Erik's expression became more serious as he took in the sight of Samuel's bandaged body. The remnants of the fight that had taken place in the ancient city were clearly visible on the body of the elderly man, and the events of the previous day were still very fresh in his mind.
The usually upbeat and robust man was now decked out in a combination of freshly woven bandages and armor that had been worn in combat. His recent struggles were evident on his skin by the cuts and bruises. His facial lines became more defined due to the pain and exhaustion he was experiencing.
Even though it had only been a day since they had last been to the ancient city together, Erik believed Samuel was already on his way back there. On the other hand, he became aware that this was only feasible as a result of Samuel's strength, which was noticeably superior to that of everyone else in the village, with the exception of Amos.
When Erik looked around at the other villagers, he noticed that one of them was conspicuously absent, Ethan. The Awakener was left with a sense of apprehension due to the absence of his steadfast friend, which further emphasized the gravity of the villagers' predicament.
While maintaining his focus on Samuel, Erik made his way through the crowd. Even the intermittent hushing of voices and the clanging of weapons were not enough to distract his attention from the older man. As Erik got closer to Samuel, the man's conversation with another villager stopped, and both of their eyes turned to look at Erik instead. Samuel was the one who initiated the shift in focus.
"Samuel!"
"Ah… Hello lad," Samuel acknowledged him with a nod, breaking the younger man from his thoughts. The older man's expression was one of calm determination, unwavering, although he was clearly in pain. "What brings you here?" the older man asked.
"I saw you leaving, and I'm curious as to why you're so heavily armed," the young man inquired. However, he already suspected they were returning to the ancient city, this time with enough men to kill the Acidspitter Arthropods.
Samuel's stoic gaze met Erik's questioning one. His face, which typically exuded contagious optimism, now bore an unusual severity.
"We're heading back to the ancient city," he replied, the words heavy with unspoken tension, confirming Erik's suspicions. The older man paused as if he wanted to say more, then added, "We need to clear out the rest of the Acidspitter Arthropods."
The mission they had started working on the day before continued with a heightened sense of urgency, despite the absence of Erik and Ethan. When Samuel spoke to the young man, his face did not show any of the humor it usually does; instead, it was a mask of determination and solemnity, reflecting the disposition of the group leaving.
Erik glanced at the others, all prepared to embark on their journey with similarly determined expressions. Nevertheless, it was Samuel's condition that bothered him most. "Samuel," Erik began in a low, solemn tone, "it's been only a day. Look at yourself; you're still full of wounds."
Concerned, he shifted his gaze from the older man's bandaged arm to the limp he desperately attempted to conceal. "Are you sure about this? Going there in this condition...is it okay?"
Samuel responded to Erik's concern with a wry smile and a light pat on his body as if to dismiss it. "I may not be as young as I used to be, but I'm more resilient than you think," he responded with a chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Besides, the villagers need me, and sitting around isn't my style. I heal faster when I'm doing something worthwhile."
"If you say so…" Erik's voice faded as he fixed his gaze on the elder figure. As the young man fell silent, an unspoken worry lingered in the air, dense and palpable.
The tension in his body was evident, and his stance was guarded as he took in the sight of the courageous villager, who was wounded but prepared to face the perils that awaited him in the ancient city.
Samuel merely smiled in acknowledgment of Erik's obvious concern. It was a gentle expression that communicated comprehension and assurance.
"Don't worry, lad, this will be a walk in the park," he promised, his tone echoing the determination he exhibited in his eyes.
The two engaged in a brief conversation, their words low and solemn against the background of villagers preparing for their expedition.
Erik imparted his knowledge of Acidspitter Arthropods with the hope that it would provide Samuel and his team with an additional layer of protection.
Samuel nodded as he listened attentively to Erik's words, his experience as a warrior evident in his attention to detail.
The young man's last words were a simple and heartfelt plea to the man he had worked with every day for months and who was the first to accept him as a village member.
"Be careful, Samuel." His eyes met the elder's, and a silent promise passed between them. The simple gesture of Samuel's nod conveyed a great deal of comprehension.
Thus, their dialogue came to a close. Samuel turned away and joined the villagers already on the move; as Erik observed, his heart was stirred by the sight of them advancing, especially Samuel, with all his injuries and exhaustion.
With a final glance toward the departing villagers, Erik turned his steps toward the farm.
The desolate appearance that the place had when he first arrived was in stark contrast to what he was seeing now. Even though winter had already begun, the once barren ground produced green shoots that reached for the sun's warmth.
The farmland was adorned with numerous rows of crops, and their vivid hues created a beautiful canvas against the backdrop of the natural winter landscape. It was very strange.
A calmness descended upon the land, a pleasant change of pace from the daily struggles they were forced to go through.
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