Since ancient times, in every age that has existed, humans have always been one of the species dominating the world. As a species that is constantly developing and creating massive civilizations, until now, the value and place of human society have been immeasurable. But, with human existence and development, there are still creatures from the darkest and most mysterious lands besides that. Over millions of years of existence, these creatures have been recognized, and each species has had its way of growth and created an undeniable foothold. Along with humans, they have developed, they have mastered nature and avoided enormous conflicts with humanity. Most species choose the path of peaceful coexistence with humans and build their own territories. In parallel with these positive recognitions, a large number of species with higher-level intelligence raise a question: "When a species grows to a higher level and gradually becomes able to dominate the food chain, what will be the fate of those species that are in the dominant position?" HUMANS have long occupied that peak and they seem to take it for granted and never be changed. A peaceful coexistence, if it exists, is just only temporary, and conflicts are likely to break out at any time. History has shown that the emergence of mutant species and the superior evolution in any given area is always the result of the rapid extinction of their less developed brethren. So over time and with the change of the world, there are development of species that resonate well with other species, but sometimes probably change them into "harmful species". At that time, human had to choose their own path to adapt or EXTERMINATE THEM.
The story takes place in Thuong Thu - A peaceful village at the edge of the Gai Lan forest. Day by day, the sound of the wind, the gurgle of water flow and animals calling each other echoes around. The voices of sparse people here suddenly became out of tune. The village is not big but has existed for hundreds of years. The villagers here are just over a hundred people, their livelihood relies on the forest, cultivating and raising livestock. They live in harmony with the forest, getting just enough to eat and making enough food for their lives in the winter. People in the village have fairly closed lives to the outside society. Many generations are in the forest, living in the forest. Going out of the forest means that they will lose their protection. On the contrary, they also do not allow strangers to set foot here for fear that someone will bring danger to the villagers as well as destroy the inherent peace in their forest. Every villager may be deemed a crack hunter, with a small population and a large number of wild animals, hunting has become a regular activity of the village youngsters. But that is the story of the past… The hunter, with one hand, raises the bow and the other pulls the arrow, just hear a wind howling and the arrow strikes through the target. The speed of the arrow was so fast that the rabbit's body was thrown a long distance, blood oozed out from the wound, and a scarlet stream permeated the ground, the rabbit was dying, lying motionless and leaving to the hunter to come to pick up the end-product. Seeing a movement on the ground, another shadow quickly flew up, it was a bird with white feathers that witnessed the scene of bloodshed, it flapped its wings and hurried away from this place to save its life. The hunter's shadow rushingly runs to a place that has a clear sky so as not to be obstructed by the foliage, then the bow was stretched once more. The sunlight illuminated the hands that were somewhat sturdy but could not hide their slenderness. The arrow flies and destroys one more moving target, the bird was hit and immediately lost its resistance. The bird's wings just was back down, so it fluttered a little and then fell straight to the ground as its fate. The owner of those arrows is a young girl about sixteen or seventeen years old. The big round eyes and bright smile paint a genuineness and sincerity on her face. Tanned skin with bold colors of the wind and sand in the highlands. She wears a light green dress, which helps her to easily hide in the bushes waiting for her prey, and most of all it is her favourite color - the color of the mountains. Despite her young age, Ari is highly appreciated by the villagers for her ability in using bow and arrow. She is a young excellent archer of Thuong Thu village. Ari frowns and picks up the rabbit she has just shot down, a whole morning of hunting only returns meagre prey, but still lucky to have it. A few years ago there were more rodents in this forest than weeds, now to be able to accidentally encounter a rabbit at the edge of the forest is almost rare, more and more animals are hiding further inside the forest and are harder to find! Each of Ari's hunting trips is now like a search for fortune. "How lucky it is, got a rotisserie dish for our kids.” It can be said that the meagre luck finally smiles on her.
