The fight between Simone and the Crystal Cross gang members was probably still ongoing. The problem was that the man had always been able to track him down, and the kid bet he would be able to do so again, even this time.
For that reason, he realized he couldn't keep up this relentless escape forever and had to do something.
The narrow alleys and bustling roads were suffocating, closing in on him with each passing second. He needed an exit strategy—a place to find respite from the chaos that pursued him.
With determination etched across his face, Erik made a split-second decision. He would leave the city behind. It was time, and despite not being sure he had enough strength to embark on this journey, he decided to try. With his friends Jacob, Stella, Enya, and the six thugs knowing his secret, New Alexandria wasn't safe, and he didn't want to risk becoming a lab rat or getting his already small freedom away.
Thanks to the fight among themselves, Erik gained precious time, so the best thing to do would be to head toward Mister Fox's farm and take as many utensils, seeds, water, and survival stuff as possible.
Despite everything, his mind raced with the memories of Mister Fox's farm, a haven tucked away among the fields that had given him plenty of peace in the past.
As he emerged from the bustling city streets, the scenery began to change. The towering buildings and concrete jungle gave way to vast expanses of open space. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant melody of chirping birds took the place of the cacophony of car horns and hasty footsteps.
Erik's lungs were greedily filled with the crisp, fresh air as he ventured deeper into the rural landscape. The sight before him starkly contrasted with the chaos he had left behind. Endless fields stretched as far as the eye could see, adorned with vibrant patches of green and golden crops swaying in the gentle night breeze.
He navigated through narrow country lanes lined with neatly trimmed hedges and wildflowers. The scent of earth and nature embraced him, offering a brief respite from the tension that had coiled tightly within him. The serenity of the countryside acted as a balm for his weary soul.
He arrived at the usual golden wheat fields, which were now obscured by the darkness of the night and only dimly illuminated by the moonlight.
Mister Fox's farm materialized on the horizon, a sanctuary amidst the rural splendor. The old farmhouse stood with weathered charm, its whitewashed walls and inviting porch exuding warmth and comfort. The outbuildings scattered across the property hinted at a life lived in harmony with the land but were now devoid of the previous look they had when they were cared for and used by their owner.
Mr. Fox's farm, nestled in the embrace of the countryside, exuded a weathered charm that spoke of a bygone era. The aged planks, worn and weathered by the passage of time, held steadfastly as guardians of the land within.
Upon entering the farm, the sprawling fields caught Erik's eyes. However, it was clear that neglect had taken its toll on the property.
Once fertile and abundant, the fields now lay in ruin, the remnants of crops left untended since Mr. Fox's passing. Overgrown weeds and tangled vines intertwined, reclaiming the land that had once been teeming with life.
The farmstead itself, a modest collection of buildings, stood with a sense of stoic resilience. The porch, weathered and worn, offered a vantage point to observe the land and the memories that lingered in the air.
Without human care, nature had begun to reclaim its space. The once-manicured garden now bloomed with wildflowers, their vibrant hues contrasting against the muted landscape. Birds perched on the fences, their songs echoing through the desolate fields.
Despite the signs of neglect, an undeniable sense of tranquility permeated the farm. While the fields bore the scars of abandonment, there was a glimmer of hope. Perhaps with the right touch, the farm could be resurrected, the soil rejuvenated, and new life breathed into the hallowed grounds.
For now, though, it remained a testament to the passage of time, a bittersweet reminder of the cycles of life and the beauty that could be born from the ruins of the past.
Erik quickened his pace, the anticipation of safety propelling him forward. With each step, he felt the weight of the city's turmoil being lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a glimmer of hope and possibility.
As the young man stepped onto Mr. Fox's farm, a rush of memories flooded his mind. The images of that fateful day when he discovered the lifeless body of the old man lying motionless on the ground with stab wounds still haunted his thoughts.
The weight of that tragic moment lingered, tugging at his heartstrings. But Erik knew he couldn't afford to dwell on the past. Survival had to be his utmost priority now.
With determination fueling his every step, the awakener ventured deeper into the farmstead. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of usable supplies. The farm had become a treasure trove of forgotten tools and essentials waiting to be discovered.
