Chapter 16 - Exploration (1)

We are on our way to the abandoned clinic. It is dark, and the number of trees and the darkness that hangs over this forest prevent us from seeing more than 10 meters ahead.

The ever-present crows cawing incessantly, along with the wind rustling the leaves on the trees, add a chilling atmosphere to this already frightening setting.

Many miles are covered. To avoid being spotted unnecessarily, it is recommended to keep your voice low.

_ Son: “ Are we there yet? We've been walking for ages. ” he said, tense

_ Ayden: " I remember this area. We should be there any minute now. “

_ Taïga: ” Lucky we haven't run into anyone. “

_ Shailly: ” Definitely. “ she said, stressed.

_ Ayden: ” It's okay, it's right there, look. "

The trees begin to clear the path. That said, an unexpected scene appears in our field of vision. Two groups are present at the scene. We rush to hide behind a bush a few meters away from us.

_ Son: “ Damn, how come there are people here? ” he says, panicking.

A feeling of annoyance is palpable.

_ Brent: “ Hey, didn't you say it was usually better at night? What the hell is going on? ”

_ Shailly: “ I have a bad feeling about this… ” she said, her heart beating faster.

I watch the scene, disgusted by the situation. And very quickly, I notice one of the two groups present. There is also a table with lots of bags in the clinic hallway just in front of the main entrance.

_ Ayden: “ Oh no, the Masked Recluses are still here. ”

_ Son: “ What? Are they the ones who chased you last time? ”

_ Ayden: “ Yes... But something's not right. ”

_ Son: “ What do you mean? ”

_ Taïga: “ It looks like the two groups are arguing. But with this wind, it's hard to hear. ”

Determined to solve this mystery, I gather my courage.

_ Ayden: “ I'm going to get a little closer so I can hear. ”

_ Son: “ Are you crazy? It's too dangerous! ”

_ Ayden: " Don't worry, the bush in front of me should do the trick as long as I don't make any noise. Trust me. “

_ Brent: ” Don't screw this up. “

_ Ayden: ” Yes. "

So I crawl toward the bush in question, while everyone else holds their breath.

I arrive at my destination. As I give a thumbs-up sign to indicate my success, I accidentally flatten a small tree branch with my left foot, which makes a noise.

In the heat of the moment, they all signal me to quickly lower my head, because a Recluse has heard the noise. I wait several seconds with a knot in my stomach, hoping he won't come after me.

Finally, the others gave me a thumbs up to indicate that there was no longer any danger. I then realized that the Recluse was not going to come toward me. So I raised my head to get a closer look at the scene and hear better.

_ All the Recluses: “ Who are these idiots with their gas masks? ” “ Are they clowns or something? ”

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ Let me introduce myself, you bunch of maggots. I'm the newly appointed leader of the Bio-terrorists. We want to conquer the Cursed Village in the Southern Zone. But to do that, we need the bags of medicine you just stole. ”

My eyes widen.

_ Ayden: “ Conquer the Cursed Village? But that's our village!? ”

_ All the Recluses: “ Bio-terror what? ” “ Hahaha, he's been smoking weed. ” “ The Cursed Village? Are you stupid or something? No one can stand up to them. ” “ As long as Emperor Oku is still around, it's a lost cause. ”

I touch my chin, my eyelids narrowed.

_ Ayden: “ Emperor Oku? Moana has been the chief for eight years now. Don't they know that? ”

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ It doesn't matter. With our expertise and our secret weapon, I'm sure we can take over this village. ”

_ All the Recluses: “ Don't complain if your team gets wiped out, haha. ” “ Leave those clowns alone, there'll be fewer Recluses and we'll be able to loot this Zone more easily. ”

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ Hmm, that's why I don't like talking to people who lack logic. In this Forest, you can come across anything, including brainless people like you. Communication is just doomed to failure. ”

_ All the Recluses: “ What are you talking about, old man? ” “ They talk a lot, but in the meantime, we still have the bags. ” “ I'm sure they're pissing themselves, haha. ”

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ Shut up! Don't compare us to you. We are the future of this forest, much smarter than anyone else. We are developing a virus that can wipe out any village. Your machetes and knives are nothing to be afraid of. The fifteen of us are going to revolutionize this rainforest. ”

My eyebrows frown, my teeth clench.

_ Ayden: “ So they are developing a virus. Those bastards! ”

_ All the Recluses: “ Are you done with your story, little shit?” “ ”Haha, you sound like a group of mourners. “ ” You're just the future of your own shit. “ ” We steal to survive, and we kill those who piss us off. "

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ I've heard enough. Kill them all and take our goods. ”

Each group takes out their respective weapons, ready to fight. But at the same time, a new, very tall individual appears on the side.

Wearing black boots, black pants, and a black bob hat, he walks forward with a nonchalant gait. His entire upper body, including his face, is covered in white bandages like a mummy. He is over 7 feet tall and fairly thin.

_ Ayden: “ Who's that guy?? And he's really tall! You can't even see his face except for his eyes and mouth. The worst thing is his creepy walk. ”

The bioterrorists turn around and, like the Reclus, watch this individual in a hat, advancing casually.

_ All the Recluses: “ Who's that guy? ” “ He's all alone, too. ” “ He's a big bastard. ”

The mummy in the bob continues to advance toward them.

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ Stop! Don't make another move. Otherwise, I'll designate you as an enemy too. ”

The mummy in the bob stops right in front of the bio-terrorist leader.

_ Bio-terrorist leader: “ Well, at least you're listening, unlike the… ”

Schlaak

The neck of the bio-terrorist leader has just been cut in two in a matter of seconds. He falls stiff to the ground.