful eye. Miveria, you'll be in charge of their safety. Healers, be prepared for anything. The rest of you, arm yourselves and have your crystapheres ready. We can't afford to let our guard down. Five minutes until we depart."

Adriaas absorbed Elchome's words, a mix of exhilaration and nervousness coursing through her. She felt Gidit's hand intertwine with hers, seeking comfort in their connection.

"Are you going to be okay?" Gidit's voice was laced with concern.

Adriaas smiled, hoping to ease her worries. "I've been trained by Gruvin and all of you. Unless we encounter another ambush, I have faith that everything will be fine. What about you?"

Gidit exhibited a smirk, their gazes locked in a moment of shared understanding. Before Adriaas could react, their lips met in a kiss, devoid of the haze of intoxication. Time seemed to stand still as their connection deepened, but the urgency of the mission tugged them apart.

Their eyes locked, Adriaas's heart pounding in her chest. "I'll see you on the other side, Zaraz," Gidit used a soft but challenging voice before making her way towards their leader.

"Stay alert and be quick to react," Elchome advised, a subtle nod granting Adriaas the confidence she sought.

Before she could respond, Gruvin discreetly pulled her aside, his voice barely above a whisper. His words held a hint of urgency.

"If there's an emergency and you need us, use the 'Contact' crystaphere, is the lilac one. Only as a last resort, as it could jeopardize the entire mission," he whispered. His eyes conveyed the gravity of the situation as he provided three spheres the size of her thumb.

Adriaas nodded, her expression serious. "Understood. I'll be ready."

"Good. Benediximus, Zaraz," Gruvin said as he went to join his group.

"Benediximus," Adriaas replied, her voice carrying conviction, this time, there we're no gut feelings making her feel nervous, instead, hope enveloped her words.

The departing group turned to acknowledge her wishes, gratitude shining in their eyes. "Benediximus," they echoed in unison. With a sense of solidarity, the two groups ventured in opposite directions, leaving Remian, Zunkit, Suley, Dravek, Miveria, and Adriaas on their own.

****

Thank you for reading! See you in "Chapter LXXVI - Pink Camp"

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