Ziwu Village is destroyed

[Ramona's POV]


Ethan laughed, parrying Caleb's strikes with exaggerated movements. "Ah, yes. The legend of Ethan, the warrior who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. I can already hear the bards singing my praises."


Caleb's laughter echoed across the battlefield. "Well, Ethan, if you're aiming for fame, you've certainly found the right path. People will remember you as the man who made everyone question their decision to become a warrior."


As the battle raged on, their banter continued, each sarcastic remark fueling their determination to outwit and outlast the other. But in the midst of their verbal sparring, tragedy struck. A swift strike from Ethan found its mark and hit in his chest which pierced his heart. Caleb fell to the ground, his laughter silenced.


Ethan's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine remorse. "Caleb... I didn't mean for it to end like this."


Caleb coughed, a weak smile tugging at his lips. "Well, Ethan, at least you can add 'accidental killer' to your list of accomplishments. Congratulations."


As the moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the village, Jacob stood frozen in horror. He witnessed the complete destruction of the village before his eyes. The once peaceful and vibrant village was now consumed by chaos and devastation. Flames danced wildly, devouring homes and crops, while the air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke.


He observed the villagers desperately fleeing, their terrified screams echoing through the night. The invading packs had descended upon them like a swarm of locusts, leaving only destruction in their path. Fear gripped his soul, but a fierce determination ignited within him.


Taking a deep breath, Jacob summoned his courage and sprinted towards James's house. He knew he had to save the child, ensuring his safety amidst the chaos. Dodging falling debris and leaping over burning structures, he navigated through the maze of destruction.


Upon arriving home, he noticed that the child was peacefully asleep. The burn mark on her hand would intermittently emit a red light and occasionally form a ring. Hastily scanning the room, he grabbed a small cloth and wrapped it around her hand.


Swiftly, he scooped up the child and the book, placing them inside a basket. His sole objective was to protect this child at any cost. He needed to locate a secure refuge, far from the devastation and violence that plagued their village.


With a heavy heart, he embarked towards a nearby enigmatic lake, its waters glistening under the moonlight. This lake whispered tales of its unfathomable depths and concealed secrets. Although uncertain of its destination, he knew he had to take a chance for the child's survival.


Pressing his forehead against Kun Peng's head, as if bidding a final farewell, he took a deep breath. Carefully, he gently set the basket on the water's surface, ensuring their safety as he prepared to release them into the lake's abyss. As the basket drifted away, carried by the tranquil ripples of the water, his heart filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Kun Peng soared into the air alongside the basket. He lacked the courage to swim in this lake.


As the basket drifted further into the distance, his eyes followed its path, filled with a mixture of longing and despair. Lost in his thoughts, he was completely unaware of the impending danger lurking behind him.


Suddenly, without warning, a sharp and searing pain tore through his body as a sword sliced across his chest. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, gasping for breath. Blood stained his clothes, seeping through his fingers as he instinctively clutched his wound. He had done everything in his power to protect this innocent life, but what lay beneath the lake remained a mystery.


Confusion and shock clouded his mind as he struggled to comprehend the sudden attack. Who would dare to harm him so mercilessly? As he turned his head, his vision blurred, but he caught a glimpse of his assailant - a figure cloaked in darkness, their face concealed by a menacing mask. They were not a student from any pack, who were fighting amongst themselves.


Summoning every ounce of strength, Jacob fought against the overwhelming pain, desperately trying to stand. With trembling legs, he managed to rise, his determination eclipsing the agony coursing through his body. He attempted to fight back, but once again, he fell down and began to suffer.


As the sun rose, the darkness of the night scene dissipated, revealing a grim sight. Lifeless bodies were scattered all around, each one bearing witness to lives abruptly ended, their aspirations and dreams abruptly snuffed out. The air was thick with the acrid stench of smoke, intermingling with the metallic tang of blood. The once vibrant Ziwu village had been transformed into a lifeless wasteland overnight. The villagers, who had peacefully inhabited the area for generations, had been annihilated, leaving behind an eerie stillness that hung heavily in the atmosphere.


As word of the village's tragic fate spread, neighboring communities were overcome with shock and disbelief. Whispers of curses and supernatural forces circulated among the people, while others speculated about a deadly epidemic or a sinister conspiracy.


In the nearby village of Yuan, nestled deep within the mountains and surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks, a serene and tranquil ambiance enveloped all who ventured there.


Yuan was a small village, characterized by charming houses constructed from local stone and adorned with traditional tiled roofs. The narrow cobblestone streets meandered through the village, inviting visitors on a journey of exploration and revelation.


The villagers of Yuan are warm and welcoming, embodying the spirit of community and hospitality. They possess the skill of taming small beasts, as well as their spirit beasts. As you walk through the streets of Yuan village, you will encounter friendly faces and hear the joyful laughter of children playing.


Nature takes center stage in Yuan. The village is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, including cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. The air is crisp and refreshing, invigorating both the body and the soul.


Throughout the year, traditional festivals and celebrations are held, showcasing the villagers' deep-rooted customs and beliefs. Colorful costumes, lively music, and delicious local cuisine create an atmosphere of joy and festivity that is impossible to resist.


In Yuan, time seems to slow down, allowing people to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's sipping tea in a traditional teahouse, practicing meditation in a serene temple, or simply gazing at the starry night sky, this new village offers a sanctuary for those in search of tranquility and harmony.


A man named David, who was the beta hunter, but lived as a fisherman doing fishing in Misty Rill River for some reasons, stumbled upon a peculiar sight. A basket, seemingly untouched by the tragedy that had befallen Ziwu village, floated gently down the lake that connected the two villages. Curiosity piqued, he reached out and pulled the basket ashore, revealing a baby nestled within its confines.


David looked down at the baby, whose innocent eyes stared up at him as if pleading for help.

"Whse baby is this?" His wife asked as soon as she a baby in his arms.

"I don't know, my love," he replied, his voice filled with concern. "I found her in a basket floating in Misty Rill River."


"Floating in the river? But whose baby is this?" Ava asked with concern.


"I don't know whose baby he is, but we cannot leave her there. She needs us," David said while patting the baby's head with love.


David silently watched his wife caress her for a while, and then he dared to say, "Can we adopt her?"


Ava looked up at him in surprise. She felt like she couldn't speak now, as every word died on her lips. "But honey, we don't know whose child this is. How can we adopt her like this?"


David gazed at her with silent eyes because deep down, he also knew that they couldn't adopt such a child. "Well, let's do one thing for now - we'll provide her with shelter. If someone comes searching for their child, we'll return her to her parents. If not, we'll raise her ourselves."


"And what if she grows up, discovers the truth, and leaves us to find his parents? What will we do then?" Ava expressed her concerns.


"When she grows up, we'll tell her the truth. It will be her decision whether to stay or find her parents," David comfortingly patted her shoulder.


Ava nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. She had always dreamt of having a child of her own, but fate had been unkind to them. They had lost their own child when she was only 7 years old. Since then, the couple had tried for years to conceive, but their efforts had been in vain. Now, it seemed as though fate had brought them this abandoned baby, as if it was meant to be.


David and Ava made the decision to adopt the child without any hesitation. They chose to name her Ramona, which signifies the "five elements" and represents the continuous existence and growth of the universe. Their hope was that she would develop into a strong and courageous individual, capable of bringing positive transformations to their lives.