"Do you see it, Gans?" Preta asked, half-shouting.
"No, I don't see it," replied Gans, standing on a some sharp pile of rocks.
After that, Gans came down and mounted his horse to go back to the Sun of Lion Knight group.
At that moment, the sun was still clearly visible. However, on the other side, the appearance of Buarth's two main moons could be seen, although with difficulty, indicating that evening was approaching.
Unfortunately for the Sun of Lion Knight group, they couldn't find the cabin mentioned by Preta. Even with the horses they had and the time spent searching for the cabin, they still couldn't find it.
Preta repeatedly took deep breaths. This journey was quite exhausting for him as a Jurak.
Natasha, Crocils, and Vector also looked tired, but not as much as Preta. Even Natasha, in line with the skills inherited in the high elf family, could harmonize her breath to calm herself faster.
"So, what do we do? Should we camp now, or still want to continue?" Dens asked.
In between his heavy breaths, Preta said, "We will continue, but let me catch my breath."
"Alright, Zhendra, you lead the way," said Dens, taking over from Preta to give orders.
There was no objection from any of them. The journey continued.
"Typical Jurak, why did you choose him?" Gans said.
"Shut up..." replied Preta.
"Ask later, Gans. We need to save some energy," said Natasha.
Zhendra, leading the way, began to express the thoughts that had been bothering him from the beginning.
When Gukata said, "...Right now, World of Worlds is no longer just a game because if you die in this world, you'll die for real..." Zhendra immediately thought it was too much compared to his other friends.
"Guys, do you remember what Gukata said?" Zhendra finally asked.
Hexon, who was at the back of the group, responded, "Which one?"
"The one 'no longer just a game, if you die in this world, you'll die for real.'"
"That's just a bluff, don't pay attention to it," Hexon replied.
Dens, who had been silent, began to think about it and tried to recall, "But if I'm not mistaken, Tigar also said something similar before he died."
"Are you talking about his joke, 'we don't want to die in this world, we just want to live. It's not a game anymore, it's reality,' right?" Hexon asked.
"Yes, that's right. He sai-"
"Sorry, guys, but I see a building ahead. Is that the cabin?" Gans interrupted the conversation.
Gans cut in at the right moment, just when some members of Sun of Lion Knight were starting to think carefully about it, creating a bit of doubt in themselves.
"Alright, that's the cabin. Let's put aside the issues of this world for now, we have to survive," said Dens. "Hurry up."
Dens immediately spurred his horse to move faster.
The other members of Sun of Lion Knight did the same, while Preta's horse was spurred by Gans beside him. Preta was still tired, making it difficult for him to spur his horse, but he had enough energy to control it.
The horses ridden by the Sun of Lion Knight members now ran quickly towards the cabin seen by Gans from a distance.
However, the day was also heading towards darkness faster as the sun began to set. However, they were confident that they could reach the cabin even before the sun fully set. Giving them time to strategize defense and prepare.
#- Cabin in the Land of Silence Gerned Forest -#
Dens and Hexon were the first members of the Sun of Lion Knight to arrive and quickly dismounted from their horses. They tried to enter the cabin through a door that turned out to be unlocked.
They immediately went inside, exploring every room and corner of the cabin.
Meanwhile, the long combatants prepared outside, facing outward, staying alert for any approaching threat.
The cabin was quite small with only 2 floors and 4 rooms. At least, it was enough to accommodate all eight of them.
It didn't take long for Dens to come out of the cabin. "All clear, hurry in and move the items from the horses inside. We can't bring the horses in, so the enemies might target them first."
"Got it," said Natasha, followed by Crocils, Zhendra, Vector, and Gans.
Preta then dismounted and walked into the cabin, his energy slowly returning.
While others were busy moving their items, Preta walked through every side of the cabin. He observed every cabin window, including the cabin's fireplace.
Clearly visible to him were some random scratches from something sharp. Similarly, there were claw marks on the cabin's furniture.
