We have felt safe in Samel, just like that!
Flashback of the Last Day in Jejimon (Friday Night)
In the quiet city library, the librarian had fallen asleep, resting his head on his hand. I (Helzard), Auburn, and Veritas were there when Aldo suddenly called us to discuss the plan to move through the territory of Baron Samel. No, it wasn't just that. Aldo was actually going to give us a lecture on the geography of Baron Samel's territory. We sat on wooden chairs around a long table, with Aldo in front of us. He wore a black cloak with red trim, black gloves, black boots, and a mask with a sharper version of the red mountain crest.
"Do you know why we're here?" Fermos
Flashback of the Last Day in Jejimon (Friday Night)
In the quiet city library, the librarian had fallen asleep, resting his head on his hand. I (Helzard), Auburn, and Veritas were there when Aldo suddenly called us to discuss the plan to move through the territory of Baron Samel. No, it wasn't just that. Aldo was actually going to give us a lecture on the geography of Baron Samel's territory. We sat on wooden chairs around a long table, with Aldo in front of us. He wore a black cloak with red trim, black gloves, black boots, and a mask with a sharper version of the red mountain crest.
"Do you know why we're here?" Fermos asked Veritas.
Auburn had fallen asleep at some point—well, it was already 1 AM, and Aldo still kept us awake in the library.
"Who knows. We all came for a reason," Veritas replied.
"Yeah, that's right," I added, bored, with my feet up on the table.
"Alright, let's begin," Aldo said to us.
"The territory of Baron Samel is a vast land, with an area equivalent to the combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland, making it 48% larger than the neighboring territory of Count Heilop. Despite its vast size, the population is only 100,000, just one-tenth of the Heilop domain's population. This discrepancy is mainly due to the geography of the territory, where 93% of the land is covered by large swamps, connected at the same altitude as the surrounding plains, which is about 4 meters above sea level. Only 7% of the land is arable and economically viable, but this area is difficult to access as it lies deep within the swamps. Solid land consists of 80% gentle hills, 15% high mountains unsuitable for habitation, and only 5% fertile plains," Aldo began lecturing. The three of us tried to stay awake, looking bored.
"My eyes are drooping…" Fermos complained.
"The population is densely concentrated in the small portion of arable land. Specifically, 75% of the territory's population resides in this 7% area, with 60% of the entire population living in the fertile plains, which make up just 5% of the 7% solid land. The remaining 25% of the population is scattered across the swamps and hills. The climate of Baron Samel's territory is characterized by hot summers, long and heavy rains in the rainy season, many diseases in the spring, and warm, snowless winters. This climate supports a diverse ecosystem but also poses significant dangers, including various dangerous insects and animals like crocodiles. Among them, the giant crocodile—a unique native species—is a significant threat," Aldo continued enthusiastically.
"Me too…" Veritas added tiredly.
"Additionally, this territory is home to native reptilian humanoids that frequently attack and capture humans, causing fear and a tendency towards isolation among the population. These creatures are particularly frightening because they target adult women and minors (76%) and male minors (23% of victims). Encounters with these creatures are extremely dangerous due to their superior physical attributes—muscles 30-75% more developed than humans, 20% larger size, and three times the sexual drive. The military has launched many campaigns to pacify and combat these creatures, consuming 40% of the annual budget, but these efforts only achieve 25-35% effectiveness," Aldo's passionate voice continued, while we did not share his enthusiasm.
"The security issues are further exacerbated by the prevalence of dark magic in the territory. The geographical isolation of Baron Samel's territory attracts Hags and Hag—a type of mage with a tendency towards evil morals, notorious for their cruel and immoral acts. These dark magic practitioners are responsible for 20% of the disappearances of children and adults, although these incidents are relatively dispersed. The weak and infrequent military presence in the territory cannot effectively counter these threats, as the Witch and Hag use powerful magic, including Enchantment and Size Control. The constant threat of dark magic and dangerous native creatures contributes to high emigration rates, leading to a low population and slow growth in the region," Aldo continued his lecture passionately.
"Aldo is very passionate about his lecture, but the group below is about to marry the sleep god…" Fermos whispered to me.
"In summary, the territory of Baron Samel faces many significant challenges due to its swampy geography, dangerous ecosystem, and the presence of both natural and supernatural threats. The limited arable land and harsh living conditions have led to a fearful and isolated population. Despite military efforts and even annual financial and military support from neighboring territories and duchies, the threats from native creatures and dark magic practitioners continue to hinder population and economic growth in the territory," Aldo continued his lecture, but we fell asleep right in the library.