On the way back, she still does not forget to look at the familiar scenery that is deeply imprinted in her subconscious. It has not changed much since she was born, but for some reason, she still doesn't get fed of looking at it. Had never been to another land, so in Ari's small world, only here has such a clear blue sky, white clouds swooping down away to the ground so low as if being able to reach out and take a cluster from them. The familiar beautiful surroundings once again seem to hypnotize the young girl, the horse below yawns repeatedly, and brings its owner back to the village by habit on the old way, it probably gets used to an irresponsible owner. "Neighhhh" – The neigh and the hooves sound hurriedly getting closer and closer. At the edge of the forest, rising a thin layer of dust, and a beefy horse runs ahead towards the village gate. The gloaming of sunset, which is about to end, still shines long streaks of glitter on the horse's wet and jet-black back. On its back, Ari gripped the reins firmly, the horse's footprints pulls a long slide close to the gate. -Ari is back! - The children call out to Ari. The scene of her beloved village appears behind the children. Thuong Thu village originated from a group of nomads, originally with only about ten houses gathering together, living in the forest and relying on each other to develop. Then, over the course of a hundred years, from ten families to dozens of homes, so many old generations have gone, but the new generations have quickly filled all the empty spaces of the whole village. "YAPP" Ari quickly jumps off the horse and heaves a sigh of relief. She wipes her sweaty forehead with her hand, smiles, and strides quickly toward the children. The children surround Ari, their eyes are sparkling with excitement. Ari quickly removes the hunted animals, takes them up in both hands and shakes them with a titter face and tries to explain: -Sorry guys. This is all for today! Ari shows them a small hare and a bird. -It's okay! The two children quickly respond and delightfully receive Ari's gift in a very carefree way. Because compared to the food, welcoming the majestic Ari back after each day is the most interesting thing. Ari also cannot stay here for long, she hastily pats the heads of the two youngest children and then greets them all to quickly get to the place she needs to go. Without a doubt, the number of wild animals is dwindling. For almost two years, every hunter returned with a gloomy face and heavy sighs. The Winter is coming, the day will be shorter, and frost will weave through everywhere. In this freezing cold, it is hard for the villagers to find prey. Not to mention, the number of elderly and children are also increasing, as that way, the food storage cannot be held on anymore. "No! We can't go on like this, there has to be some way." Quickly tying the reins to the tree, Ari hurriedly heads to a small house at the end of the village. That is the direction of the house of the village's doctor, a small house nestles among long rows of green trees. In front of the house, there is a small garden planted with a few high medicinal bushes on long rows of undulating mounds. The last rays of the sunlight help Ari faintly see small trails of smoke. The air around it smelled like something burning, the nearer Ari approaches, the more she smells this familiar scent. That's it, which contains the warm, slightly spicy of the sage's resin, mixed with the bitter and wild of the mountains. Year-round in Thuong Thu village, villagers often burn grass every dusk, as a spiritual ritual and to repel insects. That smell lightly penetrates Ari's nose, she snorts twice and then loudly calls: -Hey doctor!!! A glimpse of a young man turned around, about twenty-five or twenty-six-year-old, he sits hunched over, he busily collects something with his hands, his face is square, his smile is friendly and his eyes are shining under his bushy eyebrows. His thick lips make people feel that he is a trustworthy person. -Hi, Ari! The doctor clears his throat, his hands busily picking up a few more bundles of sage that have been dried on the ground, then ties them into bunches and lines them into the house wall. He leans to his feet, shakes his shirt lightly, and walks briskly: "How was your hunt?"
Ari approaches the young doctor and leans on her chin thoughtfully: -Our forest status quo is not very good, the number of animals has decreased. In this situation, there won't be anything left to hunt. The doctor replies seriously: "I don't have a way, but this morning I learned that the mages of Van Quang Pagoda are going to pass by our village." Mentioning about Van Quang Pagoda, this is a transcontinental magic corporation, with its headquarter and many branches around the world. Their mages are extremely famous and highly regarded by the federal government. They are in a very high position and there are also many super-duper mages there. Obviously, it is very difficult for simple people like us to meet and approach them. Ari's eyes widen in surprise when she hears what he just told her. She asks again in an excited and curious voice: -Really? But why do they pass by here? The doctor says slowly: -I have heard that it's their trip. If we're lucky, we can ask them to help us. Receiving such unexpected information, Ari exclaimed: -Great! If the mages lend a helping hand, there will be nothing to worry about getting rid of the monsters. -But it's very expensive to hire them. - Ari is happy for a moment, then immediately slacks again. Seeing it, the doctor gives her advice: -You should tell the village chief, and let him decide. -Okay... I'll consider it. Ari's voice is turned down so the doctor has to carefully listen, as she is whispering to herself. After a few minutes of putting on her thinking cap about it, she still cannot come up with a better idea, Ari finally agrees with the doctor's advice. She nods a few times, lets out a sigh of determination, turns to say goodbye, and then gets on her horse and leaves the doctor's house. Standing looking at Ari wondering for a while, then watching her leave, the doctor could only shake his head, smiles, and clucks his tongue.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
-Yah!! Ari shoves her legs into the horse's side, causing it to neigh in pain, the horse narrows its eyes, and its four legs rush away, pounding on the road. Ari cannot hide her excitement now, the young girl spurs her horse faster and faster, she is sure that as long as she meets the Mages of Van Quang Pagoda, Ari and the villagers will find decisive help. Ari's heart seems to ring in her chest. Soon, the peaceful days of the past will return, and the villagers will sing songs of gratitude for God's sake instead of drowning in constant thoughts about the hunger like now. -It won't last much longer! - Ari talks to herself. -Neighhh...! The horse stops in front of a familiar mound in the middle of a narrow slope about ten meters long, Ari quickly jumps down. The horse stands untied to one side, wandering to eat the weeds around the edge of the road. Ari is skipping along in zigzag footsteps on the slope, mumbling a few unknown chants. On both sides of the path, large trees stand still along the path, there is only the rustling sound of the leaves being rushed by the wind as if a reply in harmony with the innocent girl's voice below.