After all their equipment and items were brought inside the cabin, Preta finally called the attention of his members.
"We can hold out here, but not until a long rest, just a short rest. It seems like this cabin was recently attacked by undead," said Preta.
"I also saw scratch marks with black blood on the door in that room," Gans said, pointing to only the room quite far on the first floor of the cabin. "Maybe it's undead blood."
"If that's the case, everyone rests on the second floor. It gives us a broader field of vision," suggested Dens.
"I agree, but at least one person on watch should check the first floor. This time we split into three shifts, except for the last one," replied Preta.
"Let me to decide. Vector, Zhendra, and I are the first shift. Gans, Crocils, and Hexon for the second. While Preta and Natasha for the third," said Dens.
They looked at each other.
"One close for one shift, I agree," replied Hexon.
"Not only that, Zhendra and Gans will also be tasked with observing from a distance. That's a good decision," said Crocils.
"I agree with whatever it is. We're in a forced situation, after all," replied Vector.
Gans just nodded, while Natasha said, "Got it."
"I agree, but if these are undead, their numbers won't be small," Zhendra said with a tense and anxious expression.
"Just relax, undead are easy to defeat. The first thing we need to know is what kind of undead they are. That way, we can easily attack their weaknesses," Preta said.
###
Dens shared the remaining deer meat they hunted before, while Natasha distributed fruit rations she got from looting wood elves.
"Okay, anyone who can't eat raw meat, feel free to have Natasha's fruit rations," said Preta, taking Natasha's fruit ration.
Gans, grabbing deer meat, commented, "I thought those rations were looted by them."
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Natasha, sharing her rations with Vector, replied, "Looks like they think these rations are ours and not from looting."
"Yeah, fruit rations are common, so it should be fine," replied Crocils, grabbing some fruit rations.
"I thought raw meat would taste bad, but it's actually better than cooked meat," said Zhendra, chowing down on the deer meat that still oozes blood.
Hexon, also enjoying the deer meat, said, "You're right. This is the best."
"It seems like TAGAR's influence, your brains are manipulated," Dens replied after distributing the deer meat.
"Do you want some, Dens?" Natasha offered her fruit rations.
Dens took them, "Thanks."
"How much supplies do we have left?" asked Preta, munching on fruit.
"Meat's gone, two rations left. Water pouch, I haven't counted yet," explained Dens.
"We need to save, but tomorrow we should reach the town, right?" Hexon asked, his mouth all messy with deer blood.
"Should be," replied Preta, standing up and grabbing a water pouch to drink after finishing his meal.
Preta helped distribute water pouches to his friends still eating, stomping his feet on the ground with a rhythm that caught attention.
"Beneath the icy moon, where the northern lights dance, Jurak maidens once roamed, in a tranquil expanse. With seafoam in their hair, and tides in their stride, they sang of glory's echo, through the ice and tide..." Preta sang in a slightly messy tune but still enjoyable to his friends.
All members of Sun of Lion Knight smiled, and some laughed, seeing their leader singing and doing a little dance while serving them drinks.
Hexon, who had nearly finished devouring his meat, burst into the loudest laughter. "I'm reminded of the old man in Aqqarlutut, that’s Norigon."
Hexon's words brought back memories of their past in a remote village in the Norigon territory called Aqqarlutut.
"Do you mean Grandpa Frirugon? He's so nice, but his behavior are hilarious, always singing every moment," Natasha said, humming along with Preta's tune.
"You're right, Frirugon. I forgot his name but remember his singing. Truly an interesting person," Hexon, done with his meal, joined Preta in singing.
"Oh, the frozen waves, they tell a tale, of Jurak hearts, where peace set sail. In the shimmering sea, where the wild winds blow, Jurak sisters danced, in the midnight glow..." Hexon and Preta immediately found perfect harmony, including their mistakes in pitch.
