The Eye of Oblivion

Chapter 8: Chaotic Civilization

As the village’s finest cart sped along, the dawn gradually brightened after two hours of travel. Given the retreating surroundings, the cart's pace was indeed impressive—at least a hundred yards per hour.

If the beast of burden were freed from the cart’s restraints, its speed would increase substantially. Such rapid land creatures were inconceivable on Earth.

The landscape was dominated by an endless expanse of lush mountains. Apart from a few scattered tribes, most areas were virtually uninhabited, presenting a wild and untamed scene.

Here, there were no roads; the beast charged ahead recklessly, jolting and bumping along the way. Yahan even witnessed the cart leap over three meters high before crashing down under immense gravity. Despite its seemingly dilapidated appearance, the cart was crafted from exceptionally sturdy wood and showed no signs of falling apart, regardless of the impacts.

Yahan had to concede that although the cart was uncomfortable, it was indeed top-notch in terms of speed and durability. If it were a vehicle from his previous life, it would have disintegrated into parts long before.

After another hour of swift travel, more villages began to appear, and a narrow path finally came into view. Yali patted the beast’s left flank, and the creature, responsive to the signal, turned towards the path leading to the village.

Occasionally, strange beast-drawn carts passed by, but none were overtaken by Yahan’s cart. He was now convinced that their beast-drawn cart was indeed the finest among similar vehicles.

This was Yahan’s first extensive journey in this world, and everything was filled with wonder. He eagerly gazed around.

As the cart passed through a mountain gorge, the view ahead opened up to a verdant prairie, coated in a verdant sheen. Dots of red, yellow, and purple, like splashes of paint, were scattered across the field. In the distance, peculiar giant creatures ambled leisurely, grazing on the tender green grass.

Such pristine beauty was entirely novel to Yahan. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the distinctive fragrance of the prairie.

Then, Yahan was awestruck by the sight of a colossal beast, which seemed to carry a small mountain on its back, approaching from afar. Compared to this giant, other beasts appeared as insignificant as mice. Though it moved slowly, each step covered nearly ten meters, and its enormous feet caused the earth to tremble with its immense presence.

To Yahan’s eye, this beast stood three or four stories high, resembling a small mountain.

However, the surrounding creatures seemed undisturbed. They merely glanced at the giant before resuming their grazing.

“What a massive creature!” Yahan murmured in amazement.

Yali glanced at the giant beast with a hint of disdain:

“It’s just a clumsy giant. There are many larger ones, and it’s weak and slow. If it ventured into the Dark Forest, it would be devoured to the bone.”

“Father, what exactly is the Dark Forest?” Yahan inquired curiously.

“Heh, our tribe is near the Dark Forest. The deeper you go, the fiercer the beasts. I once saw a wingless beast that could fly,” Yali said proudly, though a trace of fear flickered in his eyes.

“Really?” Yahan continued to watch the enormous beast, responding absently.

Without personal experience, he couldn’t fathom the terrifying nature of a wingless flying creature. His curiosity about his father’s tales was genuine, but he did not yet grasp the profound fear his father felt.

The bustling activity on the prairie was much more vibrant compared to the mountains. Villages of varying sizes appeared continuously, and the level of civilization here surpassed that of his own tribe. Yahan noticed that the villagers wore cloth garments rather than animal skins or leaves, some of which were quite elaborate and comparable to those of his previous life.

After another hour of travel, a small town emerged before him. Yali jumped off the cart and, guiding the beast along a path leading to the town, proceeded forward.

The town was lively and busy, teeming with people. Yahan followed his father, eyes wide with amazement. The civilization here was a chaotic blend of different eras, with barbarian-clad figures mingling with those in cloth attire.

Upon entering the town, Yahan was overwhelmed by the sights. He saw stalls displaying what resembled plastic items and even transparent glassware—products of modern industry that seemed out of place in this primitive society.

It felt as though the heavens were testing his nerves when he noticed a small box at another stall, continuously playing strange and ethereal music.

“Good heavens, what on earth is this?” He felt his nerves fraying.

Although Yali frequently looked back with boundless curiosity, he displayed no surprise or shock, evidently having encountered such things before.

At that moment, a faint, sharp whistling sound came from above. Yahan looked up and saw a silver, oval-shaped object streaking across the sky, heading into the distance.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked:

“Father, what is that thing?” He gazed hopefully at his father, seeking answers to his confusion.

“This is…” Yali, scratching his head and looking at the sky, showed an unusual flush on his rugged, sandpaper-like face. It seemed his child had asked a question he couldn’t answer, causing him some embarrassment. With a calloused hand, he gave Yahan a firm pat on the head and said loudly:

“Children shouldn’t ask so many questions. Let’s hurry; we need to buy a knife soon.”

Yahan rubbed his buzzing head, thinking, “If I’d known you didn’t know, I wouldn’t have asked.”

Soon, Yahan and Yali arrived at a*****e. The sign above, adorned with strange symbols, was unintelligible to Yahan, but the images of weapons beneath it made it clear what kind of store it was.

Yali secured the cart and, leading Yahan, entered the store. The interior was clean and orderly, with dark gray walls lined with an array of weapons, all gleaming with cold light. In one corner of the store, a neatly dressed middle-aged man with impeccably combed hair greeted them with a smile:

“Greetings, barbarian brother. Welcome to the Alliance Weapon Shop. What kind of weapon are you looking for? We have it all here.”

“It’s not for me; my son wants to buy a knife,” Yali said with a proud grin.

“Oh!” The middle-aged man appeared surprised, glancing at Yahan before stepping forward and reaching for his arm.