We fell into a deep sleep, ignoring Aldo's passionate yet boring lecture, only feeling the strange comfort of the hard table surface... similar to the comfort in the memory of those times I slept through boring literature classes...
End of Flashback...
"Ah, so it's that important," I think to myself, relating to our current situation.
I still hold the spear firmly, my eyes bravely fixed on the Giant Crocodile floating on the green water filled with algae. The crocodile, darker than the algae, is 13 meters long, with a head likely longer than my height. It bursts out of the water, and I take a deep breath, summoning all my strength. Gripping the steel spear tightly with my barely recovered hands, I swing it decisively and powerfully at the crocodile's jaws filled with large, jagged teeth. The blow creates a shallow wound on the upper jaw of the massive creature. Its fierce, cold eyes remain unyielding despite the injury, and I try to appear strong as well.
Inside, I am actually scared—a primal fear of more powerful beings and death. My hands are shaking, and I try to suppress the signs of fear. My heart races, beating hard and fast, my alertness waning. The crocodile, its malevolent eyes locked on me, submerges again.
"Helzard, Auburn, throw this meat at it. Make sure to toss it a few meters above the water. When it surfaces, time your strikes and aim for its soft belly. If Helzard's spear isn't enough, use Auburn's short sword or kris dagger. This is the only crocodile here, so no need to worry about being ambushed by others!" Aldo, on another boat, glances at me and Auburn and says, then turns his head to continue fending off any Drowned (a type of zombie with better adaptability in water) trying to capsize his boat or approach. Holding a little girl for protection, he takes a brief moment to throw some fish powder and large carp pieces weighing 30 pounds over to my boat.
"Thanks for the tip!" I nod and turn to Auburn. "Auburn, sprinkle the fish powder in the water, then throw the fish pieces as Aldo directed. After that, let's go all out against it," I say enthusiastically.
"But it's so dangerous..." he complains, glancing at Veritas and Fermos facing an old, tall Hag resembling large trees. Sighing, he calms himself by regulating his breathing, closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them, meeting my gaze. "The group's survival is more important. I'll risk it with you!" he replies firmly.
Auburn quickly sprinkles the fish powder into the water a few meters from our boat, then throws a large piece of fish into the water, which the crocodile immediately snaps up.
"Alright... let's begin," Auburn says, trying to sound strong.
He then grabs a long pole, skewers the fish pieces on the end, and dips it into the water where he sprinkled the powder. After a while, he raises it a few meters, and the crocodile immediately leaps up, biting the fish pieces.
"All in!" I smile slyly, gripping the spear. Auburn grabs his kris daggers, and we both leap onto the crocodile, clinging to the massive beast.
The crocodile growls, diving deep into the water, dragging Auburn and me with it...
On another front...
The Giant Crocodiles are devouring the Drowned. For the Drowned desperately trying to flee, it's a massacre; for the huge amphibians, it's a grand buffet. Over twelve of these creatures continuously chase and stir up the swamp, the stench of rotting corpses mixing with the high humidity to create a lingering, unbearable odor. The girl clings to Aldo, trembling with fear.
"So, it's calm for now..." Aldo quietly observes the scene before him.
And a splash of water erupts from Fermos and Veritas, shattering Aldo's fleeting sense of safety. He turns around to see four of the men's boats overturned, and the massive Hag's mouth stained with bright red blood, dripping onto her black robe. One hand holds Veritas, while the other clutches the remaining two men (their companions), ready to devour them next. Without hesitation, she swallows the two unlucky men whole. Veritas' face contorts in fear, confusion, and shock as Fermos, still standing on his boat, suddenly shouts, "Acid blow!" From his hand, a few blobs of concentrated sulfuric acid shoot out, splashing onto her thighs and lower body, producing a sizzling sound that makes her grimace and scream, forcing Fermos, Veritas, Aldo, and the little girl to cover their ears. However, it can't penetrate her skin further.
"Is this Hag using Protection magic on her body?" Fermos exclaims in bewilderment.
"It's tough!" Veritas replies.
In a moment of distraction, the elderly Hag's large, wrinkled hand with sharp nails grabs Fermos. Aldo throws seven pieces of meat into the water seven times, drawing the Giant Crocodiles from hunting the Drowned to the enormous Hag. He even stirs the water by slapping it a few times to attract the crocodiles. Three massive ones immediately speed towards them at terrifying speed. Aldo, carrying the little girl in one arm, jumps from his boat to the overturned ones. The crocodiles charge, destroying and crashing into the boats. Aldo approaches her tree-trunk-sized legs, clinging with a knife. The Hag notices and shakes her leg, but Aldo holds on tight. Moments later, a Giant Crocodile bites into her right leg, making her scream again. She lifts her left leg, shaking it violently, making it difficult for Aldo to maintain balance. The violent splashing attracts 11 more Giant Crocodiles, continuously gnawing on her other leg.