Natasha, not wanting to be left out, joined in their dance and song.
"Through the frost-kissed waters, where the wild seals play, Jurak voices echoed, in the peaceful bay. With pearls in their hands, and coral crowns adorned, they cherished the silence, where serenity was born…"
The song continued, Natasha, who wanted to sing along, gave up because she didn't know the lyrics, so she just danced, laughing at every lyric sung.
Slowly, one by one, the members of Sun of Lion Knight joined in the song and dance, although most of them just hummed along.
"Oh, the frozen waves, they tell a tale, of Jurak hearts, where peace set sail. In the shimmering sea, where the wild winds blow, Jurak sisters danced, in the midnight glow. Underneath the glaciers, where secrets lie, Jurak daughters whispered, to the starry sky. Of ancient alliances, and the oath they swore, to keep the polar waters, forevermore…" Petra's voice began to fade as Hexon and Zhendra sang louder.
While his friends sang and danced joyfully inside the cabin in the middle of the Land of Silence in the Gerned forest, Dens only watched them, smiling faintly.
"In the icy embrace, where the glaciers gleam, Jurak voices harmonized, like a tranquil dream. They spoke of glory, in a peaceful tongue, and the tales of old, by the moonlight sung…" The singing continued, and this time everyone sang without any voice getting drowned.
They began clapping and stomping their feet as the dance started to twirl.
"Oh, the frozen waves, they tell a tale, of Jurak hearts, where peace set sail. In the shimmering sea, where the wild winds blow, Jurak sisters danced, in the midnight glow. Among the iceberg thrones, where the frost kings dream, Jurak laughter echoed, a harmonious stream. With seaweed gowns and crystals bright, they reveled in the magic of the polar night…"
The dance and song grew louder, they were getting even happier
Meanwhile, Dens, who had finished eating and drinking, began to stand as well. But he didn't join the dance, he still only watched them all.
"As the northern lights weave, their celestial art, Jurak descendants keep the peace in their heart. In the polar realms' embrace, where the wild winds sigh, Jurak legacy echoes, 'neath the starlit sky." At the last lines, everyone stops singing, giving Preta, a Jurak, the chance to end their song.
Afterward, Preta without realizing shed a tear, while the others cheered.
"What's wrong with you?" Natasha asked, hugging Preta and looking at his face.
"TAGAR has an impact on me," replied Preta.
As they embraced, Zhendra noticed Dens, who just clapped once when they finished. "Looks like it's not just you."
"Beautiful song, and it moved me. I'm Hors, our history lacks joy, only battles. And it makes me envious," replied Dens, approaching them.
"It's okay, you'll find joy with us." Gans approached Dens, spreading the happiness he had gained.
But when Gans was about to hug Dens, Dens stomped his foot, shouting while hitting his chest with his hands as if squeezing something.
"In the shadowed annals of a ruthless kin, where the echoes of war are where they begin. A tale unfolds of a relentless might, Human hearts forged in the endless fight…”
Gans realized Dens would sing in the Hors style and quickly stepped back.
"The rhythm of Hors' warfare resonates," said Zhendra, watching Dens still stomp his foot and beat his chest.
"On the battlegrounds, where the vultures rove, Human banners flutter, whispering tales of trove. In the fires of conquest, their destiny's cast, a race of warriors, relentless and steadfast…"
Besides Natasha, who tried to comfort Preta, who cried against his will, everyone else just watched as Dens began to raise his voice and beat his chest faster.
"Oh, the crimson rivers, where the war drums beat, in the human soul, cruelty takes its seat. A history written in the scars of strife, for in the battle's dance, they found their life…"
Gans, clapping his hands to encourage Dens, asked Zhendra beside him, "I don't remember us ever singing the rhythm of Hors' warfare?"
"I don't remember either, in fact, I don't even know what the rhythm of Hors' warfare are," replied Zhendra, immediately getting a puzzled look from Gans.