The place where Ari is heading towards is the top of a small hill sloping gently, surrounded by lush trees. There is a small path leading to the top. The ground is worn down with no grass growing, revealing small rocks below. The shape of a house gradually appears when Ari comes closer. It's a tree house -The most valuable fortune of each Thuong Thu villager. After a house was completed, with unique construction techniques and the mystic arts of Ari's ancestors, they would give their descendants houses that had been blessed. These houses have the ability to protect Thuong Thu people from insects, wild animals, and dangers from hostile forces or evil spirits. It is built on a huge, strong and old tree's trunk as a solid pillar for the house. From a distance, it looks like a giant bird's nest that can accommodate up to more than a dozen people, not less. The house is connected to below by an ascending staircase which is carved on a large round tree trunk to form a ladder placed close to the main tree to climb up the porch. Along the two sides of the ladder, a few small bells are hung. This house is the workplace of the Village Chief. He usually spends all day here, sometimes even staying, to work and craft some new models of labor tools for the whole village. The position of this house is near the centre of the village, on the highest ground, where the chief can observe all the details of changes in their territory.
In the main room of that house, there is only a man sitting on the floor. His skin darkened due to a lifetime of being soaked by the rain and sun and all over his body is covered with rock-hard muscles. He has a muscular bare chest, his dark skin looks very virile, and time has stamped the deep furrows on his face and forehead. There is an elongated wooden stick in his hand resting on his quite crumpled and dirty pants, and the other hand is giving very sharp shavings with a small knife. The sound of separating a piece of wood from the trunk is very ear-catching, cut by cut one end of the stick sharpened carefully. The wood chips are removed from the body of the stick by the blade and landed, the floor is already full of wood mites. The sharp harpoon head is also gradually formed, which is probably a light weapon or a kind of fish-piercing javelin. He sits intently like that until a sound breaks a silent atmosphere, and his train of thought is suddenly interrupted by that voice: -Dad, Big News, Big News.- It is Ari's voice coming from the outside. Beneath the ground comes an eager female voice with excitement. The sound is coming through the window to the dark-skinned middle-aged man's ears.
Without waiting for her father's reply, Ari quickly climbs up from the outside and hunches over by the window. She reaches inside to tell her father about what she has just heard: -Dad! The mages of Van Quang Pagoda are about to pass through our village. Can we hire them to kill monsters? Still looking down at his hand, without any change in emotion, Ari's father says slowly: -Of course... NOT. The moment when the first word is emphasized and the next ones are uttered, it makes Ari's heart jump. -Why…yy?. - Ari quite misses out after hearing her father, she looks at his father as if begging. The village chief immediately explains to his little daughter: -We have a rule that outsiders are not allowed to enter the village. We will not know if they're good or bad. Letting a bunch of strangers in here is dangerous and could affect the entire forest. Are you able to take on all responsibilities? He continues: -Besides, our budget isn't enough to spend on such expensive things. We're in a predicament, you know better than anyone. Forget that idea! This isn't the first time Ari has heard her father talk about these things. Every time she mentions the outside help, her father would once again patiently repeat to her with the same reasons. Although Ari was raised by her father, she still hasn't understand his decisions until now.
Ari sullenly tries to convince once more: -But... Dad, now the monsters have seriously destroyed the forest. I hunted all day and didn't get much. I'm afraid it won't be long before the whole forest will be empty. Then everyone will starve to death!" He does not glance at Ari, the chief calmly says to her: -Let me handle that. Besides, you also go back and forth in the forest less. That's not where you should go now. As if ignoring her father's suggestion, Ari still does not give up and tries to persuade in another direction: -How long are you going to wait? At least let me join the team, I will help everyone defeat those monsters!! With a face full of expectation, Ari's words are filled with excitement and confidence, as if she wants to rush out to fight the monsters with her bow immediately. -You idiot! - The village chief run out of patient, he speak up to stop the excitement of his daughter who is just a spring chicken.
