Chapter 87 - Mistrust

Despite our discretion, the two individuals spot us. On one hand, a young woman in her twenties, with braided hair and carrying a camping backpack. She also has a tattoo on her cheek as well as on her shoulder, which appears to represent a zodiac sign.

Not far from her, a young man with glasses, around the same age, is sitting in a lotus position, focused on his fishing. Another tattoo is also visible on his cheek.

However, I’m not sure what’s more striking: the massive sword he carries or the fish sitting right in front of him, which is the size of a human adult. This also proves that the ecosystem here supports an animal population of a unique size.

_ Hazel: “ Gwen? ”

_ Maïko: “ Did she just say Gwen? ” she asked, turning toward her classmates with a look of deep surprise.

_ Ayden : " It’s no coincidence that she mentions that name. Who is she? "

_ Edna: " What is this bullshit? Do you know her?? "

_ Son: “ Absolutely not! “

Before I could even frame a sentence, Edna turned around, her brows furrowed.

_ Edna: " I see what's going on. You motherfuckers are trying to frame me, aren't you? "

_ Ayden: " I swear, we don't know her! You're making a mistake! "

Without knowing it, his inkling about the trap was right, but for reasons that are completely different from what we first thought.

_ Edna: “ Whatever, I don't care if you're connected to them or not. Word is they’re loaded, so I’m gonna go kick their asses. “

In the heat of the moment, I rush forward and grab the edge of his hoodie to stop him in his tracks.

_ Ayden: “ No, stop! “

After that, she gave me a scathing look, filled with deep disdain.

_ Edna: “ You dare touch me? “

_ Ayden: “Calm down! Let me test the waters first and see how they react. “

Then, with a slight tug on her garment, she slips from my grasp, regaining her freedom of movement.

_ Edna: “ Tsss. “

With Edna under control, I strive to weave an approach plan to avoid any delicate situations. But very quickly, my thoughts are interrupted.

_ Individual 1: " If you're wondering how I know Gwen, it’s simply because you have the same eyes as her, and… "

Then, she smiled.

_ Individual 1: " These characteristics are found only in the Cursed Village. "

Following this crucial information, our eyes widen as we subsequently realize the truth of his words. This is no mere coincidence, but a reality that must now be taken seriously.

_ Individual 1: “ Don’t worry, I’m an old friend of Gwen’s. ”

_ Kaya: “ Right, and you could easily just be saying that to trick us. ”

_ Individual 1: “ True. ”

Always wearing a smile, she keeps going.

_ Individual 1: " You have your doubts, and that’s only natural. Besides, I imagine you have many questions, some of which I might have the answers to. "

_ Ayden: " Actually, I do have a question. Do you have any information regarding the Lunar Village? "

Surprise is written all over his face.

_ Individual 1: “ The Lunar Village? ”

Then it fades away, giving way to confidence.

_ Individual 1: “ Yes, I even have a contact there. ”

Eyebrows shoot up while others gasp.

_ Son & Hazel: “ Really?! ”

Suddenly, an animal bites, triggering a reaction in the other individual that makes them pull with all their might. Shortly after, another fish of the same size leaps out of the water, impressing every one of us.

Finally, he picks up the two fish, holding them firmly in his hands, and approaches with a stoic face, forcing his colleague to look away from us.

_ Individual 2: “ Orta, I’m gonna prep the fish and build a fire. ”

_ Orta: “ Alright. ”

Then, turns around again.

_ Orta: " Come eat with us. This is too much fish for just two people. It’ll be a good chance to answer your questions. "

A knowing and anxious look passed between us, reflecting our doubt at the thought of accepting the offer.

_ Son: " Wait... Wait! We need to talk this over. "

We form a circle away from the others and Edna, and brainstorm in low voices.

_ Son : " So, what are we doing then? "

_ Hazel : " Maybe we'd be better off just accepting, right? "

_ Maïko : " I don’t think that’s a good idea. Ever since that old guy with the scar, I don’t trust anyone anymore. "

_ Son : " I agree, and besides, check this out. "

Furtively and without any alarming gesture, he gestures with his eyes toward the second individual he is staring at.

_ Son: " Did you see the sword he's carrying on his back? It's huge! "

A slight silence settles in, with most people staying out of the questioning. As for me, I’m ready to accept the offer despite the lingering potential danger. But given past events, for the first time I am choosing to remain silent to avoid any altercation. I have a gut feeling that whatever my response may be, it will be criticized.

_ Kona: " And why not? "

Faced with this unexpected response, all our eyes converged on her, marked by shock. The twin, unfazed, kept her eyes fixed on the ground, a mask of indifference frozen on her face.

_ Kona: " We’re low on supplies and starving; might as well kill two birds with one stone by refueling and gathering some info. "

Then, finally look up, but toward Edna.

_ Kona: " At this point, I don't see how things could get any worse. " she said pessimistically.

Despite her fragile state of mind, her lucidity remains intact regarding our situation, which reinforces my opinion of her intellect.

_ Kaya: “ If you agree, I'll follow you. "

_ Hazel: "Any objections? "

The lack of opposition seals the reflection. A simple nod on my part, joined by Shailly’s discreet approval, marks the decision. Only Maïko, without unnecessary flourish, lets out a resigned sigh.

_ Son: " Alright then, let's go… "

The circle broken, we take small steps toward them. The individual, awaiting the verdict, is surprised to see no one speaking up, prompting Son to stare at us with quite an embarrassed look. Probably used to my latest words, he fixes his gaze on me.

_ Maïko : “ Go ahead. ” she whispered, giving her comrade a slight nudge in the back.

_ Son : “ Um... Okay, we accept. ”

_ Orta : “ Perfect. Take a seat over there. ”