My mind was still racing, I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. I knew I couldn't afford to let my guard down, even for a moment. Exhausted and battered, I climbed back up the tree and retrieved both my and Brandon's backpacks, carefully bringing them down to the ground.
Securing the backpacks, I made sure to gather the Beast's core and the boar's tusks, placing them safely inside my own backpack. These items held potential value, and I wouldn’t miss the change of getting every single resource I could. Next, I approached the pile of boar pelts, I tried lifting one of them up and I estimated them to be around 80kg each, which made them incredibly heavy. As I attempted to lift one, the sheer weight of it would be too much. It was far heavier than I had anticipated, and I realized that carrying both the pelts and Brandon's body was simply impossible for me at that moment.
Frustration and disappointment welled up within me. I had hoped to get both pelts or at least one of them but the practicality of the situation forced me to reassess my plans, With a heavy sigh, I acknowledged the limitations of my strength and decided to let go of the idea of carrying it all bacl, I attempted to find a solution by hiding one of the boar pelts up in the tree. With limited options, I resorted to the challenging task of carrying the pelt with one hand while trying to climb the tree with the other. The weight of the pelt made the ascent treacherous, and my balance was thrown off by its bulk.
As I struggled to maintain my grip on the pelt and find stable footholds, it became increasingly clear that this approach was impractical. The risk of falling or injuring myself was too great. Reluctantly, I let go of the pelts.
With a sense of urgency, I realized the importance of leaving the area and finding safety. Though no other goblins had appeared during the hours that had passed, I couldn't rely solely on luck to keep me safe. The longer I stayed exposed, the greater the risk of encountering more enemies.
Carefully, I retrieved my belongings, securing both my and Brandon's backpacks on my shoulders, with a heavy heart, I gently wrapped Brandon's body in the towel once again, ensuring it was covered with care and respect. Holding him close, I hoisted his weight onto my shoulder, feeling the burden of his lifeless form. The journey back to my safe zone awaited me.
Step by step, I began the long trek through the forest, navigating the still unfamiliar area and avoiding any potential threats along the way, not that I could find any, thankfully. Every footfall echoed with a mix of sorrow, determination, and a lingering guilt. Thoughts raced through my mind, replaying the events that had unfolded, questioning the choices I had made. But there was no time for self-doubt now. I had a solemn duty to fulfil, a promise to honour.
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The weight of Brandon's body pressed against my weary muscles, but I pushed forward, drawing strength from the stress. The forest seemed quieter, as if it could feel my mood, its dense foliage providing a protective canopy under which I moved.
As I walked, I contemplated the best resting place for Brandon, a spot that would serve as a final sanctuary for his soul. I knew I couldn't carry him all the way to my safe zone, burdened as I was with his weight and the dangers that still lurked. Instead, I sought out a secluded clearing which I had come across yesterday, nestled among tall trees and bathed in gentle sunlight, a serene spot where he would find peace.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the chosen spot. With great care, I laid Brandon's body down, his resting place becoming a solemn memorial in the heart of the forest. With the hand shovel from his bag I knelt down and started digging, it was a fairly shallow grave as time wasn’t on my side and I was on the verge of collapsing.
As I finished digging, I cast my gaze around, searching for stones that could serve as a marker for the grave. The forest floor offered an assortment of shapes and sizes, each one unique in its own way. I carefully selected a handful of smooth stones, their surfaces cool against my palm.
Returning to the grave, I placed the stones one by one, arranging them in a circular pattern atop the freshly turned soil. I took a moment to say my silent goodbyes, offering words of gratitude and apologies.
Feeling a mix of sadness and relief, I retraced my steps back to my safe zone, the weight of the journey lifting as I left Brandon in his final resting place.
Brandon's memory would forever be a guiding light, not just of my mistakes and bad choices, but also of the importance of skill, preparation, and caution. His death served as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in this new world, and the price that could be paid for carelessness or overconfidence.
I vowed to honour his memory by learning from my past actions and striving to become stronger, both physically and mentally. I would train diligently, acquire new skills, and seek out knowledge to better equip myself for the challenges ahead. Brandon's unfortunate death would not be in vain; it would serve as a catalyst for my growth and determination.
In the depths of my sadness and self-reflection, I found a renewed sense of purpose. I would carry the weight of his memory as a constant reminder to be vigilant, to make wiser decisions, and to protect not only myself but also those who still depended on me. The blame I felt would be transformed into a fuel for self-improvement and a commitment to forging a different path.
As I turned away from the grave, my resolve hardened. I would carry Brandon's memory with me, not as a burden of guilt, but as a beacon of strength, guiding me forward on this treacherous journey.