Chapter 16 Return to the Cave

Ebert listened to Adi's story quietly, his heart full of sympathy and emotion.

He couldn't imagine what kind of terrible disaster Adi had experienced to become what he is now.

He wanted to comfort Adi, but he didn't know what to say.

Because he knew that any language seemed pale and powerless in the face of such great pain.

He could only accompany Adi silently and let him know that he was not alone in this world.

"What happened next?" Ebert asked softly, "How did you survive?"

Adi wiped his tears and continued, "I was unconscious for a long time. When I woke up, I found myself lying in a cave. My mother saved me."

"Your mother?" Ebert asked in surprise, "Is she not injured?"

"No." Adi shook his head, "My mother said that she was collecting herbs outside the tribe at the time, so she escaped."

"That's good." Ebert breathed a sigh of relief, "What happened to you later? How did you live?"

"... We left the original tribe and wandered around in the forest, looking for a place to survive." Adi's eyes were full of sadness and confusion, "We lost our homes, our loved ones, and everything..."

The bonfire burning in the cave crackled, reflecting the flickering flames on Adi's young but weathered face. His voice was low, and his tone was full of nostalgia for the past and confusion about the future.

Ebert listened quietly to Adi's story, his heart full of sympathy and emotion. He couldn't imagine what kind of terrible disaster Adi had experienced to become what he is now. A young man who should have been carefree and enjoying his youth, but he suffered the pain of losing everything too early.

He wanted to comfort Adi, but he didn't know what to say. Because he knew that any language seemed pale and powerless in the face of such great pain. He was just a passer-by from another world. In this world, he was just a powerless bystander. Even he himself was in danger and didn't know how to return.

He could only accompany Adi silently and handed him the water bottle he carried with him to let him know that he was not alone in this world.

"My condolences." Ebert patted Adi's shoulder gently. He knew that he could do nothing except this sentence. He couldn't change the past, nor could he control the future. All he could do was to accompany Adi through the difficulties in front of him and hope that he could get out of the sadness.

Adi took the water bottle and drank a few sips of water. The cool water seemed to take away a trace of anxiety in his heart. He raised his head and looked at Ebert, his eyes full of gratitude. He knew that Ebert really wanted to help him, and this thought was more precious than anything else.

"Thank you, Ebert." Adi's voice was a little choked, "If you hadn't saved me, I'm afraid I would have been eaten by the black-striped demon leopard now."

"You're welcome, it's just a small favor." Ebert said lightly, "I just don't want to see anyone get hurt again." He looked at the brave boy in front of him, with mixed feelings in his heart.

After a period of silence, Ebert decided to ask Adi about the information of this world, hoping to find some clues about this era and ancient Indian civilization. After all, he came here to find the truth of history, not to escape reality.

"Adi," Ebert asked, "I come from a faraway place, and I don't know much about this world. Can you tell me where I am now? Also, do you know where I can find more information about this world?"

Although Adi was puzzled about how far the "faraway place" Ebert mentioned was, he still answered seriously: "We are now on the edge of a place called the 'Dark Forest'. It is very dangerous here and few people dare to come here. According to legend, this was once the place where gods lived. Later, because of a war, the gods left and this place became a wasteland, with only various ferocious beasts and strange plants living here. "

Adi paused, as if recalling something, and then continued: "If you want to understand this world, I suggest you go to the big city in the east. It is the center of the entire area and you should be able to find the information you want. I once heard from the elders in the tribe that the city is very old and is said to have existed since the beginning of the world. There are many wise men living there. They have rich knowledge and wisdom. Perhaps they know what you want to find. "

A glimmer of hope ignited in Ebot's heart, "Big city? What is the name of that city? How far is it from here?"

"That city is called 'Mohenjo-daro'." Adi replied, "As for how far it is from here, I don't know. I have never been to such a far place. However, I heard from the elders that if you want to go to Mohenjo-daro, just walk in the direction of the rising sun, pass through the dark forest, and you will see a big river. Walk downstream along the big river and you will reach the city. "

"Mohenjo-daro, follow the direction of the rising sun..." Ebot repeated Adi's words in a low voice, as if he was picturing the outline of the city in his mind. He realized that this might be his only chance to understand the world and find his way home.

"Thank you, Adi." Ebot said sincerely, "You have helped me a lot."

"You are welcome, Ebot." Adi said, "If you really want to go to Mohenjo-daro, be careful. The dark forest is full of dangers. You must protect yourself."

"I will." Ebot nodded, "You should take care of yourself too, Adi."

Ebot stood up and prepared to leave the cave and continue his journey.

"Wait, Ebot." Adi stopped him, "It's too dangerous for you to walk in the forest alone, take this."

Adi said, took out a dagger from his arms and handed it to Ebot.

It was a well-made dagger with a sharp blade. The handle was carved from animal bones and engraved with some ancient and mysterious patterns.

"This is a relic my father left me." Adi said, "It has accompanied my father through countless dangerous moments. I hope it can protect your safety."

Ebot looked at Adi's sincere eyes and did not refuse his kindness. He took the dagger and said solemnly: "Thank you, Adi, I will keep it well."

"And this." Adi said, and took out a small bag wrapped in animal skin from his arms and handed it to Ebot, "There are some herbs in it. It is a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation in our tribe. It can treat trauma and detoxify. Take it with you in case of emergency."

Ebot thanked Adi again, and then carefully put the dagger and herbs into his backpack.

He took a last look at Adi, turned and walked out of the cave, and disappeared into the vast night.

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