13. A decision

With modern weapons added to his arsenal, Gareth felt much safer than before. Coupled with the food supplies he had taken he couldn't remember how long it has been since his mood was this good.

The only downside was the state of his body, he was walking with a noticeable limp and one arm hanging uselessly at his side. He took a glance at his still dormant friend Kuchi who was attached to his left wrist, he wondered when it'll wake up.

Continuing his journey to the east with the expectation of returning to civilisation and retiring he couldn't but help but remember all of his past experiences until now. Thinking of a certain memory couldn't help but make him shudder. Clearing his head he stared at the now barren horizon wondering what his next encounter would be.

After one week of travelling Gareth had managed to gain a little weight and he was currently disassembling his newly acquired kill. A tusked bull, as angry as it was hardy this beast was two times bigger than a normal bull and roamed these barren lands as it's home. Seeing it was close to night he set up camp and lit up a fire and began cooking. He made most of the bull meat as dried jerky and put the rest for a simple stew. He still had half a month worth of supplies so he wasn't too worried, however he still made sure to use smaller portions in case he gets caught in something.

Being able to light a fire at night added a sense of security and warmth during this cold night, something he couldn't have done back when he was in the desert. Finally finished with his meal he laid in his sleeping bag and turned in for the night.

The next day Gareth continued his journey and about 5 hours in he found himself in front of a very dangerous piece of landscape. Inside there were tall rock pillars of different lengths jutting out of the ground at different angles. The ground was uneven and occasionally a rock pillar would randomly appear from the ground at the speed of a crumbling building. The rock pillars weren't stationary and would move at a slow pace. The problem was when two rock pillars collide, they would both collapse like a house of cards raining down large pieces of stone onto the ground.

There were many pieces of evidence of wildlife crushed by falling rocks. Finally when the dust seemed to settle the boulders would literally melt into the ground. Those creatures who had been crushed underneath would be revealed. A strange death zone indeed.

Gareth had initially decided to walk around this danger zone even if it took a few months which he reckoned that would be how long it'll take but he saw a small pink injured creature lying inside and Gareth felt pity for such a cute fellow in dire straits.

Looking back at the poor creature he reckoned if he ran non stop he would likely reach the other side of the dangerous area in 2 days.

He didn't know why but he felt a sense of kinship towards the strange pink creature although he couldn't make it out, he felt he would regret it if he left it to die.

Releasing a sigh, he tied up his equipment securely to his body and ventured into the dangerous rock forest.