Stone Village Ruins- II

The mission was not that compulsory to complete. There were many opinions on not going to explore this village.

I would have been satisfied if this was benefitting me. But it was not.

Everyone was increasing their group, while I was getting more isolated or rather cut off from them.

I have to change something. This was a God-given opportunity.

There were firstly opportunities here.

I don't know anything about the people that must have been living here, but to be honest living here itself means having some sort of ability.

My aim is to gain the greatest benefit in the ruin.

Secondly, this is an excellent opportunity. For what? Of course, to reduce threats to me. Some people must die.

Who and why doesn't matter, but a sacrifice is needed.

These people have been getting complacent in this world, that is not ideal. Some sort of wake-up call is needed.

Of course, if I am able to reduce one of the heavyweights here it will be best.

I looked towards Reid; he was still having an impassioned look. Perhaps sensing my gaze, he looked over and gave a subtle nod.

Why do I think he is having similar aim as me. He always unsettles me.

Let's focus on that later.

We decided that Robert will directly engage, with me shooting arrows on its weak points.

Both Reid and Alex will harass the lion to prevent it from directly engaging with Robert.

The reason I am fine with Robert being in front is due to his power.

He was having three skills from start, if my conclusion regarding us strengthening was right, he had made the most progress.

More importantly he has gained a lot of experience, from fighting in these two months. The others have also more or less adapted.

So, it's not that impossible to fight.

Of course, the lion must also had made progress.

Without wasting time, we made a surprise attack. The lion albeit a little knocked out, reacted brilliantly.

It made a prompt decision to disengage far and take in the number of opponents.

I licked my lips, a little bit of intelligence. This is bad. Robert swung his huge axe, I also fired arrows right when the lion was a little off balance.

This would have been a much dangerous job if not for the poison.

Seconds passed and then minutes.

Ultimately, excessive fighting, poison & blood loss took their toll on the lion.

It was going to go down any moment. But, right at the moment it looked like it was going to fall, the lion opened its mouth. What is it doing?

It stretched its mouth wide and…

'Roooarrr'

The roar was like a rock falling in still water. The whole forest as if erupted. Birds started flying. There was even an air current in the air.

The most effected were our three warriors especially Robert, he was dwindling, he even looked like he was bleeding from ears.

This was a skill. Definitely a skill.

Immediately the lion, pounced at Robert to kill him in one swift claw.

Right at this moment Reid, pushed Robert and Alex taking this opportunity plunged his spear into the back of lion.

Robert got wounded on his hand, I meant a serious wound this time.

Though on an unrelated note, that reaction speed of Reid was insane. I was stunned.

At this moment the sound of roar completely ended reverberating.

A moment of silence followed but right after that as if provoked, multiple roars came from all over forest.

Our ears were buzzing from the numbers and intensity of them. A primal fear gripped our hearts.

This forest was not as quiet as it seemed. It was dangerous. Too dangerous.

"We should move quickly, who knows if any other animal might come."

Reid suggested, "We should split up."

We agreed. Time was of the essence. Reid and Alex went on one side. As Robert was injured, he came with me.

We decided to start with the nearest buildings and move inwards towards the biggest ones.

It was time to explore seriously.

I entered a broken building. This building was a small one. The gate was in a broken state, so we entered right away.

The space inside was small, with a single big stone block in the side, maybe a primitive bed.

There were several shelf-like structures. We checked them and found some articles.

They were stone utensils. They were also in very bad state, chipped away in several pieces. Stone dust was falling from them.

This was definitely a very primitive society.

We found nothing else worth mentioning.

We continued to search the remaining broken buildings. Nothing else was found there as well.

While searching my mind was somewhere else. That lion has used a skill.

It was to be expected that animals would also use them, but the understanding was still hard to digest.

The animals are now much more dangerous.

Every beast has now an unawakened potential in them.

They might even have advantage over above us due to the fact that they use their instinct to fight.

They have practiced their deadly killing moves numerous times in their lives.

This was getting exciting. I felt a deep terror towards this unknown world and yet a longing to delve into it much more.

What more could it offer to me?

What other wonders might be there?

Collecting my loose thoughts, I looked towards Robert. His hand was bleeding, there was deep gash.

I thought of something and took out a carefully hollow bone from my bag. Well, this was the way we store liquid now.

We used a hollow bone and plug it with wood after filling it.

I extended it towards Robert.

"You can apply this on the wound, this is made from a Aracea leaves. I found them around in the forest. On Earth these leaves can be used to stop blood flowing and are applied on wounds."

He looked towards the flask, hesitating.

"I only managed to find a very small amount, so please only use half of it. It is very expensive now, you know." I said jokingly.

Robert now stopped hesitating. He took the medicine and applied it on his wound.

"Thanks."

I can feel that Robert was also unsettled, he must also be shaken due to the fight with lion. Well having a near death experience is not a joke.

Ultimately ten minutes later we were in front of the last two buildings.

We found nothing except stone tools and utensils. Everything else had already disintegrated. These two were ultimately the last buildings.

We divided them too between us.

Me & Robert entered the building. There was a book carved in the gate of building.

We pushed the gate, instead of opening, the gate fell behind. Anyhow, it was open.

I was literally trembling with excitement. This excitement is what people live for.

To find the unknown.

To gain power & beauty.

To explore the mysteries of the world.

& this might be the moment that could shape his future.

Of course, he is also ready to face disappointment.

Can't keep his hopes too high.

Holding our breaths, we entered.