She screams again, collapsing into the water. Veritas, gripping his two swords, leaps and somersaults in the air, slashing her neck twice. Fermos luckily grabs a tree root and quickly climbs up, while Aldo, still holding the girl, rescues Veritas with his other hand. As the Giant Crocodiles gnaw at the Hag and churn the water, the three of them climb up a tall tree.
Ten minutes later, Auburn and I manage to kill the Giant Crocodile, drenched and resting in the tree. We seize the opportunity as the other creatures are busy devouring the giant Hag to escape.
"Is she big enough for those marsh monsters to eat for that long?" Auburn, exhausted, his heart racing and breathing heavily, comments.
"Yeah, she's ten times bigger than an average person…" I reply, equally tired.
"Hey guys, run!" Fermos waves, shouting.
"But it's already evening; aren't we going to rest?" Auburn complains, bone-weary.
"No, we have to move right away, through the night, and reach the snake land before resting!" Veritas adds, sheathing his two long swords.
"But we just suffered too much in that ambush, and our strength hasn't recovered yet!" I respond.
"Do you want to keep facing such dangers?" Veritas counters, looking straight into my eyes with sudden seriousness, silencing me and making me nod.
And… despite being exhausted, we have to continue swinging through the trees like monkeys. The little girl cries a lot, clinging tightly to Aldo. I am quite worried about her mental state, just hoping she'll be okay. Of course, we have no time for dinner or sleep.
"Veritas, is this the safest route?" Aldo questions Veritas.
"I don't know, the mayor of Jejimon city said so, so I trust him. He said this is the least unstable path!" Veritas calmly replies.
"So Samel is this safe!" Aldo sighs.
And we continue to move through the large trees all night. As we are moving, I recalled my old memories, from the days when I was still on Earth. My father was an addict, so he was expelled from university, despite his abilities being neither poor nor mediocre. Somehow, my mother fell in love with my father, and the two got married shortly after. Initially, my father started to quit his addiction and opened a grocery store with my mother. The business went smoothly, and they were happy with their marriage. Just over a year after their wedding, I was born, a new member of the family, and I was cared for with endless love from my parents.
When I was three years old, my father relapsed into drug addiction and was subsequently jailed until I was six. He was released early due to my paternal grandparents' bail and was placed under house arrest. The family's grocery business gradually declined, and despite my mother working 14 hours a day, she still couldn't earn enough to take care of the whole family, so she had to continuously ask for money from my grandparents. Due to my mother's lack of time, I was often stubborn, mischievous, and played pranks on the neighbors. This caused our neighbors and their children to distance themselves from my family even more. By the time I was in middle school, this situation had not changed.
I met Veritas, Auburn, Fermos, and Aldo, who were not exactly a group of friends but still brought some special things to my life. Veritas had a father who went to South Korea for labor export and lived with his mother and sister. Although he lacked a father's presence, he remained positive and always encouraged me. I was always impressed with his interest in motorcycles and his passion for Physics. He was also talented in this subject and once won a provincial Physics competition. Auburn and Fermos had been close friends since childhood. Fermos came from a family working in the medical field and had a passion for Chemistry. He once confessed that he wanted to be a pharmacist and had also won high prizes in provincial Chemistry competitions, like Veritas. Auburn's mother was a math teacher, and like Veritas and Fermos, he had a passion and outstanding achievements in Math.
Aldo's parents worked in education, so his studies were given a lot of attention. He almost always scored high in all subjects except for Physical Education, Music, and Art. Despite his different personality, he had a close relationship with me. In my memory, Veritas was confident, quick-witted, eloquent, positive, and particularly popular with many girls. Auburn was eccentric but likable. Fermos was lively, dynamic, sometimes mischievous and arrogant, while Aldo was reserved, quiet, honest, kind, humble, and always empathetic to those around him.
But now, everyone has changed a lot. Fate brought us to a strange world, a world without the protection and inherent safety of our parents and modern society. We all experienced psychological shock but overcame it in various ways, though not all of them were good. Everyone retained their personalities but changed quite a bit. More than 23 days of preparation for the rebellion to escape the life of slavery, the subsequent challenges continued to bond us even more. I do not know what our future will be, what we will gain, lose, realize, or whether we will return to Earth. I have pondered this every night, but in the end, I always have to let time answer that question...