As A.D. and Jane rushed back to the village, they found its inhabitants gathered in a central clearing, heads bowed, fervently praying to their god for salvation. A.D. approached the village leader, an old man whose face was etched with deep lines of worry. The leader, however, only offered them grim advice. "Leave this village and go to the desert side if you want to live," he mumbled, "But no, our God will save us."
A.D. turned to the gathered people, his voice cutting through their prayers. "The water level is reducing, and the squid is also dying! If you want to live, you must leave this place and rush towards the desert!"
The villagers wavered, considering his words, but the leader immediately interjected, his voice firm. "No! No one will leave! Our God will be unhappy if we abandon this place!"
"Don't be stupid!" A.D. shouted, his patience at its end. "You and your loved ones will die here! We are going, and if anyone wants to come, tell me. They can join us."
A.D. then hurried to his room with Jane. They quickly gathered essential supplies: some safety tools like axes, rods, and ropes, along with a bag of water. Grabbing Jane's hand, A.D. began to rush towards the desert. A few brave souls, men and women with their children, decided to join them, leaving their praying village behind.
As they entered the desert, a vast, desolate landscape stretched before them. They walked for some distance, passing empty, silent houses, a stark reminder of lives abruptly abandoned. A faint, winding trail led off into the unknown. A full day passed under the scorching sun.
"A.D., let's stop the journey," Jane said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. "I'm tired. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Okay," A.D. agreed, his gaze sweeping over their small, weary group. "Let's take a break. We'll camp here and start the journey tomorrow."
They built a fire, its warmth a small comfort in the vast wilderness, and shared their meager food. As they sat by the flames, Jane leaned her head on A.D.'s shoulder, her concern evident. "Why are you worried?"
"Because," A.D. replied softly, "you know, by this time, the village has probably been destroyed, and zombies could be here quickly. We'll have to leave this place early in the morning."
Jane held her head tightly against his shoulder. "Don't worry," A.D. whispered, his voice firm, "I never break my promise. You will live your desired life."