The Abysmal Territory

[34]

Teiko’s party travelled for a week. They managed to have a smooth journey without lacking food and water. However, a day passed and they couldn’t find any animal.

“This is odd, right?” Akeiko said.

“There might be another wolf pack? But I think we should keep going, we have spare meat to eat but it wouldn’t last long if we couldn’t find anything in two days,” Teiko replied.

“Yes, it might be it or we’re close to a village where the main source of food came from hunting wild animals,” Saki replied.

“Either way, we need to find that source or at least leave their area of hunting,” Teiko said.

“Yup, and even if Saki has recreation magic, our clothing and tent would be damaged if we cannot find anything of the same materials,” Akeiko said.

“Hey, Saki. Can you use that recreation skill to make clothes from the wolf skin that I gathered?” Teiko asked.

“No, if I am able to do that, I have already done it. Well, unless you want to smell like a wolf and you’re fine with wearing something that’s not even look like clothing,” Saki replied.

“I see, so someone should learn how to use weaving skills,” Teiko said.

“Or we find someone that can use that skill,” Akeiko said.

“Normally, people wouldn’t join us. You’re just an exception so we can’t rely on other people,” Teiko replied.

After traversing the forest for 2 hours, they came across a small village. They observe the activity from a distance and realize that there was no guard in that village.

“Why is there no one in that village? Maybe it’s already abandoned?” Teiko asked.

“Only way to find out is to go inside that village,” Saki replied.

As they went close to the village, a girl greeted them.

“Ahm, hello? Are you guys lost in the forest?” the girl asked.

“My greetings, Ma’am. We are not lost, we’re just travellers. Since we saw this village, we intend to stop by here,” Teiko said.

“Is that so? Then I’ll introduce you to our village chief,” the girl replied.

“Thank you so much for accommodating us even though we're foreign to this village,” Akeiko said.

“Thank you,” Teiko added.

“Thank you!” Saki shouted.

The four of them went to a house that seems to be the home of the village chief. The girl knocked on the door and called for the village chief.

“Village chief? Are you there? We have a visitor,” the girl said.

The door opened and the village chief was shocked to see Teiko and Akeiko.

“This is an unexpected event, are you guys our visitor?” the village chief asked.

The two nodded.

“I’m Helson, the village chief of this small village. Visitors here are very rare so I was shocked seeing the two of you. What can I do for you,” the village chief asked.

“Hello, Sir Helson. I’m Teiko and this is Akeiko, we’re just travellers. We stopped by here so we can have some rest? Would you let us stay even just for a day and if it’s possible, can we also have some food. We’ll trade something for that one,” Teiko replied.

“Oh, we normally have a guest house for visitors. But that was fifty years ago so we made that house our warehouse, but don’t worry, I’ll ask my people if they’re willing to let the two of you stay,” Helson said.

“Two, you mean three, right?” the girl asked.

“Huh? What are you saying, they have other companions? Why not let them all in?” Helson asked.

“Wait, sis? Can you see me?” Saki asked.

“Yes, why are you asking?” the girl replied.

“Of course, I’ll ask!” Helson said.

Teiko understands the situation and interjects the conversation.

“Oh, sorry about that village chief. There might be some misunderstandings, there’s just the two of us,” Teiko said.

Teiko whispered to the girl, “We’ll talk later about this.”

“Ahem, okay. For the food, the thing is we also lack food for two weeks already. My people are hunting endlessly but we’re just able to find some that are not even enough for us. So we can’t help you about it,” Helson said.

“I’m sorry about that,” the girl said.

“Ah, no, don’t worry! We’re just mere visitors, don’t mind about that. We’ll just stay the night and we’ll depart in the morning so we could also hunt for our own food,” Teiko replied.

“Sorry about that. Anyway, I think your house could accommodate them, Silica,” Helson said.

“Yes, village chief. I also wanted to say that earlier,” Silica said.

“Okay, so settle your lodging, Teiko and Akeiko. Silica, escort them to your house and introduce them to your mother. I will talk with the elders so do that for me, okay?” Helson said.

Silica let the three follow her.

“So you’re Teiko and then Akeiko, right? How about you?” Silica asked as she pointed to Saki.

“I’m Saki! So you really could see me! You’re a potential party member of Teiko!” Saki said.

“Hey, stop recruiting someone just because they could see you,” Teiko said.

“I don’t understand what that’s recruiting about. But I forgot to introduce myself to the three of you, I’m Silica. Welcome to our village, the Toya Village,” Silica said.

My father’s name, that’s a coincidence, right? Teiko thought.

“Oh, about Miss Saki. Yes, I could see you. I’m aware of different races since the person I admire talked about them a lot. Though, I’m confused that the village chief couldn’t see you. I thought he was shocked because of you, though it’s really shocking to have some visitors here,” Silica said.

“I understand, Silica-nee! I’m calling you by that name from now on. You can just call me Saki,” Saki said.

“I’m Akeiko Dae, just call me Akeiko,” Akeiko said.

“And I’m Teiko Akitsko, Teiko for short,” Teiko said.

“Akitsko! You got that last name!” Silica shouted.

“Ahm, yeah? Why?” Teiko asked.

“Remember our village name?” Silica said.

“Toya Village?” Akeiko replied.

“That name came from the hero named Toya Akitsko. He saved our village from beasts that nearly annihilate us. I remember exactly what happened, even though I’m just three years old at that time. He stayed here for two weeks until we could rebuild our village and after he made sure that our village was safe, he left saying that he had a wife and two kids waiting for him. I couldn’t see him off and thank him personally,” Silica said.