The continent had five kingdoms and two unconquered regions. The village was in one of the unconquered zones which was a huge chunk of the Southwest side of the continent. All the kingdoms were mainly situated in the central and upper regions.
"I suggest you go to the Kingdom of Gilash. It is the closest one to our location and it will be a good starting point for you. " The old man said pointing to the map.
"Yeah. I was thinking the same thing. Anything else you want to tell me about this place? "
"My only advice is to be careful around people. There are all sorts of monsters in the city. And yeah speaking of monsters you will be safe in your journey. The 'evolved monsters' do not roam between us and the Kingdom. " The old man replied. Krish nodded and kept studying the map trying to memorize it.
A few hours passed by before Krish put the map down. He then went up to check on Layla who was sleeping peacefully. She looked like an angel which soften the look on his face. He was still afraid if his wish would help him in finding the cure for Layla but he resolved his mind after seeing her.
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He left the old man's house and went to his own. He met some of the villagers who asked if he was all right and why he wasn't seen for more than a day. He just deflected their questions and entered his house. There was no time to waste.
He removed the mattress where he used to sleep and started digging with a shovel. After some digging the shovel hit something in the ground. He used his hand too. remove the dirt around the thing and read the markings on it.
"Sura... (But I ain't no God, bitch.) "
Krish smiled reading this as he pulled the thing out. It was a metal box that was buried under the ground. He took a deep breath before opening the box. The box was mostly empty but there was a rope and a knife in it. He took them both out and buried the box again. He put both rope and knife in a homemade backpack and left the house.
He went back to the old man's house to see Layla before leaving.
"Are you leaving already? The sun is going to set in a few hours. Wait till the morning. " The old man said while reading a book.
"I don't want anyone to see me leaving. I won't be able to make an excuse for why I am leaving my duty as the guard. " Krish replied solemnly.
"You were doing that job for free anyways. Do as you wish, just don't die. " The old man said as he closed the book and got up. He patted Krish's shoulder. Krish nodded as he went ahead to say goodbye to Layla.
He kissed Layla on the forehead and a smile formed on Layla's face. Krish also smiled a little before leaving the house and taking a deep breath and leaving the village.