A deep look of weariness etched itself across Amos's face as he let out a sigh. "There is no point in lying, especially given the circumstances. And your question, Erik, deserves an answer." Once more, his eyes locked with Erik's as he readied himself to reveal one of the village's deepest and darkest mysteries.
"Yes, we do possess such a technique," Amos conceded, his tone gentle but unwavering in his conviction. As Erik processed this information, the room fell into a profound hush. Erik was beginning to comprehend why Frant was so adamant about claiming Liberty Watch and its villagers.
As Amos continued, his gaze became increasingly distant as he delved deeper into the village's past. "This technique has been passed down from generation to generation among our villagers," Amos stated.
"Yes, it enables us to form neural links significantly faster than what is normally possible."
Erik, who had been relatively still until now, nodded to indicate that he understood. It was a significant advantage, without a doubt; however, it was the kind of advantage that those in power desperately wanted. Considering Frant's situation, with the attack on the city, the search for the Heniate, the war, and the competitive advantage Etrium was gaining due to the Thaid armor and weapons, it was understandable why they were so bent on getting this technique.
Amos's voice took on a solemn quality as he said, "But let me be clear, Erik," which brought the young man's attention back to him.
His gaze hardened as he said, "It's not something we'll ever give up to Frant or anyone else for that matter. Not for any price." His resolute declaration echoed in the room, underscoring the villagers' determination to protect their secret, people, and way of life.
When Erik reflected on it, he realized how dire their situation was and how important it was for them to consider moving. It wasn't just about keeping their lives but also protecting their legacy.
With Frant closing in, they had no choice but to take the necessary measures, no matter how drastic.
As he learned more about the difficulties the villagers had been experiencing, his admiration for them and his confidence in their ability to overcome them grew, and he became more determined than ever to assist them in overcoming their situation.
Amos broke the awkward silence that had descended upon the room by saying, "Now you see why we must relocate."
"Now you see why we need to move," Amos said, breaking the heavy silence that had settled in the room. "Frant will not back down. And we cannot afford to lose our people, heritage, or secret to them."
Samuel, who had been largely silent throughout the discussion, gave a solemn nod in response. "We require a location that can protect us from harm, conceal us, and provide for our needs. Despite the risks involved, your description of the underground city appears to be our best option."
Erik was surprised to find that he shared their viewpoint. The cave system, though inhabited by threats, did provide natural defenses and a level of concealment that was desperately needed. On the other hand, one ought not to trivialize the difficulties that it presented.
"And we'll need your help to do it, Erik," Amos added, his eyes meeting Erik's. "You've been inside. You have defended yourself against the threats that were hiding within. We need your knowledge, strength, and skills to help us relocate safely."
Erik could see the desperation in Amos' gaze. He knew the stakes were high, and he found himself torn. He had never intended to get involved in such a complicated situation.
Yet, he couldn't ignore the villagers' pleas, people who had welcomed him, accepted him and treated him as one of their own. He could see now that their survival was intertwined with his own, and he could not turn away from their plight.
As Erik pondered, his gaze became more distant and thoughtful, and everyone in the room held their breath. While Amos and Samuel waited for his decision, the tension in the air was palpable as their worried expressions etched deeper lines into their faces. After explaining their predicament to him, all that was left for them to do was wait for him to respond.
Erik's eyes, which were blazing with determination, met the elders of the village. His choice was unmistakable. "I will help you," he said. The hall resounded with his voice, serving as a reminder of his commitment.
It dawned on him that from the moment he realized the predicament the villagers were in, he had already made up his mind to assist them in some way.
These people had extended their arms to a stranger to make him feel at home. Because they had placed their faith in him, he would make it his top priority to help them in any way he could.
Amos and Samuel exchanged looks as they both appeared to feel a wave of relief wash over them. As their anxious facial expressions transformed into grateful smiles, the tension in the room began to abate.
"Thank you, Erik," Samuel said, his voice laced with sincere gratitude. "We appreciate your willingness to help."
Erik nodded, his determination unwavering. He was well aware that the road ahead would be littered with obstacles.
However, after looking into the eyes of Amos and Samuel, who carried the responsibility of the lives of their fellow villagers on their backs, he realized that he could not walk away from the situation.
"To tell you the truth," Erik continued, "I've come to care about this village and its people. I'll do my best to ensure Liberty Watch thrives, even in the face of adversity."
The weight of Erik's statement lingered thickly in the air, causing the two more experienced men to nod their heads thoughtfully but in appreciation. The gratitude they felt was a lot, but they were also aware they were asking a lot of the young man, who came to this village only a month prior, and that, despite how the villagers treated him, was still an outsider.
Besides, this wouldn't be a simple relocation, to begin with. The very nature of their destination brought many challenges that needed to be addressed for this endeavor to be successful.
Erik began by saying, "The unknown Humanoid thaid and the Acidspitter Arthropods pose the immediate danger," Erik began, his gaze shifting between Amos and Samuel. "We'll need to devise an effective plan to deal with them. Also, there's the matter of the mysterious giant Thaid, whose presence we cannot ignore."
Amos indicated his agreement with a nod. "Aye, we'll need a way to protect ourselves, and ideally, one that won't cause a great deal of disruption," said the farmer. We don't want to risk luring more monsters into our brand-new home."
From where Samuel stopped, Erik continued, "As I've already said, we must also consider the food topic," which raises another concern. "There is a meager chance that the cave system will be suitable for conventional farming. Either we need to devise new methods of obtaining food or find a solution to the farming problem. Additionally, we should consider the best ways to guarantee a constant and reliable water supply."
Samuel scratched his chin as he racked his brain for an idea. "Indeed, both of those are critical points. Maybe we should look into the hydroponics you talked about before? Maybe one of the other methods of indoor farming. We can also begin collecting and storing seeds to preserve them for when we have established ourselves in the new location."
"According to what I've seen," Erik chimed in, "The ancient people who lived in the underground city had hydroponics, but as I said, I don't think they're still functional today, and even if they are, I have no idea how to operate them. If they are not functioning correctly, we must find someone who can fix them."
This would not be an easy task, and they would need every ounce of wisdom and resourcefulness they could muster. But despite the difficulties ahead, he felt an inkling of hope beginning to stir within him.
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