Chapter 68 - North Zone

It is 5:00 p.m. We are continuing our walk.

_ Ayden: " I don't know if it's because we're still at the entrance of this Zone, but visually, I don't see any difference in the ecosystem compared to the Mid-Zone. "

Behind the trees, a secret unfolds. The cool, damp air envelops us as we discover a mirror of crystalline water, reflecting the deep blue sky.

_ Son: " Look! A lake! "

_ Hazel: " No, it’s too small to be a lake. I think it’s more of a pond. "

_ Son: " Whatever, it's the same thing. "

_ Hazel: " If you say so. "

_ Shailly: " There’s even a fruit tree over there! "

_ Kona: " Oh, it’s a mango tree! " she said, cheerfully.

Following this beautiful surprise, I turn around.

_ Ayden: " Let's take a break. "

_ Son: " Are you sure? The old man warned us, we shouldn't linger. "

_ Hazel: " Don't worry, we've got plenty of time, he was right. Besides, it's just a short break. "

The sound of crutches can be heard.

_ Shailly: " That works for me. I was still feeling energized a while ago, but I wouldn't say no to a break. "

_ Maïko: " Works for me too; I’ll take the opportunity to refill my water bottles. "

_ Ayden: " Perfect, let's use the time to stock up on supplies then. "

_ Son: " Okay, sounds like a plan. "

Everyone scatters, each to their own task. Maïko gets to work on the flasks, Shailly cools off at the foot of a tree not far from her, Kona and Hazel gather mangoes, while Kaya does the same on the other side. Not far away, I see a large pile of wood and stones on the ground. I walk over with Son, thinking we might be able to start a campfire.

_ Son: " Dry wood? Are you planning on staying outside tonight? "

_ Ayden: " Just a precaution. We don't know the Lunar Village's exact location, so if we run into any setbacks, it's better to be prepared while it's still light out. "

_ Son: " Fair point. "

_ Ayden: " More importantly, we need to talk about strategy. "

_ Son: " What do you mean? "

With my wood gathered, I begin my walk back.

_ Ayden: “ Follow me. “

Followed closely by Son, we approach Hazel and Kona.

_ Ayden: " Hey. "

_ Hazel & Kona: " Yes? "

_ Ayden: " We need to come up with a strategy for the rest of our journey. "

_ Hazel: " Regarding what? The Recluses? "

_ Son: " If that's the case, let's stick to the same formation as before. We did pretty well for ourselves. "

_ Ayden: " True, but that’s not what I was thinking about. "

_ Kona: " What then? "

_ Ayden: " The wild animals. "

Eyes widen respectively.

_ Ayden: " Let’s find a way to escape in case they're tracking us. "

_ Son: " But... you just said a moment ago that we had some breathing room. Are you really sure?? "

_ Hazel: " Yeah, definitely. Just look at the position of the sun if you don't believe us. "

_ Ayden: " If you look closely, we still have some time before dusk. "

Despite the persistent doubt in his eyes, he didn't hold back, preferring to put his trust in us. At the same time, Kona, deep in reflection, met our gaze a moment later.

_ Kona: " The problem is that we don't have any info on them. "

_ Hazel: " All we know is that there are three of them. "

_ Kona: " And once again, we have no idea what species they are. "

_ Son: " If we run into a bear, we're in trouble… " he said, clutching his head.

_ Ayden: " I doubt it. It's unlikely for a bear to be in a tropical forest. Though this Zone is quite atypical. "

_ Son: " A lion, then? "

_ Ayden: " Even less likely. They mostly live in the savannah. "

I scan the ground, annoyed.

_ Ayden: " No, what worries me the most is the probability of a jaguar. “

My words strike them, leaving them mute and petrified.

_ Ayden: “ If the lion is the king of the savannah, the jaguar is the king of the tropical rainforests. “

Then I watch them in return.

_ Ayden: “ And honestly, if we run into it, we're dead for sure. “