Slightly impatient in explaining to his wayward daughter, he stands up, brushes away the remaining wood chips from his pants and turns to look directly at her, and says firmly: "I repeat for the last time. This is an adult matter, you shouldn't interfere with it. Just do things that children same your age do. Don't bring this up again. You Get it?" As a mild warning, he knows better than anyone how dangerous it is for everyone to face, such a thing that teenagers like Ari shouldn't involve. He is worried about his villagers, and worried about this little girl he loved more than anyone else. Noticing the firmness of her father's words, knowing that she could not continue to persuade, Ari rolls her gaze not daring to say more than just hesitantly let out the word: "Got it" - and then reluctantly left.
The old saying: "A leopard can't change his spots." It's not wrong at all. There is no way that Ari can give up so easily, leaving is leaving but it does not mean that she will give up the idea of asking for the mages' help. At this age, the girls just like to do what they want. Even more, she lives in the mountain area, preferring freedom and her temperament is quite nutty. Since the day she heard that the Van Quang Pagoda mage group could pass through her village, there is not a day when Ari didn't ride out to the hill and looked into the distance, longing to see the figure of the mage team. But row on row of mountains, the distant horizon is still empty, no people, only trees and grasses remain the same as every day, and when will she see them? On a usual day, Ari rides her horse to the familiar place to wait, her small mouth busy fighting with the sugarcane she has just broken. Ari looks far away at the vast sky, beneath the mountains and forests are wild and interminable, up and down like giant cotton blankets piled on the ground. The green trees and grass on the ground match with the deep blue sky showing off their beauty. Looking at the beautiful landscape in front of her, Ari remembers her father once saying: "All human wisdom is summed up in two words: Waiting and hoping..." Even though Ari knows her own wisdom is lacking, but the other two things she has in abundance. After losing in thought, she exclaims: "Oh, sugar cane is so sweet."
Although not too wise, Ari is proactive and energetic, she doesn't only stand still to expect, Ari also often combines the hunting trip to go to the surrounding areas to search for the mage's sign and find some food. She still hoped she could find some trace, even if it was just a few horse footprints or wheel prints. Then whatever comes, the little "food" Ari aimed for was also revealed, it is constantly moving, a white rabbit, run at full speed, gently evading the sharp arrows launched by Ari. From the moment it becomes Ari's target, the rabbit escapes death three times. Annoying at how many arrows the rabbit could still escape, Ari cries out in misery: “Food!!! Stand there... Stop runingggg.” Of course, none of the animals volunteers to consider themselves "food" for another species, so even Ari shouts herself hoarse, it wouldn't stop. The rabbit has flicked away from Ari's eyesight, successfully escapes and maybe it can survive for a while longer.
At the same time, right under a tree, the noonday sun through the tree canopy fell right in front of the boy, waking up a teenager who is a "homeless man". He raises his hand preventing glare by blocking the rays of the sun, his face is still lethargic, the soul is faint right has not yet gathered his wits, and says vaguely: -Just take a nap and the sun is already on my head. After a short sleep, the rumpled red lap of his shirt is untidy, sloppy on him like a thin blanket, the white clothes can not keep their neat appearance, but it also seems to be understandable with a traveller.
Slightly lazily turning around, he reaches into the bag near him, takes out the familiar map, looks at it a bit, and thinks about the next direction. The map is a bit old and worn over time due to being used many times. He looks at it briefly and then he has a monologue to himself: "It is said that if I pass this forest, I can reach the city of Hoa Ban Do. The sun rose up high. Let's go!" In the middle of the green forest without the sound of birds, Duong's voice sounded lonely. Duong sits up on his hands, brushes his back to clean some dust, struggles to pack up his belongings, and then departs. Suddenly, as soon as he sits up, there is a rustling sound from the bushes behind him. Duong wonders, turning his head to look in the direction of the sound.
At that moment, Ari almost reaches the rabbit, watching the rabbit leap into the nearby bushes Ari does not hesitate to immediately raise her bow to aim at it: -Well well! Hide in the bush! You can never escape me, bunny! In the tree, a green parrot is cavalierly screenching. -Squawk, squawk. - It calmly watches Ari's movements just below and never minds it might be the next target. Watching the movement of the bush, judging the next direction, Ari confidently lets go of the arrow. "Swishhh!" The arrow tires the wind and rushes towards the target. But where the arrow flew is not the body of the cunning rabbit. Just in time to see the god of death launch a pass right next to Duong's ear. -Ooops!!!! Ari was scared to death when she saw her arrow strike a man sleeping behind the bush.