Chapter 29 - Revelation (3) - (End of Arc 1)

Troubled but lucidly aware of this revelation, we welcome the news without any frantic gestures.

_ Ayden: “ So the vessel is indeed within him. ”

_ Kona: “ That certainly explains why he has mastered multiple Sources. ”

Maïko turns slightly toward her friend, her expression neutral.

_ Maïko: “ You were right, Shailly. Gwen lied to us the other day. ”

With nothing to say, Shailly simply looks down, disgusted.

_ Ayden: “ So 1300 is the date of the sacrifice. ”

I rest my chin on my hand.

_ Ayden: “ And how many sacrifices are needed? ”

_ Hazel: “ Four villagers, including children before puberty. ”

_ Ayden: " Before puberty? Hmm, it's currently 1318, and you told me about sacrifices every ten years... In other words... There are still two years left before they are sacrificed. "

Everyone is deep in thought, tormented by this news.

_ Maïko: “ Haven't you told us about the envelope in your hand yet? ”

I crumple the envelope slightly with disdain, rejecting the stain it represents.

_ Ayden: “ Get ready. It's really violent. ”

I open the envelope containing the letter.

_ Ayden: “ It's a letter from a villager who sent it to the former emperor. I'm going to read exactly what it says. ”

~Dear Emperor. I am at my wits' end. I am expecting my baby in a few months. I have subjugated myself to the desires of one of your bodyguards. Shortly after my husband's death, I experienced a very painful pregnancy due to my grief. That's when your guard came down around me. At first, he was sad about my situation and then attentive towards me. We saw each other regularly after his various explorations. But little by little, his character changed. He became possessive and violent, to the point where he hit me. I fell to the ground, but fortunately not on my stomach. At that moment, the threats began. If I didn't satisfy his se*ual desires, he would harm my baby. so he ra*ed me. I am summoning all my courage to write this letter to you. Several women in the village are also victims. In fact, farmers from our tribe have also ra*ed other women, and no one has been convicted. I don't know if I'll last very long. What's more, I absolutely want my baby Shailly to be born. I don't know if this is the right time for it, but I still have faith in humanity.~

With a lump in my throat, I finish reading with a bitter taste in my mouth.

_ Ayden: “ I didn't mention the fact that her mother wrote that letter. She doesn't need to know. ”

Some cross their hands over their mouths, stunned by these horrors. Others have enraged faces, their hearts boiling with anger.

_ Hazel: “ It's just awful. ”

_ Maïko: “ How can those scumbags live? They're the ones who need to be purified! ”

_ Son: “ I'll never forgive them! They're not real men! ”

_ Shailly: “ I don't understand. ”

Everyone turns their eyes toward Shailly, their minds questioning. Then, they notice an empty expression on his face, his soul sucked out.

_ Shailly: “ I always had faith in our village. What made me happy was the solidarity that every villager showed, despite our precarious situation. I wanted to give back that same solidarity. So I didn't give up during the explorations. So I risked my life... and that of my friends... for assholes? ”

At that moment, Shailly is breathing strangely fast, as if she can't get enough air. She feels nauseous, kneels down, and vomits.

_ Maïko: “ Shailly! ”

Maïko and Kona rush toward her.

_ Ayden: “ She, who by nature has a zest for life, realizes with disgust that she has helped potential attackers, putting her life and her friends at risk. It must be a real shock for her. ”

Time seems to stand still. The atmosphere is heavy, the silence oppressive. Only the rustling of leaves in the wind thrives.

_ Ayden: “ Let's leave the village. ”

Not a whisper disturbs these words. Only our eyes meet.

_ Ayden: “ We now know the truth. No one here is trustworthy, and above all… ”

I clench my fist and press it against my chest.

_ Ayden: “ I categorically refuse to let Son and Kaya die. ”

Apart from Shailly and Maïko, who are still holding back, they all unanimously share my point of view. We are completely on the same wavelength.

_ Kaya: “ I appreciate your conviction, but I did say I was going to punch them in the face. I refuse to run away. ”

_ Ayden: “ It's not about running away, it's about surviving. ”

_ Kona: “ He's right. Let's be realistic, we have no way of beating them. ”

_ Hazel: “ There are too many of them, and most are experienced. ”

_ Kona: “ The boss is definitely in on it, so if we add the tutors, it's doomed to fail. ”

_ Ayden: “ Even though we still have two years left, I'd rather act now. Besides, I can't see myself living surrounded by scumbags now. ”

_ Son: “ Let's make our own place somewhere else. I don't want to see their faces anymore. ”

_ Jenna: “ Speaking of which… ”

Our eyes turn to Jenna.

_ Jenna: “ I have a map of all the areas of the Forest. We can go to Mistress Ay's old camp. ”

_ Hazel: “ Yes, that will help us a lot. We have a goal now. ”

I approach Jenna, looking serious.

_ Ayden: “ We're counting on you to show us the way. ”

A wave of confidence emanates from Jenna.

_ Jenna: “ Count on me! ”

At the same time, Maïko is surprised to see Shailly get up without her help, and notices with concern that she has an impassive expression and a dark look in her eyes. Everyone is staring at the horizon with disconcerting determination.

_ Son: “ Okay. Next destination: Ay's old camp. ”

_ Ayden: “ From now on, we're fugitives. ”