In the Periphery of the Forest

All of the villagers gathered around carrying their children, things and a lot of food.

Some of them have tension in their face and can't help but worry about their well-being, while others are nervous and most of them are chatting with others.

Wanting to learn what is happening and ease their nervousness and fear that creeps in their mind.

One of the middle-aged woman villagers that had a baby clinging to her chest said in a hushed tone "What is the current happening? I just know that the other villagers found a boy drifting in the sea while they were fishing. and they pull it to the shore to find Old Geez to help."

"Yeah, the said boy has luxurious clothes. They say that it must have been in the Merchant Ship and Old Geez speculated that it was attacked by the Pirates, and only the boy is the survivor. What an unfortunate thing for a boy to suffer such a tragedy." one of the women gossiping let out all of the information she knew because the fisherman that helped the boy is a friend of his husband.

"Hmph! What an unfortunate thing and tragedy are you saying! that devil is a curse. He will stain us with misfortune, I will tell you that we must abandon that devil child and throw it back to the sea!" a woman named Millee shout to the gossiping group.

Because of fear she believed that boy is the harbinger of tragedy that will storm upon this island.

"How could you say such a thing to a little boy, he suffered such a thing and we know that the boy won't wish a thing like that to happen. Who are you to point out and say that he is a harbinger of tragedy? huh!? you heartless witch" A girl shouted to Millee

Millee was angered because of this " You disrespectful brat! come here and I will discipline you in place of your parents!"

"What did you say Millee!? You dare to shout to my girl, Let's see if I can shred your mouth to pieces!" a mother shielded her elder daughter to this maniac woman.

Millee put down the things she carries and put a stance that she will charge at any moment "Come here and let me sue your damn mouth then I'll beat your ugly daughter!" and when they are going to fight physically.

"Hey! Stop! What do you think you are doing? fighting in the middle of this dangerous time. Stop this nonsense right now or I'll let Tom hang you in the tree!", the fight that almost start was stopped by a strict voice.

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The onlookers and all of the villagers stop and look at the two who are walking in their direction.

All of their sights focused on the young child in the back of Tom.

"What did you say Millee!? to say that to an unfortunate child is the worst sin that you can commit, I'll let you pass the crime in which you keep spreading a bad rumor about some of the villagers and instigating a fight but today, your mouth is spouting such stink garbage!" Mother Riz sharply looked at Millee who is looking at the ground

"I - I .." Millee wanted to reason her way out but Mother Riz gave her a warning look that made her stay quiet and she felt the pulling of her husband from behind indicating her to stop.

"Okay, let's stop this ruckus. All of the men will be tasked to push the heavy cart and all of the women make sure that you hold your children tightly" Mother Riz starts to give instructions.

Mother Riz pointed to the empty cart "We can't make a mistake and stop gossiping, foods will be put into this cart that will be pushed by the other men group to the evacuation site."

"Go! Move! Tom, you lead the group" Mother Riz looks at Tom who nodded his head.

Venturing in the forest makes the villagers let out their worries while sightseeing because of the fresh air and greenery that make the forest heaven on earth.

The forest is full of lush and vitality and has a multitude of mutated plants and trees.

Other mothers plucked some juicy fruits and gave it to their children.

They need to walk three kilometers to reach the vicinity.

When all of the villagers feel that they can't make it and want to request a break.

Tom shouted "Were here! fall in line, we let the women enter first and please keep in mind that you must hold your children! The cave has many different path holes that will make you lose your way out like a maze."

"The men should rest while the women are entering and don't lose sight of the person in front of you! I'll guide the way to the site, please pay attention and don't be left behind!" Tom instructs the villagers and looks at his Aunt and shouts "Auntie! co-"

But was interrupted by Mother Riz who shouted back "Go! I'll be behind the line to make sure no one will fall behind!"

"Ahhh okay Auntie, be careful!" Tom leads the group while the women follow behind.

Mother Riz looks at the men who are resting and says "All of you should eat the fruit that plucks here, it will vitalize your tired body"

"Yes, Mother Riz.", one of them answered and immediately pick some fruit in the nearby cart that was full of different foods.

The villagers venture inside the cave and keep walking in the maze-like path that will make anyone go dizzy.

But Tom keeps walking like he knows where he will go.

Until they finally reach the entrance to an underground space that can hold a thousand people and on the side have a subterranean pond with clear water that keeps pouring like rainwater in the ceiling.

After looking closely you will find many holes in the ceiling, that's why it will make a rain-like image and will fall into the calm pond.

The Subterranean lake was surrounded by a group of plants with berry-like fruits glittering with red color.

"Ohh all of you are here, all of the things will be arranged on the side." the voice of Old Geez reverted to the ears of the incoming villagers.

Old Geez is busy tidying the many materials and things that will be used after they arrange everything.

Tom walked and untied the rope to his body and carefully put down the unconscious Dan in the ground. "Where is the other?"

Tom asked while he made sure that the child would not be uncomfortable.

"I'll give them a task to scout and be a lookout in the mountain, if they find a ship of the pirates nearing here we will be informed immediately."

'I hope we have time to gather some fruits and meat while the pirates are on the way here.' thinking of Old Geez while helping the other man to put down the things they evacuate with.