Year 1, Summer, Third Month, First Week.
Nemera cast a wistful glance towards the fields, her mind wandering far beyond the endless rows of crops. "If only I could join in gathering crystals with them," she mused, the yearning clear her voice. She resumed the watering, the monotony of work in the fields felt like a slow death compared to the adventures she imagined. She always had a resilient spirit, seldom voicing complaints despite the village's hardships. However, the tales of Karl's team sparked a restless desire within her, a longing for something beyond the boring daily work.
She swiftly moved to the next plot, her efficiency highlighting her sister Anna's slower pace. But then, most of the kids worked at the same speed. Nemera couldn't help but tease Anna, who was quick to respond by showing Nemera her tongue. Nemera's strength made her quick with the bucket, so it was easy to lend a helping hand to her younger sister. And putting up her tease was the only payment she requested.
Suddenly, confusion clouded Nemera's face at the well. "It's not working! But I swear I didn't break it!" she protested, already panicking as she dashed towards the Chief's hut, maniacally repeating her innocence.
Old Bill, watching her frantic approach, called out in concern, "Calm down, girl! And tell us what's wrong."
Breathlessly, Nemera explained, "I'm sorry, truly... I placed the crystal in the WET and nothing happened. It just stopped working. But it wasn't my fault, I was just there when it broke."
.........
Chief Omero observed the boy checking the tool, his true thoughts hidden under calculating eyes. " I just want to say thank you again, young Karl. With the WET, we've been able to shift so many of our young to assist in the magic fields. Words can't express our gratitude. I trust it's just a minor hiccup; you'll have it sorted soon, I'm sure." His eyes searched Karl's face, trying to gauge the gravity of the situation.
The introduction of the WET had been a game-changer. The number of teenagers working the village fields had reduced to 400, allowing 300 more to assist in the magic fields. However, with WETs installed at the other two village wells, their reserves of water crystals were now stretched thin.
Karl scrutinized his drawing, ensuring its integrity. It was still in good condition, certainly a result of his diligent – arguably excessive – maintenance. Redrawing the Arrays every few weeks was a time-consuming task, but with the current quality of magic ink, he had no choice. As he examined the water-related part of the Array, Karl quickly identified the issue: the water crystal's dimness indicated a significant loss of power.
‘Master AI,’ he queried mentally, ‘you mentioned that with normal use, the WET's energy should last up to a year. Why is the crystal nearly depleted now?’ Karl's intuition told him something was amiss, but the puzzle remained unsolved.
‘-- You are correct. However, if the tool is used not hundreds, but thousands of times a day, the lifespan will be drastically reduced. Reflect on how the Arrays are being powered. --’
Karl needed no further explanation. The onlookers watched him intently, their anxiety as clear as daylight. When Karl's demeanor shifted, indicating understanding, a collective sigh of relief rippled through the group.
‘It seems the Arrays are drawing in environmental energy. It's insufficient for pushing water through the bamboo, but it's constantly draining the water crystal's power. Master AI, how can we prevent this?’
‘-- To halt the environmental energy, you can shield the drawing with a non-conductive barrier or a coating. Currently, you lack isolating materials, so consider covering it as a temporary solution. –’
Karl relayed this solution to the villagers and replaced the drained water crystal with a new one. They experimented with various materials at each well, ultimately finding straw to be the most effective insulating. However, he knew they'd need a more permanent solution as straw would deteriorate over time. Regardless, the villagers would soon need to acquire more crystals if they wished to continue using the WET.
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***
“If we want to keep their hopes high, we need another feast...” The Chief contemplated out loud.
Marlen's face bore a trace of reluctance as she spoke. "Omero, we can't let our ambitions hurt them. They're still learning, still growing from their recent experiences. We need to give them time."
Omero's response was firm. "It's been a month, Marlen. The children themselves chose this path, and so did we. We can't hold them back forever. If you're worried, perhaps we could offer them some guidance, discreetly."
“Absolutely not! If you’re talking about the map, how’re you planning to explain it?” She retorted aggressively, taking her eyes off her weaving for the first time.
