Primitive Man

Chapter 185: Move forward

"Just as I mentioned, we can't simply abandon our seaside village. Therefore, we must reclaim it from Baktou despite the challenges plaguing this land. It will be difficult, but we have to find a way," Garnt muttered to Ayra and Rona while discussing their battle plans for the future.

"That's true, Garnt, but why did he attack the seaside village when we were already in distress instead of targeting the main village? He could have gained a significant advantage that way. I don't understand that part," Ayra questioned, and Garnt also looked rather confused.

[Kalina and the other system are supporting him, so I doubt it's a foolish decision on their part. They might be planning something, and that's precisely why we need to be prepared to completely overwhelm them with our new technology. With our firepower, we could easily eliminate them.]

Eva made a comment, acknowledging the risk of facing Kalina and Baktou simultaneously. She wanted Garnt not to hesitate when the time was right, so she continuously ensured that he had the willpower to confront and defeat Baktou.

But the group's conversation halted abruptly as Kara approached with a distressed look on her face. Garnt, Ayra, Rona, and every other individual turned their attention toward her, concern etched on their faces.

"Kara, what's happened? Why do you look so pale?" Garnt inquired, his voice tense with worry.

Kara took a moment to catch her breath before hastily responding, "There are dead bodies at the entrance of the village – most of them look like the bodies of seaside villagers. It looks like Baktou's doing. I hurriedly closed off the entrance, but we need to act fast before something big happens!"

A collective gasp swept through the group as the gravity of the situation settled in. Ayra's eyes widened with shock, and Rona's hands clenched into fists.

"Is he finally coming to attack us? But how didn't our watchdogs didn't catch them?" Ayra questioned, her voice filled with a mix of anger and confusion.

Rona, ever the aggressive woman, interjected, "It doesn't matter why or how he did it. What matters now is how we respond. Garnt, we can't afford to delay any longer. We have the firepower; let's use it to eliminate this threat once and for all. This is our chance."

[...]

Eva was worried about this situation for a while, but seeing Garnt's look, she was convinced that he was even ready to kill Baktou.

He nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Kara, did you make sure to close the entrance for the general public as well?"

Kara nodded vigorously. "Yes, Garnt. It's sealed off, and only our forces can get through. We need to act swiftly before Baktou makes another move."

The urgency in the air spurred the group into action. Weapons were readied, and they set off toward the village entrance. As they approached, the sight of lifeless bodies strewn across the path fueled their anger and resolve.

"Mom, guess what?" Toga exclaimed, his face beaming.

Telvi managed a small smile, "What is it, my dear?"

"I caught a big fish with Father! He said I did a great job, and he praised me a lot!" Toga replied, excitement bubbling in his voice.

Telvi's heart warmed at the innocence and happiness of her son. She reached down and ruffled his hair. "That's wonderful, Toga! I'm so proud of you. We should cook that fish today, so leave it to me."

As Toga hugged her tightly, Telvi couldn't help but be grateful for this small moment of joy amidst the turmoil. She asked him why he was suddenly interested in fishing and Toga giggled, "Because I'm a great fisherman like Father! I want to hunt that big fish that Father always worry about."

For a few seconds, Telvi panicked because she knew how dangerous his pattern of thinking was, but then she realized Baktou would never allow him near that fish, so she knew Toga being ambitious was a good thing in general.

Telvi chuckled, feeling a ticklish sensation as Toga continued to hug her. "Alright, alright, my little fisherman. But tell me, have you seen Kalina around?"

Toga shook his head, his innocent eyes reflecting genuine confusion. "No, Mom. I haven't seen her today. Why?"

A sense of worry crept into Telvi's heart. She had heard her husband and Kalina arguing earlier, and the tension in the air lingered. "Never mind Toga. Just stay close, okay?"

Toga nodded, still smiling, and scampered off to play. Telvi decided to investigate and walked around the house, searching for any sign of Kalina. The village seemed unusually quiet, and the air was thick with tension.

Unable to find Kalina, Telvi finally approached Baktou, who was still engrossed in his fishing duties. "Baktou, have you seen Kalina? Toga mentioned you were arguing with her earlier."

Baktou looked up, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Oh, don't worry about Kalina. She won't be causing any trouble anymore."

Telvi's eyes widened with concern. "What do you mean? What happened?"

Baktou, still focused on his catch, waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing to concern yourself with, Telvi. She won't be bothering us anymore. Just focus on our family and the good times, alright?"

Telvi couldn't shake off the unease, but for the sake of her family, she reluctantly nodded. Little did she know, the shadows of Kalina's influence were far from dissipating, and the calm surface of their lives masked the brewing storm that threatened to engulf them all.