Amidst the hushed atmosphere, they mentally sorted through their concerns, observing the Village Chief's departure from the village without their company. Contemplating the potential ramifications of this unexpected situation, a voice abruptly cut through the silence. "I don't know about all of you, but I think it's time that I join Hrok and retire," Caretaker Ivor stated with a sigh, rubbing his temples as he walked toward the farm.

Like the others, he was aware that this problem surpassed even the challenges posed by the newborns.

In a gradual procession, the key figures pivoted on their heels and exited, leaving Stronghold Leader Zogar to stand alone, visibly trembling.

Eventually, he mustered a surge of strength in his legs and propelled himself upward into the sky, departing with a force that left a noticeable crack in the spot he had occupied moments before.

.......

As I slowly awoke, I wished to believe that everything that had taken place was merely a dream. However...

"Ah!"

An involuntary exclamation escaped my lips as I sensed the pain encircling my body, particularly in my chest and shouldersareas that felt like they were throbbing mercilessly.

"You're awake," a voice I recognized so well that it almost prompted me to attempt sitting up. However, understanding my current incapacitated state, I focused on fully opening my eyes and gazing upon the individual accountable for my condition.

I fixed my gaze on him, my eyes wide with a mixture of pain and anger. Just as I was on the verge of calling out to him, an oddity caught my attention, causing me to swallow down my words.

Instead, I opted to focus on my own healing, allowing the two energiesboth strange and Vylkrto course rapidly through me. I let my eyes wander over the form that seemed to resemble a fantastical, mutated eagle or something along those lines.

Suddenly, the creature swivelled its head in my direction, its attention now fixed on me. It unfurled its feathers and then flew from Stronghold Leader Drakar's lap, landing before me. Its intent seemed clear as it thoroughly scrutinized me.

In a heartbeat, I observed with astonishment as the creature suddenly descended down into the shade cast by the hot air balloon, only to ascend once more, out of the shadows of Stronghold Leader Drakar's silhouette.

Stronghold Leader Drakar ran his fingers through the feathers of what seemed to be his pet, and at last, his voice broke the silence again, "His name is Shadow Talon. I acquired him from the Caravans, and ever since, he's been my constant companion."

I immediately sighed internally. Of course, he obtained it from the Caravans.

At this point, I've decided it's not a stretch to assume that any odd or unusual item I encounter somehow finds its origins with the Caravans.

Shifting my position to sit up, I leaned against the side of the basket, spotting a few holes that had likely been the result of our fight. "Why?" I asked, once I had managed to find a relatively comfortable spot, my right arm supporting my broken collarbone and left shoulder.

I alternated between nursing my sore chest and tending to the few fractured bones there.

Stronghold Leader Drakar arched an eyebrow at my question, his gaze fixed on me as he repeated, "Why?" His lips curved into a wry smile, seemingly understanding my curiosity, and he replied, "Because there's a vast world out there, and I've spent almost my entire life confined within those village borders, battling Vylkr vines day in and day out... How to destroy the Vylkr Vines? How to repel their invasion across our borders? Hmph," he snorted, his tone edged with bitterness, "being a stronghold leader is nothing but a burdensome mantle and a title. I was ready to cast it aside and embrace freedom."

Pushing himself up from his spot in the basket, he paced closer to me, his expression solemn. "Moreover, I extended an offer to you, which you turned down. Had you accepted back then, you wouldn't be in this predicament now." He then shook his head with a sigh, "And now, they must think I've captured you and a tree nymph, subjected you both to harsh treatment and forced you to accompany me."

'Saria!' I immediately thought, and my head swiftly turned to the other end of the basket where I spotted her. I sighed in relief as I laid eyes on her, although concern still gnawed at me as I noticed she was still somewhat unconscious, her complexion slightly pale.

"But this wasn't my initial plan. So, I am willing to make you another offer, Orion," Stronghold Leader Drakar's voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned my head toward him immediately as his words reached my ears. "Another offer," I repeated.

I clenched my jaw, attempting to maintain my composure. After all, I had a family, several unborn children, waiting for my return. I couldn't allow myself to die here.

"Yes," Stronghold Leader Drakar affirmed, nodding as he spoke. "Because my intention was never to kill or forcibly take anyone along, I will give you two choices." He extended his index fingers toward me, one after the other.

"One, you can accompany me to the outside world. Given your intelligence and six-star potential for inner strength, I believe you have a good chance of surviving out there. Or two, you can meet your end here alongside the tree nymph, as I don't have the resources or energy to care for two captives, let alone provide them with food." His gaze shifted toward the sack of fruit positioned in the centre of the basket, causing realization to dawn on me about its purpose.

Amused by that realization, a wry smile graced my lips. I had initially thought the purpose of the fruit was for us to eat in case we became hungry during the task.

"Well, what's your decision?" Stronghold Leader Drakar asked, his gaze locked onto me. His pet, Shadow Talon, perched on his head and fixed its ebony eyes on me, as well.

Instead of answering directly, I sighed and replied, "You know, if you had waited a few more weeks or even months, you could have avoided all this stress. You could have slipped away from the village unnoticed and saved yourself from this predicament."

He examined me from head to toe, his gaze piercing, before he retorted, "I won't spend another few days, weeks, or months trapped in that village. I can't and I won't. And do you honestly believe I just started plotting this journey recently?" He continued, "Sure, I might have forgotten a few things, but that won't hinder me from seizing an opportunity right in front of me. So, are you going to seize it this time, or are you dismissing it as usual?"