Bill decided to chime in, though his brows were still furrowed in contemplation. "There might be a way. Remember the stone caves across the stream near the mountain border between the first and second Sections? Grey wolves inhabit those caves. They're pack animals, not much stronger than hyenas. In fact, they’re only considered stronger because they’re faster."
“The caves are close enough to the village and they could go through the stones. If they ambush the wolves from above, they will be covered. Besides, the wolves’ speed wouldn’t be a problem.” He concluded.
The elders stopped bickering and started considering the idea.
After a long time of silence, Marlen spoke. "They would need a substantial number of arrows for a safe ranged attack, considering their speed and numbers."
They continued discussing it and refining the idea until they felt confident enough to draw a plan.
With a consensus reached, Chief Omero summoned the team to discuss it. "So, what do you think about targeting the grey wolves? They rely on their numbers rather than individual strength. According to Marlen, they're usually found near streams and caves."
Initially, Karl and Tael expressed reservations about hunting an entire pack, a significant escalation from their previous encounters. But Diana, with her characteristic tenacity and confidence, swayed them. "We'll have the upper hand with a surprise attack from higher ground. It'll be safe."
The team exchanged glances, silently agreeing to give the idea a try, if only because Diana advocated for it. Karl seized the opportunity to propose some ideas, like a new Rune he was learning that could aid in transporting their materials. The ensuing discussion was productive, noting a lot of ideas and concerns.
Even Tael voiced a suggestion that took everyone by surprise. "Considering the travel time to and from the caves, about six hours each way, it might be wise to spend the night there and return at dawn."
The group exchanged startled glances, the idea of an overnight stay outside the village was uncharted territory for them. Tael, sensing their hesitation, added, "Think about how tired we were after the hyena encounter. The caves could offer a safe shelter for rest. If they're good enough for the wolves, they should be safe for us."
The proposal hung in the air, its implications slowly sinking in among the group.
......
In the shadowy alley, Lew's calm demeanor concealed his heightened alertness. He appeared peaceful and uncaring but inwardly he was attuned to the faintest stirrings of danger.
Channeling energy to heighten his auditory senses, he discerned the subtle sounds of would-be assailants lurking in the shadows. Four distinct locations, each harboring a threat.
His first challenge materialized from behind a barrel to his right. Rather than drawing his sword, Lew deftly sidestepped and countered with a hand block. His grip was like iron, powered by the energy coursing through him. The assailant's hand snapped under the force, his dagger clattering to the ground.
Ignoring the pained cries of his first foe, Lew delivered a forceful kick to the man's abdomen, propelling him into a barrel. Without missing a beat, he pivoted to face a second attacker emerging from behind.
With a fluid motion, Lew's left hand disarmed the attacker, while a crushing blow from his right sent the man into unconsciousness. The subsequent assailants, having witnessed their comrades' downfall, attempted a coordinated strike. One lunged at Lew's flank, the other aimed for his throat.
But Lew, agile and quick-witted, nimbly dodged to the left, narrowly evading the blade aimed at his neck. The attackers, thrown off by their failed coordination, collided. Seizing the moment, Lew delivered a powerful, energy-infused strike to their necks, incapacitating them without causing fatal harm.
With a dismissive snort, Lew left the defeated assailants in the alley and made his way to a nondescript store marked by a sign of a carriage laden with wheat. He rapped on the door, a deliberate pattern to his knocks.
The door swung open, revealing a burly, intimidating figure. Inside, a middle-aged, slightly portly man lounged behind the counter. His voice was calm and collected as he inquired, "How may I assist you?"
Unfazed by the encounter, Lew replied, "My father praised you as the most well-informed and resourceful merchant in the Wind region. But after that shoddy ambush, I'm disappointed. By the way, you might want to check on those men; I handled them rather roughly."
The man's response was a hearty laugh, unexpectedly jovial. "Certainly, Captain Lew – or is it former Captain now? How might I be of service?"
Caught off guard by the merchant's insight into his recent demotion, Lew's expression flickered with surprise. He regained his composure and offered a rueful smile, realizing he was free to leave but choosing to stay. "Well, my situation is a bit complicated..."