Meanwhile, Hexon, who had learned the rhythm, started trying to join Dens in his dance dominated by strong hits to their chests.
"Through the ages, their legacy unfolds, a saga of conquest, as the tale is told. In the brutal symphony, where the war drums pound, Humanity rises, to victory unbound. In the corridors of power, where shadows conspire, Human ambitions burn with an unquenchable fire. Their gaze fixed on dominance, a throne to claim, In the brutal pursuit of fortune and fame…"
Natasha approached the group of watchers who were clapping and cheering for Dens and Hexon, saying, "You know, high elves love peace, and hearing this song makes me angry. The ruthless humans."
Preta also joined as a watcher after he regained full control, "It seems TAGAR really influenced us. Honestly, I don't remember Juraks' song."
Gans, hearing that, replied, "Maybe this is what they call role-playing."
"As the flags flutter in the fading light, Humanity marches into the endless war. A Hors of warriors, in shadows they dwell, a song of conquest, a tale to tell." The song ended with Dens hitting his head very hard with both hands while shouting loudly.
After that, there was a brief silence as everyone was confused by Dens's unexpected action. However, after the silence, everyone clapped and cheered.
"Awesome, a great song," said Hexon, hugging Dens.
Dens smiled at his friends cheering him. "Thank you, but it's a war rhythm, not something to be celebrated."
"We're not celebrating the rhythm, we're celebrating you. My beloved friend, Dens," said Natasha, approaching Dens.
"Okay, everyone, it seems enough. The day is getting darker, and we need rest. Let's sleep soon," said Preta, quickly arranging the harbovulya leaves and getting ready to sleep.
Zhendra went to the open window to close it. "The sky is dark, Juraks must be eager to sleep."
Natasha looked at her friends busy clearing their leftover food and preparing harbovulya leaves for their sleeping mats. "Looks like we need to get used to the characters we're playing, the influence of TAGAR is really dominant."
Without opening his eyes, Preta weakly said, "We have to learn it. Fsake is a master in this case, so please learn it, Zhend."
"Got it, but I see a bright light in the distance, it seems like something is moving," replied Zhendra, still looking at the outside from the open window.
"Hex, if you're still awake, please help me block the entrance below," said Dens, going down immediately.
Hexon leaves his harbovulya leaf just like that and quickly runs down, "Okay."
Gans, after preparing a bed for him, approaches Zhendra, "Let me see."
Zhendra gives his place to Gans to see the light he saw, "I think those are the reinforcement of wood elves troops that were defeated by Liberté Naïve."
All members of the Sun of Lion Knight immediately direct their gaze at Zhendra.
"Reinforcement, are you serious?" asks Crocils, who quickly approaches, wanting to see too.
"There's a battle in the distance. Zhendra is right, those are wood elves, but they're being attacked by figures like orcs or undeads," replies Gans, who immediately closes the window, "Close all the gaps, we need to prepare ourselves."
"Nat, you should sleep. We need you in prime stamina if a battle occurs," says Zhendra, who is carrying a slightly damaged wooden plank to block the window.
Natasha nods while lying down because she is already ready to rest, "I leave it to you guys."
"Leave one way out, if they burn this place, we must have an escape route," replies Vector, who also brings a wooden plank.
Crocils gives up on his intention to peek outside and turns into their carpenter to block the windows.
Meanwhile, Natasha and Preta sleep on the harbovulya leaves they have prepared.
Meanwhile, Gans goes down to help Dens and Hexon.
"Leave a gap for Gans to shoot, and we'll cast spells," says Zhendra, handing a plank to Crocils.
"Got it," replies Crocils, busy putting up these planks.
Zhendra, Vector, and Crocils continue to do this quickly and quietly to avoid the risk of being known by the enemy.
After securing one window, they quickly moved on to the next. Until almost all the windows were secured, except for three that were only covered with planks a bit, as they had run out of usable planks and nails from the cabin.