Chapter 108
"Me?" Caroline was surprised by his question.
"Don't you have any ideas?" Nathan frowned slightly.
"No, I don't. I don't have that kind of experience. I just follow everyone's opinion," Caroline responded.
"Alright then, you all keep the food. John will stay to protect you. I'll take two team members to scout ahead. If we find a way out, we'll come back immediately to notify the rescue team," Nathan proposed.
"But what if you can't get out?" Caroline asked.
A heavy silence fell over the group as they understood that not finding a way out meant being lost forever in this pristine forest. No one could predict how long they might survive. The outcomes were often tragic; otherwise, this place wouldn't be known as a forbidden zone.
"If we can't find a way out, you all should continue to wait. Prioritize the food for the children," Nathan said calmly.
"I disagree," Caroline objected emotionally.
"Weren't you just saying you had no opinion?" Nathan was puzzled.
"I have one now," Caroline said firmly.
"Your opinion doesn't matter," Nathan said decisively.
"Why? This isn't Aurora City, and it's not your company. Why do you get to decide? I oppose your decision," Caroline said, agitated.
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Don't try to leave. The chances of success are almost zero. Even guides get lost, let alone us who have never set foot here. Venturing out recklessly is like walking into a trap. You know this better than anyone," Caroline retorted.
Hearing this, Sophie couldn't help but cry. "I don't want Nathan to die!"
Nathan quickly picked up Sophie. "Don't listen to your mom. I'm not leaving you."
"I don't agree either," Ryan said calmly.
Everyone's eyes turned to Ryan, whose composure was astonishing for his age.
"Rather than taking risks, we should wait. Even if the rescue doesn't come, we should face it together," Caroline's words hit home.
Ryan nodded in agreement; Caroline's words echoed his thoughts.
Instead of scattering and becoming prey for wild animals or getting bitten by venomous insects, it was better to stay together and spend what could be their final moments in each other's company.
"Although the food will run out, it won't be fatal in the short term. Adults can last for days, and Sophie and I can hold out for at least a week. We're not at a dead end yet."
Ryan's rational analysis shocked everyone present. The brutal truth, coming from a child, deeply moved them, and some discreetly wiped away their tears.
But Ryan remained calm and continued, "Our top priority is finding water. A river would be ideal, as it provides both water and fish, greatly increasing our chances of survival. With that, lasting a month won't be an issue. We won't give up easily."
Silence fell over them once more, but this time it was filled with deep admiration for Ryan's astonishingly calm and rational analysis.
Nathan was stunned. He had only thought about sacrificing himself and taking risks alone to give Ryan and Sophie a chance to survive. He hadn't considered how to maximize their survival time in the current environment. Clearly, as long as they stayed alive, rescue would eventually come, and no one would be doomed. Ryan's strategy was undoubtedly the smartest. The best outcome would be for everyone to be safe.
Nathan, rarely emotional, hugged Ryan tightly and kissed him on the cheek twice, showing a side of himself that had never been seen before.
"Ryan, you're amazing!" Nathan praised.
"Nathan, you're amazing too, but your thoughts lean towards self-sacrifice, which is too extreme. I'm still a child; I can't protect you all by sacrificing myself, so I thought about how to keep everyone safe," Ryan replied.
Caroline was equally shocked by Ryan's performance. Although she knew Ryan was gifted, she hadn't expected him to be this outstanding.
"You're right. We should conserve our strength. Mr. Nathan Kennedy, you stay. I'll lead a team member to find a water source," John suggested.
"What if you get lost and can't come back?" Nathan worried.
"Our duty is to ensure your safety, Mr. Nathan Kennedy. It's worth a try," John said firmly.
"There's a river near the uninhabited mountain area, and it's not far," Ryan interjected.
Everyone was surprised again.
Caroline looked at Ryan. "How do you know that?"
"I read a book that described the general area and mentioned the river," Ryan explained.
"And then?" John asked eagerly.
"The river is hidden but definitely exists. It's a small river and needs careful searching," Ryan said.
"How exactly do we find it?" John asked again.
"Rivers are usually in lower areas. Water flows downhill, so head towards lower ground and mark the trees along the way. If you don't find it after a few miles, turn back immediately," Nathan added, gaining Ryan's approval. This combination of wisdom and courage was perfectly in tune.
"And then?" John continued to ask.
"If that route doesn't work, try a different one tomorrow. Mark the areas you've already explored to avoid wasting time," Nathan planned.
Ryan nodded again, relieved to finally find an adult who could keep up with his thinking.
"Whatever happens, don't go too far. Make sure you have enough energy to return," Nathan repeatedly emphasized. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I'll lead the team."
"No, your plan is good. We can go find it," John insisted.
"I need to see the surrounding terrain myself. I've read that book too; maybe I can discover something," Nathan said. Before John could respond, he waved to stop the discussion.
The Kennedy Manor, though simple, now had a room that Charles had specially cleared out and transformed into the command center for the rescue operation. The table was covered with phones, ready to receive updates from all directions.
Aiden sat in a swivel chair, resting his eyes. He hadn't slept all night, and his eyes were bloodshot with fatigue.
Since handing over the reins of the group to Nathan, Aiden had been living a very relaxed life, but now the long-lost anxiety was haunting him.
Next to Aiden, Nick was leaning back, taking a nap. He had stayed by the phone all night and had just fallen asleep.
The phone rang again, and Aiden's eyes snapped open, looking at Charles, who was answering the call.
Nick also quickly got up, his eyes fixed on Charles.
Charles hung up the phone, his expression grave.
"What's going on? Stop hiding it and tell us!" Nick was anxious.
"Mr. Nathan Kennedy's plane lost contact after leaving the country. The phone is unreachable, and it can't be located. Early yesterday morning, there were two large-scale firefights in Novaria, and the border is now fully sealed off. All entry and exit points are closed."
"What? So Nathan can't come back?" Nick exclaimed.
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