In an instant, water surged into the headquarters, flooding the room without warning.
A scream pierced the silence, jolting the five sleeping occupants awake. Kino, roused from a deep slumber, was startled by the water soaking his trousers. He dashed out of the headquarters.
As he emerged, he saw Araka and Ren glancing at something. Their faces were grim, witnessing the devastating threat spreading even here. A massive surge of water, capable of obliterating anything in its path, was approaching.
With a quick, unsaid glance, Kino nodded. Understanding Araka's intent, Lylia employed the same technique she'd used on the way to Vurce.
Araka retrieved something from his pocket, Lylia preparing herself; a reddish aura slowly emanated from her body, mirroring her actions in Nucle.
Araka produced a small bead, holding it in his palm. Without hesitation, he tossed it towards Lylia's glowing form.
A brief explanation…
Lylia possessed a unique ability—she could summon creatures born from her imagination. The rule was simple: anything that made contact with her during activation would transform into a random, often strange creature—unless she had already visualized a specific form.
Back to the story.
As explained, Lylia transformed the bead into a six-meter-long flying creature. It resembled an eagle, but with ten wings. Its sharp talons could attack targets at its master's command.
She leaped onto the creature. The others followed, taking flight towards a safer location.
From a distance, Claude watched the raging torrent, his gaze fixed, contemplating the fate of the village brimming with memories.
Araka noticed Claude's troubled expression. He wanted to comfort him, but felt too shy.
...
A group of people were traveling together, five horses carrying crates filled with supplies for their evacuation.
They were heading towards safety, fleeing the flood that threatened to destroy their village. This group hailed from Ao' village.
Behind it all, Smohs had orchestrated the villagers' evacuation to safety, to escape the impending disaster.
One day before the mysterious attack on Vurce, Smohs had foreseen, based on information received the previous day, that the attack would impact his village and other areas.
"Huh, I almost got this wrong… Hahaha," his eyes narrowed, chuckling as he looked at the man beside him.
"Almost got what wrong, Chief?" the man beside him asked, curious about his statement.
The Chief cheerfully answered.
"Well… I underestimated the flood. Thought it wouldn't reach the village. Turns out I was dead wrong."
Hearing the answer, the man shook his head, a strange smile playing on his lips as he looked at Smohs. The answer was peculiar.
"..."
Their journey continued.
Morgan and Sofia approached the village chief, their faces serious, as if harboring a secret.
Before Sofia could speak, Morgan voiced his concerns.
"Hmm… So, Chief, where are we going? And where is this place?" Morgan stated firmly, fists clenched, his gaze cold.
Smohs nodded, acknowledging the serious question. Without hesitation, he explained their destination.
"Good question, Morgan. We're heading to Golden Valley," he replied concisely.
At first glance, Golden Valley appeared idyllic—lush fields, golden sunlight, and a landscape that took your breath away. But beneath its serene beauty lurked something unsettling. Long shadows at dusk and sudden, creeping fog gave the place a mysterious, almost foreboding aura, hiding dangers and mysteries lurking beneath. Long shadows in the late afternoon, or a sudden fog, added to its enigmatic aura.
They arrived at Golden Valley, a beautiful and peaceful place, yet harboring strange, mysterious figures lurking in its shadows.
They were all unaware of Golden Valley's origins, Smohs included. The villagers, captivated by the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, were overjoyed. Sounds of jubilation echoed everywhere.
Sofia approached the chief, her demeanor suggesting she was concealing something. Smohs, noticing this, encouraged her to speak freely, though a hint of doubt lingered in his heart.
"S-so, Chief, is this place safe for us to stay?" Sofia stammered, her hands clasped behind her back.
Smohs, hearing her apprehension, casually answered.
"It's relatively safe, I've never been here before either," he replied succinctly.
Relieved, Sofia turned and left Smohs alone.
The villagers of Ao' began to find suitable and safe spots to pitch their tents. Their temporary supplies were neatly organized.
The sun began to set. The elders constructed protective fences from wood, seeking protection from any threats.
All tents and necessities, including the protective fences, were neatly arranged. The villagers cheered, holding a small celebration to express their gratitude for their cooperation and their survival.
A beautiful scene unfolded, filled with the villagers' joyous exclamations. Smohs, sitting beside Morgan, smiled at the surrounding atmosphere, feeling immense joy at having brought them safely to this place.
...
At Ren's troop's location, the floodwaters wouldn't reach them due to the high elevation of the land.
A campfire burned steadily, its flames dancing gently, whispering secrets to the night. Red embers glowed amongst the nearly consumed firewood, casting a soft, flickering light on the faces gathered around it.
They rested peacefully, awaiting the receding waters.