His first find was a sleeping tent, whose fabric had faded from years of exposure to the elements. It would provide him shelter from the unforgiving nights that lay ahead. Next, he came across a stash of toilet paper, a small luxury in a world where such comforts were rare. It was a simple but essential finding. As he searched, he even got some of his mana back, and he was sure he could at least protect himself to a certain extent outside in the forest.
Moving through the abandoned outbuildings, Erik's keen eyes spotted a collection of utensils for cooking and eating. He grabbed them without hesitation, knowing their value in ensuring his sustenance. His hands reached for containers to hold water, pots and pans to prepare meals, and backpacks to carry his belongings.
The young man found a cache of lighters among the scattered remnants of Mr. Fox's life. He pocketed them, grateful for their potential to provide warmth and fire. During his search, Erik immediately thought about something important that would save his life and sustain him in his travels.
He immediately went to a drawer, where he knew Mister Fox held something invaluable to him: seeds. The awakener opened one of the drawers and found what he needed the most.
There were hundreds of packets of seeds. The awakener inspected them and discovered that these bags had seeds ranging from fruit trees to various vegetables and herbs; the seeds held the potential to cultivate a future amidst the desolation or just to sustain him in the long run.
He needed just one seed for each plant, as he could get more seeds from the plants themselves once they sprouted, but since he likely had to use them to fight against the thaids, he decided to bring with him as much as he could. Erik carefully gathered the items, realizing their immense value in ensuring his survival and possibly building a sustainable existence.
With his backpack laden with supplies, the young man glanced back at the farm, a silent tribute to the man who had given him an opportunity in the past. The man wasn't perfect; he was even a bastard to him at times, giving him a meager amount of money, barely enough to survive. Still, he was the only one who helped him in times of need. It was a weird thing to think, these were weird emotions to have, but it was the undeniable truth he was feeling that way.
As Erik made his way toward the hole in the barrier, he couldn't help but feel anticipation and unease. Every step carried him closer to freedom, yet the shadow of danger loomed in front of him. Once he got out of the barrier, he would be alone in a world of peril. He glanced over his shoulder, ensuring he wasn't being followed, before proceeding.
"Let's go…"
The Red Palace student retraced his path slightly with a determined stride, maneuvering through the overgrown grass and weeds. Though brief, the journey back felt like an eternity as thoughts of what awaited him on the other side raced through his mind. Despite being the thing that protected the city from the thaids' assault, the barrier stood as a symbol of confinement for him, and he yearned to break free from its grasp.
Finally reaching the edge of the wheat field, Erik paused for a moment, taking in the sight before him. The golden stalks swayed gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of hidden paths and freedom. He plunged into the field with a deep breath, allowing the wheat to envelop him like a protective cloak. He kept walking until he got closer to the breach.
But just as he neared the hole, a sense of fear washed over him. He heard someone approaching, the footsteps crunching softly on the ground. Panic surged through his veins as he instinctively knew who it was. THAT thug had caught up to him once again.
Erik's heart raced, and his mind started racing; he weighed his options. The man was dangerous for many reasons. While he was sure that his friends would say nothing about his powers, there was a chance for the thugs if he escaped. He could prevent that if he fought the man, but it was too dangerous given his condition.
The young awakener had wounds on his arms, chest, shoulder, and side. He was barely able to stop the bleeding and was severely weakened. Fleeing was the best thing to do since he could still become strong enough to protect himself in the future, despite these people knowing his secret.
Gathering his courage, Erik pushed forward, determined to reach the breach before Simone could intercept him. Every step through the wheat field was measured, and each movement was calculated to minimize noise and visibility while increasing his speed. The tension in the air was palpable as he inched closer to his escape route.
But fate had other plans. Just as Erik approached the breach, Simone emerged from the sea of golden wheat, his gaze locking onto the young man like a predator honing in on its prey.
Erik's heart sank as he realized there was no evading the skilled assassin this time. However, the man was not in good shape; he had many nasty wounds on him, much more than Erik did, and his mana was visibly depleted. Erik wondered what had happened to him.
"It looks like they roughed you up!" Erik said while looking at him.
"Shut up, kid; they called for reinforcement!"
Simone's cold eyes narrowed with determination and a twisted sense of satisfaction. "Now, Erik, it is time to tell me your secret finally," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You can't run away from me anymore."
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l